What can you guys tell me about P25 System Keys? Specifically, a P25 Phase 1 System? Do they follow the same format as Smartzone/net System Keys?
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P25 System Keys?
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MTS2000des
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Not true. An software system key (legacy key) won't allow OmniLink/ISSI roaming to be programmed in an Astro 25 subscriber radio. A hardware advanced system key (ASK) for the system is required.
So what is not true about what I said?
From what I read, the OP was asking about the format of a system key.
If you reread my post, I prefaced my comment with regard to software keys only, and there is no difference in the format of a software system key for a P25 system vs a legacy SN/SZ system.
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MTS2000des
Member
you said:
"as far as software system keys go, there is no difference in how they work."
That is not a correct statement.
There are great differences in what Motorola CPS of different product lines allows one to do. In case of Kenwood an EF Johnson keys for P25, other things come into play.
Software keys do NOT allow you to program Smartzone OmniLink or ISSI roaming, nor they will not work on newer products like APX without a special flash option.
So there are key differences in how they work. OP was asking about Project 25 system keys, presumably for Motorola Astro 25 subscriber radios.
Kenwood P25 keys are totally different, as are EF Johnson, even for Motorola Astro 25 systems. Kenwood, for instance, keys are "married" to a serialized copy of KPG, so only authorized persons can program subscriber radios, and connect to an authentication server.
So your analogy isn't really relevant.
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XTS3000
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MTS2000des, this post is in the Motorola forum, so the OP more than likely is talking about Motorola system keys.
The following statement holds true only for Motorola radios:
A software System Key can be used for Smartzone / Omnilink system with an Astro or Astro25 or APX radio. Your APX needs the proper flashcode option to allow Legacy Software System Key to be used. 3600 (mixed mode) and 9600 (P25 only) systems both can be programmed with a Software Key.
I have to agree with immelmen.
Can you use a Software System Key on a TDMA Phase 2 system, I have no clue.
The following statement holds true only for Motorola radios:
A software System Key can be used for Smartzone / Omnilink system with an Astro or Astro25 or APX radio. Your APX needs the proper flashcode option to allow Legacy Software System Key to be used. 3600 (mixed mode) and 9600 (P25 only) systems both can be programmed with a Software Key.
I have to agree with immelmen.
Can you use a Software System Key on a TDMA Phase 2 system, I have no clue.
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MTS2000des, you and I are talking about two different things. Just so every one is on the same page here and the OP gets good information, lets review.
Sorry if my use of the word "work" threw you off but I thought the question being asked was obvious...but just to make everyone happy, here is the accurate answer to the OP's question with all the details to appease the radio police: With regard to legacy software system keys created for SZ/SN or P25 Tunking systems for Motorola Astro and Astro25 (and appropriately optioned APX) subscriber radios, There is no difference in the format of the data contained within the system key.
Maybe worded poorly on my part, however, the OP was specifically asking about format...as far as the ones and zeros that make up a software key and how one goes about creating them, it works the same if your doing it for either system(assuming Motorola radios) . That was the intent of my response, I thought that obvious based on the specificity of the question.
This, we agree on seeing as this is the Motorola forum. I would go further to presume he was asking about software keys by the way he wrote the question.
All great information, but I dont see the word "format" in there anywhere, so none of it is really relevant to the question asked.
Sorry if my use of the word "work" threw you off but I thought the question being asked was obvious...but just to make everyone happy, here is the accurate answer to the OP's question with all the details to appease the radio police: With regard to legacy software system keys created for SZ/SN or P25 Tunking systems for Motorola Astro and Astro25 (and appropriately optioned APX) subscriber radios, There is no difference in the format of the data contained within the system key.
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MTS2000des
Member
your right, the format is the same, I stand corrected. still the same 30 bytes o' data that some claim are "proprietary"...but you can create with your editor of choice. 
Thanks guys!
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Any assistance with this question would be appreciated:
I have (2) APX7000 portables. Both were originally programmed with a hardware system key. I now would like to utilize software system keys for these radios. M told me I can't switch to software sys key once the radio is programmed the first time with a hardware sys key. $450 each radio to re-flash from scratch...
Any thoughts?
I have (2) APX7000 portables. Both were originally programmed with a hardware system key. I now would like to utilize software system keys for these radios. M told me I can't switch to software sys key once the radio is programmed the first time with a hardware sys key. $450 each radio to re-flash from scratch...
Any thoughts?
In the XTS/XTL there is a new CPS option to change the OWNER SYSTEM ID. I used that feature last summer on a couple dozen radios to turn the WRITE PROTECT OFF and it worked OK, although it was a convoluted process.
Maybe the APX has a similar feature in the newer CPS?
I don't have any APX's around to check if that's an available option.
I too had that issue with APX hard key sooomoney. Our state system had the hard key, but the neighbor state system is EFJ and had no hard key, only soft. It took some time but eventually my radio vendor got me soft key flashes free of charge. The $450 flash seems fishy to me. Maybe have them look into this more, or try another vendor?
Johnconnor98's procedure works great to take a radio back to soft key (but the hard key used does have to be full rights, not limited). I am not aware of a method to do this with the APX series. Maybe someone else here does? My guess is - not possible since this is a flash option, unlike the XTL/XTS series. I checked some notes and see the APX flash option for soft key is option QA01749AB. On a new radio, this is a no charge option.
Johnconnor98's procedure works great to take a radio back to soft key (but the hard key used does have to be full rights, not limited). I am not aware of a method to do this with the APX series. Maybe someone else here does? My guess is - not possible since this is a flash option, unlike the XTL/XTS series. I checked some notes and see the APX flash option for soft key is option QA01749AB. On a new radio, this is a no charge option.
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Um, HELP?
What happened to the Advanced System Key Administrator?
I was trying to do some work on an XTL2500 yesterday and had a problem with the Advanced Key. That's when I noticed the TOOLS-system Keys-Advanced Keys Configuration was greyed out!
I installed CPS 18.00.03 for the XTL series a week or so ago.
(I was able to use a different USB dongle to do my work)
What happened to the Advanced System Key Administrator?
I was trying to do some work on an XTL2500 yesterday and had a problem with the Advanced Key. That's when I noticed the TOOLS-system Keys-Advanced Keys Configuration was greyed out!
I installed CPS 18.00.03 for the XTL series a week or so ago.
(I was able to use a different USB dongle to do my work)
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