Upgrade P25 conventional question

[bbrantner]

Request some guidance on the following upgrade: Presently have an installed XTL5000, Model # M20KSS9PW1AN functioning as a conventional analog mobile radio in a public safety setting. Another public safety agency has just recently went to Astro P25 conventional digital system. According to our sales vendor the existing XTL5000 mobile can be upgraded to accomodate the P25 digital, using Astro Digital CAI Operation, Option G808, APC 332. Is this upgrade a physical hardware install or just a software upgrade? If it is just a software upgrade, can this be accomplished using the traditional programming cable and or RIB or is a special RIB required?

Thanks

[akardam]

The update you speak of is entirely a software upgrade, called a Flashport upgrade. In your situation it would be comprised of a digital-capable firmware uplift (to replace the existing analog only firmware) and the enabling of the appropriate Flashcode option.

The Astro25 series (XTS5000, XTL5000, etc) do not use RIBs. The cables are straight through from computer to radio. What cable you'll need for your mobile depends on the style of head you have on the radio (older Astro Spectra W-type, or newer XTL O-type):

For XTL W-type head: Part number HKN6155
For XTL O-type head: Part number HKN6183 (serial) or part number HKN6184 (USB)

[bbrantner]

Thanks for the information. Once the flash upgrade occurres, I assume all conventional and the new P25 digital frequencies will be need to be reprogrammed?

[jmr061]

All the current radio programming remains the same during a flash up grade. Any new features added are set to default specs. Any programming related to the new features will need to be done. In order to upgrade to IMBE expect to spend $500 plus bucks per unit. Even more if you want more options. Your MSS should have better details and pricing on this.

Jason