New to Motorola: Several Questions

[prcguy]

Before you pull the trigger on a XG. Post the links on here so others can look at them to make sure you are getting a good deal.

We are here to help.

If the links are too cheap the radio may disappear before the OP gets it!

I've seen a lot of XG-100Ps and the later RF hardware rev R20 has the least number of intermittent bad keypads, probably because its just a newer radio. For people in the know, buying a nice clean radio with the least amount of features for the lowest $$ is good if you can connect with someone who can upgrade features for low $$. You don't need a programming cable for uploading mission plans but you do need one for upgrading firmware and maybe features.

 

[vagrant]

12v APX Battery Eliminator under $25 - No need to worry about battery life. Pair it with a 12v 3 Ah power supply with a cig power port for home use, or enjoy it in your vehicle. There's also 12v battery chargers out there as well.

Also, I typically use BT to program my radio, but either way, if you use a VPN turn it off while you program the radio. You'll get an error otherwise.

 

[wa8pyr]

12v APX Battery Eliminator under $25 - No need to worry about battery life. Pair it with a 12v 3 Ah power supply with a cig power port for home use, or enjoy it in your vehicle. There's also 12v battery chargers out there as well.

Also, I typically use BT to program my radio, but either way, if you use a VPN turn it off while you program the radio. You'll get an error otherwise.

Be careful with those battery eliminators. Many of them are made in Cheena and use the absolute cheapest components you can imagine. I had a regulator fail in one; fortunately I smelled it when the magic smoke escaped and hit the off button on the power supply, so no major damage.

 

[brndnstffrd]

For people in the know, buying a nice clean radio with the least amount of features for the lowest $$ is good if you can connect with someone who can upgrade features for low $$.

This is where i ran into issues. Ended up having to pass on a few very well priced radios and pay a little more for one that had everything i was looking for. Ended up working out fine in the end for the portable (newest revision, good condition, good batteries) but that's what has stopped me from getting a mobile.

 

[mtp850]

Good, you bought it from a known source. Many people buy online, mostly on eBay. This often led to many problems, ranging from legal to shady tricks from bad sellers. Often, those radios have ASK enabled or write lock on. Which in return makes your pricey toy a useless brick.