Looking for a walkie talkie and heard the Motorola XTS 5000 is a good option? In this review guide we will take you through all the key features and considerations.
During emergencies like car accidents, natural disasters, or fire outbreaks, effective communication is needed to ensure that casualties are reduced to the barest minimum. In such cases, a cell phone may not be enough to reach out to officials who can provide the help or care needed to fix the problem at hand.
Although one would think that a cellphone should be able to send emergency messages during such cases but the truth is cell phones can’t always be relied on in situations where cell signals are down, as in the case of extreme hurricanes or storms. In such times the only device capable of closing the hole in communication is a walkie-talkie.
However, not all walkie-talkies are built solely for emergency operations. There are radios constructed for different purposes; for instance, some radios are built for professional use by construction workers, factory workers, farmers and teachers. Some radios are even designed for family use, and there are also baby monitors. There are walkie-talkies made for outdoor use and are equipped solely for that purpose.
Radios designed for emergencies are made to be more rugged than the others so they can perform anywhere and under any weather or temperature. This radio type is usually used by emergency personnel like firefighters during a fire breakout or even soldiers on the battlefield. Only the toughest and the most reliable walkie talkies are suitable for such high-risk operations because a break in transmission can easily lead to loss of lives.
Being one of the most reputable brands in the walkie talkies world, Motorola is known for designing only the best radios capable of performing the tasks they are created for effectively. Over time the brand has been able to produce great radios to solve different needs with several remarkable features. Motorola Solutions was able to come up with a walkie talkies series capable of functioning properly during emergencies.
The Motorola xts5000 was designed mostly for government officials and front liners during an emergency.
It has powerful technology that lets hundreds of people communicate effortlessly and simultaneously. A radio that best serves during emergencies allows you to quickly contact outfits that can render the needed assistance during an emergency.
Motorola realized that a radio’s features must match it’s user’s requirements, which is why xts5000 has three models. The three different models are offering the user a diverse range of features, with the third model having more functions than the second mode, which is, in turn, better than the very first model. In a fire scene, the hose crew needs more of a simple radio with push to talk functionality. If you are in a position where you need all the help you can get, the Model 3 is the one you need to set your eyes on.
In this article, I would be discussing everything about the XTS5000, including the radios downsides, the features of each model and what you should consider before buying these radios.
Table of Contents
Considerations when choosing the XTS 5000 Walkie Talkie
Before buying Motorola XTE5000, you must consider the following:
Size
Since this radio was built for emergency situations, it has a dimension of 12.72″ x 2.44″ x 1.83″, making it very easy to grip so it doesn’t fall. All models of Motorola Astro XTS5000 are portable, so it doesn’t inhibit or get in the way of your activities.
It weighs about 12.5 oz without battery, which is approximately 0.75 pounds. The heavy weight of this radio is mostly due to the fact that it has a lot of essential features. This weightiness can be seen in other radios that offer similar functionality, and should not be considered negative. The weight means the radio is sturdy and can survive any weather or situation it is thrown into.
With the amazing features offered by this radio, you may not remember how heavy or bulky it is. The weight also makes it easier to notice when it falls during a rescue operation.
Battery life
It is essential for walkie talkies for emergencies to have long battery life. This is because, during emergencies where power is out, officials need officials to stay in constant contact.
For this reason, this radio is designed to be compatible with a variety of battery types so you can choose what kind of Motorola Astro XTS5000 battery you want to use and how much power you want. This radio can use different types of high capacity batteries and even ultra-high capacity batteries. It must be noted, however, that it is crucial to use only approved Motorola batteries.
When you acquire this radio or buy a new battery, it is crucial to turn it off and charge it for at least16 hours to ensure optimum performance. The battery that comes with this Motorola radio from the factory is uncharged and must be charged using only a Motorola approved charger to ensure compliance with FCC RF guidelines.
Model 2 and 3, which have display screens, have a smart battery feature, which lets you know your smart battery’s condition. It also has a battery gauge button that can be programmed by your radio technician, which works by showing you the battery level using an LED indicator.
Ease of use
You can easily program this radio by yourself or get a radio technician to do the programming for you. After the initial programming, the radio is relatively easy to use. Of the three models, Model 1 is the easiest to use. It doesn’t have a display screen like the other two, and it has a few useful and intuitive features.
To operate Model 2 and model 3, you will need to use the Motorola XTS5000 manual or user guide, which is straightforward and easy to understand. The user-guide gives a lot of useful tips and essential information about using the radio the right way, so you don’t ignore crucial features.
Turning off or turning on the radio is a straightforward task since all you have to do is turn the volume knob. All three radio models come with programmable buttons that can be programmed by you or your technician.
The fact that this radio is very easy to use makes it all the more suitable for emergency Operations or combats.
Build quality
Motorola XTS5000 radios are built to thrive in different environments. They are designed to keep out water, dust or even smoke. With a rating of IP54, these radios will perform well regardless of the rain, snow or dust.
They also have very rugged bodies that can withstand impacts or when it falls off your hands or hips. XTS 5000 radios are durably built, which ensures that the devices stand the test of time. The speakers and the inbuilt microphone both work well for all three models of the radio. The radio also comes with enhanced speakers with advanced noise filtering features that produce clear transmissions never to lose important information.
Motorola XTS5000 radios are designed to work well with approved Motorola accessories, and there are several durable accessories designed to ensure remarkable user experience.
The three models of XTS5000
Depending on what you want and expect from your two-way radio, Motorola treats you to three different models with different capabilities. Below is a summary of the different features to expect from the radio models.
