APX7000 P25 Multi-Band Radio

[Jay911]

Originally Posted by PJH

I think Mike G is correct. There has to be a problem somewhere in the CPS or computer setup. Even my slower PC's (1.6GHz Centrino's) read/write a codeplug pretty quick - and the radio processes the 1.8MB codeplug in a timely fashion.

Unless your radios are running FW6 or older, then programming times will take longer as CPS needs to talk to the radio during the entire process. FW7 and later allows the CP to be written to the radio and the radio unpack and program itself so you can bang out many radios without it having to wait for each one.

I have exactly one experience reading or writing an APX radio so far and that was with my netbook (an ASUS 1201N running Win7) on battery power (with the adaptive CPU set to maximize battery life), and the typical USB to 26-pin connector cable. This was to read a raw new, fresh from the factory APX7500, so I could build the non-trunking part of my radio's codeplug (I don't have system keys so I can only prep my conventional stuff before the radio techs at the trunk system-owning FD nearby have a hack at it). I don't recall it taking overly long, and I was concerned at the time because my computer's battery life was in the single digits percentage-wise.

Maybe I'll write my conventional stuff into it as a test and see what happens. I also have no encryption keys to worry about, so that's time I won't have to spend either.

[PJH]

I have a mix of TRS and Conv in there...and I did the same thing first. I haven't noticed a difference in speed of any real significance. I have channel annouce on 32? channels, zone annoucement on 30 something zones followed by general voice files for scan, etc.

The codeplugs for the mobiles and portables are mirrors (drag/drop is nice) and both are 1.875MB and I have the same experience with both.

So, unless someone is sitting down in front of his computer(s), its all a mystery on what is going on.

[hitechRadio]

Originally Posted by AKBMW

I like the overall layout of APX over Astro Xts/Xtl software. No more remembering which trunking personality was for who. It does take quite a bit more processing power though. Plus I have 16+ zone CPs and some have several keys so not only does it take awhile to program a radio fresh from factory but then you spend another 5 minutes encrypting it

I don't think his problem is with the CPS. Looking at his post's it's seems he is more refering to loading 17 AES-256 Keys taking almost 3 minutes. I wonder if he may have FIPS Level-3 mode enabled, making for increased key loading times. If AKBMW would chime back in maybe he could answer that. I don't use the FIPS Level-3 mode, so I can't compare. Or maybe he needs a FW update in his KVL4000, he said he was using.

[PJH]

Have you loaded keys from a kvl before?

[hitechRadio]

Originally Posted by PJH

Have you loaded keys from a kvl before?

Do it all the time, but not in FIPS level-3 mode.

[PJH]

Takes the same amount of time.

[hitechRadio]

See that right there PJH is what I am talking about, being sarcastic "Have you loaded keys from a kvl before?" You know from my posts that I have or Y the heck would I be talking about it.

Your post "Takes the same amount of time." would of sufficed, don't ya think?

I was only trying to be constructive, by pointing out the obvious. That his problem is NOT cps, but with key loading. And I asked if it could be he is using FIPS mode? Cause I do not, and can't compare load times between the modes.


Like i said to Mike gilbert, be a little more curt on here.

Thanks for your answer though.

[PJH]

No, I asked as there are a bunch of people here on "this scanner site" that assume a bunch of information. I was asking you if you have loaded keys from a KVL before. I don't know if you have, and I don't know haven't. I know that many people have not and based on the conversations in this thread thus far, I know a few people who have not touched the equipment.

In another thread on this, there is "that scanner site kinda guy" making all sorts of assumptions about a radio site, making it look like his is "in the loop" and trying to make people think he knows what he is talking about - yet cannot answer basic site questions or cite examples on how he is coming to the conculsions that he is stating.

And apparently he "is that kind of scanner site scanning guy".

When I do make pointed statements or attacks, it will be known. I will ask other certain questions to see what kind of response I will get to see if the question/statement/conclusion is even remotely accurate to draw out the radio wackers.

[hitechRadio]

Understood, I am not "that scanner site kinda guy". I just enjoy sharing my knowledge, and if you are in fact not a "scanner site kinda guy". Then I just may have gained some knowledge. But until I have to load keys in Fips Level-3 mode to compare. I cain't except it as fact. Guess I am a, "gotta see it to believe it kinda guy". Especialy on "this scanner site" and you being a possible "scanner site kinda guy". See the coin can fall both ways.

Thanks for reminding me of this being a scanner site. Sorry for being snappy, but I am sure you understand.

