XTL to APX

[NHfirefighter]

I’m operating on a P25 VHF conventional system, no encryption. We have no plans to upgrade to trunking or other features. Other than ongoing support from MOL on the APX line is there much else gained from upgrading a XTL to an equivalent APX mobile? Does the AMBE vocoder produce significantly better results than the IMBE found in the XTLs?

Appreciate any feedback offered.

[jry]

APX mobile has channel voice announcements , multi band , GPS and support of newer heads

In emergency vehicles voice announcements has a lot of value in operating the radio without looking at the head to see if you are on the correct channel.

If that has no value than there really isn't much difference other than the support of the newer control heads on a single band system

The hardware cost for used XTL's is usually cheaper than the Depot flat rate so the value of Motorola support on a static environment is just about zero.

[NHfirefighter]

Good points. I agree the voice announcements alone are a huge plus.

[N4DES]

Personally, I didn't see much of an audio improvement moving from a 7/8 XTL to a V-7/8 APX7500.
But keep in mind that there were big Vocoder improvements make in Ver 12 and 17 in the XTS/XTL FW, so depending on your current version YMMV.

Love the dual band of the APX with being able to switch from Commercial/Public Safety to Hammy with just a twist of the knob.

Also, the 7500's are no longer supported if you aren't looking to spend big bucks on the 8500 you need to take that into consideration.

[alex]

Good points. I agree the voice announcements alone are a huge plus.

Voice Announcements are somewhat broken in APX CPS 26 - so stay away from that version until a fix comes out.