W3AXL Wiki - User contributions [en]

VP8000

2026-03-23T23:20:51Z

W3AXL: /* Bluetooth Compatability */

{{Infobox
|title = EF Johnson VP8000
|image = [[File:VP-8000-Both-ProdPg.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2022
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[DMR]] T2/3 (TBD) [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The EF Johnson / Kenwood Viking VP8000 is an all-band public safety P25 radio, released in late 2022 as a competitor to the Motorola [[APX8000]] and Harris [[XL-200p]] all-band radios.

==Hardware==
===Keyloading Pinout===
The VP8000, like the other radios using Kenwood's universal connector, can be keyloaded from a KFD keyloader using the KPG-93 cable, whose pinout is shown below.

[[File:Kpg-93-pinout@4x.png|200px]]

===Programming Cables===
Officially, the radio can only be programmed with the KPG-236XU cable, which is expensive and hard to find.
====Using the KPG-36X====
The KPG-36X can be used with the VP8000, depending on the revision number. Units of revision 03550 or lower will function fine. Units of revision 03351 or newer will need to be modified to work with the VP8000 due to slight differences in the ciruitry.

The following information is from [https://communications.support/threads/kpg-36x-vp8000-mod.22693/|user mpron on the Communications.Support forums]. Two ferrite beads on the mainboard of the cable must be bypassed, and the pins connecting to the radio accessory connector must be rearranged.

[[File:36x circuit.png|300px]][[File:KWMultipin.png|300px]]

Kenwood also released an official service bulletin advising of the same modifications to newer-revision KPG-36X cables:

[[File:FSB-1222-KPG36X-VP8000-Mod VP8000ProgrammingCableMod.pdf]]

====The KPG-36z====

The [https://bluemax49ers.com/product-explorer/vp6000-usb-kpg-36z-6-ft-radio-programming-cable/|KPG-36z cable] from BlueMax49ers has also been confirmed to work 100% with the VP8000.

===Test Data===

Some very basic test data from expirements with the radio.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:0"
! colspan=2|Power Consumption
|-
| Power Off || 0.14 mA
|-
| On, Idle || 140 mA
|-
| Backlight || +77 mA
|-
| Bluetooth || +10 mA avg
|-
| WiFi || +30 mA avg
|-
| GPS || + 25 mA
|-
| TX, VHF, 5W ||
|-
| TX, UHF, 5W ||
|}

=== Bluetooth Compatability ===
Below is a curated list of bluetooth devices that have been confirmed either '''working''' or '''non-working'''. If you have bluetooth devices you've tested that aren't on this list, please [https://w3axl.com/?page_id=345 email us]!
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Compatible
!Notes
|-
|Apple
|AirPods 2
|✅ Yes
|Pairing is a little finnicky but RX audio does work fine
|-
|Apple
|AirPods 2 Pro
|⚠️ Mixed
|Some report no issues, others report dropped connections
|-
|GoNovate
|G10
|✅ Yes
|Works as an RX-only headset, no PTT
|-
|GoNovate
|G8
|❌ No
|Pairs but presents Serial Port Profile (SPP) first, preventing audio from functioning
|-
|JLab
|JBuds Mini
|❌ No
|Pairs but audio does not work
|-
|JVC
|KD-SX38MBT
|❌ No
|Pairs but will not connect
|-
|NVAHVA
|J18
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|-
|Samsung
|Galaxy Buds Live
|❌ No
|Pairs but will not connect
|-
|Sony
|WF-C510
|✅ Yes
|
|-
|Sony
|WF-XB700
|✅ Yes
|
|-
|Sony
|WH-100XM4
|✅ Yes
|
|-
|SYSFUN
|X7
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|-
|Ultimate Ears
|Boom 2
|✅ Yes
|
|}

==Software==
The VP8000 uses EFJ's Armada software suite, available from EF Johnson for a reasonable price. The radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi (using OTAP server).

===No-Affiliate Scanning (NAS)===
If you have valid system keys, you can passively scan a trunked system using a similar method to Motorola radios.

First, program up your trunk system like you normally would. Importantly, '''make sure you set up system preferred site lists if you're scanning a multi-site system!''' This is essential for proper scanning, otherwise the radio does weird things as it roams between sites.

Now, make sure all your talkgroups are set to TX disabled in your zone:
[[File:VP8000 NAS txdisabled.png]]

'''Make sure you never navigate to this zone while in-range of the system''', or the radio will affiliate and you will have a bad day. I keep my NAS trunk zones at the top end of my zone list with empty "buffer" zones named "STOP" or a similar obvious title.

Next - create a radio-wide scanlist and add the trunk talkgroups you want to scan.
Make sure User Editable is disabled and the talkback type is "selected channel":
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws.png]]

Finally, add a conventional channel and assign the radio-wide scanlist. I also usually enable auto-scan as well so I don't have to assign & press a RWS buton
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws-channel.png]]

I am not responsible if you get your shiny new radio inhibited. Don't be stupid.

VP8000

2025-11-23T22:24:32Z

W3AXL: /* Bluetooth Compatability */

{{Infobox
|title = EF Johnson VP8000
|image = [[File:VP-8000-Both-ProdPg.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2022
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[DMR]] T2/3 (TBD) [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The EF Johnson / Kenwood Viking VP8000 is an all-band public safety P25 radio, released in late 2022 as a competitor to the Motorola [[APX8000]] and Harris [[XL-200p]] all-band radios.

==Hardware==
===Keyloading Pinout===
The VP8000, like the other radios using Kenwood's universal connector, can be keyloaded from a KFD keyloader using the KPG-93 cable, whose pinout is shown below.

[[File:Kpg-93-pinout@4x.png|200px]]

===Programming Cables===
Officially, the radio can only be programmed with the KPG-236XU cable, which is expensive and hard to find.
====Using the KPG-36X====
The KPG-36X can be used with the VP8000, depending on the revision number. Units of revision 03550 or lower will function fine. Units of revision 03351 or newer will need to be modified to work with the VP8000 due to slight differences in the ciruitry.

The following information is from [https://communications.support/threads/kpg-36x-vp8000-mod.22693/|user mpron on the Communications.Support forums]. Two ferrite beads on the mainboard of the cable must be bypassed, and the pins connecting to the radio accessory connector must be rearranged.

[[File:36x circuit.png|300px]][[File:KWMultipin.png|300px]]

Kenwood also released an official service bulletin advising of the same modifications to newer-revision KPG-36X cables:

[[File:FSB-1222-KPG36X-VP8000-Mod VP8000ProgrammingCableMod.pdf]]

====The KPG-36z====

The [https://bluemax49ers.com/product-explorer/vp6000-usb-kpg-36z-6-ft-radio-programming-cable/|KPG-36z cable] from BlueMax49ers has also been confirmed to work 100% with the VP8000.

===Test Data===

Some very basic test data from expirements with the radio.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:0"
! colspan=2|Power Consumption
|-
| Power Off || 0.14 mA
|-
| On, Idle || 140 mA
|-
| Backlight || +77 mA
|-
| Bluetooth || +10 mA avg
|-
| WiFi || +30 mA avg
|-
| GPS || + 25 mA
|-
| TX, VHF, 5W ||
|-
| TX, UHF, 5W ||
|}

=== Bluetooth Compatability ===
Below is a curated list of bluetooth devices that have been confirmed either '''working''' or '''non-working'''. If you have bluetooth devices you've tested that aren't on this list, please [https://w3axl.com/?page_id=345 email us]!
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Compatible
!Notes
|-
|Apple
|AirPods 2
|✅ Yes
|Pairing is a little finnicky but RX audio does work fine
|-
|GoNovate
|G10
|✅ Yes
|Works as an RX-only headset, no PTT
|-
|GoNovate
|G8
|❌ No
|Pairs but presents Serial Port Profile (SPP) first, preventing audio from functioning
|-
|JLab
|JBuds Mini
|❌ No
|Pairs but audio does not work
|-
|NVAHVA
|J18
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|-
|Sony
|WF-C510
|✅ Yes
|
|-
|Sony
|WF-XB700
|✅ Yes
|
|-
|Sony
|WH-100XM4
|✅ Yes
|
|-
|SYSFUN
|X7
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|}

==Software==
The VP8000 uses EFJ's Armada software suite, available from EF Johnson for a reasonable price. The radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi (using OTAP server).

===No-Affiliate Scanning (NAS)===
If you have valid system keys, you can passively scan a trunked system using a similar method to Motorola radios.

First, program up your trunk system like you normally would. Importantly, '''make sure you set up system preferred site lists if you're scanning a multi-site system!''' This is essential for proper scanning, otherwise the radio does weird things as it roams between sites.

Now, make sure all your talkgroups are set to TX disabled in your zone:
[[File:VP8000 NAS txdisabled.png]]

'''Make sure you never navigate to this zone while in-range of the system''', or the radio will affiliate and you will have a bad day. I keep my NAS trunk zones at the top end of my zone list with empty "buffer" zones named "STOP" or a similar obvious title.

Next - create a radio-wide scanlist and add the trunk talkgroups you want to scan.
Make sure User Editable is disabled and the talkback type is "selected channel":
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws.png]]

Finally, add a conventional channel and assign the radio-wide scanlist. I also usually enable auto-scan as well so I don't have to assign & press a RWS buton
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws-channel.png]]

I am not responsible if you get your shiny new radio inhibited. Don't be stupid.

VP8000

2025-11-22T04:38:56Z

W3AXL: /* Bluetooth Compatability */

{{Infobox
|title = EF Johnson VP8000
|image = [[File:VP-8000-Both-ProdPg.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2022
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[DMR]] T2/3 (TBD) [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The EF Johnson / Kenwood Viking VP8000 is an all-band public safety P25 radio, released in late 2022 as a competitor to the Motorola [[APX8000]] and Harris [[XL-200p]] all-band radios.

==Hardware==
===Keyloading Pinout===
The VP8000, like the other radios using Kenwood's universal connector, can be keyloaded from a KFD keyloader using the KPG-93 cable, whose pinout is shown below.

[[File:Kpg-93-pinout@4x.png|200px]]

===Programming Cables===
Officially, the radio can only be programmed with the KPG-236XU cable, which is expensive and hard to find.
====Using the KPG-36X====
The KPG-36X can be used with the VP8000, depending on the revision number. Units of revision 03550 or lower will function fine. Units of revision 03351 or newer will need to be modified to work with the VP8000 due to slight differences in the ciruitry.

The following information is from [https://communications.support/threads/kpg-36x-vp8000-mod.22693/|user mpron on the Communications.Support forums]. Two ferrite beads on the mainboard of the cable must be bypassed, and the pins connecting to the radio accessory connector must be rearranged.

[[File:36x circuit.png|300px]][[File:KWMultipin.png|300px]]

Kenwood also released an official service bulletin advising of the same modifications to newer-revision KPG-36X cables:

[[File:FSB-1222-KPG36X-VP8000-Mod VP8000ProgrammingCableMod.pdf]]

====The KPG-36z====

The [https://bluemax49ers.com/product-explorer/vp6000-usb-kpg-36z-6-ft-radio-programming-cable/|KPG-36z cable] from BlueMax49ers has also been confirmed to work 100% with the VP8000.

===Test Data===

Some very basic test data from expirements with the radio.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:0"
! colspan=2|Power Consumption
|-
| Power Off || 0.14 mA
|-
| On, Idle || 140 mA
|-
| Backlight || +77 mA
|-
| Bluetooth || +10 mA avg
|-
| WiFi || +30 mA avg
|-
| GPS || + 25 mA
|-
| TX, VHF, 5W ||
|-
| TX, UHF, 5W ||
|}

=== Bluetooth Compatability ===
Below is a curated list of bluetooth devices that have been confirmed either '''working''' or '''non-working'''. If you have bluetooth devices you've tested that aren't on this list, please [https://w3axl.com/?page_id=345 email us]!
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Compatible
!Notes
|-
|Apple
|AirPods 2
|✅ Yes
|Pairing is a little finnicky but RX audio does work fine
|-
|GoNovate
|G10
|✅ Yes
|Works as an RX-only headset, no PTT
|-
|GoNovate
|G8
|❌ No
|Pairs but presents Serial Port Profile (SPP) first, preventing audio from functioning
|-
|JLab
|JBuds Mini
|❌ No
|Pairs but audio does not work
|-
|NVAHVA
|J18
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|-
|SYSFUN
|X7
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|}

==Software==
The VP8000 uses EFJ's Armada software suite, available from EF Johnson for a reasonable price. The radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi (using OTAP server).

===No-Affiliate Scanning (NAS)===
If you have valid system keys, you can passively scan a trunked system using a similar method to Motorola radios.

First, program up your trunk system like you normally would. Importantly, '''make sure you set up system preferred site lists if you're scanning a multi-site system!''' This is essential for proper scanning, otherwise the radio does weird things as it roams between sites.

Now, make sure all your talkgroups are set to TX disabled in your zone:
[[File:VP8000 NAS txdisabled.png]]

'''Make sure you never navigate to this zone while in-range of the system''', or the radio will affiliate and you will have a bad day. I keep my NAS trunk zones at the top end of my zone list with empty "buffer" zones named "STOP" or a similar obvious title.

