XTS 5k vs 2500

[mwb1129]

I currently have a XTS 2500, Was just wondering the DIfference between the two? Would I gain anything upgrading to the 5k?

[chrismoll12]

Was just wondering the DIfference between the two?

2500.

[N4KVE]

I asked this same question back in June, & most people leaned towards the 5000. One replier even mentioned he had a 5000 for sale, & I purchased it. UHF & FPP. For me the big deal was the hi/low power ability. On the 5000, a switch or menu function can toggle between hi & low power on any ch. That's a big plus for me. On the 2500, each freq can be programmed either hi or low, but that's it. No back & forth with a switch. Also since I have 2 3000's I already had all the batteries, etc. I do not regret purchasing the 5000. A good friend has a Panter FPP 2500, & he likes it too. But since you already own a 2500, I don't know if it would be worth it to sell the 2500 & get a 5000, unless like me, you want to have the choice of hi/low power, & get different accessories. If you had neither, I'd say get the 5000, but I'd probably stay with what you have. GARY N4KVE

[Tom in D.C.]

Gary forgot to mention that the 2500 is also smaller than a 5000 by about (my estimate) 20 percent.

[Pj]

Other than that, they both can essentially do the same thing. Go with what you like. The 2500 with a slim battery is a nice size...and then again, so is the 5000 with a slim batt.

[MTS2000des]

I asked this same question back in June, & most people leaned towards the 5000. One replier even mentioned he had a 5000 for sale, & I purchased it. UHF & FPP. For me the big deal was the hi/low power ability. On the 5000, a switch or menu function can toggle between hi & low power on any ch. That's a big plus for me. On the 2500, each freq can be programmed either hi or low, but that's it. No back & forth with a switch. Also since I have 2 3000's I already had all the batteries, etc. I do not regret purchasing the 5000. A good friend has a Panter FPP 2500, & he likes it too. But since you already own a 2500, I don't know if it would be worth it to sell the 2500 & get a 5000, unless like me, you want to have the choice of hi/low power, & get different accessories. If you had neither, I'd say get the 5000, but I'd probably stay with what you have. GARY N4KVE

It is possible to do some work and edit the codeplug to restore user selectable hi/low power. I've done it on and made the TMS (the "data" button) add the option. It is not exactly easy, but it can be done.

I prefer the form factor of the 2500. Much lighter and smaller.

[mwb1129]

Thanks guys!

[spectragod]

If you ever have the opportunity to take the 2 of them apart and look how they are built, you will choose a 5k.

2.5 has micro switches that break off all the time, as well as volume controls, channel selectors and antenna connectors. I have seldom had that issue with a 5k, switches(vol & chan)s are easily replaced on the flex, I have not yet had a broken antenna connector.

Encryption module on the 5k is easily removable, it is built into the front cover of the 2.5.

Plus, I think the audio sounds just a touch better. Just my .02.

[Batwings21]

A codeplug mod to enable hi low power on a xts2500? Care to share that one, that would be a nice addition to my 2500.

[N4DES]

I have quite a number of XTS2500's in service and the only real issue we have had with them have been display issues according to our service records.
IMO is it just as rugged as the XTS5K and yes while it might have a few less features for the more "seasoned users", for the regular rank and file it works just fine.

Oh there are some that think the XTS2500 PS speaker mic is an issue because you have to remove the antenna from the radio, so if there was just 1 drawback I would say that this would be one of them.

[mwb1129]

Thanks for all the input.

[Tim]

Ditto on the code plug mod for the Data button being high/low power.

now I'm using the ABC switch to select a 'HI' & 'LO' power. (have the same
channel info on both A&B, but make A = high & B = low).

A hack would be a nice addition!

Tim

[firecomm]

Ditto on the code plug mod for the Data button being high/low power.

now I'm using the ABC switch to select a 'HI' & 'LO' power. (have the same
channel info on both A&B, but make A = high & B = low).

A hack would be a nice addition!

Tim

Ditto on how Tim makes high and low power on the A B C switch. My radio is set up the same.

MT2000des can you share how you edited your codeplug to allow the TMS button a high / low power toggle?