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XTS Reception

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epuckett02

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I am sure I am beating a dead horse here but I do have a question. Between the XTS2500, XTS3000 and XTS5000 (All VHF) which one would have better Rx in a rural area? Thanks
 

N4DES

Retired 0598 Czar ÆS Ø
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I would say that all 3 would be pretty equal, but of course if just on was out of alignment then itwould be the worst of the bunch. If you do get any of them, I would highly recommend using the broadband helical antenna, even if it is a pain in the armpit.
 

epuckett02

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Thanks for the reply, this would primarily be used for Emergency Services. Which of those would be a better choice? and compared with the HT1250, would an XTS be a better choice?
 

KG4INW

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The 3000 is no longer officially supported but the others still are. However, the 5000 has recently been discontinued but will be supported until the end of 2018. The 2500 is still being manufactured but not for long (don't know how long though). Might want to take that into consideration but personally, I prefer the 5000.
 

FiremanSparky

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Thanks for the reply, this would primarily be used for Emergency Services. Which of those would be a better choice? and compared with the HT1250, would an XTS be a better choice?


I don't have any experience with the HT1250. I have always used an XTS of one sort or other. I currently use an XTS-3000 M3 VHF with the last conventional firmware upgrade that I purchased NOS (New, Old Stock) for scanning, no TX. I find that, in urban and rural areas using the broadband antenna (as KS4VT also recommends), you can't beat it for the price. I think it comes down to how much money you want to spend. Keep in mind though that you also have to obtain programming software and cables to program the radio if you don't use a radio shop (more $$'s). As always, if you plan to use it to TX, make sure you have the radio system administrator's approval.
 

nick1427d

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JMO any of the XTSs will be a better choice over an HT1250.
 

SCPD

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I noticed the 5000 had better audio and rx with repeater distance then a 2500. I prefer a 5000.
 

FFPM571

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We had HT1250's VHF at my department before we went to APX's I still think my XTS5000 sounds better than both
 

SCPD

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Agreed. To me the loudness in audio in the 5000 seemed to remind me of the quality of speaker the ht1000 was. Before the 1250 and pr1500 we used ht1000s and I preferred it over the pr1500 and 1250 till the xts5000 came out. The 2500 was from what I understood a smaller most cost effective model but a mini xts5000. But I still preferred the 5000.
 

gtaman

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I prefer the 3000. Even though they are discontinued. It would be easier to replace a 400 dollar radio than a 1000 dollar radio. You also can find 3000s with good flashcodes for relatively cheap.
 

SCPD

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True if that route was taken I would suggest grabbing extra case or two and hardware for a 3000 so it's on hand if a part needs to be fixed once and while you can find decent pricing on parts and 3000s. If you didn't need modern flash the 3000 can't handle. I would suspect they are alike the 5000 but the predecessor of it. I never used a 3000 but heard good about them and still do on used models.
 

epuckett02

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Thanks for all the replies, I was leaning towards the 5000, this just reinforced that decision, thanks again!
 

Nasby

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Wow Elroy, how did you get that kind of sensitivity?

Did you just get lucky and get a hot unit or did you work some mojo on it?
 
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