Next - create a radio-wide scanlist and add the trunk talkgroups you want to scan.
Make sure User Editable is disabled and the talkback type is "selected channel":
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws.png]]

Finally, add a conventional channel and assign the radio-wide scanlist. I also usually enable auto-scan as well so I don't have to assign & press a RWS buton
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws-channel.png]]

I am not responsible if you get your shiny new radio inhibited. Don't be stupid.

VP8000

2025-11-08T18:40:12Z

W3AXL: /* Bluetooth Compatability */

{{Infobox
|title = EF Johnson VP8000
|image = [[File:VP-8000-Both-ProdPg.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2022
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[DMR]] T2/3 (TBD) [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The EF Johnson / Kenwood Viking VP8000 is an all-band public safety P25 radio, released in late 2022 as a competitor to the Motorola [[APX8000]] and Harris [[XL-200p]] all-band radios.

==Hardware==
===Keyloading Pinout===
The VP8000, like the other radios using Kenwood's universal connector, can be keyloaded from a KFD keyloader using the KPG-93 cable, whose pinout is shown below.

[[File:Kpg-93-pinout@4x.png|200px]]

===Programming Cables===
Officially, the radio can only be programmed with the KPG-236XU cable, which is expensive and hard to find.
====Using the KPG-36X====
The KPG-36X can be used with the VP8000, depending on the revision number. Units of revision 03550 or lower will function fine. Units of revision 03351 or newer will need to be modified to work with the VP8000 due to slight differences in the ciruitry.

The following information is from [https://communications.support/threads/kpg-36x-vp8000-mod.22693/|user mpron on the Communications.Support forums]. Two ferrite beads on the mainboard of the cable must be bypassed, and the pins connecting to the radio accessory connector must be rearranged.

[[File:36x circuit.png|300px]][[File:KWMultipin.png|300px]]

Kenwood also released an official service bulletin advising of the same modifications to newer-revision KPG-36X cables:

[[File:FSB-1222-KPG36X-VP8000-Mod VP8000ProgrammingCableMod.pdf]]

====The KPG-36z====

The [https://bluemax49ers.com/product-explorer/vp6000-usb-kpg-36z-6-ft-radio-programming-cable/|KPG-36z cable] from BlueMax49ers has also been confirmed to work 100% with the VP8000.

===Test Data===

Some very basic test data from expirements with the radio.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:0"
! colspan=2|Power Consumption
|-
| Power Off || 0.14 mA
|-
| On, Idle || 140 mA
|-
| Backlight || +77 mA
|-
| Bluetooth || +10 mA avg
|-
| WiFi || +30 mA avg
|-
| GPS || + 25 mA
|-
| TX, VHF, 5W ||
|-
| TX, UHF, 5W ||
|}

=== Bluetooth Compatability ===
Below is a curated list of bluetooth devices that have been confirmed either '''working''' or '''non-working'''. If you have bluetooth devices you've tested that aren't on this list, please [https://w3axl.com/?page_id=345 email us]!
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Compatible
!Notes
|-
|GoNovate
|G10
|✅ Yes
|Works as an RX-only headset, no PTT
|-
|GoNovate
|G8
|❌ No
|Pairs but presents Serial Port Profile (SPP) first, preventing audio from functioning
|-
|JLab
|JBuds Mini
|❌ No
|Pairs but audio does not work
|-
|NVAHVA
|J18
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|-
|SYSFUN
|X7
|❌ No
|Does not pair properly
|}

==Software==
The VP8000 uses EFJ's Armada software suite, available from EF Johnson for a reasonable price. The radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi (using OTAP server).

===No-Affiliate Scanning (NAS)===
If you have valid system keys, you can passively scan a trunked system using a similar method to Motorola radios.

First, program up your trunk system like you normally would. Importantly, '''make sure you set up system preferred site lists if you're scanning a multi-site system!''' This is essential for proper scanning, otherwise the radio does weird things as it roams between sites.

Now, make sure all your talkgroups are set to TX disabled in your zone:
[[File:VP8000 NAS txdisabled.png]]

'''Make sure you never navigate to this zone while in-range of the system''', or the radio will affiliate and you will have a bad day. I keep my NAS trunk zones at the top end of my zone list with empty "buffer" zones named "STOP" or a similar obvious title.

Next - create a radio-wide scanlist and add the trunk talkgroups you want to scan.
Make sure User Editable is disabled and the talkback type is "selected channel":
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws.png]]

Finally, add a conventional channel and assign the radio-wide scanlist. I also usually enable auto-scan as well so I don't have to assign & press a RWS buton
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws-channel.png]]

I am not responsible if you get your shiny new radio inhibited. Don't be stupid.

VP8000

2025-11-08T00:37:43Z

W3AXL: /* Bluetooth Compatability */

{{Infobox
|title = EF Johnson VP8000
|image = [[File:VP-8000-Both-ProdPg.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2022
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[DMR]] T2/3 (TBD) [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The EF Johnson / Kenwood Viking VP8000 is an all-band public safety P25 radio, released in late 2022 as a competitor to the Motorola [[APX8000]] and Harris [[XL-200p]] all-band radios.

==Hardware==
===Keyloading Pinout===
The VP8000, like the other radios using Kenwood's universal connector, can be keyloaded from a KFD keyloader using the KPG-93 cable, whose pinout is shown below.

[[File:Kpg-93-pinout@4x.png|200px]]

===Programming Cables===
Officially, the radio can only be programmed with the KPG-236XU cable, which is expensive and hard to find.
====Using the KPG-36X====
The KPG-36X can be used with the VP8000, depending on the revision number. Units of revision 03550 or lower will function fine. Units of revision 03351 or newer will need to be modified to work with the VP8000 due to slight differences in the ciruitry.

The following information is from [https://communications.support/threads/kpg-36x-vp8000-mod.22693/|user mpron on the Communications.Support forums]. Two ferrite beads on the mainboard of the cable must be bypassed, and the pins connecting to the radio accessory connector must be rearranged.

[[File:36x circuit.png|300px]][[File:KWMultipin.png|300px]]

Kenwood also released an official service bulletin advising of the same modifications to newer-revision KPG-36X cables:

[[File:FSB-1222-KPG36X-VP8000-Mod VP8000ProgrammingCableMod.pdf]]

====The KPG-36z====

The [https://bluemax49ers.com/product-explorer/vp6000-usb-kpg-36z-6-ft-radio-programming-cable/|KPG-36z cable] from BlueMax49ers has also been confirmed to work 100% with the VP8000.

===Test Data===

Some very basic test data from expirements with the radio.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:0"
! colspan=2|Power Consumption
|-
| Power Off || 0.14 mA
|-
| On, Idle || 140 mA
|-
| Backlight || +77 mA
|-
| Bluetooth || +10 mA avg
|-
| WiFi || +30 mA avg
|-
| GPS || + 25 mA
|-
| TX, VHF, 5W ||
|-
| TX, UHF, 5W ||
|}

=== Bluetooth Compatability ===
Below is a curated list of bluetooth devices that have been confirmed either '''working''' or '''non-working'''. If you have bluetooth devices you've tested that aren't on this list, please [https://w3axl.com/?page_id=345 email us]!
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Compatible
!Notes
|-
|GoNovate
|G10
|✅ Yes
|Works as an RX-only headset, no PTT
|-
|GoNovate
|G8
|❌ No
|Pairs but presents Serial Port Profile (SPP) first, preventing audio from functioning
|-
|JLab
|JBuds Mini
|❌ No
|Pairs but audio does not work
|-
|NVAHVA
|J18
|❌ No
|Does not pair
|}

==Software==
The VP8000 uses EFJ's Armada software suite, available from EF Johnson for a reasonable price. The radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi (using OTAP server).

===No-Affiliate Scanning (NAS)===
If you have valid system keys, you can passively scan a trunked system using a similar method to Motorola radios.

First, program up your trunk system like you normally would. Importantly, '''make sure you set up system preferred site lists if you're scanning a multi-site system!''' This is essential for proper scanning, otherwise the radio does weird things as it roams between sites.

Now, make sure all your talkgroups are set to TX disabled in your zone:
[[File:VP8000 NAS txdisabled.png]]

'''Make sure you never navigate to this zone while in-range of the system''', or the radio will affiliate and you will have a bad day. I keep my NAS trunk zones at the top end of my zone list with empty "buffer" zones named "STOP" or a similar obvious title.

Next - create a radio-wide scanlist and add the trunk talkgroups you want to scan.
Make sure User Editable is disabled and the talkback type is "selected channel":
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws.png]]

Finally, add a conventional channel and assign the radio-wide scanlist. I also usually enable auto-scan as well so I don't have to assign & press a RWS buton
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws-channel.png]]

I am not responsible if you get your shiny new radio inhibited. Don't be stupid.

VP8000

2025-11-06T22:35:03Z

W3AXL: /* Bluetooth Compatability */

{{Infobox
|title = EF Johnson VP8000
|image = [[File:VP-8000-Both-ProdPg.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2022
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[DMR]] T2/3 (TBD) [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The EF Johnson / Kenwood Viking VP8000 is an all-band public safety P25 radio, released in late 2022 as a competitor to the Motorola [[APX8000]] and Harris [[XL-200p]] all-band radios.

==Hardware==
===Keyloading Pinout===
The VP8000, like the other radios using Kenwood's universal connector, can be keyloaded from a KFD keyloader using the KPG-93 cable, whose pinout is shown below.

[[File:Kpg-93-pinout@4x.png|200px]]

===Programming Cables===
Officially, the radio can only be programmed with the KPG-236XU cable, which is expensive and hard to find.
====Using the KPG-36X====
The KPG-36X can be used with the VP8000, depending on the revision number. Units of revision 03550 or lower will function fine. Units of revision 03351 or newer will need to be modified to work with the VP8000 due to slight differences in the ciruitry.

The following information is from [https://communications.support/threads/kpg-36x-vp8000-mod.22693/|user mpron on the Communications.Support forums]. Two ferrite beads on the mainboard of the cable must be bypassed, and the pins connecting to the radio accessory connector must be rearranged.

[[File:36x circuit.png|300px]][[File:KWMultipin.png|300px]]

Kenwood also released an official service bulletin advising of the same modifications to newer-revision KPG-36X cables:

[[File:FSB-1222-KPG36X-VP8000-Mod VP8000ProgrammingCableMod.pdf]]

====The KPG-36z====

The [https://bluemax49ers.com/product-explorer/vp6000-usb-kpg-36z-6-ft-radio-programming-cable/|KPG-36z cable] from BlueMax49ers has also been confirmed to work 100% with the VP8000.

===Test Data===

Some very basic test data from expirements with the radio.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:0"
! colspan=2|Power Consumption
|-
| Power Off || 0.14 mA
|-
| On, Idle || 140 mA
|-
| Backlight || +77 mA
|-
| Bluetooth || +10 mA avg
|-
| WiFi || +30 mA avg
|-
| GPS || + 25 mA
|-
| TX, VHF, 5W ||
|-
| TX, UHF, 5W ||
|}

=== Bluetooth Compatability ===
Below is a curated list of bluetooth devices that have been confirmed either '''working''' or '''non-working'''. If you have bluetooth devices you've tested that aren't on this list, please [https://w3axl.com/?page_id=345 email us]!
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Compatible
!Notes
|-
|GoNovate
|G10
|✅ Yes
|Works as an RX-only headset, no PTT
|-
|GoNovate
|G8
|❌ No
|Pairs but presents Serial Port Profile (SPP) first, preventing audio from functioning
|-
|JLab
|JBuds Mini
|❌ No
|Pairs but audio does not work
|}

==Software==
The VP8000 uses EFJ's Armada software suite, available from EF Johnson for a reasonable price. The radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi (using OTAP server).

===No-Affiliate Scanning (NAS)===
If you have valid system keys, you can passively scan a trunked system using a similar method to Motorola radios.

First, program up your trunk system like you normally would. Importantly, '''make sure you set up system preferred site lists if you're scanning a multi-site system!''' This is essential for proper scanning, otherwise the radio does weird things as it roams between sites.

Now, make sure all your talkgroups are set to TX disabled in your zone:
[[File:VP8000 NAS txdisabled.png]]

'''Make sure you never navigate to this zone while in-range of the system''', or the radio will affiliate and you will have a bad day. I keep my NAS trunk zones at the top end of my zone list with empty "buffer" zones named "STOP" or a similar obvious title.

Next - create a radio-wide scanlist and add the trunk talkgroups you want to scan.
Make sure User Editable is disabled and the talkback type is "selected channel":
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws.png]]

Finally, add a conventional channel and assign the radio-wide scanlist. I also usually enable auto-scan as well so I don't have to assign & press a RWS buton
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws-channel.png]]

I am not responsible if you get your shiny new radio inhibited. Don't be stupid.

VP8000

2025-11-06T22:29:53Z

W3AXL: /* Hardware */

{{Infobox
|title = EF Johnson VP8000
|image = [[File:VP-8000-Both-ProdPg.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2022
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[DMR]] T2/3 (TBD) [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The EF Johnson / Kenwood Viking VP8000 is an all-band public safety P25 radio, released in late 2022 as a competitor to the Motorola [[APX8000]] and Harris [[XL-200p]] all-band radios.

