What is FPP?

[N7QQU-Ken]

Hello All-

What is FPP and why is it desireable?

Thanks for not making me feel stupid... just trying to learn:)

73 - N7QQU - Ken

[Tom in D.C.]

FPP = Front Panel Programmable.

It's a flashcode feature that allows the user to program a limited number of channel parameters from the keypad of the radio. Two radios on which it's available are the XTS5000 and the HT1550. The old JT1000 also had the feature available.

You end up with three levels of user selectability, first being the standard programmable controls on the radio, second being the FPP, and third being the CPS and computer. FPP allows you to do many things but not everything.

FPP is not permitted by the FCC on radios licensed by them for commercial use, meaning the state and local level. It is permitted by NTIA on federal government radios. Of course it's been a feature on ham HTs for many years.

The reason it's so popular are obvious. You don't have to dig out the computer to change frequencies, tone codes, etc.; you just do it from the front of the radio.

[High_order1]

Also,

allegedly, the XTS2500 is capable of this, as well.

Also, there are supposed to be two types of FPP personalities, some have enabled both in their radios (allegedly) with some untoward side effects.

Additionally, the JT1000 needed a special doodad to force it into programming mode, right? It was either a thing that looked like the surveillance adapter, or a red battery - I forget which, now...


Shawn, adding stuff because batboard is the most referenced place for this kind of trivia, and wants his 3.5msec of fame.....


PS - legend has it that the government when synthesized radios started becoming prevalent over crystal-bound units, publically swore that they banned the ability to program commercial radios on the fly in order to reduce intentional interference with the public safety bands. Truthfully it was to help LMR shops maintain a revenue stream. Taking your radio to the shop to add a channel = $$ versus, you poke the stuff in yourself... Could be wrong, but would love to hear the real story though

[N4KVE]

Yes, the 2500 can do FPP as well. JT 1000's did have a device which resembled the audio adaptor to enable FPP, but a "Government mod" was available to do FPP without the device attached. It is described in the JT1000 area of the "Radio specific" section. FPP is really convenient, because in my case I might show up at a hamfest & suddenly I need to be on a freq that I didn't plan on, & with FPP I don't have to go looking for a laptop. The red battery is for the Pro series radio. It's just sad new software doesn't exist to retrofit FPP to past radios like XTS3000's & Astro Sabers. GARY N4KVE

[wavetar]

The new APX7000 series is capable of FPP as well, just as an FYI for the thread. Needs a dongle on the accessory connector, like the JT1000.

[Radio Crazy]

The new APX7000 series is capable of FPP as well, just as an FYI for the thread. Needs a dongle on the accessory connector, like the JT1000.

It does not need the dongle if it has been flashed with the FPP feature in the flash features, see link.

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.p ... 28#p407528

[thebigphish]

...i have a spectra....

roffle.

[FireCpt809]

Bovine Burgular! Moo!

[SlimBob]

6800 or 68000? :-p