Model 1
This model is designed for those who simply need to receive and transmit messages immediately. It has a basic design with no screen or keypad. It has a large PTT button, an orange emergency button, and a transmit indicator and three programmable side buttons.
It also features an illuminated 16 position rotatory knob which is mounted at the top of the radio. Model 1 offers about 48 channels, which is decent for a basic radio but a lot lesser than the other two radios.
Model 2
This model is suitable for those who need walkie talkies with more communication options. It has everything in the first model and adds a full bitmap screen with four lines of texts and 12 characters per line. It boasts of a total of 1000 channels coupled with a backlit keypad that has three programmable soft-keys and navigation keys each.
Model 3
This model is designed for those who need a full communication toolbox. It improves on the existing features in the second model. It has a full keypad that enables you to call and save phone numbers on your walkie talkie for quick access. It also lets you send SMS messages in areas where it is not safe to transmit messages.
Other features
GPS location
Say a member of your team using the Motorola xts5000 is involved in an accident or is stuck somewhere dangerous. You can easily find them using the global positioning satellite service. With this feature, your teammate’s exact location can be determined by your commander or by a system analyst, so help or back up can be sent. You or your Technician would need to program your radio’s GPS service.
The environment you are in determines how long it would take to find you using GPS or how precise and accurate your location information would be. It’s more challenging, or it takes longer to find someone who is indoor and not under the clear open sky.
Secure operations
Secure radio operations is a unique form of security that makes it difficult for any outsider to listen in on your important messages.
This feature provides the highest available commercially today on conventional channels and even trunked channels when it comes to voice security. This digital encryption creates signaling, which makes decoding your messages impossible for unauthorized access.
This feature makes it suitable for government agencies to use.
Telephone call
This feature lets your radio perform like a regular phone. With the telephone call feature, you can call landlines, and you can also receive calls from them.
Private call
This call feature allows you to have a one on one call without being heard in the current talk group. That way, you can keep important information discrete.
Time and date
This radio gives you an option to set time and date on your radio as you would do with other electronic devices. The clock display can only be programmed and enabled by a technician or analyst. However, you can edit the time easily following the user guide.
Text messages
In places where you can not receive transmissions, or where a phone call would be inappropriate, you have the option of communicating and reaching out with the text message feature. Although, this feature is only possible in the third model of Astro XTS5000. With the text messaging feature, you can send and receive messages.
Emergency button
The top orange button on all of the three models of the Motorola XTS5000 can immediately signal for help if you are in danger.
Before this button can function, it must first be programmed by the radio technician as an emergency alarm, call, alarm and call or as a silent emergency alarm.
Radio lock
The radio lock feature, when activated, keeps your phone secured from others. After this feature is programmed on the radio by a qualified technician and the radio is turned on, Motorola xts5000 asks for an eight-digit password.
If three wrong passwords are entered on the walkie talkie in a row, it assumes deadlock. As a tip, do not forget your password, and if you do and can’t get your radio to unlock, see a qualified radio technician.
Smart PTT
The smart PTT feature helps to prevent you from transmitting on an active channel. This programmable feature is used in order to avoid users from talking over other conversations.
Pros
Multiple call options
Great battery life
Durable design
Enhanced audio features( noise shield and audio gain control)
Special time and date feature
GPS location
Emergency button
Hardware and software encryption
Digital caller ID
Radio lock
Programmable buttons
LED indicators and alarm tones
Full keypads in the third model
Cons
It is not so affordable
It is quite heavy
FAQs
How to program Motorola Astro XTS5000
Programming radios can be very stressful, confusing and time-consuming, but not this radio. All you need to program Motorola Astro XTS5000 is a personal computer, Customer Programming Software (CPS)and the recommended XTS5000 ribless cable.
Attach the ribless cable to the radio’s side connector and the USB end to the personal computer.
When the connection is made, the radio’s screen reads programming mode.
Open the Motorola’s customer programming software on your computer and click on read device to read the radio’s code plug.
When you open, you are able to configure.
Conventional channels
Scan lists
Call list
Phone list.
From that point, it is straightforward. You can configure the radio however you please.
Motorola offers you guidelines and links to online help during the programming process to make it easy for you and prevent you from making grave errors. Motorola also includes a video that gives all the guidelines to follow when programming your walkie-talkie.
If you find it challenging to do, you can get a technician to do it.
Conclusion
Motorola Astor XTS5000 is one of the best radios in the market for Government agencies or men in uniforms like the police, firefighters and ambulance drivers. It is also suitable for industrial use because of its ruggedness and many fascinating features.
Although Astor XTS5000 might be heavy, it is fully functional and worth it. The best part of the XTS5000 line is that they are easy to use. It doesn’t matter if you use the first model, the second or the third, because all three models perform their varying and related functions effectively.
Aside from the fact that these radios are easy to use, they are also made with quality materials, and so are durable. Most people have only good things to say about this line of radios because they are nothing short of amazing.
This radio may be expensive to purchase, but it is an investment that is worth it. It uses both analog and digital systems and can also communicate over 700/800MHz, VHF, UHF, R1 and R2 bands; that way, you can transmit clearly indoor or outdoor.
This walkie-talkie uses different technologies like smart zone omni-link, Astro trunk operations, smart zone and conventional system configurations to carry out its many Operations.
Suppose you are looking to buy a radio suitable for the neighborhood watch or radio that blends multiple functionalities with durability and excellent battery life. In that case, I recommend that you purchase the Motorola Astor XTS5000.