Just so I know you are possibly not a scannersite kinda guy, name just 2 pieces of equipment that are needed if using GoldElite in a Moto SZ system?
Thought about having you give me a last octet of an IP of a server or something but there are subnets or maybe a default password, but decided otherwise,,,that is kinda a no no and i would not expect you to answer that...LOL

Also, I am hungry and can smell food, but it's not ready she says. Makes a person a little snappy.LOL






TTFN

[PJH]

Actually while flying across the country attending to stuff, I just haven't really had time to respond.

Subnets and IP addresses are all configurable at the user level. Really no defaults per say (recommended ones to have Moto try to keep things easier for them), but when the system is staged in Elgin, we supplied how we were intergating all the equipment on the statewide MW and fiber backbone which thru various VPN's, gateways and DPS secure and unsecure networks, everything was custom tailored to what we were running at the time. This also included the DataTAC network that was also being intergated in with CAD/RMS, site MOSCAD, GPS location being implemented by another vendor along with a private WIFI link when the vehicles and laptops where near a DPS location (NetMotion).

Though we no longer use the out of date CCGE's and now use the MCC5500's - you still need your console electronics shelf, CAB's, COP, the overpriced alias server ($4,000 just for that) and the GPIO's that like to unlock doors when the rare failure or reset occurs on the workstation.

Then just for the prime site controller and associated equipment is another $100,000+ expense before you even build out your first site.

We can compare who has the bigger e-peen all day long here, but at the end of the day - the OP's question still remains unanswered -> What is the programming setup? Considering that a few have replied here are not coming across the same issue, this is why we ask certain questions.

[hitechRadio]

Thank you for your response, non "scannersite kinda guy" although you never answered my question. Of name 2 pieces of equipment needed for integration of a Gold Elite into a Moto SZ Trunked Master site?

Not sure Y my question to you was removed from the thread.

And I was not comparing "who has the bigger e-peen". Just figured it would be a way to make sure you are not "that scanner site kinda guy"or"radio wacker" as you assumed I was.

And to the OP's question, or actually he never asked a question. He was just jumped on as either not knowing what he was doing or has a crappy comp. If you read all of AMBMW post's. You will see it is not a CPS issue. As he never mention a specific time it took to load a CP, only that it took awhile, but rather was more concerned about keyloading time and actually gave us a time of 2min55sec to load keys.

I guess this is a dead subject, until the OP answers a few question's.


Out of curiosity, are you integrating with a states system and/or building out your own Simulcast System?



Hope you had a great flight PJH, have a great weekend.

[kb0uxv]

Originally Posted by hitechRadio

Thank you for your response, non "scannersite kinda guy" although you never answered my question. Of name 2 pieces of equipment needed for integration of a Gold Elite into a Moto SZ Trunked Master site?

Not sure Y my question to you was removed from the thread.

And I was not comparing "who has the bigger e-peen". Just figured it would be a way to make sure you are not "that scanner site kinda guy"or"radio wacker" as you assumed I was.

And to the OP's question, or actually he never asked a question. He was just jumped on as either not knowing what he was doing or has a crappy comp. If you read all of AMBMW post's. You will see it is not a CPS issue. As he never mention a specific time it took to load a CP, only that it took awhile, but rather was more concerned about keyloading time and actually gave us a time of 2min55sec to load keys.

I guess this is a dead subject, until the OP answers a few question's.


Out of curiosity, are you integrating with a states system and/or building out your own Simulcast System?



Hope you had a great flight PJH, have a great weekend.

You talking about MGEGs? My understanding is Astro 7.15 will force Golds out and require MCC7500s, so those of you actually in system admin with Gold Elites might want to consider your budget road maps. Even more off topic - STRs will be forced out in the future too, and now I just learned about version 2 of GTR8000s...

[kb0uxv]

Originally Posted by PJH

Yeah that was annoying. I wouldn't mind the zone alternating to go away either, or at least be user selectable in the CPS. All my work channels have channel annoucement and the zones have it too. No need to look down and not see the channel on the non VA zones.

Almost want to kill display ID too for the top display. Thats annoying.

Just throwing out an idea - on my radio I did not put names in "top display zone names" and "top zone text" to 0, so it only shows the channel name. So its quick to see when you look down. For the radio ID I set "PTT ID Display" to dispatch - so the ID only shows when scan is off, most of the time I have scan on so IDs dont show when I look down at the top. If I need to see a ID I just shut scan off.

Just throwing that out there for others who want to have dedicated TG/Ch names on the top.

