Batboard

I tried searching, but it ignored "software".

My question is, what are the paramaters to using software encryption in an XTS3000? I know it's been discussed before with Nick radios etc, but does it require a certain firmware revision? If so, what is it?

The CPS isn't really helpful:

"Software Encryption is a software based encryption algorithm used in ASTRO based systems. Software Crypto allows the capability for encrypting voice traffic between ASTRO Software Encryption equipped radios. This feature applies on a radio wide basis."

Is it as simple as entering the key in the software key list and setting up the secure setting in the personality fields, or something more complex?

Apparently - this is one of the "invalid" features in the infamous 4F1E flash.

Software Encryption is reported to only work with an older radio with VSELP firmware in it, and is not compatible with IMBE flashed portables.

If you need software encryption using IMBE, the only route I know of right now which allows CPS based key entry is ADP, which is only available in Astro25 platform mobiles and portables.

DES modules are cheap enough through different places that it's a worthwhile investment to use "real" secure anyway.

-Alex

I actually just sold my hardware board, I was just looking for some info on the software side. One of the things I don't like about hardware is that you can't lock the radio on a model III, but when software is enabled you can. It seems kind of counter productive to not be able to protect a radio with encryption in case it gets lost or stolen. I thought software encryption was an old VSELP feature. Thanks