Batboard

Guys and Gals -

I am looking at buying a used XTS3000 that is missing its mod and S/N tag. The reason given for the missing tags was that the metal chassis was replaced at one time. I ran the ESN on stolen goods databases and it comes back with no hits. The ESN is valid when I checked it at MOL. A call to M shows no depot level repairs on the unit. The radio Flashcode sticker is still intact and it matches the flash in the radio. The ROS and DSP have been updated at some point since manufacture. The radio supposedly came from gov't service, so it may have been repaired in-house at a gov't repair facility.

Missing S/N tags raise a red flag for me, but then again, I have dealt with the seller before and they have a good rep on this BBS.

Can the ESN be hacked on these?

Any advice on whether to steer clear of radios for sale missing their S/N tag? Will M depots repair and return such a radio? Some old posts say not! M says that they will replace missing tags at the depot...

-Pierre

XTS 3000's don't have ESN #'s. They have a SER#. A XTS 5000 has a SER# & a ESN#. Are you sure of the model#. There are many reputable sellers here that have sold factory built radios that are missing tags for whatever reason. The radios check out fine, & the sellers have an excellent reputation. I myself purchased a factory built XTS 5000 on this forum that was missing the SER# tag, but I purchased it because of the excellent reputation of the seller. In my case the frame was not changed. If the seller has a good reputation here, & we all know who these reputable sellers are, there shouldn't be a problem. GARY N4KVE

I think it all comes down to your individual comfort level. I can tell you it is illegal in some jurisdictions to possess an item with an altered or removed serial # and in the one's where it's not per se illegal it would likely be reasonable for a law enforcement officer to detain an individual while such a suspicious item is checked out. The few times I've done a frame change I've either transferred the label or made up a handmade label showing the S# Years back missing labels were commonplace as they were made of paper and did not hold up in any kind of heavy service. Most older Sabers, Ht600's, Ht220 Mt500 labels are long gone.

Thanks for the feedback. My mistake on "ESN" - I was referring to the serial number in radio memory on a XTS3000. All good.

-Pierre