XTS3000 - how to TX/RX using P25 with a XTS5000?

[g8tzl2004]

I have been programming an XTS3000 initially using analog mode.

I am about to start experimenting with P25.

I want to program the XTS3000 onto the same frequency as an XTS5000. I don't yet have an XTS5000 programming cable so I am unable to view the XTS5000 codeplug data but I can tell what frequency it is TXing on. The XTS5000 is working 100% using P25 with another XTS5000.

What main parameters do I need to input into the XTS3000 so that it can communicate with the XTS5000? The XTS5000 is currently TXing in the clear ie. no encryption.

With an analog radio where I don't have a programming cable I can use a freq counter to check out the exact TX freq and then listen just scan the PL tone on a monitor receiver.

With P25 I think I need to use a Network ID which is the P25 equivalent of a PL..I think!!

If I don't know the Network ID of the XTS5000, is it practically impossible to program the XTS3000 onto the XTS5000 frequency? Or is there a "universal" Network ID? I think the default factory Network ID is 293..but I guess this is usually changed?

Any ideas?

Thanks

[Tom in D.C.]

Get the cable and CPS for the 5000 and all will be instantly revealed to you. The programs for each type of radio are slightly
different but you should have no problem understanding the 5000 compared to the 3000. The universal NAC for P25 operation
is 293, so you can use it in all cases and the radios will talk to each other. Your choices in both types of radio are digital, which
gives you P25, and analog, which gives you FM. You also want to set the receive mode on both radios to "Mixed Mode" so you
will hear both P25 AND analog on the same receive channel. You probably already know that the 5000 does not use a RIB
when programming, just the cable, whereas with the 3000 you use a RIB and cable.

[g8tzl2004]

Thanks Tom.

If the XTS5000 NAC is NOT set to 293...will an XTS3000 which IS set to the "universal" 293 NAC be able to communicate with the XTS5000?

I don't yet have an XTS5000 programming cable....you wonder why Moto switched from the usual RIB especially as the accessory connector is identical between the XTS3000 and XTS5000!!!

[N4KVE]

Which ever NAC code you use, they should be the same for all radios to talk to each other. I believe there is a special code to rx any NAC, & maybe another for tx to all radios, but just set all the radios to the same NAC. Most use 293. GARY

[g8tzl2004]

Any idea what the special code is? Is it F7E (Hex)?

From Help Pages - RX NAC Monitor = F7E allows the radio to unmute to any Astro call regardless of the call NAC ID or the RX unmute rule.

So I guess I can use this in the XTS3000 to allow RX of unknown XTS5000 TX NAC ID. Is there a "universal" TX NAC ID which I can program into the XTS3000 TX so that it will open the unknown XTS5000 RX NAC ID?

[g8tzl2004]

Can I use a TX NAC of F7E (programmed into my XTS3000) in order to "force" an XTS5000 to RX a P25 signal from the XTS3000 when I do NOT know the XTS5000 RX NAC?

Otherwise I guess I need to try every possible TX NAC to find the specific RX NAC progged into the XTS5000...which is impossible...too many???

[FireCpt809]

Nothing you program in your 3000 will force the 5000 to open with the set NAC. Until you get the proper software and cable for the 5000 your stuck.

[N4KVE]

Unless of course you forgot to say your 5000 has FFP. GARY

[g8tzl2004]

One hope is that the XTS5000 RX NAC is progged with the default factory NAC of 293...worth a try..but I really need to buy an XTS5K prog cable....any recommendations?

Are all the Ebay cables made in the same factory and are the same "quality" or are there different makes with varying quality. I know the dangers of buying junk...but the alternative is a homebrew programmer..so its as cheap to get a ready made Ebay cable and then check out all the soldering joints and pogo pins etc before using it !!

[FireCpt809]

Dont risk it with a cheap aftermarket. Your programming good pricey radio. Why risk bricking it with a cheap cable or a homebrew. The cables pop up here or on ebay often.

[N4KVE]

It's one thing to program a Jedi with a Chinese cable, because if the radio dies, it can probably be replaced for $100 or less. However with 5000's going for $700+, do you really want to take a chance? With all the people dumping their 5000's & buying APX's, there should be plenty of used factory 5000 cables for sale here cheap. I myself recently picked up such a cable from a local guy for $50. Don't take a chance by using a Chinese cable on a 5000. GARY

[g8tzl2004]

Anybody have a cheap real Motorola XTS5000 serial programming cable for sale?

I have a real RIB but have built lots of homebrew RIB to radio cables. I'm aware of the "dangers" of using cheap Chinese stuff but I could dismantle the Chinese cable and rebuild it as if it was a "quality" homebrew cable!!

The real cost of the electronics is about $10...the only difficult bit is the accessory connector and pogo pins but you can use an old mic cable..or just buy a Chinese cable and make sure its put together right!!!

But as you say, I'd rather buy a real serial cable.

On a similar note, does anybody know the origins of the Chinese XTS5000 and XTS3000's. I once bought a HT1250 from a local seller but I found out he got it from China...fake case, fake antenna, fake battery and fake charger etc but real old internal PCB which looked dirty ...clearly it had been scrapped and had spent "years" on a scrap pile...there was also a fault with the ref osc...in summary it was a pile of junk but looked new if you were not familiar with Moto stuff. I guess the XTS3000/XTS5000's from China are the same... old internal parts and new maybe fake cases ???

[FireCpt809]

Just search Panter radio.. Its all there..

[g8tzl2004]

Interesting!! Factory reject or test PCB's and slightly faulty cases??...great for ham use!!

[N4KVE]

A factory 5000 serial port cable was just sold on this forum last night by a trusted seller for $70. GARY

[g8tzl2004]

I "think" I bought it!!!

[AEC]

Any idea what the special code is? Is it F7E (Hex)?

From Help Pages - RX NAC Monitor = F7E allows the radio to unmute to any Astro call regardless of the call NAC ID or the RX unmute rule.

So I guess I can use this in the XTS3000 to allow RX of unknown XTS5000 TX NAC ID. Is there a "universal" TX NAC ID which I can program into the XTS3000 TX so that it will open the unknown XTS5000 RX NAC ID?

One quick note; The NAC, F7E is NOT availablefor use as a wildcard NAC for the XTS3000.
293 is standard for the XTS3000, but F7E willnot program into the XTS3K.
As for a digital NAC, just select one that you want, and program both radios to use that NAC and all will be fine.
If you wish to have selectable Digital/Analog modes readily usable, select mixed mode, then select the proper squelch type and mode of digital both radios can use.