HT1250 PassPort Board? What is it?

[operator5290]

I bought a HT1250 LS UHF model, and noticed that on top of the sticker that shows the model number, there is a sticker that says "Upgraded to PassPort Board" what does this mean? Does this increase the value of my radio due to additional internal parts? Or is it merely a software or firmware update?

 

[Josh]

It might increase the value, but I didn't have any luck as such with one I sold some time back.

Passport is a variety of LTR trunking, and it is located on the keypad assembly of the radio.

Passport trunking requires ESN affiliation to the network before the radio can be usable, this way keeping track of the active users, which is becoming increasingly important on LTR SMR systems.

It's only useful to someone who is a user of a passport system and wishes to have another radio added to their account, or anyone using conventional frequencies or a standard LTR system, of course.

-Josh

 

[N1GTL]

Josh is correct in that it is a type of trunking system. The patent is help by Trident Microsystems. Motorola, ICOM, Kenwood and others license it from them.

Although the system can require the ESN of the radio be verified, it is not necessary. A Passport operator has the choice to enable ENS checking. However, you do need ESN checking if you want to "kill" a radio that has been stolen. Without ESN you can only "stun" it.

As far as increasing the value of the radio, if you can find someone who is using a Passport system, you might be able to get a couple extra bucks for it but I don't think you will find a big market.