==Hardware==
===Keyloading Pinout===
The VP8000, like the other radios using Kenwood's universal connector, can be keyloaded from a KFD keyloader using the KPG-93 cable, whose pinout is shown below.

[[File:Kpg-93-pinout@4x.png|200px]]

===Programming Cables===
Officially, the radio can only be programmed with the KPG-236XU cable, which is expensive and hard to find.
====Using the KPG-36X====
The KPG-36X can be used with the VP8000, depending on the revision number. Units of revision 03550 or lower will function fine. Units of revision 03351 or newer will need to be modified to work with the VP8000 due to slight differences in the ciruitry.

The following information is from [https://communications.support/threads/kpg-36x-vp8000-mod.22693/|user mpron on the Communications.Support forums]. Two ferrite beads on the mainboard of the cable must be bypassed, and the pins connecting to the radio accessory connector must be rearranged.

[[File:36x circuit.png|300px]][[File:KWMultipin.png|300px]]

Kenwood also released an official service bulletin advising of the same modifications to newer-revision KPG-36X cables:

[[File:FSB-1222-KPG36X-VP8000-Mod VP8000ProgrammingCableMod.pdf]]

====The KPG-36z====

The [https://bluemax49ers.com/product-explorer/vp6000-usb-kpg-36z-6-ft-radio-programming-cable/|KPG-36z cable] from BlueMax49ers has also been confirmed to work 100% with the VP8000.

===Test Data===

Some very basic test data from expirements with the radio.

{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left:0"
! colspan=2|Power Consumption
|-
| Power Off || 0.14 mA
|-
| On, Idle || 140 mA
|-
| Backlight || +77 mA
|-
| Bluetooth || +10 mA avg
|-
| WiFi || +30 mA avg
|-
| GPS || + 25 mA
|-
| TX, VHF, 5W ||
|-
| TX, UHF, 5W ||
|}

=== Bluetooth Compatability ===
Below is a curated list of bluetooth devices that have been confirmed either '''working''' or '''non-working'''. If you have bluetooth devices you've tested that aren't on this list, please [https://w3axl.com/?page_id=345 email us]!
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Compatible
!Notes
|-
|GoNovate
|G10
|✅ Yes
|Works as an RX-only headset, no PTT
|-
|GoNovate
|G8
|❌ No
|Pairs but presents Serial Port Profile (SPP) first, preventing audio from functioning
|-
|JLab
|JBuds Mini
|❌ No
|Pairs but audio does not work
|}

==Software==
The VP8000 uses EFJ's Armada software suite, available from EF Johnson for a reasonable price. The radio can be programmed via USB, Bluetooth, or WiFi (using OTAP server).

===No-Affiliate Scanning (NAS)===
If you have valid system keys, you can passively scan a trunked system using a similar method to Motorola radios.

First, program up your trunk system like you normally would. Importantly, '''make sure you set up system preferred site lists if you're scanning a multi-site system!''' This is essential for proper scanning, otherwise the radio does weird things as it roams between sites.

Now, make sure all your talkgroups are set to TX disabled in your zone:
[[File:VP8000 NAS txdisabled.png]]

'''Make sure you never navigate to this zone while in-range of the system''', or the radio will affiliate and you will have a bad day. I keep my NAS trunk zones at the top end of my zone list with empty "buffer" zones named "STOP" or a similar obvious title.

Next - create a radio-wide scanlist and add the trunk talkgroups you want to scan.
Make sure User Editable is disabled and the talkback type is "selected channel":
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws.png]]

Finally, add a conventional channel and assign the radio-wide scanlist. I also usually enable auto-scan as well so I don't have to assign & press a RWS buton
[[File:VP8000 NAS rws-channel.png]]

I am not responsible if you get your shiny new radio inhibited. Don't be stupid.

Main Page

2025-10-29T02:44:55Z

W3AXL: /* Popular Topics */

===Home of All Things Radio===

This is the ever expanding, continually evolving wiki for all things amateur and commercial radio! We're a group of dedicated radio enthusiasts seeking to help others learn more about radio communications, as well as to serve as a repository for tips, tricks, and information on all topics regarding the use of commercial radios on the amateur bands.

This site primarily focuses on Motorola radio equipment, but pages will exist (or might already!) for many other brands, topics, and articles as our team of editors decides to make them. '''This wiki is 100% run by volunteer editors who use some of their precious free time to help educate the community. If you've got some Moto knowledge and you'd like to become an editor, [mailto:patrick@w3axl.com email me] and I'd be happy to get you set up!
'''

==Popular Topics==

==== [[Radio Connector Cross Reference|Radio Connector Cross-Reference]] ====

====[[S-Records]]====
====Motorola Radios====
* [[Astro25 Series Radios]]
* [[APX Series Radios]]
* [[MotoTRBO Series Radios]]
* [[Astro Series Radios]]
* [[Waris Series Radios]]
* [[Jedi Series Radios]]

====Motorola Accessories====
* [[Desk Consoles]]
* [[Speaker Microphones]]
* [[Programming Tools]]
* [[Impres Batteries]]
* [[Bluetooth Accessories]]

====Kenwood/EF Johnson Radios====
* [[NX5700/5800/5900]]
* [[VP8000]]

==Recently Modified==
{{Special:RecentChanges}}

Radio Connector Cross Reference

2025-10-29T02:42:04Z

W3AXL: /* Motorola */

This page is intended to be a reference for common radio connectors and their manufacturer part numbers. Some connectors, such as D-Subs, are industry standard sizes and available from many different suppliers. In these cases, example part numbers are provided as a suggestion.

== Motorola ==

=== Speaker Connectors ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Mfr
!P/N
!Pin P/N
|-
|Radio-Side Receptacle
|TE Connectivity
|1-480318-0
|60617-1
|-
|Speaker-Side Plug
|TE Connectivity
|1-480319-0
|60618-1
|}

==== Maxtrac/GM300 ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Mfr
!P/N
!Pin P/N
|-
|Rear Accessory
|TE Connectivity
|104422-1
|1-87309
|}

==== CDM750/1250/1550 ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Mfr
!P/N
!Pin P/N
|-
|Rear Accessory
|TE Connectivity
|104422-2
|1-87309
|}
The Maxtrac/GM300 16-pin connector is also compatible with the CDM accessory plug

==== XTL/APX O3 Control Head ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Mfr
!P/N
|-
|LCD Connector, Display-Side
|Hirose
|DF30FC-20DP-0.4V(82)
|-
|LCD Connector, Board-Side
|Hirose
|DF30FC-20DS-0.4V(81)
|}

=== Spectra/Astro Spectra ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Designator
!Mating Connector
!Ex. Mfr P/N
|-
|Rear Accessory Connector
|J2
|15-pin D-Sub Male (Shell A)
|Amphenol G17S1510110EU
|-
|Remote Mount Accessory Connector
|J5/J6
|25-pin D-Sub Male (Shell B)
|Amphenol L717SDB25P
|-
|Control Head Microphone Connector
|P104
| colspan="2" |Custom connector - [https://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/spectra/spectra-mike-plug.html 3D Printed Option Available]
|}

=== XTL5000 ===
For W-head XTL5000s, see Spectra/Astro Spectra section above

The rear connector on the XTLs is some annoying custom job, just buy the connector & pins from your Moto dealer.

=== Micom ===

===== 2E/2ET/2ES =====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Designator
!Mating Connector
!Ex. Mfr P/N
|-
|Power Connector
|J4
|44-pin high-density D-Sub Female (Shell B)
|Amphenol 10090770-S444ALF
|-
|Rear Accessory Connector
|J5
|3W3 high-power D-Sub Female (Shell A)
|Amphenol LCC17-A3W3SM-2N0
|}

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-18T15:14:47Z

W3AXL:

The CommandStar Lite is a standalone version of the CommandStar dispatch console that does not require an external rack of components to interface with radios. All connections are made from the rear panel of the console.

== Hardware ==

=== Power Supply ===
The CommandStar Lite requires a unique, impossible to obtain power supply. It provides the following voltages per the service manual (linked below)
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Voltage
!Ampacity (max)
|-
| +5VDC
|10 A
|-
| -5VDC
|1 A
|-
| +12VDC
|5 A
|-
| -12VDC
|1 A
|}
There are two types of power connector typically installed on a CS Lite console:

==== 8-Pin Positronic Connector ====
The 8-pin rectangular blue Positronic connector pinout is found on page 1 of the main board schematics. I have made a more readable diagram below:[[File:CommandStar Lite Power Pinout.jpg|none|thumb]]
The connector is a Positronic PLB-08 series connector, with the male end on the console and the female end on the power supply cable.

==== 8-Pin DIN ====
The 8-Pin DIN connector pinout can be found in the installation manual on page A-7
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Pin
!Connection
|-
|1
|GND
|-
|2
| -12V
|-
|3
| +5V
|-
|4
| --5V
|-
|5
| +12V
|-
|6
|GND
|-
|7
| +5V
|-
|8
|N/C
|}

=== Manuals ===
[[:File:6880309j98-d-commandstar-lite-installation-and-troubleshooting-manual compress.pdf|6880390J98-D CommandStar Lite Installation and Troubleshooting Manual]]

[[:File:2215042-4 Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision.pdf|2215042-4 Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision]]

[[:File:6880309j99-d-commandstar-lite-operator-manual compress.pdf|6880309J99-D CommandStar Lite Operator Manual]]

[[:File:6881011Y12-O SYSTEM DATABASE MANAGER MANUAL.pdf|6881011Y12-O CommandStar Lite System Database Manager Manual]]

== Software ==

=== CSDM-Lite ===
CSDM-Lite is the "programming software" package for the CommandStar Lite. It supports both programming as well as real-time diagnostics and software upgrades. CSDM-Lite will allow you to program the console, and will also provide printouts and cutsheets for wiring of your configured radios. Which is good, because the above service manuals only briefly touch on the console's pinouts and do not explain how various radios are interfaced. It also includes a LABELS program which can create printable labels for the console modules.

To use CSDM-Lite, you must first "login." The default login is SUPERUSER/SUPERUSER

==== Windows XP ====
The following are the known releases for the Windows XP version of the CommandSTAR Lite software. These include the installer for CSDM-Lite as well as software binaries for COP (runtime), TMS (the DSP unit) and the Bootstrap flash EEPROMs.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Release Number
!CSDM-Lite
!Lite Bootstrap
!Lite COP
!Lite TMS
!Download
|-
|R02.06.01
|4211090-12
|3211950-11
|3211931-38
|3211932-16
|[[:File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.01.zip|'''R02.06.01''']]
|-
|R02.06.02
|4211090-12
|3211950-11
|3211931-39
|3211932-16
|[[:File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.02.zip|'''R02.06.02''']]
|}

==== MS-DOS ====
We also have a DOS-based version of CSDM-Lite. '''This version can be used to flash software onto CommandStar Lite consoles that do not communicate properly with the above Windows XP versions.''' Simply place the COP.X and LITETMS.LO/.HI files from the above Windows XP release into the same directory as the DOS .EXE, and perform a software upgrade via the menu option in the DOS software.

[[:File:CommandSTAR DOS.zip|'''File:CommandSTAR DOS.zip''']]

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-17T19:08:53Z

W3AXL:

The CommandStar Lite is a standalone version of the CommandStar dispatch console that does not require an external rack of components to interface with radios. All connections are made from the rear panel of the console.

== Hardware ==

=== Power Supply ===
The CommandStar Lite requires a unique, impossible to obtain power supply. It provides the following voltages per the service manual (linked below)
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Voltage
!Ampacity (max)
|-
| +5VDC
|10 A
|-
| -5VDC
|1 A
|-
| +12VDC
|5 A
|-
| -12VDC
|1 A
|}
There are two types of power connector typically installed on a CS Lite console:

==== 8-Pin Positronic Connector ====
The 8-pin rectangular blue Positronic connector pinout is found on page 1 of the main board schematics. I have made a more readable diagram below:[[File:CommandStar Lite Power Pinout.jpg|none|thumb]]
The connector is a Positronic PLB-08 series connector, with the male end on the console and the female end on the power supply cable.

==== 8-Pin DIN ====
The 8-Pin DIN connector pinout can be found in the installation manual on page A-7
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Pin
!Connection
|-
|1
|GND
|-
|2
| -12V
|-
|3
| +5V
|-
|4
| --5V
|-
|5
| +12V
|-
|6
|GND
|-
|7
| +5V
|-
|8
|N/C
|}

=== Manuals ===
[[:File:6880309j98-d-commandstar-lite-installation-and-troubleshooting-manual compress.pdf|Installation and Troubleshooting Manual]]

[[:File:6880309j99-d-commandstar-lite-operator-manual compress.pdf|Operator Manual]]

[[:File:2215042-4 Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision.pdf|Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision]]

[[:File:6881011Y12-O SYSTEM DATABASE MANAGER MANUAL.pdf|System Database Manager Manual]]

== Software ==

=== CSDM-Lite ===
CSDM-Lite is the "programming software" package for the CommandStar Lite. It supports both programming as well as real-time diagnostics and software upgrades. CSDM-Lite will allow you to program the console, and will also provide printouts and cutsheets for wiring of your configured radios. Which is good, because the above service manuals only briefly touch on the console's pinouts and do not explain how various radios are interfaced. It also includes a LABELS program which can create printable labels for the console modules.

