Batboard

I was wondering which is a better unit first of let me say we have NO departments who are digital VHF in my area, So is an XTS3000 model 3 better then an HT1550xls? I currently have an XTS3000 model 3 I like it but was considering trading for an HT1550xls. What are the opinions of my fellow board members good trade or bad trade? Thing I keep telling myself is nobody in my area is on digital and I pretty much don't use any of the options on the 3000 well anyway let's see what the opinion pool brings here.

Thanks Jim

Think of the XTS as a Life Insurance Insurance Policy (Life meaning Digital Systems)

The XTS is Whole Life, meaning its 95 % good to go for just about any digital system forcoming in the future.

The Ht1550 is Term Life meaning when it hits that certain age (When digital arrives in your area) it ceases to be in effect/useable.

The ht series, in VHF at least have some poor rx issues. I can't even count the number of ht's that have come in for poor rx but test good with the rf adapter installed. Motorola has tried to remedy these issues and they have gotten better but there are a lot of fd's that refuse to give up there ht1000's because they don't like the 750, 1250, or 1550 line. There are also a lot who love them. The xts3k does not have these issues, but does not do fpp.

I own an HT1550XLS and cannot recommend that you make the trade. I find that the unit has a superb receiver, but when it comes to transmitting, my HT1000 clearly outputs a stonger signal.

I'd stay with your XTS. The only advantage the 1550 would have is FPP. If I have the choice of my department issuing me a HT1550 or an XTS (any model), I'd pick the XTS hands down.

What you could do if you want to trade, would be to trade up to the XTS5K. This would give you a current production radio and give you FPP, and digital. Although the pros do come at a cost. Just my 2 cents.

My FD uses a Mix of VHF HT1000's HT1250's and HT1550's for the chiefs.. I have used all 3. I Have an XTS3000R. I would take a Jedi any day over a Waris.

Jim,

if you are planning on using your radio in the field, stick with the XTS for many of the reason's folks have described above. In addition, be aware that the 1550XLS has a continuous rotary channel knob. Especially in public safety, I prefer having solid channel placements on your selector. Many agencies put the Citywide or fire ground channels on position 1/16, so that you can always easily find this should you find yourself in trouble one day. Apart from the other factors already mentioned, this is one feature that is a very important consideration to me, personally because it let's me make channel changes and selections without looking at the radio.

Good luck.

I could recommend the 1550 to your local water department or perhaps the transit folks. I personally would make another choice for a fireman or policeman.

Step down to an HT1000 or up to a 3000.

I've had my share of problems with VHF 1550's. UHF's not so much, seem to be a bit better.

Over my 14 years in the public safety business I've had a HT1000, then upgraded to a XTS3000. I sold the 3000 recently and up graded to a XTS5000R. I would either stay with the XTS3000, or upgrade to a XTS5000. I've worked on several HT1550XLS radios, and I don't like them as much as the XTS series.

In a nutshell, keep your XTS3000. Just my two cents.

sell it & buy a frs radio.......

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