Motorola ASTRO XTL 2500 User Manual

®

ASTRO
XTL™ 2500

Digital Mobile Radio

M5 Control Head
User's Guide

M5 Control Head

INDICATORS

HOME

MODE

KNOB

VOLUME

KNOB

DIM

BUTTON

SOFT MENU

KEYS

NAVIGATION

KEYS

POWER
ON/OFF

EMERGENCY

Emer

XTL 2500

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 0

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head i

This declaration is applicable to your radio only if your radio is labeled
with the FCC logo shown below.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per FCC CFR 47 Part 2 Section 2.1077(a)

Responsible Party
Name: Motorola, Inc.

Address: 1301 East Algonquin Road.
Schaumburg, IL 60196-1078, USA
Phone Number: 1-800-927-2744

Hereby declares that the product:

Model Name: XTL 2500

conforms to the following regulations:

FCC Part 15, subpart B, section 15.107(a), 15.107(d) and section 15.109(a)

Class B Digital Device

As a personal computer peripheral, this device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause harmful interference, and

2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,

which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

ii

Product Safety and RF Exposure Compliance

ATTENTION!

This radio is restricted to occupational use only to satisfy FCC RF energy
exposure requirements. Before using this product, read the RF energy
awareness information and operating instructions in the Product Safety and RF
Exposure booklet enclosed with your radio (Motorola Publication part number
6881095C99) to ensure compliance with RF energy exposure limits.

Computer Software Copyrights

The Motorola products described in this manual may include copyrighted Motorola
computer programs stored in semiconductor memories or other media. Laws in the
United States and other countries preserve for Motorola certain exclusive rights for
copyrighted computer programs, including, but not limited to, the exclusive right to copy
or reproduce in any form the copyrighted computer program. Accordingly, any
copyrighted Motorola computer programs contained in the Motorola products described
in this manual may not be copied, reproduced, modified, reverse-engineered, or
distributed in any manner without the express written permission of Motorola.
Furthermore, the purchase of Motorola products shall not be deemed to grant either
directly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license under the copyrights,
patents or patent applications of Motorola, except for the normal non-exclusive license
to use that arises by operation of law in the sale of a product.

Documentation Copyrights

No duplication or distribution of this document or any portion thereof shall take place
without the express written permission of Motorola. No part of this manual may be
reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of Motorola.

Disclaimer

The information in this document is carefully examined, and is believed to be entirely
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. Furthermore,
Motorola reserves the right to make changes to any products herein to improve
readability, function, or design. Motorola does not assume any liability arising out of the
applications or use of any product or circuit described herein; nor does it cover any
license under its patent rights, nor the rights of others.

MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo, ASTRO, SmartZone and FLASHport are registered
in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. All other product or service names are the
property of their respective owners. P25 radios contain technology patented by Digital
Voice Systems, Inc.

© 2007, 2008 by Motorola, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A.

Before using this product, read the operating instructions for safe
usage contained in the Product Safety and RF Exposure booklet
enclosed with your radio.

!

C

a u t i o

n

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head iii

Notations Used in This Manual

You will notice the use of WARNING, CAUTION, and Note notations
throughout this manual. These notations are used to emphasize that safety
hazards exist, and care that must be taken or observed.

The following special notations identify certain items:

WARNING: An operational procedure, practice, or other
condition, which might result in injury or death if not carefully
observed.

CAUTION: An operational procedure, practice, or other
condition, which might result in damage to the equipment if not
carefully observed.

Note: Note: An operational procedure, practice, or other condition,

which is essential to emphasize.

Example Description

Light button or

>

Buttons and keys are shown in bold print or as a key
symbol.

PHONE

Menu items (softkeys) are similar to the way they
appear on the radio’s display.

WARNING

!

CAUTION

!

iv

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head v

Contents

M5 Control Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Declaration of Conformity ................................................................... i

Computer Software Copyrights ......................................................... ii

Documentation Copyrights ................................................................ ii

Disclaimer ......................................................................................... ii

Notations Used in This Manual .........................................................iii

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Using Your Radio: The Basics .......................................................... 1

Getting Started .................................................................................. 2

Identifying Your Radio ....................................................................... 4

M5 Control Head ........................................................................ 4

Operating Your Control Head ............................................................ 5

Turning On the Radio ........................................................................ 5

Setting the Volume ..................................................................... 6

Adjusting the Display Brightness ................................................ 6

Using the navigation keys ........................................................... 6