To use CSDM-Lite, you must first "login." The default login is SUPERUSER/SUPERUSER

==== Windows XP ====
The following are the known releases for the Windows XP version of the CommandSTAR Lite software. These include the installer for CSDM-Lite as well as software binaries for COP (runtime), TMS (the DSP unit) and the Bootstrap flash EEPROMs.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Release Number
!CSDM-Lite
!Lite Bootstrap
!Lite COP
!Lite TMS
!Download
|-
|R02.06.01
|4211090-12
|3211950-11
|3211931-38
|3211932-16
|[[:File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.01.zip|'''R02.06.01''']]
|-
|R02.06.02
|4211090-12
|3211950-11
|3211931-39
|3211932-16
|[[:File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.02.zip|'''R02.06.02''']]
|}

==== MS-DOS ====
We also have a DOS-based version of CSDM-Lite. '''This version can be used to flash software onto CommandStar Lite consoles that do not communicate properly with the above Windows XP versions.''' Simply place the COP.X and LITETMS.LO/.HI files from the above Windows XP release into the same directory as the DOS .EXE, and perform a software upgrade via the menu option in the DOS software.

[[:File:CommandSTAR DOS.zip|'''File:CommandSTAR DOS.zip''']]

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-17T18:57:29Z

W3AXL: updated software files and information

The CommandStar Lite is a standalone version of the CommandStar dispatch console that does not require an external rack of components to interface with radios. All connections are made from the rear panel of the console.

== Hardware ==

=== Power Supply ===
The CommandStar Lite requires a unique, impossible to obtain power supply. It provides the following voltages per the service manual (linked below)
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Voltage
!Ampacity (max)
|-
| +5VDC
|10 A
|-
| -5VDC
|1 A
|-
| +12VDC
|5 A
|-
| -12VDC
|1 A
|}
'''WARNING:''' the pinout listed in the service manual for the power connector is '''NOT''' referring to the blue 8-pin connector on the rear of the console. It is referring to the internal power connector footprint on the motherboard. Below is a verified working pinout reference for the CommandStar power connector:
[[File:CommandStar Lite Power Pinout.jpg|none|thumb]]
The connector is a Positronic PLB-08 series connector, with the male end on the console and the female end on the power supply cable.

Using this info, I have successfully homebrewed a power supply that can power the console properly.

=== Manuals ===
[[:File:6880309j98-d-commandstar-lite-installation-and-troubleshooting-manual compress.pdf|Installation and Troubleshooting Manual]]

[[:File:6880309j99-d-commandstar-lite-operator-manual compress.pdf|Operator Manual]]

[[:File:2215042-4 Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision.pdf|Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision]]

[[:File:6881011Y12-O SYSTEM DATABASE MANAGER MANUAL.pdf|System Database Manager Manual]]

== Software ==

=== CSDM-Lite ===
CSDM-Lite is the "programming software" package for the CommandStar Lite. It supports both programming as well as real-time diagnostics and software upgrades. CSDM-Lite will allow you to program the console, and will also provide printouts and cutsheets for wiring of your configured radios. Which is good, because the above service manuals only briefly touch on the console's pinouts and do not explain how various radios are interfaced. It also includes a LABELS program which can create printable labels for the console modules.

To use CSDM-Lite, you must first "login." The default login is SUPERUSER/SUPERUSER

==== Windows XP ====
The following are the known releases for the Windows XP version of the CommandSTAR Lite software. These include the installer for CSDM-Lite as well as software binaries for COP (runtime), TMS (the DSP unit) and the Bootstrap flash EEPROMs.
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Release Number
!CSDM-Lite
!Lite Bootstrap
!Lite COP
!Lite TMS
!Download
|-
|R02.06.01
|4211090-12
|3211950-11
|3211931-38
|3211932-16
|[[:File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.01.zip|'''R02.06.01''']]
|-
|R02.06.02
|4211090-12
|3211950-11
|3211931-39
|3211932-16
|[[:File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.02.zip|'''R02.06.02''']]
|}

==== MS-DOS ====
We also have a DOS-based version of CSDM-Lite. '''This version can be used to flash software onto CommandStar Lite consoles that do not communicate properly with the above Windows XP versions.''' Simply place the COP.X and LITETMS.LO/.HI files from the above Windows XP release into the same directory as the DOS .EXE, and perform a software upgrade via the menu option in the DOS software.

[[:File:CommandSTAR DOS.zip|'''File:CommandSTAR DOS.zip''']]

File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.02.zip

2025-02-17T18:55:40Z

W3AXL: Windows XP release of CSDM-Lite and COP software version R02.06.02 provided by unknown

== Summary ==
Windows XP release of CSDM-Lite and COP software version R02.06.02 provided by unknown

File:CommandSTAR Lite R02.06.01.zip

2025-02-17T18:53:44Z

W3AXL: Windows XP release of CSDM-Lite and software, provided by CS Forums user MotoBill

== Summary ==
Windows XP release of CSDM-Lite and software, provided by CS Forums user MotoBill

File:CommandSTAR DOS.zip

2025-02-17T18:52:36Z

W3AXL: DOS version of CSDM-lite provided by Austech user Kreator See https://www.austech.info/showthread.php/127443-Searching-for-older-CSDM-Lite-Software-Versions?p=888035&viewfull=1#post888035

== Summary ==
DOS version of CSDM-lite provided by Austech user Kreator

See https://www.austech.info/showthread.php/127443-Searching-for-older-CSDM-Lite-Software-Versions?p=888035&viewfull=1#post888035

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-17T18:32:54Z

W3AXL:

Command Star

2025-02-17T18:30:31Z

W3AXL: W3AXL moved page Command Star to CommandStar Lite

#REDIRECT [[CommandStar Lite]]

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-17T18:30:31Z

W3AXL: W3AXL moved page Command Star to CommandStar Lite

== CommandStar Lite ==
The CommandStar Lite is a standalone version of the CommandStar dispatch console that does not require an external rack of components to interface with radios. All connections are made from the rear panel of the console.

=== Hardware ===

==== Power Supply ====
The CommandStar Lite requires a unique, impossible to obtain power supply. It provides the following voltages per the service manual (linked below)
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Voltage
!Ampacity (max)
|-
| +5VDC
|10 A
|-
| -5VDC
|1 A
|-
| +12VDC
|5 A
|-
| -12VDC
|1 A
|}
'''WARNING:''' the pinout listed in the service manual for the power connector is '''NOT''' referring to the blue 8-pin connector on the rear of the console. It is referring to the internal power connector footprint on the motherboard. Below is a verified working pinout reference for the CommandStar power connector:
[[File:CommandStar Lite Power Pinout.jpg|none|thumb]]
The connector is a Positronic PLB-08 series connector, with the male end on the console and the female end on the power supply cable.

Using this info, I have successfully homebrewed a power supply that can power the console properly.

=== Manuals ===
[[:File:6880309j98-d-commandstar-lite-installation-and-troubleshooting-manual compress.pdf|Installation and Troubleshooting Manual]]

[[:File:6880309j99-d-commandstar-lite-operator-manual compress.pdf|Operator Manual]]

[[:File:2215042-4 Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision.pdf|Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision]]

[[:File:6881011Y12-O SYSTEM DATABASE MANAGER MANUAL.pdf|System Database Manager Manual]]

=== Software ===
The below ZIP contains the installer for CSDM-Lite, the Windows configuration tool for the CommandStar Lite. This program will install on the latest Windows 11, however you will have to enable Windows XP compatibility mode on the installer to run it.

CSDM-Lite will allow you to program the console, and will also provide printouts and cutsheets for wiring of your configured radios. Which is good, because the above service manuals only briefly touch on the console's pinouts and do not explain how various radios are interfaced.

[[:File:CommandStarLiteWIN.zip|CommandStarLiteWIN.zip]]

To use CSDM-Lite, you must first "login." The default login is SUPERUSER/SUPERUSER

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-12T03:28:48Z

W3AXL: /* CommandStar Lite */

File:CommandStar Lite Power Pinout.jpg

2025-02-12T03:27:13Z

W3AXL:

Power pinout for the CommandStar Lite 8-pin power connector

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-04T15:42:19Z

W3AXL: /* Software */

CommandStar Lite

2025-02-04T15:41:40Z

W3AXL: /* Software */

NX5000 Mobiles

2024-12-31T02:27:58Z

W3AXL: /* Out-of-Band Programming */

==Hardware==
===DIY USB Programming Cable===

The programming cable is super easy to DIY. You just need a spare USB cable and an RJ45 plug. '''Note that Kenwood, like Motorola, uses reverse pin numbering.'''

The view below is looking into the mic jack on the control head.

[[File:NX5000_RJ45_USB.png]]

===Analog Transmit Audio Response===

Many users have noted that the analog TX audio in the NX5000 series sounds "flat", "muddy" and generally "not so good."

I analyzed all 9 valid mic types by sweeping the microphone input with a sine wave from 100 Hz to 5 kHz and running an FFT on the demodulated audio.

[[File:NX5000 Mic Response Plot.png]]

===Tips & Tricks===

If you want to interface with these radios for things such as crossband repeaters or APRS modems, see the page [[NX5000 Interfacing]].

==Software==

=== Out-of-Band Programming ===
For the most common ham-band operation (440 MHz in a 450-520 radio) KPG-D1N will complain about the out-of-band frequencies but will allow them to be programmed anyway.

==== 6m Operation on the NX-5600H ====
'''Note - the following mods were done using KPG-D1N v4.51. In newer versions, Kenwood implemented a file corruption check which causes KPG to throw an error when the hex edits are made. A workaround for this has not yet been found but likely involves recalculating a checksum hash.'''

For 50-54 MHz operation on the NX-5600H, KPG-D1N must be hex edited to modify the band edges from 50 MHz to 54 MHz.

Band edges in KPG are stored as little-endian doubles.50 MHz in hex is '''0x0000000000004940''' and 54 MHz in hex is '''0x0000000000004B40.'''

===RSSI Mapping===
The following is the mapping between the RSSI signal bars and true signal level, as tested on an NX5800 running 4.51 FW.

{| class="wikitable"
|Antenna Icon
| -116 dBm
|-
|1 Bar
| -111 dBm
|-
|2 Bars
| -95 dBm
|-
|3 Bars
| -80 dBm
|}

===Bluetooth Programming===
To use Bluetooth programming on the NX5000 series, you must first enable the KWD-5003BT Bluetooth Data feature. This is a paid license that can be obtained through your dealer, but is included automatically if the KCH-20R or KCH-21RM control heads are used.

[[File:Nx5000 bt entitlement.png|KWD-5003BT entitlement]]

Next, ensure that your codeplug has Bluetooth enabled and configured with a valid device name as shown below.

[[File:Nx5000 bt settings.png|500px]]

Finally, to program the radio you must configure your KPG-D1N to program via bluetooth, using the '''Setup''' → '''COM port''' menu as shown below. Find your device using the '''Device List''' popup which will search for valid Bluetooth devices in range.

[[File:Nx5000 bt comport.png]]
[[File:Nx5000 bt devices.png|400px]]

Once this is all configured, you should be able to read/write the radio just like a serial cable was connected. Handy!

==Boot Loops==
There have been some cases of these radios getting stuck in boot loops. The radio(s) will power up, show the boot screen, and then power off. The process will repeat as long as power is applied.
===Hardware Fix===
If you encounter your NX5000-series mobile is bootlooping, first try re-seating the ribbon cable(s) that connect the brick to the head. This has been known to solve random boot loops in several separate cases.
===Tech Notes===
The following procedure comes from a tech at Kenwood:
{{Quote|Power on the radio(s) while holding the menu button. This should bring up the transceiver information screen. If the radio(s) come on and stay powered on this screen, you will be able to read them with KPG-D1. Once they've been read, they should reset to the default channel/zone and no longer be stuck in a bootloop.}}

XTL1500/2500/5000

2024-07-10T23:40:01Z

W3AXL: /* W-Series TIB J6 RS232 Programming Cable */

The XTL1500, XTL2500, and XTL5000 are three closely-related single-band mobile radios, all part of the [[Astro25]] series of Motorola radios.

==Hardware==
===W3 Connections===
See [[Astro Spectra#W3 Cable Connections|the Astro Spectra page]] for info.

===Using a standard Odyssey TIB with a W3 Control Head===

If you connect a W3 control head to a standard Odyssey-series TIB (p/n HLN6913, HLN6895, PMUN1036D, possibly others too), most functions will work without any issues. However you will not have transmit audio (a big deal if you're planning on using the radio to talk to people)

A simple jumper swap is all that is needed to restore TX audio

[[File:Odyssey-tib-sch-1.png|x300px]] [[File:Odyssey-tib-sch-2.png|x300px]]

[[File:Odyssey-tib-w3-mod-before.png|400px]] [[File:Odyssey-tib-w3-mod-after.png|400px]]

===Dual Brick W3 Configuration===
'''XTL5000 only'''

Two XTL5000 radios can be configured to run on a single W3 control head. This configuration requires special wiring of the remote head cabling, and specific codeplug and flashcode options. See the below guide:

[[File:Dual Brick Guide revA.png|720px]]

===O3 White Screen Repairs===
If you have an O3 head that boots up to a white screen, but everything else about the head works fine (buttons, PTT, audio, etc) - there's a few possible causes, listed here in order of increasing complexity.

