ddiesel2006
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Sorry for the newb question, but what exactly is FPP? I understand that it stands for face panel programmable, but what exactly does it let you do? Input frequences via keypad?
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What is FPP?
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Pimpala03
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Front Panel Programmable. You can program frequencies and PLs but not too much more from the front keypad.
Basically, it's field programmable.
Basically, it's field programmable.
ddiesel2006
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Nice. Thats about what I thought. I'd assume it'd have to be a M3 (for XTS5000's)? Do all M3's have this option, or is it in the flashcode like digital operation? How much do these usually cost over "regular" M3's?Pimpala03 said:
It's a flash option so not all have it.
Those that do usually cost more.
You can program freq, pl, dcs, nac, bandwidth, scan, and label from the keypad.
It's very handy.
Those that do usually cost more.
You can program freq, pl, dcs, nac, bandwidth, scan, and label from the keypad.
It's very handy.
There are a number of Thales/Racal P25 portables that are becoming available on eBay. They are front panel programmable and are a lot less expensive than the Motorola radios. They seem to have an overall good reputation. I have seen one in operation and it is pretty easy to program in the field. On the downside getting parts may be an issue. They are an option to consider though if you're looking for FPP. VHF only though.
Plus the JT1000 are still out there on the used market. Not sure if people are still asking $400 like they used to, but all JT1000s can do FPP (hence the only reason for the JT version to be built).
If it's for the ham bands, I have heard some people actually use <gasp> a ham radio to get FPP functions
If it's for the ham bands, I have heard some people actually use <gasp> a ham radio to get FPP functions
Can an XTS5000 be flashed to have FPP?
What does it take and what would that cost?
Thanks
What does it take and what would that cost?
Thanks
Yes it can and the firmware refesh and the FPP feature should be under $200.
Typicially you need to be the original owner of the radio with all of the tags intact.
I saw someone that had a model II with FPP and while it was a pain to program it using the center navigation it was doable.
FPP is available in the XTS2500's and XTS5000's but it is an extra option just like APCO25 and other features. I'm waiting for them to come out with an XTL mobile compliment using the DTMF keypad...lol
I have never heard of a MII with FPP... I do love my MIII though.
The Thales 25 / Racal 25 products are unique. They are solid milled aluminum. Battery life is fair ~ 8 hrs or so. Audio is a bit weak since they use the same mylar speakers like the 396 and VX-7r. RF performance seems good such as sensitivity and selectivity. Performance is greatly enhanced with the use of a Motorola wideband Vhf antenna. They have no signalling and there is quite a bit of squelch tail. The display is incredible and almost all features are FPP accessable. Keyloading can be done via SOFTWARE! No ridiculous $1500.00 KVL-3000 needed. Software and firmware is freely downloadable from the Thales site with the establishment of a free account. Chargers (cube type) are upgradable with free firmware and they have built in DB9 serial cables with no rib needed. Radios don't use ribs either. Thales splurged for the $.99 RS232 chip and put it IN the radio. Cube chargers can be powered from a supplied 110v cable or 12v from the car. They use XTS belt clips. The radio is about 1/2 thick and very light weight. Radio is submersible (yea no R model needed, they are all R models) and built like a piece of field artillery.
Strange thing... the radios are shoved 1/4 full of some odd fiberglass insulation stuff. It's an enigma like the gold lube on a new Glock.
Bad part, batteries are around $125 a piece new from Thales.
Not having to shell out several hundred dollars to Moto M for crappy software or making back room deals with someone you never met and have no idea where they are to flash upgrade a unit to Fed Govt. FPP............. Priceless.
Strange thing... the radios are shoved 1/4 full of some odd fiberglass insulation stuff. It's an enigma like the gold lube on a new Glock.
Bad part, batteries are around $125 a piece new from Thales.
Not having to shell out several hundred dollars to Moto M for crappy software or making back room deals with someone you never met and have no idea where they are to flash upgrade a unit to Fed Govt. FPP............. Priceless.
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I called Thales and inquired about some parts (keypads, external parts, etc...). A few days later I came to work to find a large envelope full of parts and a letter hand signed from one of the reps hoping that I enjoy my "sample" parts and thanking me for my inquiry.
Not a dime spent on my end.
If you catch them on a good day they will treat you like gold.
If watch the news closely it seems every other person deployed is carrying an AN/PRC-148 MBITR. At damn near $10,000 a pop I guess they have reason to be happy people.
Not a dime spent on my end.
If you catch them on a good day they will treat you like gold.
If watch the news closely it seems every other person deployed is carrying an AN/PRC-148 MBITR. At damn near $10,000 a pop I guess they have reason to be happy people.
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Its a flashcode feature and not model dependent, but a Model I having it is pretty much useless...lol I have a VHF Model III with it and love the feature as well.
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