Batboard

I have multiple XTS 5000s and a KVL 4000 loaded with Astro25. I have no idea how to get these radios to have the capability to talk to each other. my experiance is very limited and i have no idea what I am doing. They are extra radios from my work place and they want to make them able to talk to each other for use in traveling caravans. They don't want them to be used on the exiting network with the other radios. Is there anyway that this can be done. any help would be appreciated. I have no idea what information to provide to anybody who is willing to help. ask away and I will do my best to answer the questions. All i can get the radio to say is "KEY FAIL". Thank you.

Hmm... where to even start?

I assume you have some means of programming the radios (CPS and cable)?

Can you confirm that all the radios have UCMs (encryption modules) fitted and there is at least one common algorithm between all the radios? To do this, press the bottom ".." button on the side of the radios five times immediately after turning them on, they should go into service mode and scroll through the radio information, somewhere in there they should all say something like "KG1 - DES" or AES or DVI or ADP, you will need to confirm that all radios have at least one algorithm in common?

It might also be helpful to note down all the other info displayed as well for future reference?

BTW, you can pause the scroll with the left arrow and resume with the right arrow (unless they are model I radios in which case service mode is useless to you anyway without a display).

TBC once you confirm the above.

Andrew

Also, there's a few other questions I should have asked above...

Are all the radios in the same band (VHF/UHF1/UHF2/800)?

Do all the radios have the same flashcode?

Do all those flashcodes have at least "Q806 - Astro Digital Operation" in them (a minimum digit of 1 at the start of the flashcode)?

Have any of the radios been previously programmed using an ASK (Advanced System Key) with write-protection?

Do you also have a key-load cable for the radios?

I'm sure there will be a hundred other questions too...

Andrew

I will check into those question tomorrow. I do have a lot of cables for it. One connects directly from the KVL (which looks a lot like a PDA, actually I think it is), the other has a USB end, another one is for the KVL to connect to a Modem and another it to connect the KVL to another KVL. I am charging the radios tonight so I can work on them tomorrow. I will be sure and get the information so maybe I can get these a little bit more useful than bricks. We hope to use them in the African Frontier and we are hoping for at least a few kilometers of range when used in the wide open flat bush.

oh and they do have a display. I will upload a picture of the radios and the KVL tomorrow. That might help.

You do know the KVL4000 is NOT for programming RF channels, correct?

Jim

Look I would be a bit careful about what you are trying to do here. First where in Africa are you thinking of operating? The 'African Frontier' is not a country, it used to refer to West Africa. In many African countries you will get arrested if they find mobile radios in your vehicle. And they do check, border crossings are notorious for long and time consuming vehicle checks where everything is turned out for 'inspection'. Have you got documentation and a licence, is encryption specifically allowed on the license?

If the radios are encrypted and you don't have permission you could spend weeks in jail while this is sorted out. No joke. Encrypted traffic will get the immediate attention of authorities in the more developed countries, while illegal but otherwise harmless chitter chatter on some random UHF CB channel will often be ignored.

People are arrested all the time in some places for just a CB set fitted to a 4WD bakkie without the appropriate documentation. Sometimes it's an ignorant official, sometimes it's to set you up to have to pay a bribe, sometimes it's just the local law enforcement following the rules to the letter of the law. Worst case if you run into bandits you normally get away with paying an informal 'permit' fee, with radios they don't understand it can get ugly very quickly. So be very careful about what you're about.

If you are part of an NGO they usually have very strict rules about compliance with local regulatory requirements. The fact you have a KVL as part of the radio kit is quite a warning flag. I'm not trying to be the radio police here but I have spent a lot of time in North, West, and Southern Africa. Radios can be a big issue once outside the relative safety of somewhere like RSA.

Thank you for your concern Astro. I assure you when it comes to all things security I am very aware. I have permission from the local government to run almost anything that can be used to complete my objectives and they cannot "legally" search my vehicle anyway. My team and I cannot spend more tha 92 hours in apprehension or holding without creating an international incident. I do appreciate your concern and am thankful that somebody is looking out. I am quite aware that the African Fontier is not a country. I don't know when the African Frontier used to refer to West Africa, but that too is not a country. I have crossed numerous African country borders and have never had a problem. Usually a call ahead to the border can alleviate a lot of issues before you even arrive, and if you have a government (read Police) escort there is even less to worry about. Please know that you will not read about a man in Africa getting arrested for possesing or using encryted or unencryted radios and if you do it will not be me. ALso I don't knwo if a Sat Phone is different in their eyes, but local law enforcement have used mine on numerous occasions without incident. Also the radios they use were given to them by us (the United States). I understand your concern, I just don't share it.

I have no idea what RSA is an acronym for. Remote Sout Africa? I was hoping to learn a few things here, but I think I am just going ot have our radio guy fix the problem without educating me. THank you all for your help, but its just easier to have them do it. Thank You.

I agree 100% with Astro Spectras answer. What you are attempting is not for the average guy - programming that is. Firmware, software, cables , KVNs , USB ports , comports , Apple or windows, just a TON of variables here !
You mentioned an exsisting system - go to the shop that maintains that system and pay him to do it - money and time well spent !

RSA = Republic of South Africa. I think I understand and would assume you had someone from state like dtspo to help. Anyway take care.