Keypad Microphone Option ........................................................ 7

Trunked Modes or Conventional Channels ................................ 8

Field Programming ..................................................................... 8

Display Status ................................................................................... 8

Feature Control ................................................................................. 9

Menu ........................................................................................... 9

Programmable Buttons ............................................................... 9

One Touch Button ...................................................................... 9

Alert Tones ...................................................................................... 10

Multiple Control Head Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Overview ......................................................................................... 13

All Active Mode ......................................................................... 14

One Active Mode ...................................................................... 15

Intercom feature .............................................................................. 17

Using the Intercom feature ....................................................... 17

Basic Operating Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Basic Functions ............................................................................... 21

Selecting the Zone or Mode ............................................................ 22

Selecting or Changing the Zone ............................................... 22

Selecting or Changing a Mode in the Current Zone ................. 23

Selecting or Changing to a Mode Not in the Current Zone ....... 24

vi

Mode Select Button ...................................................................25

Selecting the Home Mode ...............................................................26

Transmitting (Conventional Modes Only) ........................................26

Transmitting (Trunked Modes Only) ................................................27

Selecting the Transmit Power Level ................................................27

Monitoring Conventional Mode Activity ...........................................28

Adjusting the Squelch Level ............................................................29

General Radio Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Often-Used Features .......................................................................30

Emergency Call and Alarm ..............................................................31

Emergency Call .........................................................................31

Initiating an Emergency Alarm ..................................................32

Initiating an Emergency Call .....................................................32

Initiating an Emergency Call and Alarm ....................................33

Initiating a Silent Emergency Alarm ..........................................34

Special Considerations for Emergencies ..................................34

Scan Operation ................................................................................35

Turning On Scan .......................................................................36

Turning Scan On While Disregarding the Squelch Code

(Conventional Modes Only) ...................................................37

Viewing a Scan List ...................................................................38

Transmitting While Scan Is On .................................................39

Temporarily Deleting a Nuisance Mode with Scan On ..............40

Restoring a Nuisance Mode ......................................................40

Changing Mode Priorities While Scan Is On .............................41

Restoring Mode Priorities in a Scan List ...................................41

Programming a Scan List ..........................................................42

Hang Up Box (HUB) ..................................................................44

Optional External Alarms (Horn and Lights) ....................................44

Activating the External Alarm(s) ................................................44

Changing the Selected Alarms .................................................45

Receiving a Call While Alarms Are Turned On .........................46

Time-Out Timer ................................................................................47

Push-To-Talk Identification (PTT-ID) ................................................47

Telephone Interconnect List (Conventional and Trunking) ..............48

Answering a Phone Call ............................................................48

Initiating a Telephone Call from the List ....................................49

Unlimited Telephone Interconnect ...................................................50

Calling a Phone Number Not in the List ....................................50

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head vii

Storing a Number in the List ..................................................... 51

Editing a Name in the List ........................................................ 52

Call Alert Page (Conventional and Trunking— Digital Modes Only) ...

55

Sending a Call Alert Page ........................................................ 55

Conventional Radio Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Features Used in Conventional Operation ...................................... 57

Status Calls (Digital Modes Only) .................................................... 58

Sending a Status Call ............................................................... 58

Sending a Direct-Entry Keyboard (DEK) Status ....................... 60

Smart PTT ....................................................................................... 61

Conventional Talkgroup Calls ......................................................... 61

Digital Modes Only ................................................................... 61

Selecting a Conventional Talkgroup ......................................... 62

Conventional Talkaround ................................................................ 63

Talk Direct (Mobile-To-Mobile) ................................................. 63

Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only) ............................................... 63

Answering a Selective Call ....................................................... 64

Initiating a Selective Call .......................................................... 65

Viewing Your Unit ID Number ................................................... 67

Storing a Unit ID Number in the List ......................................... 68

Editing a Name in the List ......................................................... 69

Trunking Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Features Used on Trunking Systems .............................................. 71

Enhanced Private Conversation (Digital Modes Only) .................... 72

Answering an Enhanced Private Conversation Call ................. 72

Initiating an Enhanced Private Conversation Call .................... 73

Failsoft ............................................................................................. 75

Dynamic Regrouping (Digital Modes Only) ..................................... 76

Receiving a Dynamic Regrouping ID Assignment ................... 76

Selecting Enable and Disable (Digital Modes Only) ................. 77

Requesting a Dynamic Regrouping

(Digital Modes Only) .............................................................. 77

