Batboard

Just got multikey in our radios. We have loaded in 3 keys which are DES-OFB from the KVL into our XTS3000. We also have the "KEY" Menu item enabled on the front keypad, so that we are able to select what "Key" we want to use. I also have 3 Hardware keys enabled and named in the Multi-encryption menu.

Okay here is my question.

If I select "Key 1" and leave my radio on that, and then another radio keys up using lets just say "Key 2", is there away to have the radio unencrypt the radio that is encrypting in "Key 2". An easy way of saying this is, can a radio unencrypt two diffrent "Keys" without being selected on the other "Key" that is TX'ing?

Is this possible and how?

The hair has quit on me and I really don't want to rip anymore out on this!!!

Thanks in advance.

Radio43

If you turn off "proper key detect", you can do what you describe. Works great in our XTS3k's with multikey. You'll hear any encrypted traffic on the channel as long as you have the appropriate key in the radio. Just keep in mind you'll also hear unencrypted traffic on the same channel, as long as it has the proper PL/DPL/NAC etc.

akardam,

The only way I can use the "proper key detect" is if I change my RX field to "non-astro". This will not work for me. We turn on our encryption with the two pistion toggle underneath the channel selector knob. The way I read that it is for securenet and dont astro encryption. Thanks for the response on this.

Radio43

Right. It's not an option under Astro Mode. But in order to accomplish it, you want to make sure that it is NOT turned on.

Our config, for both analog and digital encrypted channels, is to disable PCD, and enable the operator selection of keys via the keypad. Maybe this is the trick that does it, I'm not sure. I just know that on both analog and digital channels, I'll hear traffic encrypted with any one of the keys we use, as well as unencrypted traffic.

How are your radio wide and per personality settings configured?

akardam,

I have just about tried everything. The box, even though not usable for me , is not checked off. I have been playing around with some things so I will let you know. On another note, I spoke to a Motorola Software guy in Fl and he is telling me that it can't be done. He is saying that what ever "Key" it is on, you are stuck with it. I am going to keep on trying.


Radio43

Ok. Did some tests between my XTS and Astro Spectra this morning.

In analog:
RX radio will hear TX radio, regardless of RX and TX secure/clear state, but only with both radios having the same key selected.

In digital:
RX radio will hear TX radio, regardless of RX and TX secure/clear state, even with the RX radio having a different key selected than the TX radio.

Can you post the flashcode, and host/dsp from your radios? I presume you're dealing with an identical fleet of handhelds? Do you have a couple that you can put up on the bench and try some tests?

akardam wrote:OIn analog:
RX radio will hear TX radio, regardless of RX and TX secure/clear state, but only with both radios having the same key selected.

If you have MDC Multikey in your flashcode, you can enable MDC on the analog personality, set the Key ID field to Tx and Rx and the radios will drop an MDC burst at the start of an encrypted transmission to tell the target radio to change key to whatever is selected...

Try it - its cool.

One other thing:

You must be in conventional mode to "scan" keys. If you are trunked, you get the selected key, clear traffic, and that is it.