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XTS3000 question

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cyabor

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I newly have 5 used xts 3000 I think they programmed for FRS GMRS right now. I use them for communication between trucks, the distance doesn't see to go too far. Is there a way that I can program them so that they use a repeater system. I know that my national guard unit uses a similar radio that is able to talk for 100s of miles I don't know the system that it uses.
 

vagrant

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With an FCC $70 GMRS license for you and your family (No test and good for 10 years), you can use the XTS3000 at full power on specific GMRS frequencies. It also permits you to use local GMRS repeaters that are "open" for people to use. Sometimes, permission is required. It is not necessarily a "free-for-all", as someone paid for the repeater equipment and upkeep. myGMRS.com - GMRS Repeater Directory is a site to review and find repeaters that may be in your area once you are licensed.

Additionally, external antennas on your trucks will help dramatically for simplex use (radio-to-radio), versus using the handheld radio inside the vehicle. Even a GMRS frequency tuned magnet mount antenna in the middle of the roof will offer much improvement. You may need adapters though to connect each XTS3000 to the antenna coaxial cable.
 

JCunningham17

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im useing a XTS3000 version 1 on a repeater. you can set it up to use DPL or TPL tones. you need the Astro Saber CPS to do it.
 

W7FDX

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I newly have 5 used xts 3000 I think they programmed for FRS GMRS right now. I use them for communication between trucks, the distance doesn't see to go too far. Is there a way that I can program them so that they use a repeater system. I know that my national guard unit uses a similar radio that is able to talk for 100s of miles I don't know the system that it uses.
Your best bet would be to get your GMRS license and use a local repeater if you have one. If you don't then you'll have to upgrade to a mobile radio with more power with an external antenna (A 5/8 wave would work best for simplex) for the best results. As far as your question about what system the national guard uses and since I don't know where you are located so I can't tell you with certainty but they are most likely using some sort of trunked radio system. In simple terms a trunked radio system is several different repeaters on different towers spread over a certain area (ex. county, region, state, ect) that are all linked together for wide area radio coverage.
 

cyabor

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Apr 26, 2019
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Your best bet would be to get your GMRS license and use a local repeater if you have one. If you don't then you'll have to upgrade to a mobile radio with more power with an external antenna (A 5/8 wave would work best for simplex) for the best results. As far as your question about what system the national guard uses and since I don't know where you are located so I can't tell you with certainty but they are most likely using some sort of trunked radio system. In simple terms a trunked radio system is several different repeaters on different towers spread over a certain area (ex. county, region, state, ect) that are all linked together for wide area radio coverage.
In order to use a trunked radio system what would I need (kinds of radios and permission from the owner)?
 

chief21

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In order to use a trunked radio system what would I need (kinds of radios and permission from the owner)?
There are many types of trunked radio systems that operate on different radio bands. Unless you are employed by or otherwise affiliated with the user of a particular system (and who is willing to allow you to use it), you would likely have to pay a monthly fee for the use of a local commercial system. In either case, you'd need to contact the system owners/operators for specific information as to the particular types of radios that are compatible with the radio system.
 

W7FDX

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There are many types of trunked radio systems that operate on different radio bands. Unless you are employed by or otherwise affiliated with the user of a particular system (and who is willing to allow you to use it), you would likely have to pay a monthly fee for the use of a local commercial system. In either case, you'd need to contact the system owners/operators for specific information as to the particular types of radios that are compatible with the radio system.
I agree with cheif21, unless you are employed by the agency that owns the system or they are willing to let you use it then you would be better off paying the subscription fee on a commercial trunked system but 9/10 times the commercial systems are either using DMR or NXDN so your XTS 3000 won't work. Plus the 3000's aren't compatible with the newer P25 P2 public safety systems that most agencies are upgrading to. I just remembered to ask how far are you wanting to communicate on a regular basis? That will help us to recommend what equipment and/or infrastructure will fit your needs.
 

FireJustin

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Understanding what part of the country you are in might also help with recommendations. If you are uncomfortable sharing that in public, feel free to pm me.
 
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