SmartZone ...................................................................................... 78

Site-Button Operation ............................................................... 78

Locking onto a Site ................................................................... 79

Site Trunking ............................................................................ 79

Out-of-Range Indication .................................................................. 80

viii

Trunked Announcement ..................................................................81

Initiating an Announcement ......................................................81

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features. . . . 83

Automatic Registration Service (ARS) .............................................83

Selecting or Changing ARS Mode ............................................83

ARS User Login Feature .................................................................85

Accessing the User Login Feature ............................................85

To Login as a User ....................................................................86

Selecting a Predefined Username ............................................91

Text Messaging ................................................................................92

Accessing TMS Feature ............................................................92

Receive a Message ..................................................................97

To View Message from the Inbox. ............................................97

Compose a New Text Message ................................................98

Send a Predefined Message ...................................................102

Edit a Quick Text Message .....................................................103

Reply to a Received Message ................................................104

Delete a Message ...................................................................105

To Access the Draft Folder .....................................................106

To Access the Sent Folder ......................................................107

Secure Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Features Available on Secure XTL 2500 .......................................109

Receiving a Private Message ........................................................110

Transmitting a Private Message ....................................................110

System Considerations .................................................................. 111

Loss Indication ............................................................................... 111

Selecting an Encryption Key (Conventional Only) .........................112

Selecting an Encryption Index (Conventional Only) ...................... 114

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Antennas .......................................................................................117

Bull Horns for Siren and Public Address .......................................119

Cables ...........................................................................................119

Microphones ..................................................................................120

Miscellaneous ................................................................................120

Remote Mounting Kits ...................................................................121

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head ix

Speakers ....................................................................................... 121

Trunnion Kits ................................................................................. 121

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency

Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Special Channel Assignments ....................................................... 122

Emergency Channel ............................................................... 122

Non-Commercial Call Channel ............................................... 123

Operating Frequency Requirements ............................................. 123

Glossary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Commercial Warranty and Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Limited Warranty ........................................................................... 131

Service .......................................................................................... 135

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

x

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 1

Introduction

Using Your Radio: The Basics

This chapter gives you the basic knowledge you need in order to use
your radio. The following topics are covered:

• Getting Started (page 2)

• Identifying Your Radio (page 4)

• Operating Your Control Head (page 5)

• Turning On the Radio (page 5)

• Setting the Volume (page 6)

• Adjusting the Display Brightness (page 6)

• Keypad Microphone Option (page 6)

• Display Status (page 8)

• Feature Control (page 9)

• Alert Tones (page 8)

2

Introduction

Getting Started

The ASTRO® XTL™ 2500 Digital Mobile Radio is among the most
sophisticated two-way radios available. It can operate in the following
frequency ranges:

These channels provide maximum communications capability under
varying operating conditions.

One of the newest in a long line of quality Motorola products, the
ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio provides improved voice
quality across more of your coverage area. The digital process called
embedded signaling intermixes system signaling information with
digital voice, resulting in improved system reliability and the capability
of supporting a multitude of advanced features. Such features add up
to better, more cost-effective two-way radio communications.

ASTRO digital technology is also helping to provide the solution to
improved spectral efficiency requiring only half as much bandwidth
per channel (12.5kHz) compared to analog technology (25/30kHz).
The net benefit to you is fewer users per channel or more users per
system.

The ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile radio can include an optional
RS-232 data port to interface with external devices, such as certain
fax machines and laptop computers. ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile
voice radios and data terminals can access the same channel without
interfering with each other.

VHF UHF 700/800 MHz 900 MHz

136-174 MHz 380-470 MHz 762-776 MHz 896-901 MHz

450-520 MHz 794-806 MHz 935-940 MHz

806-825 MHz

851-870 MHz

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 3

Introduction

Note: In this manual—

Analog mode refers to a mode that uses traditional, non-ASTRO­digital signaling.

ASTRO mode refers to a mode that uses ASTRO digital signaling.

Your ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio utilizes Motorola’s
revolutionary FLASHport™ technology. This allows your radio’s
capabilities to be flexible, because FLASHport makes it possible to
add software that drives these capabilities both at the time of
purchase and later on. Similar to how a computer can be loaded with
different software, your radio’s features and capabilities can be
upgraded with software.

FLASHport allows you to add software to your radio as your needs
change and as technology advances, making your radio investment
go further.

