Thinking about a XTS used radio. I cut my teeth on a 3000, but alas I'm not sure about parts, I also have the CPS. 2500s and 5000 still in use and widely available
Any opinions?
Any opinions?
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Which radio ? xts3000, 2500, or 5000
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Ant9270
The Green Weenie
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Get a 2500 or a 5000. Even the support has been discontinued for those, but atleast you can have faith knowing parts are still readily available for them from miscellaneous dealers... The 3000 is a great radio, but it’s a dinosaur now. Even the 2500/5000 could be considered antiquated.
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
I will also recommend either the 2500 or 5000.
The XTS3000 is ancient. The 2500/5000 has much more advanced DSP. They sound better on both transmit and receive. Especially if you are going to be using them digital.
The XTS3000 is ancient. The 2500/5000 has much more advanced DSP. They sound better on both transmit and receive. Especially if you are going to be using them digital.
I can 100% say that I would get a 2500. I have an XTS5000 and 3 XTS2500's and I would buy another 2500 in a heartbeat. I love the design and it's not too big and annoying to carry. You can also mix and match XTS batteries with the HT1250 batteries if need be. That's what I have been doing since I have 3 HT1250 batteries. I like the soft keys on the 2500 more than the 5000.
A rather annoying downside of the 5000 is the volume knob. They are a pain in the butt to adjust if you don't have an FDNY knob. I also mentioned it in the last paragraph but the size is a nuisance for carrying with you.
At the end of the day you should get what you like and what works for YOU. If you really like the 5000 then get a 5000. If you really like the 2500 then get a 2500. But do yourself a favor and stay away from the 3000. They are old, require older software, and I have noticed that the displays on those radios are failing more and more. Just my 2c.
A rather annoying downside of the 5000 is the volume knob. They are a pain in the butt to adjust if you don't have an FDNY knob. I also mentioned it in the last paragraph but the size is a nuisance for carrying with you.
At the end of the day you should get what you like and what works for YOU. If you really like the 5000 then get a 5000. If you really like the 2500 then get a 2500. But do yourself a favor and stay away from the 3000. They are old, require older software, and I have noticed that the displays on those radios are failing more and more. Just my 2c.
katt02
Katt
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In my non-professional opinion, you should go for a 2500 or a 5000. The 5000 is just a more feature packed version of the 3000, and the 2500 is the 5000 in a smaller form factor. Depending on if you want a smaller size or not can help figure out which you want.
wgbecks
Active Member
And if I may add to the above, that if your're looking for a radio to NAS, keep in mind that there was only one FW release for the XTS5000 that supported 9600 baud trunking, and that was on the 800 MHz models. No 700 MHz coverage and no way to alter the ASTRO25 Channel ID from default as my be required on some 800 MHz P25 P1 systems. Best to put the 3000's out to pasture.
That was the XTS3000, not the XTS5000.
I suggest 5000. Why? The 2500 was smaller version of the 5000. Sma and pot knobs were prone to coming off the rf board due to those with gut over belt and wearing radio on hip or bending the typical arm pit antenna The 5000 didn't have this issue. Motorola seen it as normal wear and tear maintenance on the volume, Sma pots.
It can be fixed with new but was annoying having to reflow every x time on them or from same people.
Many parts suvh as lcd of same band and chips were use able between the two. 5000 was more beefy but to me better than the 2500.
Both are eol anyway and parts plenty out there.
It can be fixed with new but was annoying having to reflow every x time on them or from same people.
Many parts suvh as lcd of same band and chips were use able between the two. 5000 was more beefy but to me better than the 2500.
Both are eol anyway and parts plenty out there.
This was also a big problem with DOC radios since 2500's were popular in DOC. They would get banged around and some of the guards were on the heavier side and the antenna connectors would break off and suddenly the radio would be sold for parts because it didn't get through anymore. But I digress.
As long as the user doesn't abuse the radio or grab it by the antenna and twirl it around they should be fine. Even I have accidentally grabbed my radio by the antenna a few times and there was no harm.
Simple answer, if you're looking for the most capable and durable of the bunch: a 5000 with a Li-ion battery. NTN9862D 3000 mAh if you want to keep weight/bulk down, or the NNTN6034B 4500 mAh if you need longer run time.
N4KVE
Member
But if you need a 900 MHz P25 radio, it’s the 2500. Moto never made a 3000, or 5000 in 900.
Right now there is the apx4000 new going for 545 from a dealer. 900mhz. Decent flash. He's been trying to get rid of them from a bulk customer. If 900 is what you need you may wanna double check the flash if it's to your specs. Let me know if you'd be interested. He's tried several avenues but nobody needs 900 mhz.
N4KVE
Member
But the APX 900 radios can not do ham 902/927 like the 2500 can, should you need 902/927. That’s why the APX 900 radios sell so cheap on the secondary market.
Don't believe he said he needed it for ham or scanning or private business. So everyone gave him info. If that's the case then 2500. If he just needs conventional then 2500 or 5000.
The OP never mentioned 900 MHz or ham. His username and the fact that he asked in the Motorola forum vs the amateur radio forum lead me to believe that he's interested in public safety usage, not 900 MHz ham.
APX8000
Sarcastic Member
I’ve carried all three and while the 3000 is a great radio and can take a beating, it’s a bit antiquated now. The 2500/5000 are great radios, 2500 more for light weight but the 5000 is more feature packed and with the right battery a single charge will last you through a double if need be. Can’t go wrong with either.
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