Batboard

The new ASTRO XTL1500 appears to support 256 talkgroups, multiple systems, P25, SN, SZ, IMBE, scan, etc at about 1/2 the price of the XTT5000.
If you don't need encryption or trunk mount, I can't see why anyone would now buy the XTL5000. Does anyone know any major shortcomings or problems with the XTL1500 when compared with the XTL5000? I think it can be bought in quantity for $1,500?

It has a limited display with 6 characters I believe and I don't think
you can remote the head. But if those things aren't an issue it would be a good choice.

The XTL2500 is another $1,000 and a nice option as well.

At APCO show in Denver last year where they showcased the three models.
It was stated that the XTL1500 can be upgraded to a 2500 or 5000
It just a control head change and a firmware upgrade.

It was also stated the XTS5000 upgrade kit to the 05 control head was just around the corner. It must be a long corner as we are half way through 06 now and still no kit.
I mean I bought some XTS5000 radios in Jan and they still shipped with the old control head.
I have at least 150 XTL5000s that I can't wait to ditch that poxy Spectra control head.
I don't buy XTL1500 radios becuase of the limited display so unless it is police fire or ems I buy 2500 radios. Encryption for these is now available

Bruce1807 wrote: It was also stated the XTS5000 upgrade kit to the 05 control head was just around the corner. It must be a long corner as we are half way through 06 now and still no kit.

Just like the availability of the field remote mount kit for the 2500. WE got our radios last June, Moto stated availability in November '05. We finally got all the pieces for the klit late May '06. Also there was not one part number for the kit. You had to order 11 seperate pieces.

Most easy to install radio yet remote mount.
No big bulky connectors or anything.
I generally buy remote mount but only started getting 2500 radios late last year and I guess the remote kit was already out.
Your right though I just looked at the e-cat and there is no kit.

Has anyone purchased a 5000 with the 05 control head?
or found a conversion kit?

Most easy to install radio yet remote mount.
No big bulky connectors or anything.
I generally buy remote mount but only started getting 2500 radios late last year and I guess the remote kit was already out.
Your right though I just looked at the e-cat and there is no kit.

Has anyone purchased a 5000 with the 05 control head?
or found a conversion kit?

what is messed up is you could order the remote mount radio last year but buying the necessary parts to do it in the field weren't available for over 6 months after.

Motorola is slipping. Not the same quality company as it was 10 yrs ago. The product quality is still very good but the field support and meeting release dates is slipping bad. Oh, and the transition to the outsourced depot was a fiasco! An XTL2500 was out for repair almost 3 months!

I have to say I've not had a 5000 or 2500 go faulty and Iv'e had 5000's since their release but my ML900 took 2 months to repair

Sure glad most portables are still being done in Elgin