'''LCD revision mismatch'''

Different revisions of O3 mainboard require different revisions of front panel. This is due to differences in the LCD driver chip (among other things) which will result in a white screen (i.e. backlight only) if the revisions do not match. See the following table (copied from the O3 service manual) for the cross-reference:
{| class="wikitable"
! Mainboard P/N !! Front Panel Kit Number
|-
| PMUN1034A/B || PMHN4082_
|-
| PMUN1034C/D/E/F || PMHN4174_
|-
| PMUN1052_ || PMHN4199_
|-
| PMUN1053_ || PMHN4198_
|-
| PMUN1054_ || PMHN4202_
|-
| PMUN4227_ || PMHN4235_
|}

'''Cold Solder Joints on Mainboard'''

There are ferrite beads and 0Ω resistors on the LCD control lines just before the main 40-pin connector leading to the front panel. Occasionally, these passive components have been found with cold solder joints and/or insufficient solder. Simply reflowing these joints with additional solder and flux can be enough to revive a dead LCD.

[[File:O3-LCD-Repairs-Sch.png|x300px]] [[File:O3-LCD-Repairs-Board.png|x300px]]

'''Cold solder joints on keypad flex'''

Finally, there have been some users who have encountered the same cold solder joint issue but on the passive components located on the front panel keypad flex, next to the connector for the LCD. Again, reflowing these joints solves the issue.

=== W-Series TIB J6 RS232 Programming Cable ===
You can program W-headed XTLs using the right-side DB25 on the remote TIB (known as J6 in the service manual) assuming that the jumpers have been left in the default configuration. Note that the same signals are '''NOT''' present on J5 (the port labelled "control port"). See the below excerpt from the DSM for the pins to connect to. Your computer is the "DCE" so ensure you get your pins the right way 'round.

[[File:XTL-J6-RS232.png|x480px]] One neat trick is to use a DB25 to RJ45 adapter kit to build an adapter to program your XTL with a cisco RJ45 console cable. The author has made one such adapter and it works great.

==Software==
===Flashport Options===
These radios share the common [[Astro25]] flashport option set.

===Out of Band===
See the [[Out_of_Band#Hex-edit_Method|Hex-Edit Method]]. All three mobiles will operate in the ham bands without issues, although 900MHz models may exhibit some slight desense due to filter bandwidths.

===W-Series Flashzap Mode===
To put the W-series head XTL5000s into flashzap mode, the normal button combination does not work. Instead, you can connect to the radio serial port via a terminal program such as putty or hyperteminal. The command '''AT#FZAP=1''' will put the radio into flashzap mode. However, please note that the head will show no indication of the radio state, and the only way to exit flashzap mode is to reboot. Proceed at your own risk, as the dirty flash method of firmware upgrading is even more risky with no indication of progress.

===Debug Mode===
Using the same console setup as above, entering the command '''AT&DEBUG''' will put the radio into debug mode. From this point, the '''?''' command will print out available commands that can be used in this mode. Try it out!

XTL1500/2500/5000

2024-05-24T19:44:01Z

W3AXL: /* Hardware */

The XTL1500, XTL2500, and XTL5000 are three closely-related single-band mobile radios, all part of the [[Astro25]] series of Motorola radios.

==Hardware==
===W3 Connections===
See [[Astro Spectra#W3 Cable Connections|the Astro Spectra page]] for info.

===Using a standard Odyssey TIB with a W3 Control Head===

If you connect a W3 control head to a standard Odyssey-series TIB (p/n HLN6913, HLN6895, PMUN1036D, possibly others too), most functions will work without any issues. However you will not have transmit audio (a big deal if you're planning on using the radio to talk to people)

A simple jumper swap is all that is needed to restore TX audio

[[File:Odyssey-tib-sch-1.png|x300px]] [[File:Odyssey-tib-sch-2.png|x300px]]

[[File:Odyssey-tib-w3-mod-before.png|400px]] [[File:Odyssey-tib-w3-mod-after.png|400px]]

===Dual Brick W3 Configuration===
'''XTL5000 only'''

Two XTL5000 radios can be configured to run on a single W3 control head. This configuration requires special wiring of the remote head cabling, and specific codeplug and flashcode options. See the below guide:

[[File:Dual Brick Guide revA.png|720px]]

===O3 White Screen Repairs===
If you have an O3 head that boots up to a white screen, but everything else about the head works fine (buttons, PTT, audio, etc) - there's a few possible causes, listed here in order of increasing complexity.

'''LCD revision mismatch'''

Different revisions of O3 mainboard require different revisions of front panel. This is due to differences in the LCD driver chip (among other things) which will result in a white screen (i.e. backlight only) if the revisions do not match. See the following table (copied from the O3 service manual) for the cross-reference:
{| class="wikitable"
! Mainboard P/N !! Front Panel Kit Number
|-
| PMUN1034A/B || PMHN4082_
|-
| PMUN1034C/D/E/F || PMHN4174_
|-
| PMUN1052_ || PMHN4199_
|-
| PMUN1053_ || PMHN4198_
|-
| PMUN1054_ || PMHN4202_
|-
| PMUN4227_ || PMHN4235_
|}

'''Cold Solder Joints on Mainboard'''

There are ferrite beads and 0Ω resistors on the LCD control lines just before the main 40-pin connector leading to the front panel. Occasionally, these passive components have been found with cold solder joints and/or insufficient solder. Simply reflowing these joints with additional solder and flux can be enough to revive a dead LCD.

[[File:O3-LCD-Repairs-Sch.png|x300px]] [[File:O3-LCD-Repairs-Board.png|x300px]]

'''Cold solder joints on keypad flex'''

Finally, there have been some users who have encountered the same cold solder joint issue but on the passive components located on the front panel keypad flex, next to the connector for the LCD. Again, reflowing these joints solves the issue.

=== W-Series TIB J6 RS232 Programming Cable ===
You can program W-headed XTLs using the right-side DB25 on the remote TIB (known as J6 in the service manual) assuming that the jumpers have been left in the default configuration. Note that the same signals are '''NOT''' present on J5 (the port labelled "control port"). See the below excerpt from the DSM for the pins to connect to. Your computer is the "DCE" so ensure you get your pins the right way 'round.

[[File:XTL-J6-RS232.png|x480px]]

==Software==
===Flashport Options===
These radios share the common [[Astro25]] flashport option set.

===Out of Band===
See the [[Out_of_Band#Hex-edit_Method|Hex-Edit Method]]. All three mobiles will operate in the ham bands without issues, although 900MHz models may exhibit some slight desense due to filter bandwidths.

===W-Series Flashzap Mode===
To put the W-series head XTL5000s into flashzap mode, the normal button combination does not work. Instead, you can connect to the radio serial port via a terminal program such as putty or hyperteminal. The command '''AT#FZAP=1''' will put the radio into flashzap mode. However, please note that the head will show no indication of the radio state, and the only way to exit flashzap mode is to reboot. Proceed at your own risk, as the dirty flash method of firmware upgrading is even more risky with no indication of progress.

===Debug Mode===
Using the same console setup as above, entering the command '''AT&DEBUG''' will put the radio into debug mode. From this point, the '''?''' command will print out available commands that can be used in this mode. Try it out!

File:XTL-J6-RS232.png

2024-05-24T19:42:12Z

W3AXL:

Pins required for serial programming on an XTL W-series TIB J6 connector

CommandStar Lite

2024-05-22T01:07:09Z

W3AXL: Created page with "== CommandStar Lite == The CommandStar Lite is a standalone version of the CommandStar dispatch console that does not require an external rack of components to interface with radios. All connections are made from the rear panel of the console. === Manuals === Installation and Troubleshooting Manual :File:6880309j99-d-commandstar-lite-operator-manual compress.pdf|Operator Manu..."

File:6881011Y12-O SYSTEM DATABASE MANAGER MANUAL.pdf

2024-05-22T01:06:51Z

W3AXL:

File:2215042-4 Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision.pdf

2024-05-22T01:06:08Z

W3AXL:

File:6880309j99-d-commandstar-lite-operator-manual compress.pdf

2024-05-22T01:05:23Z

W3AXL:

File:6880309j98-d-commandstar-lite-installation-and-troubleshooting-manual compress.pdf

2024-05-22T01:04:36Z

W3AXL:

Motorola Desk Consoles

2024-05-22T01:01:31Z

W3AXL: /* Dispatch Consoles */

Desk consoles are controllers which function as extra [[control heads]] for the attached radio and are able to control most or all the functions of the host radio, including PTT, transmit and receive audio, and menu interfacing. Over the years there have been several deskset systems made for various lines of radios, and most of these consoles support the [[SB9600 protocol]] for radio control.

==Deskset Consoles==
Phone-style desktop control heads for controlling radios over long distances.
*[[MC1000]]
*[[MC2500]]
*[[MC3000]]
*[[RCH3000]]
*[[MCD5000]]

==Dispatch Consoles==
*[[MCC5500]]
*[[CENTRACOM]]
*[[Command Star|CommandStar]]

NX5000 Mobiles

2024-03-28T02:16:12Z

W3AXL:

==Hardware==
===DIY USB Programming Cable===

The programming cable is super easy to DIY. You just need a spare USB cable and an RJ45 plug. '''Note that Kenwood, like Motorola, uses reverse pin numbering.'''

The view below is looking into the mic jack on the control head.

[[File:NX5000_RJ45_USB.png]]

===Analog Transmit Audio Response===

Many users have noted that the analog TX audio in the NX5000 series sounds "flat", "muddy" and generally "not so good."

I analyzed all 9 valid mic types by sweeping the microphone input with a sine wave from 100 Hz to 5 kHz and running an FFT on the demodulated audio.

[[File:NX5000 Mic Response Plot.png]]

===Tips & Tricks===

If you want to interface with these radios for things such as crossband repeaters or APRS modems, see the page [[NX5000 Interfacing]].

==Software==

=== Out-of-Band Programming ===
For the most common ham-band operation (440 MHz in a 450-520 radio) KPG-D1N will complain about the out-of-band frequencies but will allow them to be programmed anyway.

==== 6m Operation on the NX-5600H ====
For 50-54 MHz operation on the NX-5600H, KPG-D1N must be hex edited to modify the band edges from 50 MHz to 54 MHz.

Band edges in KPG are stored as little-endian doubles.50 MHz in hex is '''0x0000000000004940''' and 54 MHz in hex is '''0x0000000000004B40.'''

===RSSI Mapping===
The following is the mapping between the RSSI signal bars and true signal level, as tested on an NX5800 running 4.51 FW.

{| class="wikitable"
|Antenna Icon
| -116 dBm
|-
|1 Bar
| -111 dBm
|-
|2 Bars
| -95 dBm
|-
|3 Bars
| -80 dBm
|}

===Bluetooth Programming===
To use Bluetooth programming on the NX5000 series, you must first enable the KWD-5003BT Bluetooth Data feature. This is a paid license that can be obtained through your dealer, but is included automatically if the KCH-20R or KCH-21RM control heads are used.

[[File:Nx5000 bt entitlement.png|KWD-5003BT entitlement]]

Next, ensure that your codeplug has Bluetooth enabled and configured with a valid device name as shown below.

[[File:Nx5000 bt settings.png|500px]]

Finally, to program the radio you must configure your KPG-D1N to program via bluetooth, using the '''Setup''' → '''COM port''' menu as shown below. Find your device using the '''Device List''' popup which will search for valid Bluetooth devices in range.

[[File:Nx5000 bt comport.png]]
[[File:Nx5000 bt devices.png|400px]]

Once this is all configured, you should be able to read/write the radio just like a serial cable was connected. Handy!

==Boot Loops==
There have been some cases of these radios getting stuck in boot loops. The radio(s) will power up, show the boot screen, and then power off. The process will repeat as long as power is applied.
===Hardware Fix===
If you encounter your NX5000-series mobile is bootlooping, first try re-seating the ribbon cable(s) that connect the brick to the head. This has been known to solve random boot loops in several separate cases.
===Tech Notes===
The following procedure comes from a tech at Kenwood:
{{Quote|Power on the radio(s) while holding the menu button. This should bring up the transceiver information screen. If the radio(s) come on and stay powered on this screen, you will be able to read them with KPG-D1. Once they've been read, they should reset to the default channel/zone and no longer be stuck in a bootloop.}}

NX5700/5800/5900

2024-03-28T02:06:27Z

W3AXL: W3AXL moved page NX5700/5800/5900 to NX5000 Mobiles

#REDIRECT [[NX5000 Mobiles]]

NX5000 Mobiles

2024-03-28T02:06:27Z

W3AXL: W3AXL moved page NX5700/5800/5900 to NX5000 Mobiles

==Hardware==
===DIY USB Programming Cable===

The programming cable is super easy to DIY. You just need a spare USB cable and an RJ45 plug. '''Note that Kenwood, like Motorola, uses reverse pin numbering.'''

The view below is looking into the mic jack on the control head.

[[File:NX5000_RJ45_USB.png]]

===Analog Transmit Audio Response===

Many users have noted that the analog TX audio in the NX5000 series sounds "flat", "muddy" and generally "not so good."

