Programing Radio without system key

dsheli · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 11:11 PM

Our department currently has a small fleet of XTS5000 VHF radios in which we have the capability of programing. We recently acquired 6 XTS2500 for officers (P25 Trunked), needless to say the radio shop did a poor job programing "features" into this radio. Will CPS allow me to read and write changes to the code plug with out a Systemkey? When I say changes I mean configuring scan lists, paging and private call features. I will not be changing, adding or removing any talk groups. I would like to make sure I know wether it will work or not so I don't "wipe" the radio. Please don't question the legitimacy of my copy of CPS, we are licensed and have gone through all the proper channels.
Thanks guys!

Josh · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 11:16 PM

As long as you aren't trying to alter trunked settings/add talkgroups, you can do whatever you want without a system key.

-Josh

immelmen · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2009, 11:49 PM

Scan lists would not be an issue, however IIRC you wont be able to alter the Pvt Call setting in the trunking system with out the system key.

If the radios have been hit with an advanced system key, the entire codeplug can be write-protected. If that is the case you will need the original ASK holder to remove the write-protect.

dsheli · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2009, 12:45 AM

Thanks for the prompt replies! We have model III 2500's with the dial pad on the front, what are some features this dial pad can be used for? For the "Paging" list on these radios is it possible to enable that dial pad so you can manually enter radio numbers?
David

dsheli · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 07:52 PM

What are some of the uses of a full keypad on the front of an 800mhz xts2500?
David

AlabamaRS · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2009, 09:39 PM

get a manual & read up on it?? perhaps

dsheli · #7 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlabamaRS

get a manual & read up on it?? perhaps

Please don't ever reply to one of my threads again.

xmo · #8 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 10:30 AM

Generally, it is the system administrator who holds the master system key, not a radio shop. Radio shops are typically authorized by the system administrator under a contractual relationship or other agreement regarding the use of the system key and the content of programming that is put in the end user radios.

Maintaining the integrity of the complete functionality and performance of a public safety trunked system requires management of both the fixed end programming and the subscriber programming, That is the responsibility of the system administrator. Often there is a committee or other similar process that develops the templates used in all departments' radios for consistency, functionality, and interoperability as well as to control utilization of system resources and to maintain interdepartmental agreements.

I would advise you to contact your system administrator before programming any changes into your radios. If you are authorized to make changes to your radios the system administrator would normally issue you a system key for that purpose.

fineshot1 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmo

Generally, it is the system administrator who holds the master system key, not a radio shop. Radio shops are typically authorized by the system administrator under a contractual relationship or other agreement regarding the use of the system key and the content of programming that is put in the end user radios.

Many state or local gov agencies maintain there own radio shops and they are the admins to the system.
It is not uncommon for a ems or fire dept that operates on said trunk system to have there own programing
software to make custom changes for non-trunked parameters to accomodate their own needs.

This seems like what dsheli is talking about(correct me if i'm wrong).

slicerwizard · #10 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsheli

What are some of the uses of a full keypad on the front of an 800mhz xts2500?

Dude, you shouldn't be programming radios.

xmo · #11 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 03:41 PM

"Many state or local gov agencies maintain there own radio shops and they are the admins to the system...."
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Regardless of whether the radio shop is owned by the same entity that owns the system or simply employed by them and regardless of whether the radio shop is the system administrator or acting on behalf of the system administrator, if subordinate user agencies want to program their own radios they should be properly trained and authorized.

Then they would be issued a system key and expected to comply with all template and record-keeping policies in place for the system.

AlabamaRS · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsheli

Please don't ever reply to one of my threads again.

UHm ok , just trying to help don't be such a grouch

RodStrong · #13 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 09:55 PM

My first thought would be to see if the radio shop that programmed it would go over and possibly change options with you. They may or may not be able to adjust some settings, depending on if their orders are to blast a program someone else created into it and to not otherwise touch it, or, if they have some flexibility to make adjustments on their own. They may be willing to go out of their way to help you if the radios are not programmed to your satisfaction.

The radios may be password protected, so you may not even be able to get into them at all.

Even if you can get into the radio, I would recommend you don't fool around with even basic stuff without the guidance/help of a system key holder. Good luck.

fineshot1 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xmo

"Many state or local gov agencies maintain there own radio shops and they are the admins to the system...."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regardless of whether the radio shop is owned by the same entity that owns the system or simply employed by them and regardless of whether the radio shop is the system administrator or acting on behalf of the system administrator, if subordinate user agencies want to program their own radios they should be properly trained and authorized.

Then they would be issued a system key and expected to comply with all template and record-keeping policies in place for the system.

Much of what you mention above would depend on the policies of the trs admin - that could go either
way but I doubt they would let go of the key to another trs user or agency.