Astro25 Text Messaging

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The Astro25 Text Messaging Service (also known as TMS) is a protocol for text messaging between supported Motorola Astro25 and APX radios. It is part of the Q947 APCO Packet Data Interface flashcode option and is available on Astro25 radios with firmware R09+ and on all APX series radios. The service allows for direct messaging between radios and system infrastructure in a trunked radio environment, and for simple messaging between user radios in a conventional repeater or simplex environment.

Conventional TMS Configuration

determined experimentally using original How-To from Akardam.net

Astro25 Configuration

Radio Configuration
Radio Wide
General
ARS User Login Enable: Checked
Soft ID/Username: Unique per-user (see note below)
Data
Subscriber IP Address: Same for all users (typically 192.168.128.1)
Mobile Computer IP: Same for all users (typically 192.168.128.2)
Conventional
Astro Systems
Astro System - X
General
Preamble Length: 80 to 160 (longer allows for more time for radios and/or repeaters to sync)
Advanced
CAI Data Registration: Checked
Data
Packet Data Capable System (PDS): Checked
Limited Broadcast: Checked
Packet Data Mode: Repeated (always, even on simplex channels)
Data Scan Preamble: Disabled
Queue Dwell Timer: 25
Subscriber Air-Interface IP Address: Unique per-user in the same /24 subnet
Mobile Computer IP Address: Same for all users
Text Messaging Service: "Unlimited" or "List" depending on flashcode/model options
Application Time (sec): 15
Application Number: 5
ARS
ARS Enable: Checked
ARS Mode: Non-Server

APX Radio Configuration

(to be continued...)

A Note on Soft ID

While the Soft ID field will allow for up to 20 characters, TMS soft-IDs are limited to no more than 8 characters. If the soft ID specified in Radio Wide is longer than 8 characters, the radio will not use the username for TMS and will instead use the numeric Astro ID defined in the Astro system.