New to Motorola

[Kb3uaf]

Ok, long time ham user, want to start with Motorola.

What is a good first used radio, programming software,and cable. I need to know what I'll need to get up and running, I'd like to program analogue ham repeaters and some DMR repeaters. UHF is preferred as that's where most of the DMR repeaters are, but I know next to nothing so all you experts, tell me what's up. Running Windows 11 on a Dell Latitude, is that an issue? We can start there and I'll learn as I go. Tks, Greg

ETA: I asked all this because after several months of reading posts on this section my brain is fried. RSS,CPS,MTS-2000,XTS-5000, SABER, ASTRO SABER, ETC.... figured I'd just ask. If anybody has some refence maaterial that would be nice too. Tks again.

 

[K2NEC]

Depends how much you want to spend. The XPR6550 is a good radio on the cheaper side. The XPR7550 is better but slightly more expensive. Ive seen many already come with accessories and programming cables and software is free from Moto.

 

[Kb3uaf]

Afrer a bit of surfing I've found some XPR-7550 radios on ebay that are in my price range with a bit of saving. These only come with the radio,battery,antenna and charger. May I ask where you've seen the whole bundle (cable,etc)? I'm quite willing to buy items piecemeal, paying off some bills as I was out of work for surgery for a month. But I do have some discretionary funds. Thank you for your help.

 

[K9KLC]

Afrer a bit of surfing I've found some XPR-7550 radios on ebay that are in my price range with a bit of saving. These only come with the radio,battery,antenna and charger. May I ask where you've seen the whole bundle (cable,etc)? I'm quite willing to buy items piecemeal, paying off some bills as I was out of work for surgery for a month. But I do have some discretionary funds. Thank you for your help.

Personally, I'd worry about a better deal on the radio, battery, charger, and antenna and then go after the programming cable separately. I've bought probably 30 different XPR radios and not one has come with a cable for programming.

 

[K9KLC]

Afrer a bit of surfing I've found some XPR-7550 radios

I'd start working on getting the software to program the radio from Motorola.

 

[K9KLC]

If you search around, and want a DMR ONLY radio, (doesn't do analog but, thought it worth mentioning) I use a SL-7550 when in the town where our clubs DMR repeater is, and it programs with the same software and uses a mini USB cable for charging and programming. Once in a while you can find those pretty cheap but you have to look for them. For DMR only they're pretty neat little radios. Just more "stuff" to ponder. I usually carry two radios when doing events anyway so honestly works out better for me as we can listen and talk two places at one time. But again I know you asked for DMR and Analog both.


I honestly don't know if the XPR 7550's in real life day to day ham usage are actually that much better than the 7550's (that you'll actually notice) I think they do receive a little better at times, but other than bluetooth which I do use on my 7580 (for 900 MHz) it was hard to tell the difference between the 6580 and 7580. On UHF, I honestly couldn't tell much difference on DMR between the two. (6550 and 7550). All depends on what you're going to do with them.

 

[Kb3uaf]

I'm looking for both DMR and analog, I have a DMR repeater on the mountain across from me and I'd like to continue using it, as well as the local area. There are a bunch of analog repeaters around as well though, some a radio that does both would be nice. Is the software on the Motorola website? Also, where do I go (or NOT GO)for a programming cable? Sorry for all the questions, as I've said I'm totally new at this and have a bunch to learn.

 

[K9KLC]

I'm looking for both DMR and analog, I have a DMR repeater on the mountain across from me and I'd like to continue using it, as well as the local area

Gotcha and understood.

Is the software on the Motorola website?

You'll have to register for an account there, I'll let someone more familiar with how that's done now comment, I've had mine a while now.

Also, where do I go (or NOT GO)for a programming cable?

This will receive mixed answers. The stock pat answer is get the OEM Motorola cable, that being said, most of my cables have come from Ebay, "bluemax49er". I've had no problems with his cables. Also you might want to engage with him about other "things" you're needing.

