Converting XTL5000 control head to O5 ?

[ElroyJetson]

I have a pile of XTL5000 control heads that, if possible, I'd like to run with APX mobile radios. What work, if any, is required to convert them to make this happen?
I also have a big stack of XTL radios, all 800 MHz, 1500s, 2500s, and 5000s, that I'll want to sell. I'm wondering, will I get more if I sell radios with control heads or are the control heads worth more by themselves?

 

[N4DES]

The market is flooded with XLT2500's, especially those that are still locked in a rebanded configuration (no 700 MHz or P25), and those heads are locked to the radio type (without physical modification) and I don't think are worth all that much either on or off the radio. XTL1500's are similar with a unique head that only work on that specific radio model.

I have two APX mobiles (6500 & 7500) that both use the black O5 style heads and there seems to still be a decent used market for those.

 

[ElroyJetson]

What about grey front XTL5000 heads? Are those usable as an APX 05 head and if so what's needed to make them ready for that, if anything?

I figured from the start that the 2500 heads are probably going to remain 2500 heads. But I did see the video that shows how to clip the rubber finger and flip it over so the conductive dot touches the PC board on the other selector contact.

 

[N4DES]

I don't know about using the gray front XTL on an APX. Maybe someone else can confirm one way or the other.

Yes, the physical mod for the 2500 head seems easy enough but I would leave it for the "next guy". LOL

 

[ElroyJetson]

I have some 05 heads that the front centers are very dark grey but definitely not black. The 5000 heads I have here all have centers that are a very light grey. Just to clarify.

I've "heard" that some types can be used with either an APX or an XTL but may need to be reflashed. I need an education on that topic.

 

[MTS2000des]

The only difference between the older "M5" and later "O5" are the plastics, and improved reliability of displays not washing out. I have an APX7500 HP that I run with an older M5 "XTL5000" head at home, mainly because it replaced a HP XTL5000 and didn't feel like swapping it out. Works just fine, and firmware on the 7500 is at current release (31.02).