Need to know what equipment is needed

[laramiecountyCERT]

Morning,
I have to get into flashing radios. I know nothing abut Motorola flashing and have dealt with Kenwood for flashing firmware. We have several XTS2500, 3000 and 5000 that are needing to be flashed and I need to know what its going to take as far as equipment and where the firmware and equiment can be picked up at.
Thanks

[akardam]

Well, first off, depending on how many radios you have and how often you need to conduct firmware refreshes on them, it may be cheaper to have a local MSS handle them. However, if you want to do it yourself...

Establish an account with Motorola. I'd advise purchasing at least the basic service manuals for all models of radios you need to service. If you have a MOL account and have purchased a particular manual I believe they make electronic copies (PDF) available for download. These will have exact details on part numbers for service aids.

Procure OEM programming/service cables for all models of radios you need to service. For the Astro (Astro Saber, Astro Spectra and XTS 3000) radios, you will additionally need a RIB for programming, and a SmartRIB, C revision or later, to load firmware refreshes. You can use a SmartRIB to do normal programming tasks if you don't already have a regular RIB.

You'll need to order the firmware refreshes (what the rest of the world calls upgrades) through a local Motorola dealer. You'll have to fill out a form for each radio (or identically modeled and provisioned set of radios) which the dealer will send to Motorola with your payment, and in return they send you a kit with the appropriate hardware key, software, and instructions.

All told for the XTS 3000 and the XTS 2500 & 5000, you're looking at about $1100 in programming/service cables and equipment alone, not counting CPS, manuals, and the actual firmware refresh kit costs.

[laramiecountyCERT]

Well I have to admit it might be easier to send them to Motorola Service Center for upgrades then as I have half a dozen of the XTS2500 and only a handful of the 3000 and 5000 right now. OK so hows the best way to find out the closest MSS to me? I am in Cheyenne WY if that helps.

Thanks

[Mfire39]

OK so hows the best way to find out the closest MSS to me? I am in Cheyenne WY if that helps.

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64928

[Will]

OK so hows the best way to find out the closest MSS to me? I am in Cheyenne WY if that helps.

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64928

Unfortunately this topic is not up to date or even accurate. There are many so-called Motorola service stations that most of us would NOT trust our radios to. There are many good service stations that are not listed.

You may be better off shipping the radios to Escomm here is southern California, I know he does good work on the later Motorola radios.

[laramiecountyCERT]

Will,
Do you have contact information for this that you listed? That would help me a lot.
Thanks
Peter

[akardam]

With all due respect to Jeff (escomm), who runs an outstanding shop, I would still consider a local source first. This will require doing some legwork on your part - nothing good ever comes easy. If all else fails I would suggest calling Motorola directly and see if they can recommend a dealer in your area that is certified to service Motorola Expert Tier (3k, 5k and 2500) radios.

[xmo]

Back in the olden days, when Motorola owned some of the local shops, there was a Motorola owned service center in Cheyenne. Subsequently Motorola sold most of the COSC's and they became locally owned.

The phone number of the Motorola Cheyenne Service Center, 307-635-9206,is now listed as:

Communications Source Inc
Motorola Repair Center
2020 E 11th, Cheyenne, WY 82001

[laramiecountyCERT]

Yeah I have delt with Greg before on our system at Little America and he was less then helpful to say the least. I have contacted escom and will work out the rest. thanks