Motorola Portable

[SC_Dave]

I need and education on purchasing a Motorola portable. As you will soon see I probably know just enough to buy the wrong thing. I am a State Constable and we must furnish our own equipment. I am looking for an Motorola portable that will work on the 800mhz trunked system the county it now using. I know that some of the officers are using an XTS 2500. I am including some info on the system from this site. I am not sure if this will help or exactly what information is needed for me to make an intelligent purchase. I am looking for something that will work on this system without breaking the bank. Thanks in advance for all help. Dave

System Type: Motorola Type II Smartnet
System Voice: Analog
Sysid: 2a03
CT: 83.72

 

[mancow]

You might look into the EF Johnson line. They are stocked with features and alot cheaper than Motorola from what I've heard.

mancow

 

[N4DES]

The XTS2500 is cheaper than the EFJ radios and IMO a very nice radio if your looking for something new. Being the system is analog SmartNet you could also buy a used MTS2000 and save a whole lot of cash. Go to http://batboard.batlabs.com/index.php and the guys there won't steer you wrong.

Mark

 

[scanfan03]

The XTS2500 is cheaper than the EFJ radios and IMO a very nice radio if your looking for something new. Being the system is analog SmartNet you could also buy a used MTS2000 and save a whole lot of cash. Go to http://batboard.batlabs.com/index.php and the guys there won't steer you wrong.

Mark

He could also get an even cheaper MTX 8000 B7.

 

[N4DES]

The reason why I didn't mention a radio of that vintage is due to the plan for 800 re-banding. I would hate for him to waste $$ if the system is NPSPAC and it can't get re-flashed.

 

[scanfan03]

The reason why I didn't mention a radio of that vintage is due to the plan for 800 re-banding. I would hate for him to waste $$ if the system is NPSPAC and it can't get re-flashed.

My bad-I forgot about rebanding. I didn't think the MTS2000 could be updated after rebanding, can it?

 

[W0JJK]

It depends on the age of the MTS2000. From what I understand, it will be rebanded if made after I think 1996.

Steven

 

[grem467]

id second the 2500, its a great radio plus while the MTS2000 could work good now, what about if after rebanding they decided digital was the way to go? well he would be buying a new radio, instead of getting a flashport uplift.
Heck even if they went true 9600, his radio could still be flashed to work on it.

 

[studgeman]

I will "third" the XTS 2500. It is a great basic but full featured public safety radio. It can be ordered with with 3600 baud "smartnet" trunking or 9600 baud P25 trunking and with the addition of more software it can accomodate both. This radio can be flash upgraded for changes in the trunking format. It comes with P25 Common Air Interface, of course it can sill operate in analog mode. The software for encryption is still in development. please do yourself a favor and purchase at least the model IIs so you get the menu and display. Also do not forget to program the ICALL and ITAC channels, we all learned that lesson durring Katrina. If fire services is looking for a radio, the XTS 5000 comes in a Ruggedized version which allows the radio to be washed down/soaked while in their turnout jackets. The 5000R significantly reduces your maintance and repair costs.

 

[lavy]

Best look for yourself!!!

Good coments from everybody but I'll tackle the issue from a different angle. I'd highly recommend going to a radio supply store and looking for yourself. I'd also check with the tech guys you'll be asking to program the radio and see what they are willing to work with. It would be no fun buying a new radio for a couple hundred then have a radio tech mention he doesn't like that brand. Also, look at each type of radio you're interested in and see which one looks right to you for the job you do. (i.e size, durability, features) I've used both EJF and Motorola. The EJF we had weren't quite as sturdy as our motorola fleet and much money has been spent in repairs. Also think about compatability. (Read: as in my battery just died can I borrow one of yours?) Lots of things to think about but if your buying with your own money you only get one chance to be happy with the purchase then you just spend more money to make it right!! Lots of luck

 

[Grog]

Looking at your info you're looking for it to work on Florence Countys system. Do you ever have to work in other areas? I know sometimes some State Constables have been used in Myrtle Beach. Would you need it to work on other systems or the Palmetto system? That's something to keep in mind.

 

[jparks29]

actually.. I'd grab an 800 Mhz AS2 or AS3 (astro saber) .. they can be had in good condition for less than 500$, most are digital to begin with, AND can be updated when/if rebanding rolls around to your area.....