Hey all, So I'm no stranger to basic radio programming, I do programming for my local public safety agencies running non trunked VHF and UHF systems. I'm having trouble though tracking down info on motorola 800 mhz stuff though. I work for an EMS agency that's on an 800 system using motorola XTS 2500 radios, but they're honestly wearing out and I hate having to go in to work and see if I get a "good" radio, so I'm wanting to purchase a good used one for cheap if I can. I've found some cheap motorola MTS 2000 radios that are 800 mhz, but I have no idea if they're compatible with my system at work. For reference, it's the P25 system in calhoun county, AL. I know I'll need a system key and radio ID for the system from the 911 administration, I just need help getting a good radio with the right features. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Don't take this the wrong way, but some good advice at this point is to cool your jets.
Your first stop is to talk with the systems administrator and ask a simple question to begin with. Ask just what brand and model radios are compatible and allowed on the system. When the systems administrator calms down and peals himself off the ceiling, I would guess your the one that is next to get put on the hot seat.
Most radio systems administrators will not allow individuals to do any radio programming. It is too easy to mess up and cause a system problem if it is a trunking system. Some radios require to have a minimum firmware version to be installed in user radios to function correctly on a trunking system. EFJ radios are one of them.
Many older model radios don't play at all or play poorly on trunking systems. The other issue is many radio system administrators just don't want any other radio brands or models than what they are currently using. They have probably been through issues in the past and don't want to end up going there again.
If the radios your currently using are having problems, I would first point the finger at just how they are being treated. XTS2500 radios are a good radio. Just what king of problems are you trying to say your having with them?
Many departments issue radios to individuals just so they take care of "THEIR" radio. If the agency is sharing radios, then they are just asking for problems. That causes poor handling of the radios and the people just don't care about how they are treated. If the agency started making the people pay for the repairs, THE PROBLEMS WOULD STOP.
Let the group on here know how you made out talking with the radio systems administrator.