Anyone use Motorola for RX feds?

baj6974 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 03:11 PM

Besides digital scanners what other equipment can be used that is the cheapest ; least has P25 digital capabilities? Would trunking be a issue for the 406-420mhz range? Would one that receives in the 160mhz range be best? Are there any that can monitor comms that would be encrypted on a scanner ? How much do they run?What do you suggest would be the best radio at an affordable price?I reside in the dallas,tx area

bezking · #2 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 03:58 PM

Encryption is probably going to stop you from monitoring the feds. Also, if you are talking about a P25 trunking system, you can forget about using any Motorola XTS-series gear because out won't be able to program it to the system without knowing the highly confidential system key, which is unique to every trunked system.

zz0468 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

Besides digital scanners what other equipment can be used that is the cheapest ; least has P25 digital capabilities?

You want "cheap" and "Motorola" and "P25"? Pick any two.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

Would trunking be a issue for the 406-420mhz range?

Yes, yes it would.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

Would one that receives in the 160mhz range be best?

It depends on what you want to listen to. Do you want high band, or UHF? Pick one. Or buy two radios.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

Are there any that can monitor comms that would be encrypted on a scanner ?

Not without the encryption key and a keyloader.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

How much do they run?

Check eBay for prevailing used equipment prices. If you're asking here, you probably can't afford new.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

What do you suggest would be the best radio at an affordable price?

A digital scanner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

I reside in the dallas,tx area

I'm truly, truly sorry and you have my deepest condolences.

baj6974 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 06:31 PM

so a motorola astro saber i (older version) that has p25 capability for the 406-512MHZ range, would n't pick up say 415.875 or 406.8 if it is only digital ? Just want to know before I purchase....

MOTOROLANUT · #5 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 06:55 PM

You do realize you can only scan 16 channels at a time with an Astro Saber...

K8TEK · #6 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bezking

Encryption is probably going to stop you from monitoring the feds. Also, if you are talking about a P25 trunking system, you can forget about using any Motorola XTS-series gear because out won't be able to program it to the system without knowing the highly confidential system key, which is unique to every trunked system.

The system key is not confidential at all. It is not easy to get legally, but isn't confidential.

W4KRR · #7 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

so a motorola astro saber i (older version) that has p25 capability for the 406-512MHZ range, would n't pick up say 415.875 or 406.8 if it is only digital ? Just want to know before I purchase....

You probably would be able to monitor them as long as they aren't trunked, in which case you likely wouldn't be able to follow a particular conversation without the system key.

And it was already pointed out, most Motorola radios can scan no more than 16 channels at a time. And between a Saber and a digital scanner, the Saber may not be the cheapest choice. I would rather use my BCD396XT for digital monitoring. More flexible and easier to use than a Motorola. YMMV.

grem467 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-11-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj6974

so a motorola astro saber i (older version) that has p25 capability for the 406-512MHZ range, would n't pick up say 415.875 or 406.8 if it is only digital ? Just want to know before I purchase....

astro sabers came in R split (403-470Mhz) and S Split (450-520Mhz)... they wont be able to do the full split you specified in one radio.

XTS3000 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2009, 02:42 PM

You can make your own system keys in notepad!

zz0468 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XTS3000

You can make your own system keys in notepad!

And thankfully, not everyone knows how.

b7spectra · #11 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 06:33 PM

May, you opened up a can o worms wanting to use Motorola equipment instead of a scanner. It's been a couple months since I've seen our SAPS (Self Appointed Police/Sheriffs) come out to tell you that it's a no-no to do that!

Guess it's time for, you got it, a SAPS Badge!!!!!

BTW - A simple query for syskeygen can help you out!

immelmen · #12 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 11:27 PM

B7....that badge is priceless.

SOFA_KING · #13 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 11:12 AM

I used to do it at one time. As much as I love the better RX, better audio, rapid fast priority scan, encryption mute, and MDC1200 mute (DOS), there is not enough channels to scan. It might be OK if you listen to one agency, but if you want to hear more than that you will have to buy more /\/\ radios!

Still, I would like to have 3 VHF XTS5000 and 3 UHF XTS5000 radios with FPP, P25, encryption, MVA's for each (or whatever they call them now), and HHCH mics. In the past I would have been at Dayton buying them by now, but in this economy dreams like that may never come true again for me. My employer thought a few of us made too much money and threw us on the street.

I'll be lucky to keep my house.

Phil

191145 · #14 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz0468

I reside in the dallas,tx area

I'm truly, truly sorry and you have my deepest condolences.

LOL - I just moved away from there

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz0468

12 volt radios are for wimps. Real radios can kill you.

ROFL!!

baj6974 · #15 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 191145

LOL - I just moved away from there

ROFL!!

Actually, I live in Frisco and enjoy it more here than living in SW FL.....I reside in Stonebriar Country Club

191145 · #16 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 06:19 PM

Stonebriar is gorgeous - did not mean to offend...

I just left the bowels of Plano & moved to the boonies - away from the city... We actually hear frogs at night, not heat pumps & aircraft - the last traffic 'jam' was 3 cars... We're enjoying the best of both worlds, 4000 acres around us and DSL :]

ROFL!!! was for:

12 volt radios are for wimps. Real radios can kill you.

JP

baj6974 · #17 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 06:36 PM

oh, ok...none taken....I eventually would like to acquire some land and a ranch myself,that way I can do what I want the the outside,instead the HOA's moanin 'bout antennas...

ALOT of undercover here in Plano Fri evening and Carollton Thur night do some fed agencies sometimes use local 800mhz systems instead of their "own" radio systems or is it because they work together probably? I am guessing the later working close knit......

zz0468 · #18 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by immelmen

B7....that badge is priceless.

Especially when you consider he's one of the worst SAP offenders.

immelmen · #19 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zz0468

Especially when you consider he's one of the worst SAP offenders.

Thats ironic.... There are way too many of them here. I always find it interesting how many people come here for radio advice and get legal council instead.

b7spectra · #20 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 09:02 PM

Me? A SAPS? Hardly! You need to check out how many badges I've handed out to people who don't think anyone should use Motorola/EFJ/etc as a scanner! Check out the picture of what was in my Sport Trac before everyone started going P25! The top was my B7 Spectra 800 (thus my ID), followed by the A4 Spectra UHF, and later I installed a A5 Spectra VHF.