I analyzed all 9 valid mic types by sweeping the microphone input with a sine wave from 100 Hz to 5 kHz and running an FFT on the demodulated audio.

[[File:NX5000 Mic Response Plot.png]]

===Tips & Tricks===

If you want to interface with these radios for things such as crossband repeaters or APRS modems, see the page [[NX5000 Interfacing]].

==Software==

===RSSI Mapping===
The following is the mapping between the RSSI signal bars and true signal level, as tested on an NX5800 running 4.51 FW.

{| class="wikitable"
|Antenna Icon
| -116 dBm
|-
|1 Bar
| -111 dBm
|-
|2 Bars
| -95 dBm
|-
|3 Bars
| -80 dBm
|}

===Bluetooth Programming===
To use Bluetooth programming on the NX5000 series, you must first enable the KWD-5003BT Bluetooth Data feature. This is a paid license that can be obtained through your dealer, but is included automatically if the KCH-20R or KCH-21RM control heads are used.

[[File:Nx5000 bt entitlement.png|KWD-5003BT entitlement]]

Next, ensure that your codeplug has Bluetooth enabled and configured with a valid device name as shown below.

[[File:Nx5000 bt settings.png|500px]]

Finally, to program the radio you must configure your KPG-D1N to program via bluetooth, using the '''Setup''' → '''COM port''' menu as shown below. Find your device using the '''Device List''' popup which will search for valid Bluetooth devices in range.

[[File:Nx5000 bt comport.png]]
[[File:Nx5000 bt devices.png|400px]]

Once this is all configured, you should be able to read/write the radio just like a serial cable was connected. Handy!

==Boot Loops==
There have been some cases of these radios getting stuck in boot loops. The radio(s) will power up, show the boot screen, and then power off. The process will repeat as long as power is applied.
===Hardware Fix===
If you encounter your NX5000-series mobile is bootlooping, first try re-seating the ribbon cable(s) that connect the brick to the head. This has been known to solve random boot loops in several separate cases.
===Tech Notes===
The following procedure comes from a tech at Kenwood:
{{Quote|Power on the radio(s) while holding the menu button. This should bring up the transceiver information screen. If the radio(s) come on and stay powered on this screen, you will be able to read them with KPG-D1. Once they've been read, they should reset to the default channel/zone and no longer be stuck in a bootloop.}}

Radio Connector Cross Reference

2024-03-20T20:43:24Z

W3AXL: /* Motorola */

This page is intended to be a reference for common radio connectors and their manufacturer part numbers. Some connectors, such as D-Subs, are industry standard sizes and available from many different suppliers. In these cases, example part numbers are provided as a suggestion.

== Motorola ==

=== Speaker Connectors ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Mfr
!P/N
!Pin P/N
|-
|Radio-Side Receptacle
|TE Connectivity
|1-480318-0
|60617-1
|-
|Speaker-Side Plug
|TE Connectivity
|1-480319-0
|60618-1
|}

==== XTL/APX O3 Control Head ====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Mfr
!P/N
|-
|LCD Connector, Display-Side
|Hirose
|DF30FC-20DP-0.4V(82)
|-
|LCD Connector, Board-Side
|Hirose
|DF30FC-20DS-0.4V(81)
|}

=== Spectra/Astro Spectra ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Designator
!Mating Connector
!Ex. Mfr P/N
|-
|Rear Accessory Connector
|J2
|15-pin D-Sub Male (Shell A)
|Amphenol G17S1510110EU
|-
|Remote Mount Accessory Connector
|J5/J6
|25-pin D-Sub Male (Shell B)
|Amphenol L717SDB25P
|-
|Control Head Microphone Connector
|P104
| colspan="2" |Custom connector - [https://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/spectra/spectra-mike-plug.html 3D Printed Option Available]
|}

=== XTL5000 ===
For W-head XTL5000s, see Spectra/Astro Spectra section above

The rear connector on the XTLs is some annoying custom job, just buy the connector & pins from your Moto dealer.

=== Micom ===

===== 2E/2ET/2ES =====
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Connector
!Designator
!Mating Connector
!Ex. Mfr P/N
|-
|Power Connector
|J4
|44-pin high-density D-Sub Female (Shell B)
|Amphenol 10090770-S444ALF
|-
|Rear Accessory Connector
|J5
|3W3 high-power D-Sub Female (Shell A)
|Amphenol LCC17-A3W3SM-2N0
|}

Radio Connector Cross Reference

2024-03-20T20:07:18Z

W3AXL: /* Motorola */

Radio Connector Cross Reference

2024-03-20T20:06:17Z

W3AXL: Created page with "This page is intended to be a reference for common radio connectors and their manufacturer part numbers. Some connectors, such as D-Subs, are industry standard sizes and available from many different suppliers. In these cases, example part numbers are provided as a suggestion. == Motorola == ==== O3 Control Head ==== {| class="wikitable" |+ !Connector !Mfr !P/N |- |LCD Connector, Display-Side |Hirose |DF30FC-20DP-0.4V(82) |- |LCD Connector, Board-Side |Hirose |DF30FC-2..."

File:Moto-spkr-plug.png

2024-03-20T20:04:58Z

W3AXL:

moto-spkr-plug

Micom 2ES

2024-02-21T18:32:26Z

W3AXL:

A collection of notes as I explore my recently acquired Micom 2ES
== Hardware ==
=== Headless Power-Up ===
To power up the Micom without a control head attached, you need to connect pin 14 (CTRL_ON_OFF) to ground (pin 7 or 13) on the front control head connector. You can use a standard 0.1" shorting jumper to connect 13 & 14 for a clean automatic power up.

[[File:Micom Connector.png]]

=== Rear Accessory Connector ===
Serial communications with a PC use the TXA/RXA pins on the rear 44-pin connector, '''not''' TXD/RXD like you'd expect. RXA is pin 15 and TXA is pin 16.

Micom 2ES

2024-02-21T18:32:10Z

W3AXL: /* Hardware */

== Hardware ==
=== Headless Power-Up ===
To power up the Micom without a control head attached, you need to connect pin 14 (CTRL_ON_OFF) to ground (pin 7 or 13) on the front control head connector. You can use a standard 0.1" shorting jumper to connect 13 & 14 for a clean automatic power up.

[[File:Micom Connector.png]]

=== Rear Accessory Connector ===
Serial communications with a PC use the TXA/RXA pins on the rear 44-pin connector, '''not''' TXD/RXD like you'd expect. RXA is pin 15 and TXA is pin 16.

Micom 2ES

2024-02-21T18:23:57Z

W3AXL: /* Headless Power-Up */

Micom 2ES

2024-02-21T18:23:40Z

W3AXL: Created page with "== Hardware == === Headless Power-Up === To power up the Micom without a control head attached, you need to connect pin 14 (CTRL_ON_OFF) to ground (pin 7 or 13). You can use a standard 0.1" shorting jumper to connect 13 & 14 for a clean automatic power up. File:Micom Connector.png"

== Hardware ==
=== Headless Power-Up ===
To power up the Micom without a control head attached, you need to connect pin 14 (CTRL_ON_OFF) to ground (pin 7 or 13). You can use a standard 0.1" shorting jumper to connect 13 & 14 for a clean automatic power up.

[[File:Micom Connector.png]]

File:Micom Connector.png

2024-02-21T18:22:55Z

W3AXL:

Astro25 Series Radios

2024-01-19T20:44:29Z

W3AXL: /* Text Messaging Service */

{{Infobox
|title = Motorola Astro25 Series
|image = [[File:Motorola-logo-4.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2002
|label4 = EOL Date
|data4 = 2013
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The Astro25 series of radios are public-safety and commercial radios capable of digital [[P25]] conventional and trunking operation. The series was introduced in 2002, and was declared end-of-life in 2013, with depot services continuing until 2018.
===Models in Line===
====Portable Radios====
* [[XTS1500]]
* [[XTS2500]]
* [[XTS4000]]
* [[XTS5000]]
====Mobile Radios====
* [[Astro Spectra Plus]]
* [[XTL1500/2500/5000]]

==Features==
===Flashport Options===
''Pulled from [http://akardam.net akardam.net]
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Flashcode'''||'''Description'''
|-
|Q806||Astro [[IMBE]] Digital Operation
|-
|H14||Enhanced Digital ID Display
|-
|Q52||Federal Government [[FPP]]
|-
|H869||Hardware Multikey [[Encryption]]
|-
|Q498||Hardware Multikey Encryption with [[OTAR]]
|-
|H43||Trunked Remote Monitor / Radio Trace
|-
|H46||Trunked One Touch Status Message
|-
|Q507||12.5kHz FCC Mandate
|-
|G996||Over the Air Provisioning
|-
|H35||Conventional Systems Operation
|-
|H02||Encrypted Tactical Inhibit
|-
|H37||[[Smartnet]] Systems Operation
|-
|H38||[[SmartZone]] Systems Operation
|-
|G857||FDNY Emergency RX/TX Tone Set
|-
|Q369||Inter-system Roaming RSSI
|-
|H04||Conventional Tactical Rekey
|-
|H345||Astro25 Radio Authentication
|-
|Q352||User-definable Soft ID
|-
|Q947||APCO Packet Data Interface
|-
|Q241||Analog-only Operation
|-
|Q53||FCC FPP / Radio Cloning
|-
|Q387||Conventional Voting Scan
|-
|Q173||SmartZone [[Omnilink]] Multizone Operation
|-
|Q182||Enhanced Radio Control Protocol
|-
|Q361||Astro25 9600baud Trunking
|-
|Q445||Fireground Accountability Software
|-
|Q446||Fireground Voice/Channel Announcement
|-
|Q667||[[ADP Software Encryption]]
|}

===AN vs BN Radios===
Several radios in the Astro25 line are considered "AN" or "4-meg" radios and contain a smaller flash rom chip (4 megabyte vs 8 megabyte) and are more limited in firmware and feature support. Earlier models of the XTS2500 and the Astro Spectra Plus are considered AN radios and are limited to the firmware version specified below.
===Firmware===
The latest recommended firmware is R20.50.09 for [[8-meg BN]] radios and R09.00.41 for [[4-meg AN]] radios. R20.50.10 is available for mobile radios but is not recommended due to several bugs reported by users in the field. Motorola no longer supports Astro25 series radios and no further firmware releases will occur.

===Audio Enhancements===
In Motorola [[Astro25]] radios, analog and digital audio is processed by the audio DSP before it is sent through the RF section and transmitted. The default settings are fine, and most people will have no complaints with the quality of audio from these radios. However, as found through testing and tweaking by members of [[communications.support]], there exists a much better setting for Astro25 radios that can make the transmitted audio from these units sound even better. These audio settings can be found in the Radio Configuration -> Radio-Wide -> Tx Audio Control Per Mode section of CPS.

The settings are as follows:
* Internal Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* External Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* AGC
** Output: '''-3'''
** Total: '''12'''
* Noise Suppression: '''Checked'''
* Attenuation Level: '''Advanced'''

See the following image:

[[File:Astro25AudioSettings.png]]

===Text Messaging Service===
See [[Astro25 Text Messaging]]

==Software==
Astro25 radios program using the Astro25 Portable and Mobile [[CPS]] Packages. The portable version of CPS supports the XTS2500, XTS4000, and XTS5000. Astro25 Mobile CPS supports the Astro Spectra Plus, XTL1500, XTL2500, and XTL5000.
===Amateur Use & Bandsplits===
If you have a radio whose [[bandsplit]] is outside the amateur bands (a UHF-R2 "S"-split radio for the 450-520 MHz band would be an example) you must modify the CPS executable to allow the software to accept frequencies which are out of band for the model. This is done using the [[Out of Band#Hex-edit Method|Hex-edit Method]] which works for many CPS distributions, and detailed information can be found on the information page. 

All Astro25 radios excluding the Astro Spectra Plus will tune to all frequencies in the amateur bands without issues. The Astro Spectra Plus VCO will not lock on some frequencies far from its rated band and requires a [[Astro Spectra#Out of Band|hardware mod]] to allow it to lock properly at these frequencies.
===Single-Zone FPP Setup===
Contrary to other reports, it is possible to set up a radio running BN firmware (R10+) for only a single zone of FPP channels, as opposed to 16 zones with 16 channels each. The way to do this is not immediately obvious however, as it may seem like all zones are locked as FPP only. The "gotcha" here is that '''any FPP zone must be preceded by only other FPP zones'''. I don't know why Motorola decided to do it this way, but you can't just take any zone in the middle of the codeplug and make it FPP or non-FPP.

Starting with a codeplug that has all 16 zones set up for FPP (meaning you also have 128 personalities - yikes), the procedure to get to a single FPP zone is as follows:
# Start from zone 16. You should be able to uncheck the "FPP Zone" field. Once you acknowledge the warnings and this is done, the 16 personalities assigned to that zone should be deleted and the codeplug structure will have been reopened.
# Now you should be able to delete zone 16.
# Follow the above procedure for the remaining 14 zones (zones 2-15)
# You should be left with a single FPP zone and 16 un-deletable conventional personalities. Configure these however you like per your FPP preference.
===15+1 Trunking Scan===
''For Astro25 CPS R20.00 and R20.01
{| class="wikitable"
|'''CPS||'''Hex Offset||'''Original Value||'''New Value
|-
|'''Portable||0x009301A1||0A||0F
|-
|'''Mobile||0x009E4D51||0A||0F
|}

Make these changes to the PatMob or PatPort executable files using your favorite hex editor.