FLASHport is the future of radio communications, and it’s yet another
example of Motorola’s commitment to your satisfaction.

ALL XTL 2500 radios except for the 900 MHz band are capable of
both analog operation (12.5 kHz, 20 kHz and 25 kHz bandwidths) and
ASTRO mode digital operation (12.5 kHz bandwidth). 900 MHz band
radios are only capable of analog operation (12.5 kHz).

XTL 2500 900 MHz does not support Multi Control Head, Data and
Secure features.

4

Introduction

Identifying Your Radio

The ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio has two major
components: the radio unit installed in your vehicle and the control
head that is used to activate various radio features. Keep the foldout
page opened for reference as you read this manual. Your radio has
the following control head:

M5 Control Head

The M5 has the rotary Mode and Volume knobs, 5 programmable
menu buttons, a menu navigation button, and a 3-line, 14-character,
fully bitmapped display (See “M5 Control Head” on page i.).

Note: A "CH MISMATCH" error upon turning on your radio, means

that either the Control Head has been connected to a legacy
transceiver, or vice versa.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 5

Introduction

Operating Your Control Head

Your advanced control head is designed for ease of use and flexibility
of feature control. Before operating the radio, familiarize yourself with
the various controls, indicators, and alert tones. Refer to the foldout
diagrams in the front and back of this manual for your particular
control head.

Turning On the Radio

Basic operation is the same for all radio control heads.

Do the following:

• Turn the radio on with a short press of the power button in
the lower left corner of the control unit.

After a short time, the red, green and yellow LED’s light up,
indicating that the radio is powering up.

The display then shows XTL 2500.

When the radio is fully powered on, the Zone and Channel text and
menu items is displayed. The backlight will turn on to the last
selected color and dim level.

Note: Pressing the power button before the LED’s light up will be

ignored.

Pressing the power button anytime after the LED’s light up
will TURN OFF the radio.

Note: If FAIL ##/## appears in the display, the radio will not

function until the condition has been corrected.

If ERROR ##/## appears, some non-critical data has been
changed. If either of these displays appear, if the display
goes blank, or if the unit appears to be locked up, refer to the
“Troubleshooting” section.

6

Introduction

Setting the Volume

Adjusting the Display Brightness

Using the navigation keys

Rotate the Volume knob clockwise to increase the volume and
counterclockwise to decrease the volume.

Press the dimmer button (DIM) to change the display brightness
to one of four levels:

• Off to high

• High to medium

• Medium to low

•Low to off

In Off, both the display and backlight are off (used for
surveillance operations).

When accessing a feature on the radio, use the left or right
toggles on the navigation key to access further options within
the menu.

If you cannot locate a menu item, it may not be programmed, or
it may not apply to the radio's current mode setting.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 7

Introduction

Keypad Microphone Option

If your radio is equipped with a keypad microphone, you can
perform the same navigation functions from that keypad that are
available on the Control Head. The keypad also enables you to
use certain capabilities within features such as telephone
interconnect and Selective Call. These capabiliites are
described in detail within the appropriate sections of this
manual.

Note: The checkmark and X buttons on the keypad microphone

are for future use and not currently used by the radio.

8

Introduction

Trunked Modes or Conventional Channels

Depending on how your radio is programmed, you can select
conventional channels or trunked talkgroup. Conventional channels
consist of a transmit and receive frequency pair, an associated
squelch code pair, and a time-out timer value. See “Conventional
Radio Features” on page 57.

Trunked modes consist of the system/announcement group/talkgroup
combination and a time-out timer value. See “Trunking Operation” on
page 71.

Field Programming

Other radio features may be slaved to the selected mode by field
programming. This mode slaving means that the radio is
preprogrammed to automatically give you the proper operation for
each mode you select.

You may use the control head to program your own mode names.
The names you assign are clearly shown in the alphanumeric display.
You can see all the key operating information, including the mode
selected or being scanned, and the on/off status of various features.
The operating conditions are shown either by the display or by visual/
audio indicators, or by both.

Display Status

The control head display indicates your selected mode, or the
currently active receive mode when scan is on.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 9

Introduction

Feature Control

You can turn the various radio features on or off, change modes, and
adjust the volume.

To exit a feature, such as phone, press the HOME button.

Menu

You can access the features supported by your radio through the
Menu. To select a feature, press the soft menu key buttons below the
relevant softkeys displayed.

