Programming question....

DewAddict · Post by **DewAddict** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 3:21 pm

Hi all,

Does the XTS2500/5000 software include the utilities to align the radio or does that require other equipment? I am a newb to Moto software. I plan to purchase an XTS5000 VHF for local P25 Ham repeater in the area and the software to program it. Will the software program any band XTS2500/5000 as well or do I need separate versions for each band?

Also, if I may ask which Firmware...DSP etc should I look for when I am considering a radio? I know it can be confusing as to what Flash-Code also to make sure it will do P25 systems.

Thanks,

This site is amazingly great resource.

Rob

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:13 pm

The Astro25 CPS will program all bands and all flavors of the XTS2500/5000. It does come with a program called Astro25 Tuner, but you'll need some hardware to do some things. If you don't know what you're doing when aligning a radio, then steer clear from doing such. Otherwise, you can program in all the frequencies that you need using CPS.

I'd look for the latest firmware (9 something as of right now) and I would stay away from anything that has a serial number of 123ABC1234 as you won't be able to get firmware upgrades very easily and the radio may or may not work to spec. I have one, but I can't get updates for it because Motorola doesn't support them.

DewAddict · Post by **DewAddict** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:30 pm

Thanks for the fast reply. I just read the giude for newbs on the Astro radios and I think I may just go for a 3000 because I will save a few bucks.

I see the software version is RVN4182S for the 3000 series but it lists DOS and Windows. Can I use XP with this CPS? Looks like it was released about a year ago. Is the DOS for the Saber series?

Rob

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:34 pm

The CPS for the Astro Saber/XTS3000 will run fine on XP.

the 3000 will be a fine alternative to the 5000 for ham use. I use my 123ABC 5000 for ham. The only reason I have it is because I got a good deal on it.

You can't hack 5000s like you can the 3000s, so the 3000 is still popular around these parts.

DewAddict · Post by **DewAddict** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:45 pm

Great! Thanks!

Do you use a ribless aftermarket cable or an OEM Moto cable and Box setup?

Not sure if I should spend the money on the OEM.

Rob

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Fri Mar 02, 2007 4:58 pm

I use an OEM cable for my Astro Saber, a Monty cable for Jedi/XTS3000 stuff and a cheap aftermarket for the XTS5000. I guess it would be nice to have an OEM cable for the 5000 so I could do firmware upgrades, but 1) Motorola isn't going to sell me a firmware upgrade for a 123ABC1234 radio and 2) I just can't justify the cost if the aftermarket cable does what I need.

DewAddict · Post by **DewAddict** » Sun Mar 04, 2007 9:40 pm

where would I find a "monty" cable

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 1:18 am

Nowhere now. Monty passed away a few years ago.

DewAddict · Post by **DewAddict** » Mon Mar 05, 2007 1:42 pm

oh....so the it was named after Monty....Ok got it. Although I never knew him, I offer my thoughts to everyone who did and his family.

Rob