Noob Questions

[TheZach]

Well I have been saving up for the dive into Motorola Radios and I have enough now - but I want to seek the knowledge of the wiser folks before I jump in.

I want to hopefully purchase from Motorola the RSS/CPS software. So my first question is whats the difference between the two and are the available to the end-user.

I also want to purchase radios that can be programmed with todays computers, I know radios like the Syntors can not be. So my question is can the XTS Series radios be programmed with todays computers?

Also if I buy a portable and a mobile can I use the same RSS to program both of them?

[RKG]

1. "RSS" is a nickname for DOS-based programming applications, mainly for older radios. "CPS" is likewise for Windows-based applications, for newer radios. Note that: (A) you can run an RSS in a DOS window under Windows, but do NOT attempt to write to the radio, is it may be fatally corrupted; using RSS requires a machine running native DOS; and (B) with the possible exception of Astro25 CPS v. 12, none of the CPS will run under Vista.

2. There is a different application for each model or group of models of radios. For instance, Astro 25 Portable does XTS 1500, 2500 and 5000, but not (for instance) XTS 3000 or Astro Saber. Astro 25 Mobile does XTL series. You must use a CPS "version" that is equal to or later than the firmware version in the radio, otherwise a "read" attempt results in "Codeplug Too New" error message.

3. Each CPS has to be purchased from Motorola, and comes in the form of a subscription: current copy and all updates for next couple of years. Cost varies but is in the range of $300 per.

4. You will also need a programming cable; different cables for different radios or groups of radios. Older cables also required a RIB (Radio Interface Box) between PC and RIB-to-Radio cable; newer cables run directly from PC to radio. My strong advice is to use only OEM Motorola cables.

5. Finally, and please don't take this the wrong way: Motorola programming software assumes that the user has a fair degree of technical knowledge, both about radios in general and about Motorola radios in particular. It is a tad more complicated than programming a consumer-type scanner. Be careful.

6. Really finally, and same caveat: once you have assembled radio, PC, CPS, cable and requisite expertise, it is NOT true that you are free to program anything you want into the radio. There are a whole host of legal restrictions, some applicable to RX and a lot more applicable to TX. As a generality, you may legally listen to anything that is: FM, unencrypted, broadcast on a Part 90 frequency, and not broadcast by a radio common carrier; and you may transmit only on frequencies for which you have been licensed by the FCC.

Good luck.

[Victor Xray]

Is there a particular radio model(s) that you are most interested in owning? If so, let us know and we can tell you all the programming setup requirements you need. (You mentioned XTS, but is that XTS3000 or 2500/5000?) As RKG alluded to, there is no one-size-fits-all with Motorola radios -- each radio family/model has its own software and cables.

[TheZach]

I'm looking at an XTS with FPP for a portable - and I'm not sure mobile wise yet.

[Victor Xray]

XTS with FPP means an XTS5000 or XTS2500 with the appropriate flash. Therefore, you will need:

Preferred Programming Cable (no RIB required)
RKN4105A -- PROGRAMMING CABLE, USB $237

Alternate Programming Cable (no RIB required)
RKN4106A -- PROGRAMMING CABLE, RS232, XTS2500 $251

Or if you're feeling lucky, ebay has Knockoff Cables (use at your own risk!)

And then you need the Programming Software
RVN4181AD -- CPS R12.00.00 ASTRO 25 PORTABLE $265

Or, if you plan to buy an XTL mobile, you can get the mobile+portable combo software:
RVN4186AD -- CPS R12.00.00 ASTRO 25 PORT/MOBILE $375


The software runs on any newer model PC running XP or Vista. Hope that helps. Good luck.