Programmable Buttons

Each of the five Soft Menu Key buttons and the Emergency button
are programmable buttons which can be preprogrammed by a
qualified radio technician to a default function which is activated upon
a short press.

Figure 1: Programmable Buttons on the Keypad Microphone

One Touch Button

Each of the five soft menu key buttons and the emergency button are
programmable buttons which can be preprogrammed by a qualified
radio technician to support the One Touch feature. Short press the
preprogrammed One Touch button to access the One Touch Menu.
Call, Page, Phone, Status and Message are commonly used features
that can be assigned to this button.

Accy no dot button
Accy 1-dot button

Accy 2-dot button

SOFT MENU

KEYS

Emer

EMERGENCY

Emergenc

y

Emer

Soft Menu Keys

10

Introduction

Note: Sig 1-3 & Disp can be programmed as Soft Menu Keys to

launch the One Touch features.

Alert Tones

Tone Type Name Description

Two high­pitched tones

Private
Conversation™

Indicate that a private call has been
received.

Four high­pitched tones
every five
seconds

Call Alert Indicate that a Call Alert page has been

received.

Single, high­pitched tone

Central
Acknowledge

Indicates that a Call Alert, emergency
alarm, reprogram request, or status/
message transmission has been
received by the system’s central
controller.

Four high­pitched tones

Mobile Unit
Acknowledge

Indicate that a Call Alert page has been
received by the intended unit, or the
emergency alarm, reprogram request, or
status/message transmission has been
acknowledged by the intended
dispatcher.

Sound similar
to a telephone
busy signal

System Busy Indicates, when you press the

microphone push-to-talk (PTT) button,
that you cannot transmit because all
system radio channels are in use.
Release the PTT button and wait for call
back.

A series of
two short,
high-pitched
tones

Automatic Call
Back

Indicate that a channel is now available
for your previously requested
transmission.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 11

Introduction

A series of
two short,
high-pitched
tones (same
as automatic
call back)

Talk Permit
(optional)

Indicate, when you press the
microphone PTT button, that the system
is accepting your transmission.

A series of
low-pitched
tones
followed by a
series of high­pitched tones

Scan Alert On Indicates that Scan feature is activated

through the pre- programmed button.

A series of
high-pitched
tones
followed by a
series of low­pitched tones

Scan Alert Off Indicates that Scan feature is

deactivated through the pre­programmed button.

Continuous,
low-pitched
tone

Talk-Prohibit/
Out-of-Range

Indicates, when you press the
microphone PTT button, that either you
are out of the range of the trunked radio
system, or the system is out of service,
or the channel is busy with the Smart
PTT feature enabled.

Single, high­pitched tone
every nine
seconds

Failsoft In an unmuted receive condition,

indicates a trunked system central
controller failure. The radio reverts from
trunked operation to a system similar to
conventional radio repeater operation.
Other system users can be heard
sharing the channel.

Tone Type Name Description

12

Introduction

Continuous,
low-pitched
tone

Illegal Mode Indicates that you have entered a mode

where normal system traffic will be
missed, or you are attempting something
which is not permitted. Examples
include: forgetting to exit the telephone
interconnect mode after a call ends (fleet
and subfleet calls cannot be received),
attempting to transmit on a receive-only
conventional mode, attempting to select
a dynamic mode where no dynamic ID
assignment has been made.

Brief low­pitched tone

Time-Out Timer
Warning

Indicates that your present transmission
will soon be disabled.

Single, short,
high-pitched
tone

Valid Key Indicates that you pressed a valid key, or

you entered a feature configuration
state, or you are receiving or
transmitting in the clear mode on secure
models (with TX Clear Alert Tones
enabled).

Single, low­pitched tone

Invalid Key Indicates that you tried to make an

invalid key press, or that an emergency
alarm, reprogram request, or status/
message was not acknowledged.

Unique
chirping
sound

Dynamic
Reprogramming

Indicates that a dynamic ID is assigned.

Unique, low­pitched
chirping
sound

New Message Indicates the arrival of a new message.

Unique, high­pitched
chirping
sound

Priority
message

Indicates the arrival of a priority
message.

Tone Type Name Description

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 13

Multiple Control Head Features

Overview

The XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio supports radio configurations of

up to two M5 control heads. You may use the CAN cable to connect
the multiple control heads in any permutation. For example: Daisy
chain control head to another control head or attaching two control
heads to a transceiver. The control heads in a multiple control head
configuration may mix and match different types of microphones
(e.g., palm microphone and keypad microphone).