===Astro25 Tuner Virtual Com Ports===

Astro25 Tuner is known to have issues with reading & writing with higher COM port numbers. Ports above 20 appear to cause issues and give errors such as "Read Radio Failed." If you encounter issues, try lowering the com port number of your virtual com port.

Astro25 Series Radios

2024-01-19T20:44:08Z

W3AXL: /* Text Messaging Service */

{{Infobox
|title = Motorola Astro25 Series
|image = [[File:Motorola-logo-4.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2002
|label4 = EOL Date
|data4 = 2013
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The Astro25 series of radios are public-safety and commercial radios capable of digital [[P25]] conventional and trunking operation. The series was introduced in 2002, and was declared end-of-life in 2013, with depot services continuing until 2018.
===Models in Line===
====Portable Radios====
* [[XTS1500]]
* [[XTS2500]]
* [[XTS4000]]
* [[XTS5000]]
====Mobile Radios====
* [[Astro Spectra Plus]]
* [[XTL1500/2500/5000]]

==Features==
===Flashport Options===
''Pulled from [http://akardam.net akardam.net]
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Flashcode'''||'''Description'''
|-
|Q806||Astro [[IMBE]] Digital Operation
|-
|H14||Enhanced Digital ID Display
|-
|Q52||Federal Government [[FPP]]
|-
|H869||Hardware Multikey [[Encryption]]
|-
|Q498||Hardware Multikey Encryption with [[OTAR]]
|-
|H43||Trunked Remote Monitor / Radio Trace
|-
|H46||Trunked One Touch Status Message
|-
|Q507||12.5kHz FCC Mandate
|-
|G996||Over the Air Provisioning
|-
|H35||Conventional Systems Operation
|-
|H02||Encrypted Tactical Inhibit
|-
|H37||[[Smartnet]] Systems Operation
|-
|H38||[[SmartZone]] Systems Operation
|-
|G857||FDNY Emergency RX/TX Tone Set
|-
|Q369||Inter-system Roaming RSSI
|-
|H04||Conventional Tactical Rekey
|-
|H345||Astro25 Radio Authentication
|-
|Q352||User-definable Soft ID
|-
|Q947||APCO Packet Data Interface
|-
|Q241||Analog-only Operation
|-
|Q53||FCC FPP / Radio Cloning
|-
|Q387||Conventional Voting Scan
|-
|Q173||SmartZone [[Omnilink]] Multizone Operation
|-
|Q182||Enhanced Radio Control Protocol
|-
|Q361||Astro25 9600baud Trunking
|-
|Q445||Fireground Accountability Software
|-
|Q446||Fireground Voice/Channel Announcement
|-
|Q667||[[ADP Software Encryption]]
|}

===AN vs BN Radios===
Several radios in the Astro25 line are considered "AN" or "4-meg" radios and contain a smaller flash rom chip (4 megabyte vs 8 megabyte) and are more limited in firmware and feature support. Earlier models of the XTS2500 and the Astro Spectra Plus are considered AN radios and are limited to the firmware version specified below.
===Firmware===
The latest recommended firmware is R20.50.09 for [[8-meg BN]] radios and R09.00.41 for [[4-meg AN]] radios. R20.50.10 is available for mobile radios but is not recommended due to several bugs reported by users in the field. Motorola no longer supports Astro25 series radios and no further firmware releases will occur.

===Audio Enhancements===
In Motorola [[Astro25]] radios, analog and digital audio is processed by the audio DSP before it is sent through the RF section and transmitted. The default settings are fine, and most people will have no complaints with the quality of audio from these radios. However, as found through testing and tweaking by members of [[communications.support]], there exists a much better setting for Astro25 radios that can make the transmitted audio from these units sound even better. These audio settings can be found in the Radio Configuration -> Radio-Wide -> Tx Audio Control Per Mode section of CPS.

The settings are as follows:
* Internal Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* External Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* AGC
** Output: '''-3'''
** Total: '''12'''
* Noise Suppression: '''Checked'''
* Attenuation Level: '''Advanced'''

See the following image:

[[File:Astro25AudioSettings.png]]

===Text Messaging Service===
See [[Astro25_Text_Messaging]]

==Software==
Astro25 radios program using the Astro25 Portable and Mobile [[CPS]] Packages. The portable version of CPS supports the XTS2500, XTS4000, and XTS5000. Astro25 Mobile CPS supports the Astro Spectra Plus, XTL1500, XTL2500, and XTL5000.
===Amateur Use & Bandsplits===
If you have a radio whose [[bandsplit]] is outside the amateur bands (a UHF-R2 "S"-split radio for the 450-520 MHz band would be an example) you must modify the CPS executable to allow the software to accept frequencies which are out of band for the model. This is done using the [[Out of Band#Hex-edit Method|Hex-edit Method]] which works for many CPS distributions, and detailed information can be found on the information page. 

All Astro25 radios excluding the Astro Spectra Plus will tune to all frequencies in the amateur bands without issues. The Astro Spectra Plus VCO will not lock on some frequencies far from its rated band and requires a [[Astro Spectra#Out of Band|hardware mod]] to allow it to lock properly at these frequencies.
===Single-Zone FPP Setup===
Contrary to other reports, it is possible to set up a radio running BN firmware (R10+) for only a single zone of FPP channels, as opposed to 16 zones with 16 channels each. The way to do this is not immediately obvious however, as it may seem like all zones are locked as FPP only. The "gotcha" here is that '''any FPP zone must be preceded by only other FPP zones'''. I don't know why Motorola decided to do it this way, but you can't just take any zone in the middle of the codeplug and make it FPP or non-FPP.

Starting with a codeplug that has all 16 zones set up for FPP (meaning you also have 128 personalities - yikes), the procedure to get to a single FPP zone is as follows:
# Start from zone 16. You should be able to uncheck the "FPP Zone" field. Once you acknowledge the warnings and this is done, the 16 personalities assigned to that zone should be deleted and the codeplug structure will have been reopened.
# Now you should be able to delete zone 16.
# Follow the above procedure for the remaining 14 zones (zones 2-15)
# You should be left with a single FPP zone and 16 un-deletable conventional personalities. Configure these however you like per your FPP preference.
===15+1 Trunking Scan===
''For Astro25 CPS R20.00 and R20.01
{| class="wikitable"
|'''CPS||'''Hex Offset||'''Original Value||'''New Value
|-
|'''Portable||0x009301A1||0A||0F
|-
|'''Mobile||0x009E4D51||0A||0F
|}

Make these changes to the PatMob or PatPort executable files using your favorite hex editor.

===Astro25 Tuner Virtual Com Ports===

Astro25 Tuner is known to have issues with reading & writing with higher COM port numbers. Ports above 20 appear to cause issues and give errors such as "Read Radio Failed." If you encounter issues, try lowering the com port number of your virtual com port.

Astro25 Series Radios

2024-01-19T20:43:38Z

W3AXL: /* Firmware */

{{Infobox
|title = Motorola Astro25 Series
|image = [[File:Motorola-logo-4.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2002
|label4 = EOL Date
|data4 = 2013
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The Astro25 series of radios are public-safety and commercial radios capable of digital [[P25]] conventional and trunking operation. The series was introduced in 2002, and was declared end-of-life in 2013, with depot services continuing until 2018.
===Models in Line===
====Portable Radios====
* [[XTS1500]]
* [[XTS2500]]
* [[XTS4000]]
* [[XTS5000]]
====Mobile Radios====
* [[Astro Spectra Plus]]
* [[XTL1500/2500/5000]]

==Features==
===Flashport Options===
''Pulled from [http://akardam.net akardam.net]
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Flashcode'''||'''Description'''
|-
|Q806||Astro [[IMBE]] Digital Operation
|-
|H14||Enhanced Digital ID Display
|-
|Q52||Federal Government [[FPP]]
|-
|H869||Hardware Multikey [[Encryption]]
|-
|Q498||Hardware Multikey Encryption with [[OTAR]]
|-
|H43||Trunked Remote Monitor / Radio Trace
|-
|H46||Trunked One Touch Status Message
|-
|Q507||12.5kHz FCC Mandate
|-
|G996||Over the Air Provisioning
|-
|H35||Conventional Systems Operation
|-
|H02||Encrypted Tactical Inhibit
|-
|H37||[[Smartnet]] Systems Operation
|-
|H38||[[SmartZone]] Systems Operation
|-
|G857||FDNY Emergency RX/TX Tone Set
|-
|Q369||Inter-system Roaming RSSI
|-
|H04||Conventional Tactical Rekey
|-
|H345||Astro25 Radio Authentication
|-
|Q352||User-definable Soft ID
|-
|Q947||APCO Packet Data Interface
|-
|Q241||Analog-only Operation
|-
|Q53||FCC FPP / Radio Cloning
|-
|Q387||Conventional Voting Scan
|-
|Q173||SmartZone [[Omnilink]] Multizone Operation
|-
|Q182||Enhanced Radio Control Protocol
|-
|Q361||Astro25 9600baud Trunking
|-
|Q445||Fireground Accountability Software
|-
|Q446||Fireground Voice/Channel Announcement
|-
|Q667||[[ADP Software Encryption]]
|}

===AN vs BN Radios===
Several radios in the Astro25 line are considered "AN" or "4-meg" radios and contain a smaller flash rom chip (4 megabyte vs 8 megabyte) and are more limited in firmware and feature support. Earlier models of the XTS2500 and the Astro Spectra Plus are considered AN radios and are limited to the firmware version specified below.
===Firmware===
The latest recommended firmware is R20.50.09 for [[8-meg BN]] radios and R09.00.41 for [[4-meg AN]] radios. R20.50.10 is available for mobile radios but is not recommended due to several bugs reported by users in the field. Motorola no longer supports Astro25 series radios and no further firmware releases will occur.

===Audio Enhancements===
In Motorola [[Astro25]] radios, analog and digital audio is processed by the audio DSP before it is sent through the RF section and transmitted. The default settings are fine, and most people will have no complaints with the quality of audio from these radios. However, as found through testing and tweaking by members of [[communications.support]], there exists a much better setting for Astro25 radios that can make the transmitted audio from these units sound even better. These audio settings can be found in the Radio Configuration -> Radio-Wide -> Tx Audio Control Per Mode section of CPS.

The settings are as follows:
* Internal Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* External Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* AGC
** Output: '''-3'''
** Total: '''12'''
* Noise Suppression: '''Checked'''
* Attenuation Level: '''Advanced'''

See the following image:

[[File:Astro25AudioSettings.png]]

===Text Messaging Service===
{{Main|TMS}}

==Software==
Astro25 radios program using the Astro25 Portable and Mobile [[CPS]] Packages. The portable version of CPS supports the XTS2500, XTS4000, and XTS5000. Astro25 Mobile CPS supports the Astro Spectra Plus, XTL1500, XTL2500, and XTL5000.
===Amateur Use & Bandsplits===
If you have a radio whose [[bandsplit]] is outside the amateur bands (a UHF-R2 "S"-split radio for the 450-520 MHz band would be an example) you must modify the CPS executable to allow the software to accept frequencies which are out of band for the model. This is done using the [[Out of Band#Hex-edit Method|Hex-edit Method]] which works for many CPS distributions, and detailed information can be found on the information page. 

All Astro25 radios excluding the Astro Spectra Plus will tune to all frequencies in the amateur bands without issues. The Astro Spectra Plus VCO will not lock on some frequencies far from its rated band and requires a [[Astro Spectra#Out of Band|hardware mod]] to allow it to lock properly at these frequencies.
===Single-Zone FPP Setup===
Contrary to other reports, it is possible to set up a radio running BN firmware (R10+) for only a single zone of FPP channels, as opposed to 16 zones with 16 channels each. The way to do this is not immediately obvious however, as it may seem like all zones are locked as FPP only. The "gotcha" here is that '''any FPP zone must be preceded by only other FPP zones'''. I don't know why Motorola decided to do it this way, but you can't just take any zone in the middle of the codeplug and make it FPP or non-FPP.

Starting with a codeplug that has all 16 zones set up for FPP (meaning you also have 128 personalities - yikes), the procedure to get to a single FPP zone is as follows:
# Start from zone 16. You should be able to uncheck the "FPP Zone" field. Once you acknowledge the warnings and this is done, the 16 personalities assigned to that zone should be deleted and the codeplug structure will have been reopened.
# Now you should be able to delete zone 16.
# Follow the above procedure for the remaining 14 zones (zones 2-15)
# You should be left with a single FPP zone and 16 un-deletable conventional personalities. Configure these however you like per your FPP preference.
===15+1 Trunking Scan===
''For Astro25 CPS R20.00 and R20.01
{| class="wikitable"
|'''CPS||'''Hex Offset||'''Original Value||'''New Value
|-
|'''Portable||0x009301A1||0A||0F
|-
|'''Mobile||0x009E4D51||0A||0F
|}

Make these changes to the PatMob or PatPort executable files using your favorite hex editor.

===Astro25 Tuner Virtual Com Ports===

Astro25 Tuner is known to have issues with reading & writing with higher COM port numbers. Ports above 20 appear to cause issues and give errors such as "Read Radio Failed." If you encounter issues, try lowering the com port number of your virtual com port.

