APX 6/7/8000 Modifications

[iversm24]

So I have an APX 6000XE. Its a 2.5 model. I haven't opened it up yet, but I plan on getting the blue housing set for it. The question here is, how hard is it to convert it to a 3.5? Is the key pad already there jusy without the housing buttons? Or do I need to purchase the display and keypad unit?

Second question. How much of a pain is it to switch the top controls on a standard 6000 and put in the XE top?

 

[EliVonChonk]

The question here is, how hard is it to convert it to a 3.5? Is the key pad already there jusy without the housing buttons? Or do I need to purchase the display and keypad unit?

Its much more than just the housing buttons. You need the keypad and flex assembly. And then you run into the problem of having to flash the radio to make it realize its now a M3.5. I'd be surprised if you could convince Motorola to do this.

Second question. How much of a pain is it to switch the top controls on a standard 6000 and put in the XE top?

This is easy, provided you have the right tools. Torx screwdriver, small flat head screwdriver and I highly suggest you get the spanner nut tools directly from Motorola that are made for this. I've seen people try with needle nose or similar tools and end up damaging the radio.

 

[iversm24]

Ok. How about from a 1.5 to a 2.5? Same idea?

 

[EliVonChonk]

Even more so. Then you need the display as well. And still have to reflash

 

[iversm24]

Thanks for such promot responses! Just one last rookie question here...are the main radio housings the same between the XE series and the regular ones? With the exception of the speaker grille and top controls?

 

[buddrousa]

To keep from a NIGHTMARE just sale the radio and buy the model you want.

 

[iversm24]

Well no, I am happy with my radio. I just wanted a blue housing for it. I have an APX6000XE and was curious if the different housings will fit XE models. My other previous questions were because I was considering buying another one and upgrading it to how I want it...but I'll just purchase it how I want it

 

[EliVonChonk]

Yes the outer housing the same for XE and non-XE. Just for other people's info: this is not true for APX7000s.

 

[Spec605LA]

So I have an APX 6000XE. Its a 2.5 model. I haven't opened it up yet, but I plan on getting the blue housing set for it. The question here is, how hard is it to convert it to a 3.5? Is the key pad already there jusy without the housing buttons? Or do I need to purchase the display and keypad unit?

Second question. How much of a pain is it to switch the top controls on a standard 6000 and put in the XE top?

Not sure if you've done the swap yet, but to go from a 2.5 to a 3.5 cosmetically, all you do is swap the housing. The keypad is already under the 2.5 housing. The buttons will light up as a normal 3.5 would, but they will NOT function by keypress unless the model number of the radio is changed from a 6 to a 7. To swap from a non-XE to an XE is fairly easy if you have the knowledge, tools, and patients. Andy aka "knickerlessparsons " on ebay is my go to guy for replacement parts.

 

[Spec605LA]

Ok. How about from a 1.5 to a 2.5? Same idea?

to go from a 1.5 to either 2.5 or 3.5 you'll need to buy a back housing plate with keypad and flex, and a display with flex. The display will NOT function until the model number of the radio is updated.

 

[MTS2000des]

Even more so. Then you need the display as well. And still have to reflash

There's much more to it than that. The 1.5 and 2.5/3.5 have different display driver hardware on the board, the result is a rear display with no backlight. Requires SMD rework and a replacement of a driver IC in addition to what you mentioned regarding "flashing".

 

[MTS2000des]

Not sure if you've done the swap yet, but to go from a 2.5 to a 3.5 cosmetically, all you do is swap the housing. The keypad is already under the 2.5 housing. The buttons will light up as a normal 3.5 would, but they will NOT function by keypress unless the model number of the radio is changed from a 6 to a 7.

I've swapped 3.5 keypad housings onto our model 2 radios and the keypad does function under things like the ZONE menu, you can direct enter zone location by numbers, same with the CHAN menu. No hacking/use of stolen software or hat tricks. The CPS of course won't let you enable direct dialing of phone numbers/call list entry, but the keys do indeed function (and in test mode they will reflect the correct values), albeit within the limits of the radio's firmware, but they do work. For my users, the direct entry of zone/channel callouts was all that was needed and it was a 5 minute retrofit. Works on 6000LI's too.

 

[Spec605LA]

There's much more to it than that. The 1.5 and 2.5/3.5 have different display driver hardware on the board, the result is a rear display with no backlight. Requires SMD rework and a replacement of a driver IC in addition to what you mentioned regarding "flashing".

On the 7000 maybe, i've never tried. But on a 6000 & 8000 is all plug n play except for a model number change. It has been done numerous times.

 

[ResQguy]

On the 7000 maybe, i've never tried. But on a 6000 & 8000 is all plug n play except for a model number change. It has been done numerous times.

In case it's not widely known- there is no such thing as a model 2.5 APX7000.

 

[Spec605LA]

In case it's not widely known- there is no such thing as a model 2.5 APX7000.

Correct, the 7000 was only offered in a 1.5 or 3.5 version.

 

[iversm24]

Anybody have an idea if any soldering is required to swap the control heads on APX6000's? I have both the expensive bits to remove the spanner nuts and I have replacement hardware and gaskets but before I do it I would like to know.

 

[Spec605LA]

APX6000 and APX8000 if going from a 1.5 to a 2.5 or 3.5 is 100% plug and play. Zero soldering needed. If you are upgrading a 2.5 to a 3.5 all you need is the housing.

 

[iversm24]

So I actually meant to swap the control top from a standard top to XE.

 

[Spec605LA]

Still plug and play. No soldering.

 

[iversm24]

Since we are on the subject sorta, anyone know if it is a similar process to remove the housing on an APX4000? I have one where the PTT paddle is crackwd and I have a new paddle but wanna know how to install it.