The Multiple Control Head feature for the XTL 2500 radio consists of

2 modes:

• All Active mode

• One Active mode

Note: The default Multiple Control Head mode can be changed

by a qualified radio technician using the radio’s
programming software.

XTL 2500 900 MHz does not support Multi Control Head

features.

If you try to plug-in the handset after
the radio has been turned on, the
radio may

fail to detect the

connection.

CAUTION

!

14

Multiple Control Head Features

All Active Mode

The All Active mode enables all connected control heads of the radio
to operate concurrently with each other. When a user activates a
feature on one control head, the rest of the control heads will have the
same activated feature and indicator on their respective display. User
can also deactivate a feature using any connected control head.
However, each control head supports independent dim settings,
volume setting, and backlight colors.

The multiple control head feature
allows only control heads of the
same type to be connected.
Upon power up, if a control head
of a different type is connected to
the radio, the radio reports the
fatal error CH MISMATCH on the
display of all attached control
heads.

In an All Active Multiple Control Head feature, upon power up, if
more than the expected number of control heads initially specified in
the programming software for this radio are present, the radio still
operate normally.

CH MISMATCH

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 15

Multiple Control Head Features

One Active Mode

The One Active mode enables only one control head to be visibly
active. All user inputs update the display of the active control head,
while only the icons will be updated on the non-active control head.
The non-active control head will be in idle state and the only available
user inputs are volume control, dim control, the emergency
footswitch, the programmable emergency button, the buttons that
selects the the active control head, and the VIP inputs. In the One
Active mode, the XTL 2500 control head supports Multiple Control
Head feature consisting of only two M5 control heads and one

transceiver.

When the radio is in One Active mode, upon power up, the non­active control head displays REMOTE.

Transceiver

Z1

ZONE

CHAN

PWR

SQL

Active Radio

ZONE

CHAN

PWR

SQL

REMOTE

Non-Active Radio

16

Multiple Control Head Features

1 To change the active control head, toggle the button

below F/R softkey.

OR

To change the active control head through a preprogrammed
button, toggle the preprogrammed user button on the keypad
microphone.

Note: Radio buttons that are “preprogrammed” mean that a

qualified radio technician must use the radio’s
programming software to assign a feature to any
programmable button on the keypad microphone. See
“Programmable Buttons” on page 9.

In the One Active mode, upon power up, if more than two control
heads are present, the radio shows a a fatal error EXTRA CH on the
display of all attached control heads.

EXTRA CH

ZONE

CHAN

PWR

SQL

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 17

Multiple Control Head Features

Intercom feature

The intercom feature allows a user at one control head to talk to the
user at the other control head of a Multiple Control Head
configuration. This feature only applies to control head in the All
Active mode.

Using the Intercom feature

1 Press the button directly below ICOM to activate the

intercom feature.

Note: You can activate the

intercom feature on
any attached control
head.

Radio 1

ICOM

CALL

F/R

ZONE

PAGE

18

Multiple Control Head Features

2 Press the button directly below EXIT to deactivate the

intercom feature.

OR

Press the HOME button on any control head to deactivate the
intercom feature.

Note: The intercom feature also deactivates when user initiates

a mode change. If the radio is on an emergency channel,
pressing of the EMERGENCY button or the emergency
footswitch button on any control head also deactivates
the intercom feature.

INTERCOM

EXIT

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 19

Multiple Control Head Features

3 Press the PTT button on the keypad microphone that is attached

to one of the control head to initiate the audio transmission. All
control heads that are attached will receive the same audio
message of the control head who is making the intercom call.

4 The display of the control head whose PTT button is not pressed

shows the alias/ID number of that control head whose PTT button
was first pressed.

Note: When more than 1 control head is connected, the control

head being operated at any given time has priority.

INTERCOM

EXIT

RADIO 1

EXIT

Radio 1

Transmitting

Receiving

(PTT is pressed)

Radio 2

Transceiver

20

Multiple Control Head Features

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 21

Basic Operating Procedures

Basic Functions

This chapter shows you how to access the radio’s basic functions and
includes the following topics:

• Selecting the Zone or Mode (page 22)

• Selecting the Home Mode (page 26)

• Transmitting (Conventional Modes Only) (page 26)

• Transmitting (Trunked Modes Only) (page 27)

• Selecting the Transmit Level (page 27)

• Monitoring Conventional Mode Activity (page 28)

• Adjusting the Squelch Level (page 29)

22

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting the Zone or Mode

A zone is a grouping of modes. A mode is a group of characteristics
such as transmit/receive frequencies, Private-Line™ codes, radio
parameters, and an alphanumeric name.

