Issue with Motorola xts5000

[Rb41dog]

Just a quick question for you experts with radio technology.
I work in law enforcement, and our issued radio is the motorola xts5000. Our department never gave us mics for them, so we had to buy our own. I purchased an off brand mic from Amazon, for roughly 35-40 dollars. It does not say motorola anywhere on the mic. Ever since I've bought it, my radio has issues keying up inside of the vehicle. It constantly gives me a bonk. The radio seems to work better outside of the car, but still has some issues getting a good signal.
Are all of these problems because I bought an off brand mic???

 

[rescue161]

No. You are experiencing problems because the radio antenna is still on your belt while you are sitting down, hence lower in the vehicle. If the antenna cannot "see" the system, you're not going to make it into the system.

 

[sfd119]

Wait...is it keying up by itself or you just can't transmit from inside your vehicle?

 

[SCPD]

I would try pressing your ptt without shoulder mic on while sitting see if it bonks just reach down and press see if it gives the authorization key up or keys up. If it bonks while in car wothout mic it can be either antenna issue, or it just can't get a signal which is most likely it's having trouble getting tower signal. One way on 700/800 systems to get around this problem is shoulder mics with the antenna on them. I would reccomend it on trunked systems. If you notice say others cities or on tv majority to all using trunked systems use shoulder mics with antennas.

 

[SCPD]

I would try to switch with another officer see if he has same problem. Try his mic then he tries yours. Eliminate any possibility. Is your antenna on radio pretty good condition it bent or anything.

 

[SCPD]

Get a genuine Motorola speaker mic, period!. The aftermarket ones have quality to be desired and since your radio can sometimes be a lifesaver, don't skimp out on one. The public safety mics with the antenna on them for UHF or 700/800MHz systems would be a plus also. The Moto ones are more expensive, but they can take the abuse as well.

Some people may disagree and say the aftermarket ones are fine, but why risk it. I am surprised your agency has not put a mandate to only get approved RSM's. Don't want to damage that 5000.

 

[CCHLLM]

And make sure the mic cord isn't wrapped around the antenna. That is a guaranteed method of creating the "dead zone blues" and a good way to bet on sooner or later damaging the radio due to high SWR.