ASK options

[otobmark]

With multiband radios on multiple systems I want to know how “open” an ASK key can be? There will be times when all Keys will not be available and sometimes when no keys are available in the field.
Primarily conventional frequencies will be added/altered in the field without any ASK (dongle) available. It would be nice to be able to build or alter zones onTRS system without dongle (not a deal breaker), or at maximum enter talk groups (within allowed range). The question is can ASK keys be made to allow this level of programming without using dongle? If the various TRS systems were locked down it would be OK (only if Ask for specific trs is needed to alter that system and not a ASK for every system in the radio even though they won’t be touched) everything else in the radio could be field programmed without any keys in hand. If a trs is removed later, will it and it’s ASK leave any trace behind that could limit full use of the radio? My nearest COMT wasn’t sure, he’s always had keys in hand for the 2 systems he uses and follows a check list. He’s never “removed” a system.

 

[GTR8000]

I'm going to assume you're talking about APX subscribers since we're in 2023 and you're presumably referring to public safety radios.

Let's start with the bottom line, which is that the dongle is the ASK. No dongle plugged into the PC = CPS shows FALSE for the System Key field. It has no awareness of what the ASK does or doesn't allow, because none of that info is saved in the codeplug or CPS.

In other words, if you don't have the ASK plugged in, you're not going to be able to change most key parameters of the system in CPS, which includes adding/removing talkgroups from the personalities.

You can, however, add or remove predefinied talkgroups within the zone without a system key. So as long as the systems are setup ahead of time with all talkgroups you might need access to already defined in a personality, you can move those around as you please within the zones and scan lists.

 

[otobmark]

You can, however, add or remove predefinied talkgroups within the zone without a system key. So as long as the systems are setup ahead of time with all talkgroups you might need access to already defined in a personality, you can move those around as you please within the zones and scan lists.

This is acceptable as long as I have free rein over all non trs parts of the radio without dongle, especially the VHF UHF bands in radio (APX8000).
My last question about removing a TRS (with dongle for that system in hand if needed) is will it cause me problems afterwards or will it be as if it was never there?

 

[GTR8000]

You can delete whatever you wish from the codeplug, no system key required. Of course if you don't clean up the remnants of the system in the zones/scan lists, then you're going to wind up with a bunch of invalid fields and CPS will not write the codeplug to the radio.

 

[otobmark]

You can delete whatever you wish from the codeplug, no system key required. Of course if you don't clean up the remnants of the system in the zones/scan lists, then you're going to wind up with a bunch of invalid fields and CPS will not write the codeplug to the radio.

Outstanding! Glad you mentioned cleaning out all traces. I’ve had that problem with Kenwood which doesn’t show you where the problem is like moto usually does.
Thank you again sir for you concise reply.