XTS 1500 possible programming problems

[baycroc]

I have been programming MOTO for several years. Recently our S/O has decided to switch our radio system to 800 mhz ARMER system. The worst idea that they had was to let the Sheriff do the setup and programming. The groups and scan lists do not even make any sense. I do not believe that he has an understanding of what wearing a radio 24-7 actually means. I am willing to spend the $265 thru my MOTO account. I have the cable already but I am confused on something. To my understanding, I have to have some sort of "Key" to use this system. I liken it to a login id and password. If I do read the radio, make some changes, and rewrite, is there anything you can think of that I will run into? Any suggestions?? I do not want to really have to talk to the sheriff and explain that I was messing with his poorly programmed radio. I have had lengthy success learning about and programming several other radios but this trunking and digital stuff makes me a little nervous.

Thanks in advance.
dave

[Jim202]

I have been programming MOTO for several years. Recently our S/O has decided to switch our radio system to 800 mhz ARMER system. The worst idea that they had was to let the Sheriff do the setup and programming. The groups and scan lists do not even make any sense. I do not believe that he has an understanding of what wearing a radio 24-7 actually means. I am willing to spend the $265 thru my MOTO account. I have the cable already but I am confused on something. To my understanding, I have to have some sort of "Key" to use this system. I liken it to a login id and password. If I do read the radio, make some changes, and rewrite, is there anything you can think of that I will run into? Any suggestions?? I do not want to really have to talk to the sheriff and explain that I was messing with his poorly programmed radio. I have had lengthy success learning about and programming several other radios but this trunking and digital stuff makes me a little nervous.

Thanks in advance.
dave

It is possible that the S/O does not understand the issues of programming a trunked radio. Yes you do need a systems key to program any of the trunked information into the radio or change any of the trunked settings. Being that the ARMER is a statewide trunking system, your in for the political ride of your life to try to get the ability to program that radio yourself.

More than likely, you will be pointed to one of several radio shops or a state radio tech to get the programming done.

It is real easy to mess up the radio programming for a trunking system operation. This is why Motorola requires that a software system key be used when making any programming changes to the trunking system settings. If done incorrectly, there is always the chance of causing problems on the trunking system. It also is one method of keeping non authorized radios off the trunking system.

With all that said, there have been a number of posts along these lines in many of the chat groups. It would be to your advantage to find out who the right person is that you need to go to for programming of this or any other radio onto the trunking system. It would surprise me if the state gave you a green light to do this yourself. The radio ID needs to be entered into the state radio system database so it will be accepted by the trunking system and allowed to function.

Jim

[baycroc]

I have 16 radios that are all authorized on the system already. I should be able to extract the key from my radios I believe. Every time I talk to a radio shop, they say they are unable to change them because of some red tape BS and I have to talk to my county radio guy, which happens to be the Sheriff in my county. In fact, I have had 2 radio shops both tell me that they cannot get an 800 radio to even program for themselves. Could that be possible? I never said I asked the state for permission but I am able to buy the software from Motorola to do programming. I just have to cough up the cash. Thanks for the input. My dilemma continues. Dave

[Dorf411]

No, you cannot extract the radio key from the radio when you read it. Additionally if the radio was programmed by a radio shop that was required to use an advanced system key (ASK) you will need a valid ASK to write the radio even if you want to make a simple change that doesn't affect any trunking.

Aside from that most vendors would not be willing to deviate from the Sheriff's plan even if it stinks as it may jeopordize future work with said Sheriff. If said Sheriff was connected enough with MnDot and was grumpy enough he could get the vendor in trouble with MnDot which could prevent them from getting future ASK's when theirs expires.

This is a slippery slope, good luck.

[baycroc]

This new system sucks. I am so disappointed that they "fixed" a system that was not broken. Time for a new sheriff I think.

[MTS2000des]

and you may wish to proceed with caution if you are touching a radio on a state system, as doing anything to it without THEIR provided ASK (and usually you have to attend classes given by a train the trainer type setting before they will issue you one), sign some agreements as far as what you can/can't do, and they will usually have templates they already want you to use.

so in short, you're stuck with what they give you. Trying to get around their controls may be more headache (and even trouble) than it's worth for you.