Batboard

I don't know alot (or anything) about this however I did read the sticky above. Im trying to purchase a handheld for an 800 system. Im looking at a MTS2000 type III. Does that have the 512k memory? I see that is required for the rebanding but I havent seen any radios advertised with this. Is there a way to tell? Thanks, Im also open to suggestions.

check the firmware and manfacture date. I believe it has to be made after February of 1995 to have a 512K controller, serial number would have to be 466AVExxx or later. Firmware has to be higher than 5.42.

Best thing to do is get the model, serial number, firmware and flashcode and forward this to the system administrator or radio shop that will be programming the radio and they can ensure it will be compatible with the system.

Always ask questions BEFORE you buy.

You must get the firmware version and complete serial number before purchasing a used MTS2000. Most (not all but most) firmwares 5.X and above have 512k controllers, but the best way to know for sure is to look up the radio's date of manufacture, which can be done using its serial number. When you do buy the right radio, you'll still have to have your agency upgrade the firmware for rebanding when it hits your area.

Does anyone know what new models in 800 offer smartzone and work post rebanding. Only the XTS versions?

Correct only the XTS/XTL series is the current model.
The next generation radios won't be out for a bit but will be dual mode FDMA/TDMA The TDMA will offer 2 time slots per RF channel.

On the rebabnding issues many analog operators ar being offered XTS1500 and XTL1500 radios as replacement for their stuff. This will have analog only enabled (Special flash code). However /\/\ot is offering for a special price to supply the radios as standard. So for a small cost to the operators they can switch to digital.
What I'm saying is when the rebanding begins in full, analog trunking is moving from a slow death to rapid decline.
If you want to follow trunking mutate now and avoid the rush.