CDM 1550LS

[WalrusP]

I bought a Motorola CDM-1550LS on ebay and I just got today to use as a gmrs radio. What does the LS mean ?

[SteveC0625]

I bought a Motorola CDM-1550LS on ebay and I just got today to use as a gmrs radio. What does the LS mean ?

What is the model number of the radio?

[KG4INW]

LS radios are capable of LTR trunking but as Steve hinted at, there are variations in what the LS radios can do conventionally so knowing how to decode the model number will tell you what you can do with it, exactly.

[SteveC0625]

LS radios are capable of LTR trunking but as Steve hinted at, there are variations in what the LS radios can do conventionally so knowing how to decode the model number will tell you what you can do with it, exactly.

There's also PassPort capability in some models plus the ever dreaded 16 vs 160 conventional channels option that sucks in a lot of unsuspecting buyers. Most buyers of CDM1550's in the online world seem to be looking for the larger capacity radios for use on ham or GMRS or similar. The 16 conventional channel models are often offered at bargain prices and for good reason.

When I started working with these radios, the very first thing I did was find myself a model number chart. It was the one over on batlabs, and while it was a good starting place, I was better off when I got my hands on a service manual that contained a more up to date model number chart.

But I digress a bit. Still hoping the OP will give us the model number so we can explain exactly what its capabilities are for him.

[giguchan]

I know a load of people who thought that they were getting that very same "bargain". That model number chart can prevent you from making a big mistake before you slide your CC. And while I am at it... I believe being able to decode when portable batteries were manufactured is a good thing to have too.

[WalrusP]

Thank you for the responses I can get the model number for you tomorrow but I am a Sucker ! It is a 16 channel model

[giguchan]

I don't know if you wanted a 16 ch or not I would not call you a sucker.. you Might not have known is all... Maybe 16 channels WILL work for you.... When I first started getting into Moto gear sure, I wanted the 160 channels. Why? because I actually thought I could fill up that many spaces.I Never came close. With people closing down Machines, relocating, and making machines private, I think I have less than 30 spots used- and that is because I am too lazy to have a programing session to "blank" out a personality. I have ONE machine that has different locations so I have different personality's... The machine can "votes" but I also have the radio set up manually.

best of luck!

[WalrusP]

I understand, I bought this basically as a prepper radio for frs and gmrs ( I know, I know, Please no hate mail.) So it is only going to be used in bad situations ( emergencies) but it would have been nice to be able to program them all in. Thanks to everyone for all the help.

Damn 16 Channels ( If anyone has any Ocean front property in Arizona that wants to sell me, please msg me) lol

[RadioSouth]

I understand, I bought this basically as a prepper radio for frs and gmrs ( I know, I know, Please no hate mail.) So it is only going to be used in bad situations ( emergencies) but it would have been nice to be able to program them all in. Thanks to everyone for all the help.

Damn 16 Channels ( If anyone has any Ocean front property in Arizona that wants to sell me, please msg me) lol

You can always resell it on EBay, some people need the LS feature so it may not be a loss. There's also the similar CDM1250 that has 64 Ch.

[WalrusP]

I may do that. Thanks

[giguchan]

I look at it this way.... you wont be the first person to RE sell a radio... there is someone out there who IS looking for what you have.
Best of luck.

[nukedude]

Two 16 channels versions here as well. But I bought them knowing that, they allowed me to upgrade an older GR300 repeater. It had the old 130, 2 channel radios in it that were not narrow-band capable. In my case, 16 channels and a bargain price were the reason I bought them. However, the seller was very careful about answering questions about channel capacity. So knowing the models and having the chart is very smart.

This is true with all Motorola equipment. I almost got burned on some MW520 mobile data terminals many years back, but researched a little more before spending the money. Then I bought the exact model I wanted.

[WalrusP]

Thank You, I will defiantly research from now on. All the help given so far has been greatly appreciated, God Bless All