Selecting or Changing the Zone

Use the Menu Entry ZONE

1 Press thebutton to scroll to the ZONE softkey.

2 Press the button below ZONE.

The display shows the current zone and mode.

3 Press the or until the desired zone is displayed.

4 Press the or PTT button to save the displayed

zone as the new home (default) zone.

The zone name stops flashing once it is saved.

5 Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone.

Use the Menu Entry ZNUP or ZNDN

1 Press thebutton to scroll to the ZNUP or ZNDN softkey.

2 Press and hold the button below ZNUP or ZNDN,

until the zone you want appears.

Note: Positions of the ZNUP or ZNDN softkey on the display may

differ each time you release the button .

3 Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 23

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting or Changing a Mode in the Current Zone

Use the Mode Knob

Rotate the Mode knob until the display shows the desired mode
name.

Use the Menu Entry CHAN

1 Press and hold  to scroll to the CHAN softkey.

2 Press the below CHAN.

The display shows the current zone and mode.

3 Rotate the Mode Knob until the desired channel in the

current zone is displayed.

4 Press the or PTT button to save the displayed

channel as the new home (default) channel.

The channel name stops flashing once it is saved.

5 Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone and mode.

Use the Menu Entry CHUP or CHDN

1 Press and hold  to scroll to the CHUP or CHDN softkey.

2 Press and hold the below CHUP or CHDN, until the

mode you want appears.

Note: Postions for the CHUP or CHDN softkeys on the display may

differ each time you release the button.

3 Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the

displayed zone and mode.

24

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting or Changing to a Mode Not in the Current
Zone

1 To access a mode that is not in the current zone, press the

Zone up

 button or Zone down  button to move to the zone

containing the mode.

Note: The Zone up

 and Zone down  buttons are optional

buttons included with the radio when zone/mode is ordered.

2 Do one of the following:

• Select a desired zone (page 22).

• Select a desired mode in the current zone (page 23).

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 25

Basic Operating Procedures

Mode Select Button

This feature lets you program the current zone and channel to a
Mode Select button with a long press on the Mode Select button.
After the buttons are programmed, you can return to the
preprogrammed zone and channel with a short press on the
programmed Mode Select button.

The buttons on the keypad microphone that are assigned for this
feature are labeled in the following picture.

Note: Keypad numbers 1, 2 and 3 require the Preset Zone and

Channel Enable field in the CPS to be enabled. Please check
with a qualified radio technician to set them as Mode Select
buttons.

Note: The orange-colored Emergency Button on the control head

can also function as a Mode Select button.

Keypad Numbers
1,2,and 3

Programmable
Buttons

26

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting the Home Mode

Transmitting (Conventional Modes Only)

This feature must first be enabled by a qualified radio
technician.

Press the HOME button to select the home mode contained
within the home zone, from any other zone and mode in the
radio.

1 Lift the microphone off-hook, and listen for activity on that mode.
2 If you hear no activity, press and hold the microphone PTT

button.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 27

Basic Operating Procedures

Transmitting (Trunked Modes Only)

Selecting the Transmit Power Level

The PWR softkey lets you select (toggle) the transmit power level.

1 Lift the microphone off-hook, and press the microphone PTT

button.

2 Do one of the following:

• If you hear three quick tones, or if you hear no tone and the

red XMIT (transmit) indicator lights steadily, then proceed
with your message.

Release the PTT button to receive.

OR

• If you hear a continuous low-pitched tone, you are out of the
system's range.

The display area may indicate “OUT OF RANGE“ in the text
display area.

The red XMIT indicator may flash several times as the radio
tries to access the system.

Release the PTT button and try again when the vehicle is
driven within range of the system.

Press the PWR softkey.

The display momentarily shows POWER LOW or POWER HIGH to
indicate the transmit power level selected.

28

Basic Operating Procedures

Monitoring Conventional Mode Activity

This feature allows you to monitor channel traffic on conventional
channels by defeating the coded squelch. This feature must first be
enabled by a qualified radio technician or system administrator.

Do one of the following:

Take the microphone off hook.
(This is the same as monitor on. You hear all channel traffic.)

OR

1 Make sure you are in Home mode where the default zone and

mode are being displayed (page 26).

