Motorola XTVA and HHCH For XTS5000

[Jim1348]

I was issued a Motorola XTS5000 last week for use on our local APCO P-25 digital trunked 800 mHz system. I drive an unmarked 2004 Dodge Stratus. One of my co-workers already has his XTVA and tells me that his does not charge the XTS5000. That caught my attention because I strongly suspect that it was installed improperly because all of the information on the Motorola webpage indicates that they do charge the radio.

Anyway, for those that are familiar with the XTVA, where would you suggest that it be mounted in a vehicle? My Dodge Stratus is somewhat unique in that the front passenger seat has been removed to make room for my Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 mount. One of my biggest concerns is being able to see the display of the XTS5000 while driving. We have eight zones programmed right now, but may add more in the future. Anyway, it would seem to me that being able to see the display would be critical in using this while driving since we may have to switch zones. By the way, for the past few years I have been using an analog, conventional VHF high band GE Delta with a S-950 (or 990) control head. It is set up for four zones of 32 channels, but since I will not have an 800 mHz mobile and will only have the XTVA it will require some changes.

I have also looked at the handheld control head for the XTVA. How well do these work? I was sort of thinking that getting this would give me much more flexibility in terms of where to mount the XTVA since the HHCH appears as if it replicates the display as well as volume, zone, and talkgroup selection.

I am also thinking about getting a GRE PSR-500 or PSR-600 scanner and using it in the car because in the past there have been times where it is nice to be able to sit manually on a single channel and scan with the other radio. I have a pair of Clip Caddies on the dash now and I think one of them would hold a handheld scanner without any problems.

[wd9cms]

I have two XTVA's with power amplifiers mounted in the back of my SUV with the HHCH, MDT and speakers mounted in the front and they work very well for both voice and data and take up very little space. The HHCH allows you full funtionallity of the radio with a two line display which is backlit and easy to read. The XTVA charges the battery of the xts radio and also provides a data interconnect port between the XTS5000 and the MDT. If I leave the vehicle I just open the back door and pop the radios out.

[fineshot1]

I have installed many of these and they do charge the portable battery if properly installed and also assuming its a good battery.
I am not familiar with the Dodge Stratus or its interior so if you could post pics it would be a good idea so we can get an overview
of the inside. I have many pics of my installs(mostly cvpi's) and if you like I can send you some if you pm me.