XTS 2500 model II

[nokones]

I am a volunteer firefighter and was recently given a xts 2500 model II by my sheriff’s dept that is no longer being used. My hope was to program it, using the FPP, to the fire department frequency so that I could use it for fire calls to keep on my body (my chief ok’d this). Here’s my problem and why I’m reaching out. The menu button and all side buttons have been locked out, and the sherrif’s dept is telling me to get it programmed by their person, which would be $100 (that I don’t have). I DO have the software, but right now, don’t want to spend the $35 (don’t have that money right now) on the cable just to program one frequency into my radio. From looking on youtube, IT IS possible to reprogram by hand using the front panel buttons. I just can’t do it because the menu button is locked, and this model doesn’t have the numbers below it. Is there a way to factory reset this radio by using the buttons, or am I going to just breakdown and get the cable?

second question: I am looking into also getting my ham license. from reading the manual online, this radio will do both vhf and uhf in the needed frequencies. so, I am I seeing correctly that I can use this as a ham radio if I can get it programmed properly?

Thanks to all who respond. Newbie here just trying to wade into the waters of the radio world.

JC

I'll be more than happy to help you by programming your radio at no cost but, you would be responsible for the shipping both ways. However, when everything is said and done, your shipping cost would be pretty close to the cost of a programming cable. I recommend that you get the cable for future programming changes that most likely will occur.

Also, the radio you acquired is now considered a private citizen owned radio thus not authorized to transmit on any Part 90.20 Public Safety freq. unless you have a written letter of authorization from the licensee giving you authorization to transmit on the subject freq, pursuant to the FCC Part 90 Rules and Regulations.

If you elect to have me to program your radio, a copy of that authorization would need to accompany the radio. Let me know if I can help.

 

[MTS2000des]

The big question: if it's an 800MHz system, chances are it's trunking not conventional, and this can only lawfully and properly be done by the radio service provider or authorized system key holder.

Any equipment used for IDLH use needs to be done right. One wouldn't buy used and untested SCBAs and toss them on, nor use non-fit tested gear, as anything carried on duty needs to be properly vetted. Certainly one would NEVER use hobby toy radios like CCRs unless they just don't care about their safety, their crews safety, or the safety of the public. OSHA and others would have a field day when the "all good, until it wasn't" moment goes down.

This is a hobbyist forum and radio hobbyist helping one how to program their scanners is what we should be doing. When professionals need professional assistance, they should be seeking such from and through the appropriate channels.

 

[AK9R]

Not sure Kenwood still sells it...

American Communications still lists KPG-89DNK and KPG-89DK on their website for $77 each:

Kenwood KPG-89DNK Software for TK-2180/3180/7180/8180

Compliant with FCC Part 90 Narrowbanding. For KENWOOD TK-2180, TK-3180, TK-7180, TK-8180 radios

www.ameradio.com

Buy Kenwood KPG-89DK | Windows® Programming Software

For KENWOOD TK-2180, TK-3180, TK-7180, TK-8180 radios

www.ameradio.com

 

[AK9R]

The big question: if it's an 800MHz system...

This is from post #6 in the thread:

The local sheriff uses an 800 frequency, and my fire dept uses a 154 frequency...

A relatively simple Part 90 VHF radio, not a CCR, will probably suit his needs as a volunteer fireman to monitor his department and provide some situational awareness, though I wouldn't suggest using a used personal radio as part of his turnout gear. I am not an expert.

 

[f40ph]

It's been beat to death above but...had the radio been compatible, it would be preferable to spend the money for the Moto cable rather than buy the junk radio.

 

[johncook530]

Send an email to me at N3VMY@prodigy.net; I have a Motorola HT1250 VHF full keyboard radio I have for sale.

Email sent.

 

[johncook530]

So, one last question and Im done.

Is it a safe assumption that I cannot convert the sheriffs department radio that is currently using 850 freqs to work on my fire departments VHF frequency using the software and cable? I have the software. It would just be a matter of buying the cable.

 

[KevinC]

So, one last question and Im done.

Is it a safe assumption that I cannot convert the sheriffs department radio that is currently using 850 freqs to work on my fire departments VHF frequency using the software and cable? I have the software. It would just be a matter of buying the cable.

Your assumption is correct.

 

[mmckenna]

Is it a safe assumption that I cannot convert the sheriffs department radio that is currently using 850 freqs to work on my fire departments VHF frequency using the software and cable? I have the software. It would just be a matter of buying the cable.

The radios use a band specific RF board. There is no way to change an 800MHz radio to a VHF radio with software.

Give the 800MHz radio back to the Sheriffs office and get a VHF radio.