XTS 2500 alternative?

Kegan30317 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 07:09 AM

Our reserve unit uses XTS 2500's. 800. We are looking for a less expensive alternative than the Motorola (though still compatible with the existing system of course). We are willing to sacrifice some of the bell's and whistles if necessary. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Perhaps another manufacturer, lower end model, etc, etc. Thanks for any help you can provide.
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fineshot1 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kegan30317

Our reserve unit uses XTS 2500's. 800. We are looking for a less expensive alternative than the Motorola (though still compatible with the existing system of course). We are willing to sacrifice some of the bell's and whistles if necessary. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Perhaps another manufacturer, lower end model, etc, etc. Thanks for any help you can provide.
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What "existing system" are you referring to? Can you provide a RR link to it or describe its parameters?
More info is needed before anyone can answer a question such as that.

KS4VT · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 09:05 AM

The MT1500 is a carbon copy of the XTS2500 except that it is only available in analog and limited to 48 modes:

http://www.commdirect.com/downloads/...0_brochure.pdf

Instead of the MT1500 there is also the XTS1500 that allows for digital....

http://www.motorola.com/statichtml/X...008406b00aRCRD

Both are less expensive than the XTS2500 but without knowing the details of the system, like Fineshot pointed out, this is only preliminary imformation that you can use.

fwradio · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 09:46 AM

An EFJ 51LT can be had for a lot less than the XTS2500. Still has all the bells and whistles, works on P25 Trunking, Analog or Digital SmartNet/SmartZone.

Will also charge in the same chargers as the XTS radios.

Kegan30317 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fineshot1

What "existing system" are you referring to? Can you provide a RR link to it or describe its parameters?
More info is needed before anyone can answer a question such as that.

Sorry, should have painted a better picture.....

Take a look at: http://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=2684

System Name: Jackson County
Location: Pascagoula, MS
County: Jackson
System Type: Motorola Type II SmartZone
System Voice: Analog and APCO-25 Common Air Interface

KS4VT · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 03:21 PM

OK now what do you need? Analog or digital?

Kegan30317 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 09:34 PM

digital

Unitrunker · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fwradio

An EFJ 51LT can be had for a lot less than the XTS2500. Still has all the bells and whistles, works on P25 Trunking, Analog or Digital SmartNet/SmartZone.

How would the programming work? Would he need to order software? I'm assuming Motorola CPS won't work on an EFJ.

KS4VT · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kegan30317

digital

Then forget about the MT1500 and the XTS1500 would be the next lower tier down.
I have seen them available on some past contracts for around $1300.

KS4VT · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unitrunker

How would the programming work? Would he need to order software? I'm assuming Motorola CPS won't work on an EFJ.

Yes he would need EFJ software, programming accessories, and system key. The EFJ system key is different than the Moto key and is much harder to obtain as you must have an original letter from the system owner.

W2GLD · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 11:10 AM

My personal opinion is to stay with the Motorola's as they are manufactured to the VERY best specifications out of all the manufacturers...

However, should you choose to look at other vendors there are several: EF Johnson, M/A-COM, Vertex, ICOM, Harris, and Thales that make P25 compatible radios...

If you use SmartZone or SmartNet trunking, then you choices are a bit more limited to: EF Johnson, M/A-COM, Harris & Thales...

Stay with Motorola man, they are a little more expensive but can you really put a price on someone's life safety???

Good luck brother in your search for a cheaper radio, I think you'll find the pricing to be about the same across the board for the most part...

Regards,

Jerry - W2GLD

KS4VT · #12 (**permalink**) 11-03-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W2GLD

If you use SmartZone or SmartNet trunking, then you choices are a bit more limited to: EF Johnson, M/A-COM, Harris & Thales...

Jerry - W2GLD

Un No.. he said he uses Type II SmartZone so his choices are only Motorola or EFJohnson.

eroomhj · #13 (**permalink**) 12-03-2008, 07:41 AM

Stick with the Motorola, you can cut the option to make the radio cheaper and then add them later for a small amount. If you decide to go with the EF Johnson make sure you do a extensive test for a trunking system.