Batboard

Hi folks.

Does anybody ever heard of an (i guess) special product HT800, which
was made exclusively for the Navy Seals. It has 16 channels (2 switchable banks with 8 channels each) and integrated DES-encryption. Since there is not much space left in the radio and it doesn`t uses an different front (like the MT1000-signalling fronts), it seems the encryption is integrated right in the controller module (encryption "on-board"). As for my part, i have never seen such an animal, but some days ago a guy offered me two of them. I`m still waiting for some pictures. Any informations out there??

Regards

Keygun

Hello.

It is my understanding that the HT800 is the European Version of the American HT600, and the HT600 could not do any more than 6 channels.

Vio

Please pass those photos around if you get a chance. I think its fair to say that we are all fans of SP radios, particularly spooky military items.

We need a Spooky SP photo gallery here on the site. I'll submit my pictures of my Systems Saber -X lunchbox. I'm sure that we have enough members with SP stuff out there to do a gallery.

Frank

Having worked with Seal team 1 once....Nothing exciteing I was fixing a pump on one of their boats
Anyway they had Motorola Saber-R radios on them I used one for testing the pump with their boat driver. It was simplex on 412mhz.
They also had some XTS3000s in a bank charger but i didnt get to look at them, UHF i think.
I did work with the USSS at the 2002 Olympics and we used the XTS3000s in digital mode and encrypted on VHF for security. DOD was there using the Sabers but analog and encrypted, but they had alot of coverage problems. We had 12 diffrent radio systems hooked thru a JPS. the first few days were intresting getting people to wait to talk LOL

Jon

jnglmassiv wrote:Please pass those photos around if you get a chance. I think its fair to say that we are all fans of SP radios, particularly spooky military items.

Yes, me too. I forgot to add that the radios are highpower (5W), VHF high-split (157 - 174Mc). From a special product i have expected at least a more cool (wider) frequency-range....

Keygun

Yes the HT800 is a European model, used heavily by UK police forces from the late 80's, some still use them if they haven’t yet gone to Tetra. I have a fleet of about 40 in my hire fleet many still prefer them over newer models due to there superior rugedness. Here’s a pic

Just a couple of things to consider.... usually most common freqs utilized are VHF 138-149MHZ and UHF 380- 430 MHZ. The primary radios in the last two decades have been MX-MX-Rs, then Saber and Saber R, followed by Astro Saber / R and XTSs.. Also throw in some Racals, Datrons etc. that being said doesn't mean that they where not used by them for some reason.. or in conjunction with someone else. Questions to ask...why would it have a European Product label if its for US Military ????... is it really DES considering its an export radio and at the time was on the restricted list ???? See if you can get an SP # and Model # and post it. More likely a radio from a police or government agency ...but anything is possible..

I never say never with Motorola products as many SP products were made over the years, if you had a special need and were willing to order enough they'd basically make you anything you wanted. But, I doubt very much that Navy Seals used an export version of a US product, think your seller might be stretching things. Prior to the Saber-R such military units used ruggedized MX's. Also I doubt the DES capability, there were simple inversion units made like the extended front cover you described for this radio series so that might be the case. Guess a DES board could be adapted from an Expo but would need a KVL connection.

VioLenT wrote:Hello.

It is my understanding that the HT800 is the European Version of the American HT600, and the HT600 could not do any more than 6 channels.

Vio

Not correct, the HT800 has 2 or 8 channels. I owned one with 16 channels.

Ed

correct all my hire fleet are 8 channel models

With Motorola, you are right, they will make anything for anybody for a price, starting at about 10 K. While working for a M dealer, we were pressed into SP service a number of times due to the customer not willing to pay the 10K for the SP product. Now as far as DES HT800, I'm not sure the modulator could do it, but I have heard and seen a demiled HT220 that supposedly had a DES variant in it.

Hello.

There were HT220s with DES.
This was a military depot mod done.
The HT220 was used due to the fact that the battery life of an HT220 is MUCH longer then the MT500, the replacement.
The US secret service had done some major mods on the HT220 in the past.
http://www.batnet.com/mfwright/secretservice220.html
There is a government special of the XTS5000 that can be put underwater to 30 feet.
This is done in part with a rubber jacket and in part a special housing.
There is also an ultrasonic transducer for diving, but this may not be a motorola product.
All in all, there have been some very unusual specials made, look at the HT220 pages and you will see what I mean.
http://www.batnet.com/mfwright/HT220specials.html