Batboard

Hi,

Has anyone run across this issue? I have an XTS5000 which is apparantly setup to send ID on ptt, however it does not. ANy clues. It is my first xts5000 so I may have missed something. I have the code plug I can send to examine. Its also possible I got a POS 5K.

Keith

the joys of alpha radios.


although i am not certain, I am willing to bet that you have an alpha radio.


seems as though MDC and analog DTMF (hot keypad) didn't make the cut.


could you please post your host and dsp?


edited to expound on the below link added by xmo:

i have yet to see an XTS from the batch of radios coming out of HK that supports DTMF or MDC. I've certainly not seen every one - but if the host 2.20 there's a good chance that the radio will program with either alpha cps (as required depending on the codeplug version) or standard CPS just fine - and yet MDC functionality will not be present.

this reminds me VERY much of the MTS2000. upon it's introduction to replace the systems saber -- very very few features were actually available... namely OBT trunking! yet many of these were sold as the successor the the systems saber when in fact the marketplace turned into the beta-testing center for the platform... hence the hundreds of iterations of firmware rev's for the jedi.


doug

We had to upgrade several hundred XTS2500 radios from firmware version 3.50.00 to version 4.00.00 in order to get the MDC functionality. The XTS5000 seems to follow the same firmware numbers, so look for at least 4.00.00 when wanting MDC.

Todd

The DSP is 2.20.00 Host is 2.20.02 hope this helps. If I need to upgrade, do I just go to a full line dealer. If so can I have them add ID decode. What should it cost? (roughly of course)

let me spell it out to ya.


SCREWED.




that's what you are, unfortunately.



doug

OK, Since we're on the topic. I was going to buy one of those HK xts5k's, and sell the encryp board to recoup some of the cost. I was going to grab a non display model for $300 as I don't need to have $600 tied up in a 2m/scanner. I don't care about MDC, nor do I worry much about anything other than the ability to tx/rx in imbe and scan a few channels. Say what you will, but those radios are less in adjusted dollars than I spent on my first ham portable. So, not worrying about mdc, the lack of ability to flat rate the radio, needing to support repairs myself (no problem, the up front $$ is cheap enough for me not to lose sleep over it), why wouldn't I want one as a 2m/astro scanner?

I am not sure what you mean by alpha radio, What does that mean. Not trying to be wise, just wondering what you know about the pedigree of those radios.

Thanks, Will

alpha radio = requires alpha software to program.

the radios on greedbay are NOT bad deals.

hell, i bought one.

what one must realize - as the guy above just did, is that what you buy is what you get - forever. unless you want to shell out $680 for a new vocon board, you are SCREWED - and even then you may have to come up with a valid serial number to provide national parts with prior to shipment of your replacement vocon.

since the xts 5k is currently "unhackable" - the features you have (that work) when you get your radio on the grey market is all you are ever going to have


doug

Doug,

Somewhere (don't remember if it was here or somewhere else) there is a file or a fix that will convert an Alpha radio to a "normal" radio. Some sort of file...

Hear about this? I'll have to check my notes...

I found a quick note of a file that will convert what was descibed as a "beta" radio into a FFP radio, and a normal radio...for the Model 2 5000's, but it wasn't tested.

Supposly, you can just drop it in and use some routine.

I not having one, can't attest to it

A model 2 will not fully support FPP as you do not have the whole keypad to enter freqs, etc.

George

So am I screwed? Do I buy a new one and sell this one on ebay? What do I look for. I got this to replace a stolen xts300 and never had a problem with that one. What can I do, I need something fully functional.

You can contact motorola and I am working with them to do a flash upgrade on my "alpha" XTS5000.

I to need MDC and I do not have it which is sort of a problem but I am able to work without it for right now but we do kind of need it.

Also to correct some people the alpha version CAN be programmed with regular software.

I know as I just bought an alpha from someone and programmed it fine with a motorola cable and regular software.

You can call motorola and ask them, but talk nicely and they may work with you.

i have seen this go both ways.

Also to correct some people the alpha version CAN be programmed with regular software

that is NOT a true statement.

my alpha will only program with alpha series software.



doug

Doug, what was the Alpha version of the XTS 5000?

larry

Its my understanding that they were preproduction test radio's that were widely tested. I am not sure who got them, or how widespread, but apparently there were a lot of them.

I don't think that any other radio was done this way.

Most companies who do this usually take them back, but I can also see Motorola saying "keep them" since they wouldn't work outside of the test agencies due to the firmware/software.

What did you tell Motorola when you contacted them about yours? And mine programs with normal current software.

Wow, Pj, this would seem like a case for the Depot to keep any such radio that might be turned in for service! We had tested a few of Motorola's MRTI 2000 units when they were in prototype and final development, but they sure as heck wanted them back when the testing was complete. I would think they would want their XTS 5000 prototypes back, too. Makes one wonder how all of these eBay Alphas got out there.

larry