Batboard

I have a stupid question. Can anyone tell me the difference between Project 25 and Astro 25? I was reading about some new systems using P25 and was unclear if this was the same as APCO 25, IMBE, ASTRO 25...etc, etc. Will the Astro Saber work on Project 25? How about the XTS5000?

Thanks for the clarification...

It's the marketing name Motorola came up with for their version of APCO-25. It conforms to the standard plus has some added features for Motorola-only gear.

OK, so my Astro Saber and my XTS5000 should both work on a Project 25 system?

Yes.

Well, maybe.... There was ASTRO before there was APCO-25. Pre-apco astro was the old VSELP digital which is definitely not P25 compliant.

You need to make sure your Astro specifies IMBE/P25/CAI whatever in the flashcode to ensure you are using P25 astro.

nmfire10 wrote:Well, maybe.... There was ASTRO before there was APCO-25. Pre-apco astro was the old VSELP digital which is definitely not P25 compliant.

You need to make sure your Astro specifies IMBE/P25/CAI whatever in the flashcode to ensure you are using P25 astro.

Yes, that is a better answer. Somnetimes I forget about VSLEP. Also, there are lot's of Astro radios out there that are analog only.

nmfire10 wrote:Well, maybe.... There was ASTRO before there was APCO-25. Pre-apco astro was the old VSELP digital which is definitely not P25 compliant.

You need to make sure your Astro specifies IMBE/P25/CAI whatever in the flashcode to ensure you are using P25 astro.

Let's also not forget that "P25" trunking systems are mainly 9600 baud/bps systems. So If we're talking P25 trunking systems, then it also has to have the flashcode option for it. Along with the flashcode you'll also need the right Host/DSP versions for it (older astro radios).

But if we're talking conventional, then as long as you have an IMBE DSP, and it's flashed for IMBE operation, then you'll be good.

So as far as the Astro Saber, I'm not sure about P25 trunked systems, but the XTS 5000 and other Astro 25 radios will have no problem with them, as that's they're "meat & potatoes" of these radios as long as you have the proper flash in it.

LuiePL wrote: So as far as the Astro Saber, I'm not sure about P25 trunked systems, but the XTS 5000 and other Astro 25 radios will have no problem with them, as that's they're "meat & potatoes" of these radios as long as you have the proper flash in it.

It appears that as long as the Astro Saber has a 1MEG board, it is capable of flashed to the latest host and DSP which includes the rebanding firmware.

I believe that if the system is ASTRO25 in 800Mhz, then ASIII will do it, but if it's 700MHz, then ASIII is a no go.

Yes, the an IMBE, 1-Meg. ASTRO Saber radio will work on the P25 (9600 Baud) APCO-25 (ASTRO 25) systems. We have many of them on the air here in Michigan on the MPSCS Statewide system. You will need the appropriate flashcode as others have mentioned as well as a particular version of firmware, which BTW is configured for the rebanding requirements. If you happen upon an ASTRO Saber without the 9600 Baud option, it's not a problem. Simple fill out the proper forms and send it off to Schamburg, NOT the El Paso Depot and they'll make sure everything is golden. When you fill out and fax the "Estimate of Upgrade" form, someone will contact you to discuss the details.

Enjoy, ASTRO Sabers still rule in my book though I do like the XTS5000 series as well...

Jerry - K8GLD