Read this before buying your first radio!

[AES-256-Encryption]

Many of you know just how much people enjoy and love Motorola radios. But when I first got started, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. If you go back through my posts, you'll see I even asked about using an 800MHz radio for VHF. When I began, I didn’t understand flashcodes, band splits, or even the basic steps to ensure I got what I needed. So, I wanted to put together a guide on how to find exactly what you need for your radio setup.

Step 1: Decode the Flashcode​

Understanding the flashcode of your radio is essential. This code tells you about the features and capabilities of your radio. You can decode the flashcode using Akardam’s Flashcode Decoder. Simply enter the flashcode, and it will break down all the included features for you.

akardam.net Flashcode Decoder R05.03.05

Make sure to enter the flash in proper configuration ex. (1a1200-000492-2)

Step 2: Understand Band Splits​

Band splits refer to the frequency ranges that a radio can operate on. It's important to choose the right band split to ensure compatibility with your desired frequencies. Here are the common band splits for Motorola radios:

• K: VHF (136-174 MHz)
• Q: UHF1 (380-470 MHz)
• S: UHF2 (450-527 MHz)
• U: 700/800 MHz
• W: 900 MHz

AN vs. BN Radios​

Another important aspect to consider is the difference between AN and BN radios. These designations refer to different generations of the same model, with BN radios generally being the newer version. Here are some key differences:

• AN Radios:
  • Typically the older generation.
  • May have different firmware and hardware specifications.
  • Often lack some of the newer features found in BN models.
    • Such as Wi-Fi on APX models if applicable. (QA09001)
  • Has less memory compared to BN radios.
• BN Radios:
  • Newer generation with updated hardware.
  • Enhanced features and better performance.
  • Increased memory capacity.

Specific Models and Variants​

Here are specific models and variants of Motorola radios:

APX8000​

• Model 1.5: H91TGD9PW5AN (VHF, UHF-R1 & R2, and 7/800 MHz) Unless the original purchaser removed bands to save money.
• Model 2.5: H91TGD9PW6AN (VHF, UHF-R1 & R2, and 7/800 MHz) Unless the original purchaser removed bands to save money.
• Model 3.5: H91TGD9PW7AN (VHF, UHF-R1 & R2, and 7/800 MHz) Unless the original purchaser removed bands to save money.

APX7000​

• Model 1.5 / 3.5: H97TGD9PW1AN (Check individual flashcode numbers for specific configurations)

APX6000​

• Model 1.5: H98UCD9PW5AN, H98KGD9PW5AN, H98QDD9PW5AN, H98SDD9PW5AN
• Model 2.5: H98UCF9PW6AN, H98KGF9PW6AN, H98QDF9PW6AN, H98SDF9PW6AN
• Model 3.5: H98UCH9PW7AN, H98KGH9PW7AN, H98QDH9PW7AN, H98SDH9PW7AN

XTS5000​

• Model 1: H18UCC9PW5AN, H18KEC9PW5AN, H18QDC9PW5AN, H18SDC9PW5AN
• Model 2: H18UCF9PW6AN, H18KEF9PW6AN, H18QDF9PW6AN, H18SDF9PW6AN
• Model 3: H18UCH9PW7AN, H18KEH9PW7AN, H18QDH9PW7AN, H18SDH9PW7AN

XTS2500​

• Model 1: H46UCC9PW5AN, H46QDC9PW5AN, H46KDC9PW5AN, H46SDC9PW5AN
• Model 1.5: H46UCD9PW5AN, H46QDD9PW5AN, H46KDD9PW5AN, H46SDD9PW5AN
• Model 2: H46UCF9PW6AN, H46QDF9PW6AN, H46KDF9PW6AN, H46SDF9PW6AN
• Model 3: H46UCH9PW7AN, H46QDH9PW7AN, H46KDH9PW7AN, H46SDH9PW7AN

Understanding these differences is crucial, especially when purchasing used equipment or upgrading your current setup. Always check the model designation to ensure you're getting the features you need.

Using the Radio Reference Database​

The Radio Reference Database is an excellent resource for finding frequency information. Here, you can look up specific frequencies used in your area and ensure your radio's band split matches those frequencies. For instance, if your local public safety communications are on 155.250 MHz, you'll need a VHF radio that covers that frequency etc...

Final Tips​

• Always double-check the specifications before purchasing a radio.
• Make sure your radio's band split matches the frequencies you plan to use.
• Use the provided websites to decode flashcodes for accurate information. (Unless modified using DEPOT software)

Note: These units are not designed to listen to trunked system passively. Yes you can but there are risks that are legitimately not worth it. See units such as unication if you dont have experience doing such.

If I missed anything please feel free to let me know! Thanks!

 

[DMS11B]

Fantastic writeup 👏

 

[AES-256-Encryption]

Fantastic writeup 👏

Thank you

 

[ElroyJetson]

I would suggest that you should add descriptions of the various model packages as well. For a newbie, model 1, 1.5, 2, or 3 don't mean anything at first.

 

[YL3IM]

 

[YL3IM]

 

[YL3IM]

 

[kayn1n32008]

-XTS5000 were never offered in 900MHz.

-APX4000 HazLoc(Orange case) is 800/900MHz, no 700MHz.

-XPR7x50 UHF band split is full range 403-520MHz

-XPR-4/5/6/7 VHF: J

-XPX4/5/6/7x80 are 800/900MHz, the XPR6580IS is a 800/900MHz radio you want nothing to do with because they use their own IS rated battery that is very expensive. They are NOT compatible with other XPR6xx0 batteries.

XPR7x80e radios will not function in the 900MHz ham band

 

[K2NEC]

XPR Generation 1 (4000 series, 6000 series) came in two different UHF splits. Either UHF 1 (403-470) or UHF 2 (450-520)

XPR5000 series are either UHF 1 or UHF 2.

Generation XPR7000 series and XPR3000 series are the entire UHF split 403-520)

 

[AES-256-Encryption]

looks like he beat me to it and better. Still good to have a guide for the older stuffs.

 

[AK9R]

So, I wanted to put together a guide on how to find exactly what you need for your radio setup.

This sort of thing would be a nice addition to the RadioReference Wiki. That way, you and other knowledgeable users could maintain the information and keep it up to date. Motorola Radios - The RadioReference Wiki

 

[AES-256-Encryption]

This sort of thing would be a nice addition to the RadioReference Wiki. That way, you and other knowledgeable users could maintain the information and keep it up to date. Motorola Radios - The RadioReference Wiki

ill see what i can do!

 

[GlobalNorth]

Other than video #2 being rather dim and some issues with the LCD displays washing out based on angle of view, these are helpful for those novices wanting Motorola portables and avoiding the pitfalls of professional radios vs. Ham radios.