Again, I've probably gotten multiple cables from various sources including 1 OEM Motorola, but honesty a lot of us here got the cables from him on eBay and to date, I don't know anyone that's had problem with an XPR HT cable from him.

 

[Kb3uaf]

Yeah, I've seen his site on ebay, lots of good feedback and I've read other reviews that were positive. Now to register for a Motorola account.

 

[MarkHamSSE5000]

I'm looking for both DMR and analog, I have a DMR repeater on the mountain across from me and I'd like to continue using it, as well as the local area. There are a bunch of analog repeaters around as well though, some a radio that does both would be nice. Is the software on the Motorola website? Also, where do I go (or NOT GO)for a programming cable? Sorry for all the questions, as I've said I'm totally new at this and have a bunch to learn.

The XPR7550 would fit the bill quite well here since it does DMR & Analog with MDC in UHF from 403-512MHz. Since it's discontinued but was quite popular, you'll see them on everyone's favorite internet bidding and shopping site with prices that are starting to come down.

 

[Kb3uaf]

Well, I registered on a site , but it was for Motorola phones/internet . Where do I go for radios?

 

[MarkHamSSE5000]

Well, I registered on a site , but it was for Motorola phones/internet . Where do I go for radios?

http://www.motorolasolutions.com

 

[K9KLC]

The XPR7550 would fit the bill quite well here since it does DMR & Analog with MDC in UHF from 403-512MHz. Since it's discontinued but was quite popular, you'll see them on everyone's favorite internet bidding and shopping site with prices that are starting to come down.

Ya wouldn't mind if they came down a little more but you're right, they're starting to come down at least.

 

[Kb3uaf]

Motorola site says I need a business account to download the software.

 

[K2NEC]

Ignore the title, but theres some helpful info here

Are you looking for free programming software, system keys or Depot?

Well you won't find it here! To purchase Motorola programming software (CPS or RSS) please visit the Motorola OnLine website to create an account. You will need to telephone Motorola to get the software packages available to your account. Once completed you will be able to download them...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[Kb3uaf]

I have a brand spanking new Motorola Solutions account, and am on hold with the MOTOBRO help desk to ask about the software

 

[K9KLC]

I have a brand spanking new Motorola Solutions account, and am on hold with the MOTOBRO help desk to ask about the software

Make sure you let them know you are a ham and only using the software for programming for non commercial stuff. Helped me with mine anyway.

 

[Kb3uaf]

I told them, and the rep sent me some questions to answer so he can upgrade me to a business account. I was "shunted" to 3 people before I got to the right person everybody was very professional and seemed happy to help. I sent the answers back to the rep, and he said I will get an email notification in a few days.

ETA: Thanks to you gentlemen for your help. I'm not there yet, but I' off to a good start.

 

[chrismol1]

Never pay scalpers and their fancy fake CDs that appear to sell CPS. Motorola now has a support page specifically for their free software.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD CPS SOFTWARE FOR ASTRO AND MOTOTRBO
Here is a quick guide on how to access and download the latest Customer Programming Software (CPS) software for your ASTRO or MOTOTRBO devices.

Support Hub

support.motorolasolutions.com

If you are an Amateur or Ham radio user looking for CPS for your ASTRO or MOTOTRBO device, please make sure you have an account and then follow the steps listed under Customer Hub. If you do not have an account, follow the steps listed above to get an account. Your account should be ready in up to 72 hours.

• Is CPS free?

Yes, CPS for MOTOTRBO & ASTRO is free for all, however, if you are looking for Radio management software such as HKVN4621A (APX RM DOWNLOAD) and HKVN4622A (MOTOTRBO RM-CPS2.0 DOWNLOAD), they come at a cost and can be purchased through the shop.

 

[Kb3uaf]

As stated above, I have an account with Motorla and am waiting for it to be upgraded to a business account so i can get the software.