[hitechRadio]

Originally Posted by kb0uxv

You talking about MGEGs? My understanding is Astro 7.15 will force Golds out and require MCC7500s, so those of you actually in system admin with Gold Elites might want to consider your budget road maps. Even more off topic - STRs will be forced out in the future too, and now I just learned about version 2 of GTR8000s...

Yep MGEG and AEB.
You are right on the Gold Elite's on a 7.15.
Also, you cannot install an MCC7500 on some older versions anymore Example: 7.1 must upgrade the system. But I cannot remember which version's of the top of my head right now. Which is a bummer if you have GE's and want to add a few new MCC7500 positions and you are and older version 7 system. You can see the problem, with this,,LOL
Yep on the version2 GTR's Ver1 are no longer avaliable as new purchase, but ver.1 FRU is avaliable of course. If you add channels to a ver.1 site, I believe the entire site must be brought up to ver.2. Not sure if SC's can stay or go, as well as amplifier's. Also, Not sure if this applies to only the Summit 6packs. I believe they changed the Backplan interface, at least on the transciver. But don't take that to heart, but it is due to some type of hardware change.

[ResQguy]

Originally Posted by hitechRadio

Yep MGEG and AEB.
You are right on the Gold Elite's on a 7.15.
Also, you cannot install an MCC7500 on some older versions anymore Example: 7.1 must upgrade the system. But I cannot remember which version's of the top of my head right now. Which is a bummer if you have GE's and want to add a few new MCC7500 positions and you are and older version 7 system. You can see the problem, with this,,LOL
Yep on the version2 GTR's Ver1 are no longer avaliable as new purchase, but ver.1 FRU is avaliable of course. If you add channels to a ver.1 site, I believe the entire site must be brought up to ver.2. Not sure if SC's can stay or go, as well as amplifier's. Also, Not sure if this applies to only the Summit 6packs. I believe they changed the Backplan interface, at least on the transciver. But don't take that to heart, but it is due to some type of hardware change.

A SmartX would allow you to use an MCC7500 on pretty much anything wouldn't it?

[hitechRadio]

Originally Posted by ResQguy

A SmartX would allow you to use an MCC7500 on pretty much anything wouldn't it?

SmartX is used for migration of an Analog Trunked system to P25 trunked. That said, I have no experence with it. As we made the transition via the subscribers and then cut the system over to Astro25. There is some good reading on Moto of the SmartX. After reading I would say no, as it appears it needs connection to a Astro25 core. Not sure at what level it connects into the Analog system though. It seems you need a SmartX box at every site. Good news though you can reuse the boxes as the VPM's for MCC7500 consoles after transition.

[ResQguy]

Originally Posted by hitechRadio

SmartX is used for migration of an Analog Trunked system to P25 trunked. That said, I have no experence with it. As we made the transition via the subscribers and then cut the system over to Astro25. There is some good reading on Moto of the SmartX. After reading I would say no, as it appears it needs connection to a Astro25 core. Not sure at what level it connects into the Analog system though. It seems you need a SmartX box at every site. Good news though you can reuse the boxes as the VPM's for MCC7500 consoles after transition.

It has nothing to do with analog. I'm using them on SZ4.1 digital currently. I just assumed since 7.x platform was being referenced that a Astro25 core was already in place in this discussion, and now they offer conventional GTR8000s thus the 'pretty much anything'. The system roadmap is pretty helpful on what older equipment (consoles or sites etc) can and can't be ordered by what date.

[hitechRadio]

Originally Posted by ResQguy

It has nothing to do with analog. I'm using them on SZ4.1 digital currently. I just assumed since 7.x platform was being referenced that a Astro25 core was already in place in this discussion, and now they offer conventional GTR8000s thus the 'pretty much anything'. The system roadmap is pretty helpful on what older equipment (consoles or sites etc) can and can't be ordered by what date.

Just curious what are using the smartX boxes for? Very interested in knowing more about them. As we do have a 7.x astro25 core with elite's.

I know this is probably the wrong thread to be talking about this subject. We may have to start a new thread. Before they get onto us.

TTFN

[Mpanella]

Do you guys see prices coming down on these anytime soon. Near 2 thousand dollars for a screenless model new is crazy expensive.

I just within the year purchased a HT 1250 for personal use on the fireground and for use as a home scanner and I feel like it's already outdated.

Granted we just switched to narrow banding but I guess digital will be shortly also and the HT1250 will be a paper weight.

[chrismol1]

sure, more and more ALT 123ABC units will come available and the stolen ones will come up for online auction as more units are shipped out