Batboard

First post guys. Take it easy on me.

Recently I made one of the best purchases in two-way radios I have ever made on ebay. I finally got my hands on a low priced XTS 3k model II. After 12 years in emergency services, and using many portables in that time, I finally have a portable that seems reliable. I have a question or two about the CPS (R04.01.04), or I might say the operations of the portable. Lets start with the radios information.

XTS 3k VHF
H09KDF9PW7BN
R07.00.02
DSPA07.03.06
Flash 000001-002000-5
H35/G48 Conventional Operation
Q241 ASTRO Ready (Analog Operation Only)
Using CPS R04.01.04

Flashport questions:
1) What is the definition of H14/G114 Digital ID Display? Is it an MDC 1200 ID display, or an 800 MHz ID display? Can the portable display other units MDC 1200 on my screen?
2) What is the definition of Q181 Stat Alert (MDC 1200) features? I’m wondering if I might use this feature. I currently use MDC 1200 ID (encode).
3) Will MODAT ID(Q351) work on conventional VHF personalities on this radio. There are agencies in the area working with MODAT.
4) Is there a Flash upgrade that will add Quick Call II. My department uses QCII.

Operational Question:
1) The signal meter does not work on the display. When you turn the radio on it briefly shows every icon it has (showing the signal meter), before going into the “Self Test” mode (not showing the signal meter). I can’t find anywhere in the CPS to activate this. Is this an 800 MHz feature?

Thank you for your time.

I think I have an answer to question 4. From what I have heard here on the board in the past, and in my own experiences with XTS radios, QCII is not an option. I don’t even think it shows up in the flash upgrade options list for the Astro series.

I do see this as a small downfall in such a high-end radio, since a lot of the lower tier M radios have this feature, not to mention that a user can not only Decode, but also Encode QCII tones with the Pro series. In my opinion, decoding QCII would be a big plus on the XTS series, especially due to the large amount of FD's that use them.


Just my 2 cents.

-Marc

I'll answer what I can before I head to bed:

Digital ID Display is simply "Digital Caller ID". When a user sends an MDC burst (in your case) it will show the 4 digit hex MDC ID. In the software under display options, you will see "PTT ID" to enable it.

Q181 is MDC encode. there is another Q270? that is enhanced MDC and will do messaging and status, selective call alert etc. Q181 will work fine for you if you are just encoding.

Yes, but Modat is NLA from motorola. You would have to find a codeplug with it already in it, find lab, and force it in. (Being new to this, and a few other minor issues with your radio.. I would suggest against it.)

QC2. There is no provision for QC2 at all.

The signal meter won't work. I believe (not 100% without digging thru notes) you need Astro25 9600baud options enabled along with RSSI to obtain the signal meter.

These 3 items:
DSPA07.03.06
Flash 000001-002000-5
Q241 ASTRO Ready (Analog Operation Only)

All say the same thing. It is an analog only radio. Should you want IMBE (CAI) or VSELP, you will need a firmware upgrade before it will work. There are many threads on here explaining that more thoroughly.

Good Luck!
tpg

I agree Mfire39. QCII would be a top selling upgrade for Fire, Rescue, and EMS operations. I have seen several web sites with a whole suite of upgrades, but I've never saw one for QCII. I guess I’ll have to rely on my ole trusty MT2000 A7 for QCII decoding, or start carrying that dang Minitor 3 around again.

Anyway, Pager Geek, in response to your MDC ID decode answer, I looked in my CPS under “Radio Configuration”>”Display & Menu” and there is a grayed out section under the heading “Talkgroup.” They are “Display On PTT”, “Display on Receive”, and “Display On Mode Change.” Isn’t the word “Talkgroup” associated with trunking only? I hate to keep bothering you, but I want to make sure before I purchase an upgrade package.

Thank you Mfire39, and Pager Geek for your time in assisting me. I’m new to this ASTRO stuff. All this reading about it is starting to make my brain smoke.

DC615 wrote: Anyway, Pager Geek, in response to your MDC ID decode answer, I looked in my CPS under “Radio Configuration”>”Display & Menu” and there is a grayed out section under the heading “Talkgroup.” They are “Display On PTT”, “Display on Receive”, and “Display On Mode Change.” Isn’t the word “Talkgroup” associated with trunking only? I hate to keep bothering you, but I want to make sure before I purchase an upgrade package.

You are correct, those are trunking parameters & have nothing to do with PTT ID either way. If the radio is flashed with MDC, there will be a fourth tab, titled "PTT ID", with the parameters for enabling.

Todd

Called the local M shop, and they said just the Digital ID Display was going to run about $375.00, and would have to send it to the D. That's crazy.

DC615 wrote:Called the local M shop, and they said just the Digital ID Display was going to run about $375.00, and would have to send it to the D. That's crazy.

Welcome to the world of Motorola. Circle the date you obtained your inexpensive Motorola product...it might be the last one for a long time.

Todd

Display ID should be a +/- $65 option and does not need to sent to the depot to be done. Is your MSS a real MSS or one that just deals with the low tier stuff?

The $375 is the going rate for a Flat Rate Repair, and not an upgrade service.

Think they are trying to hose ya there or you need to talk to another sales guy.

Call another MSS that deal with the high tier products, them then you want to purchase option H14 and go from there. In most cases, you are charged with the cost of the option and 1/2hr-1hr labor for the programming.