Batboard

The RCMP here require field radios to issue what they call an "RTT" (request to talk) to alert the dispatcher to respond to them. I have set up many XTS3000/Astro Spectra/MCS2000 & even a few XTS5000 with this feature & had it work no problem. It is basically just a 'message' alias which comes up as "RTT" at the Centracom console.

I now have an XTS5000 which doesn't seem to want to work. If I set the One Touch Button to send the RTT, it just gives an error tone when the button is pressed, much like the 'unprogrammed' tone. If I set MSG as a menu button option, it just gives the same 'unprogrammed' sounding error tone when pressed, instead of showing the 'message' list.

I'm suspecting a firmware issue, as the radio is a little older. The firmware is HOST 3.00.01, DSP 3.00.00. The XTS5000 units I programmed for RTT without a hitch were 4.00.00 & 4.05.00 versions. Anyone out there ever run into a similar issue?

Todd

"...I'm suspecting a firmware issue..."
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I think you are 100% correct. The XTS5000 price pages from a year ago say that the MDC features are not included.

The XTS5000 product 'roadmap' indicated that the MDC feature set was scheduled to be part of release 6.3 [product platform - not firmware #] in late 2003.

It's not conventional MDC though, it's trunking. I should have mentioned that...you guy's can't read my mind? I still believe it to be a firmware issue, unless I've programmed it wrong, but I can't see it. I have our local FTR checking the codeplug in case I missed something. I shall update with any new info.

Todd

As to MDC and the XTS5000, here is the latest with 6.3:

LIMITED MDC FEATURES
Offered in 6.3
MDC PTT ID ENCODE/DECODE
YES

MDC Selective Radio Inhibit
Decode ONLY

MDC Call Alert
Decode ONLY

MDC Radio Check
Decode ONLY

MDC Voice Selective Call
Decode ONLY

MDC Remote Monitor
Decode ONLY

MDC Call Lists (Call Alert / Select Call)
Yes

MDC Emergency
Yes

6.3 has been available for a long time.

I hope "My 2 Cents" won't be too mad about this!

Larry

Todd, if your FTR kraps out on you, you should open up a GCC. I have found that this will get a quicker and much more thorough response than the typical verbal stuff with the FTR.

We opened up a GCC recently even with the old XTS3000 (had to do with an ASTRO problem), and Motorola set up a complete test bed simulation, etc. at Schaumberg. They aslo thoroughly wrote up a complete report, etc. All interim and the final reports were quickly emailed to us in a very timely fashion. No charge to us, of course.

With the newer XTS5000 and XTL5000 radios, they are even more responsive with GCC problem resolutions than with the older series radios. Obviously, it's in their best interests to find out about these problems, get it documented, and get things fixed ASAP so other folks' systems will not experience similar problems.

As much as people on this board complain about the high cost of FLASHport, keep in mind that you have paid for this service by buying those new XTS5000 radios, so you should take full advantage of what you've paid for.

Larry

Status & message on 3600 baud trunking is also listed as not available until the 6.3 release so it would appear you will need a 'refresh' for that radio.

What you need to order would be called: "System Enhancement Software"

Either:

Description: ENH:Upgrade Existing Smartnet
Nomenclature: Q326AT
APC: 430
DNUP[US]: $75.00

OR:

Description: ENH: Upgrade Existing Smartzone
Nomenclature: Q327BG
APC: 430
DNUP[US]: $75.00

Thanks for the great info. I know we had to 'refresh' a bunch of HOST/DSP 3.50.00 XTS2500s up to 4.00.00 to get the MDC. I'm not surprised the same needs to be done to this unit for the 3600baud trunking. Looks like I need the one below. Who needs GCC's when Batlabs is around? Thanks again!

xmo wrote: Description: ENH: Upgrade Existing Smartzone
Nomenclature: Q327BG
APC: 430
DNUP[US]: $75.00

Sent the unit to Toronto to be upgraded via depot tool. Came back with versions HOST 4.80.01 & DSP 4.80.00 firmware, everything works fine now.

Todd

wavetar wrote:Sent the unit to Toronto to be upgraded via depot tool. Came back with versions HOST 4.80.01 & DSP 4.80.00 firmware, everything works fine now.

Todd

Do you know if the radio will still do non-priority scan across systems? A friend of mine works for a local FD, and they had their XTS5000s flashed (I believe to 4.50.00) and the radios lost the ability to scan across system in non-pri mode.