Astro25 Series Radios

2024-01-19T20:43:30Z

W3AXL: /* Firmware */

{{Infobox
|title = Motorola Astro25 Series
|image = [[File:Motorola-logo-4.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2002
|label4 = EOL Date
|data4 = 2013
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The Astro25 series of radios are public-safety and commercial radios capable of digital [[P25]] conventional and trunking operation. The series was introduced in 2002, and was declared end-of-life in 2013, with depot services continuing until 2018.
===Models in Line===
====Portable Radios====
* [[XTS1500]]
* [[XTS2500]]
* [[XTS4000]]
* [[XTS5000]]
====Mobile Radios====
* [[Astro Spectra Plus]]
* [[XTL1500/2500/5000]]

==Features==
===Flashport Options===
''Pulled from [http://akardam.net akardam.net]
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Flashcode'''||'''Description'''
|-
|Q806||Astro [[IMBE]] Digital Operation
|-
|H14||Enhanced Digital ID Display
|-
|Q52||Federal Government [[FPP]]
|-
|H869||Hardware Multikey [[Encryption]]
|-
|Q498||Hardware Multikey Encryption with [[OTAR]]
|-
|H43||Trunked Remote Monitor / Radio Trace
|-
|H46||Trunked One Touch Status Message
|-
|Q507||12.5kHz FCC Mandate
|-
|G996||Over the Air Provisioning
|-
|H35||Conventional Systems Operation
|-
|H02||Encrypted Tactical Inhibit
|-
|H37||[[Smartnet]] Systems Operation
|-
|H38||[[SmartZone]] Systems Operation
|-
|G857||FDNY Emergency RX/TX Tone Set
|-
|Q369||Inter-system Roaming RSSI
|-
|H04||Conventional Tactical Rekey
|-
|H345||Astro25 Radio Authentication
|-
|Q352||User-definable Soft ID
|-
|Q947||APCO Packet Data Interface
|-
|Q241||Analog-only Operation
|-
|Q53||FCC FPP / Radio Cloning
|-
|Q387||Conventional Voting Scan
|-
|Q173||SmartZone [[Omnilink]] Multizone Operation
|-
|Q182||Enhanced Radio Control Protocol
|-
|Q361||Astro25 9600baud Trunking
|-
|Q445||Fireground Accountability Software
|-
|Q446||Fireground Voice/Channel Announcement
|-
|Q667||[[ADP Software Encryption]]
|}

===AN vs BN Radios===
Several radios in the Astro25 line are considered "AN" or "4-meg" radios and contain a smaller flash rom chip (4 megabyte vs 8 megabyte) and are more limited in firmware and feature support. Earlier models of the XTS2500 and the Astro Spectra Plus are considered AN radios and are limited to the firmware version specified below.
===Firmware===
The latest recommended firmware (as of 12/21/2016) is R20.50.09 for [[8-meg BN]] radios and R09.00.41 for [[4-meg AN]] radios. R20.50.10 is available for mobile radios but is not recommended due to several bugs reported by users in the field. Motorola no longer supports Astro25 series radios and no further firmware releases will occur.

===Audio Enhancements===
In Motorola [[Astro25]] radios, analog and digital audio is processed by the audio DSP before it is sent through the RF section and transmitted. The default settings are fine, and most people will have no complaints with the quality of audio from these radios. However, as found through testing and tweaking by members of [[communications.support]], there exists a much better setting for Astro25 radios that can make the transmitted audio from these units sound even better. These audio settings can be found in the Radio Configuration -> Radio-Wide -> Tx Audio Control Per Mode section of CPS.

The settings are as follows:
* Internal Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* External Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* AGC
** Output: '''-3'''
** Total: '''12'''
* Noise Suppression: '''Checked'''
* Attenuation Level: '''Advanced'''

See the following image:

[[File:Astro25AudioSettings.png]]

===Text Messaging Service===
{{Main|TMS}}

==Software==
Astro25 radios program using the Astro25 Portable and Mobile [[CPS]] Packages. The portable version of CPS supports the XTS2500, XTS4000, and XTS5000. Astro25 Mobile CPS supports the Astro Spectra Plus, XTL1500, XTL2500, and XTL5000.
===Amateur Use & Bandsplits===
If you have a radio whose [[bandsplit]] is outside the amateur bands (a UHF-R2 "S"-split radio for the 450-520 MHz band would be an example) you must modify the CPS executable to allow the software to accept frequencies which are out of band for the model. This is done using the [[Out of Band#Hex-edit Method|Hex-edit Method]] which works for many CPS distributions, and detailed information can be found on the information page. 

All Astro25 radios excluding the Astro Spectra Plus will tune to all frequencies in the amateur bands without issues. The Astro Spectra Plus VCO will not lock on some frequencies far from its rated band and requires a [[Astro Spectra#Out of Band|hardware mod]] to allow it to lock properly at these frequencies.
===Single-Zone FPP Setup===
Contrary to other reports, it is possible to set up a radio running BN firmware (R10+) for only a single zone of FPP channels, as opposed to 16 zones with 16 channels each. The way to do this is not immediately obvious however, as it may seem like all zones are locked as FPP only. The "gotcha" here is that '''any FPP zone must be preceded by only other FPP zones'''. I don't know why Motorola decided to do it this way, but you can't just take any zone in the middle of the codeplug and make it FPP or non-FPP.

Starting with a codeplug that has all 16 zones set up for FPP (meaning you also have 128 personalities - yikes), the procedure to get to a single FPP zone is as follows:
# Start from zone 16. You should be able to uncheck the "FPP Zone" field. Once you acknowledge the warnings and this is done, the 16 personalities assigned to that zone should be deleted and the codeplug structure will have been reopened.
# Now you should be able to delete zone 16.
# Follow the above procedure for the remaining 14 zones (zones 2-15)
# You should be left with a single FPP zone and 16 un-deletable conventional personalities. Configure these however you like per your FPP preference.
===15+1 Trunking Scan===
''For Astro25 CPS R20.00 and R20.01
{| class="wikitable"
|'''CPS||'''Hex Offset||'''Original Value||'''New Value
|-
|'''Portable||0x009301A1||0A||0F
|-
|'''Mobile||0x009E4D51||0A||0F
|}

Make these changes to the PatMob or PatPort executable files using your favorite hex editor.

===Astro25 Tuner Virtual Com Ports===

Astro25 Tuner is known to have issues with reading & writing with higher COM port numbers. Ports above 20 appear to cause issues and give errors such as "Read Radio Failed." If you encounter issues, try lowering the com port number of your virtual com port.

Astro25 Series Radios

2024-01-19T20:42:12Z

W3AXL: /* Audio Enhancements */

{{Infobox
|title = Motorola Astro25 Series
|image = [[File:Motorola-logo-4.png|200px]]
|label2 = Market
|data2 = Public Safety
|label3 = Release Date
|data3 = 2002
|label4 = EOL Date
|data4 = 2013
|label5 = Supported Features
|data5 = Conventional Analog Conventional [[P25]] [[Motorola Type II Trunking]] [[P25 Phase 1 Trunking]]
}}
The Astro25 series of radios are public-safety and commercial radios capable of digital [[P25]] conventional and trunking operation. The series was introduced in 2002, and was declared end-of-life in 2013, with depot services continuing until 2018.
===Models in Line===
====Portable Radios====
* [[XTS1500]]
* [[XTS2500]]
* [[XTS4000]]
* [[XTS5000]]
====Mobile Radios====
* [[Astro Spectra Plus]]
* [[XTL1500/2500/5000]]

==Features==
===Flashport Options===
''Pulled from [http://akardam.net akardam.net]
{| class="wikitable"
!'''Flashcode'''||'''Description'''
|-
|Q806||Astro [[IMBE]] Digital Operation
|-
|H14||Enhanced Digital ID Display
|-
|Q52||Federal Government [[FPP]]
|-
|H869||Hardware Multikey [[Encryption]]
|-
|Q498||Hardware Multikey Encryption with [[OTAR]]
|-
|H43||Trunked Remote Monitor / Radio Trace
|-
|H46||Trunked One Touch Status Message
|-
|Q507||12.5kHz FCC Mandate
|-
|G996||Over the Air Provisioning
|-
|H35||Conventional Systems Operation
|-
|H02||Encrypted Tactical Inhibit
|-
|H37||[[Smartnet]] Systems Operation
|-
|H38||[[SmartZone]] Systems Operation
|-
|G857||FDNY Emergency RX/TX Tone Set
|-
|Q369||Inter-system Roaming RSSI
|-
|H04||Conventional Tactical Rekey
|-
|H345||Astro25 Radio Authentication
|-
|Q352||User-definable Soft ID
|-
|Q947||APCO Packet Data Interface
|-
|Q241||Analog-only Operation
|-
|Q53||FCC FPP / Radio Cloning
|-
|Q387||Conventional Voting Scan
|-
|Q173||SmartZone [[Omnilink]] Multizone Operation
|-
|Q182||Enhanced Radio Control Protocol
|-
|Q361||Astro25 9600baud Trunking
|-
|Q445||Fireground Accountability Software
|-
|Q446||Fireground Voice/Channel Announcement
|-
|Q667||[[ADP Software Encryption]]
|}

===AN vs BN Radios===
Several radios in the Astro25 line are considered "AN" or "4-meg" radios and contain a smaller flash rom chip (4 megabyte vs 8 megabyte) and are more limited in firmware and feature support. Earlier models of the XTS2500 and the Astro Spectra Plus are considered AN radios and are limited to the firmware version specified below.
===Firmware===
The latest firmware (as of 12/21/2016) is R20.50.08 for [[8-meg BN]] radios and R09.00.41 for [[4-meg AN]] radios.

===Audio Enhancements===
In Motorola [[Astro25]] radios, analog and digital audio is processed by the audio DSP before it is sent through the RF section and transmitted. The default settings are fine, and most people will have no complaints with the quality of audio from these radios. However, as found through testing and tweaking by members of [[communications.support]], there exists a much better setting for Astro25 radios that can make the transmitted audio from these units sound even better. These audio settings can be found in the Radio Configuration -> Radio-Wide -> Tx Audio Control Per Mode section of CPS.

The settings are as follows:
* Internal Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* External Mic: '''All AGC Checked'''
* AGC
** Output: '''-3'''
** Total: '''12'''
* Noise Suppression: '''Checked'''
* Attenuation Level: '''Advanced'''

See the following image:

[[File:Astro25AudioSettings.png]]

===Text Messaging Service===
{{Main|TMS}}

==Software==
Astro25 radios program using the Astro25 Portable and Mobile [[CPS]] Packages. The portable version of CPS supports the XTS2500, XTS4000, and XTS5000. Astro25 Mobile CPS supports the Astro Spectra Plus, XTL1500, XTL2500, and XTL5000.
===Amateur Use & Bandsplits===
If you have a radio whose [[bandsplit]] is outside the amateur bands (a UHF-R2 "S"-split radio for the 450-520 MHz band would be an example) you must modify the CPS executable to allow the software to accept frequencies which are out of band for the model. This is done using the [[Out of Band#Hex-edit Method|Hex-edit Method]] which works for many CPS distributions, and detailed information can be found on the information page. 

All Astro25 radios excluding the Astro Spectra Plus will tune to all frequencies in the amateur bands without issues. The Astro Spectra Plus VCO will not lock on some frequencies far from its rated band and requires a [[Astro Spectra#Out of Band|hardware mod]] to allow it to lock properly at these frequencies.
===Single-Zone FPP Setup===
Contrary to other reports, it is possible to set up a radio running BN firmware (R10+) for only a single zone of FPP channels, as opposed to 16 zones with 16 channels each. The way to do this is not immediately obvious however, as it may seem like all zones are locked as FPP only. The "gotcha" here is that '''any FPP zone must be preceded by only other FPP zones'''. I don't know why Motorola decided to do it this way, but you can't just take any zone in the middle of the codeplug and make it FPP or non-FPP.

Starting with a codeplug that has all 16 zones set up for FPP (meaning you also have 128 personalities - yikes), the procedure to get to a single FPP zone is as follows:
# Start from zone 16. You should be able to uncheck the "FPP Zone" field. Once you acknowledge the warnings and this is done, the 16 personalities assigned to that zone should be deleted and the codeplug structure will have been reopened.
# Now you should be able to delete zone 16.
# Follow the above procedure for the remaining 14 zones (zones 2-15)
# You should be left with a single FPP zone and 16 un-deletable conventional personalities. Configure these however you like per your FPP preference.
===15+1 Trunking Scan===
''For Astro25 CPS R20.00 and R20.01
{| class="wikitable"
|'''CPS||'''Hex Offset||'''Original Value||'''New Value
|-
|'''Portable||0x009301A1||0A||0F
|-
|'''Mobile||0x009E4D51||0A||0F
|}

Make these changes to the PatMob or PatPort executable files using your favorite hex editor.

===Astro25 Tuner Virtual Com Ports===

Astro25 Tuner is known to have issues with reading & writing with higher COM port numbers. Ports above 20 appear to cause issues and give errors such as "Read Radio Failed." If you encounter issues, try lowering the com port number of your virtual com port.

File:Astro25AudioSettings.png

2024-01-19T20:41:58Z

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