XTS3000 Programming Cable

[e911]

So while looking for the proper programming cable for my new to me radio, I am noticing that the prices vary wildly from the dirt cheap, to the overly expensive. Other than choosing the overly expensive OEM Cable there are so many choices it's hard to detect what is the cheap knock off junk vs the acceptable/respectable quality product. I've read that sometimes the radio can become corrupted due to the cable itself, and well I'm going to be honest, I don't need another paper weight on my desk, I have my Icom V8 for that.

Anyone have suggestions on where to obtain an affordable yet quality programming cable without being taken to the cleaners? Further, all of the cables I've found are serial port ends. As I no longer have any system in my fleet of computers (yes i said fleet, its a hobby of mine, more directly, a gaming hobby and no i dont play World of Warcraft ha! )that have a serial port, I do have a Serial to USB Adaptor that i use for my Cisco equipment. Would I be able to use this adapter or would it not be a wise idea? It's a straight through adapter so it shouldn't cause any problems in theory.

Thanks everyone for your assistance. I'm a n00b to Moto gear but I know of its quality which is what has attracted me to it. (plus we use them at work )

[sjxts3000]

I've used the cheap China RIB-less stuff and it while it "works", you often get read/write failures and you have to keep "trying", but it does work. Some radios are more finicky than others. (note: I've even recovered from a "FAIL 01/82" error with one of those cables). A friend of mine (who recently joined the batboard) recently purchased one of these USB-Serial converters and he says it reads/writes every time without issue.

http://www.cablestogo.com/product/26887

You'll still need the RIB-less cable from the radio to the serial interface, obviously, but you'll be OK with the aftermarket ones (say on FleaBay for example)

Sure you'll get more "peace of mind" with the OEM RIB and cable, but you'll pay through the roof for them. Also, I should note that I've programmed about a couple dozen XTS 3000's over the past 3 years and have never once bricked a single one. I've always been able to read/write without issue with the aftermarket China cables.

Hope this info helps!

[e911]

Thank you for the information. I will try it with my serial adapter first and see what happens. I did plan on getting one of the RIB Less ones for sure just wasn't sure which one to get. I mean obviously the one for my radio, but like from which supplier, Fleabay, wiscomm, 123radio.com, etc.

This cable and Li-Ion Impres battery are the last two things on my list to pick up

[sjxts3000]

This cable and Li-Ion Impres battery are the last two things on my list to pick up

If you're referring to the NTN6034A battery, take note of the following bulletin (see below). I know it's old and this bulletin doesn't specifically state that battery (because I believe it wasn't even in existence back then), but I've never been able to confirm if this issue is still present with the NTN6034A on the 3000's.

For the price of that one battery, you can get several Ni-MH RNN4006A batteries which are rated at over 3000 mAh each (a very reputable seller on Fleabay has them for $15 each!). Or you can get two RNN4006B's which are 3500 mAH each. Sure, 4150 mAh is nice in the Li-Ion unit, but the price is just too high and I'm not sure if the issue stated below still exists (of course, if you've got a newer firmware, then you should be OK).

And take note that the battery gauge still doesn't show up on the display during normal operation on the 3000 with an impres battery. It only comes up on the 3000's when the battery is low.

SERVICE AND REPAIR NOTES
Bulletin
TECHNICAL INFORMATION /COMMERCIAL, GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS SECTOR
If applicable, enter this information or note this bulletin number and subject material in the appropriate equipment instruction manuals and
make necessary schematic diagram changes. Enter this bulletin in the correct MASTER and CLASSIFIED INDICES for future reference.
Labor and/or parts warranty reference is limited to products sold and in use in the United States. For products sold
and in use Internationally, this bulletin is for informational purposes only. Radios that are Agency Approved must
follow designated agency guidelines.
SRN-ISO
This SRN supersedes SRN1463 SRN - 1463A
APC - 326, 620
August 2004
Informational Only
Distribution: Service: MOL: Two Way Portable
From: Accessories and Peripheral Solutions Team
Subject: XTS3000 PREMATURE LOW BATTERY ALERT/ DISTORTED OR NO TX AUDIO
Symptoms:
The XTS3000 units may experience premature low battery alerts and/or distorted TX audio when used with IMPRES “smart”
battery packs NNTN4435, NNTN4436, NNTN4437, HNN9031, HNN9032, and NTN9862.
Potential Problem Chargers:
All XTS3000 with firmware prior to R07.20.00 that uses the IMPRES “smart” batteries NNTN4435, NNTN4436, NNTN4437,
HNN9031, HNN9032, and NTN9862.
Cause:
This is due to stray or parasitic capacitance on the center data pin of the IMPRES battery packs. This capacitance can cause an
oscillating condition on the data pin, which can make the radio misinterpret and indecisive about what battery pack type is
connected to the radio. The radio software may revert to clamshell battery defaults, which is a higher low-battery alert
indication threshold and low-power output. Premature low-battery alert indication will be the result, even though full capacity
of the battery is available.
Also, if the parasitic oscillation frequency falls within the audio bandwidth, this may modulate the transmitted signal and will
be demodulated by the receiving unit as undesired audio noise.
Corrective Action:
Option 1 - Use of Battery Insulator kit RLN5649A. The kit includes battery contact insulators and instructions on how to
apply them to the battery center contact. Kits are available at no charge. Contact AAD @ (800)422-4210 for availability.
Option 2 - Upgrade software with enhanced Clamshell detection software (version R07.20.00 or greater). Please contact
Subscriber Support Team @ 800-927-2744 to obtain information to obtain the upgrade kit.
Informational Only. No Labor or Warranty Implied or Intended.

[e911]

THank you for the heads up! I will double check the software version on my radio and see what I've got. And thank you for the tip about the reputable dealer, its hard to know who's who.