2 Press the or button to scroll to the MON softkey.
3 Pressing MON softkey momentarily toggles between MONITOR ON

and MONITOR OFF. MONITOR ON shown on the display indicates
that the radio is monitoring.

4 Pressing MON softkey again turns monitor off and you don’t hear

all channel traffic.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 29

Basic Operating Procedures

Adjusting the Squelch Level

Your radio’s ability to transmit or receive signals varies as you move
away from or close to your base station. You can adjust your radio’s
squelch to improve its ability to receive transmissions.

Do the following:

1 Press the or button to scroll to the MON softkey.

• Press and hold the button below MON.

The display shows SQUELCH XX, where XX is a squelch level
setting of 0 to 15.

2 Press the button to return to the selected channel.

30

General Radio Features

Often-Used Features

This chapter shows you how to access the most frequently used
features. The following topics are covered:

• Emergency Call and Alarm (page 31)

• Scan Operation (page 35)

• Optional External Alarms (Horn and Lights) (page 44)

• Time-Out Timer (page 47)

• Push-To-Talk Identification (PTT-ID) (page 47)

• Telephone Interconnect List (Conventional and Trunking)
(page 48)

• Unlimited Telephone Interconnect (page 50)

• Call Alert Page (Conventional and Trunking—Digital Modes
Only)

(page 55)

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 31

General Radio Features

Emergency Call and Alarm

The emergency call and alarm features allow you to have priority
channel access and/or send an emergency data transmission to the
dispatcher in an emergency situation.

The desired type of emergency feature—alarm, call, call and alarm,
or silent alarm—can be preprogrammed by a qualified radio
technician.

The radio must be turned on to activate any emergency feature.

Emergency Call

Emergency call gives you priority access to a voice channel for all
subsequent transmissions after you press the emergency button. The
level of priority access is determined by the system manager.

SmartZone Emergency Call Receive Operation

A radio configured for SmartZone

®

operation displays EMER

RECEIVED whenever it receives an emergency call. The display

alternates with the selected-mode display as long as the radio is
unmuted to the emergency call.

32

General Radio Features

Initiating an Emergency Alarm

The emergency alarm feature sends a data transmission to alert the
dispatcher of your emergency condition and identify your unit ID.

Initiating an Emergency Call

Press the emergency button.

A tone sounds and the display alternates EMERGENCY with the
current zone/channel.

For trunking modes, a high-pitched tone indicates that the
alarm has been received by the trunked system’s central
controller.

A dispatcher acknowledgment ACK RECEIVED display follows.

The radio automatically returns to normal operation. No further
action is required.

1 Press the emergency button.

A tone sounds and the display alternates EMERGENCY with the
current zone/channel.

2 Press the PTT button and announce your emergency.
3 After completing the emergency call, press and hold the

emergency button until a tone sounds.

The alternating EMERGENCY display disappears, and the radio
returns to normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 33

General Radio Features

Initiating an Emergency Call and Alarm

If the radio has both emergency call and alarm features, it
automatically proceeds to the call mode after the alarm is
acknowledged.

1 Press the emergency button to activate the emergency call/

alarm feature.

The display begins alternating EMERGENCY with the current
zone/channel.

For trunking modes, a high-pitched tone sounds, indicating
that the alarm has been received by the trunked system’s
central controller.

A dispatcher acknowledgment (four high-pitched tones) follows,
accompanied by an ACK RCVD display.

2 Press the PTT button and announce your emergency.
3 To exit from the emergency state altogether, press and hold the

emergency button until a tone sounds.

The alternating EMERGENCY display disappears, and the radio
returns to normal operation.

Note: Turning the radio off also cancels the emergency state.

34

General Radio Features

Initiating a Silent Emergency Alarm

Special Considerations for Emergencies

• If you press the emergency button while in a mode that has no
emergency capability, a low-pitched tone sounds.

• If the unit is out of the range of the system and/or the emergency
alarm is not acknowledged, a tone sounds and the display shows
NO ACKNOWLEDGE.

• If you press the emergency button, then change to a mode that
has no emergency capability, a NO EMERGENCY display alternates
with the mode name display, and a continuous low-pitched tone
sounds until a valid emergency mode is selected or until the
emergency is cancelled.

• When an emergency is active, changing to another mode where
emergency is enabled (trunked or conventional) causes an
emergency alarm and/or emergency call to be active on the new
mode.

1 Press the emergency button to activate the silent alarm feature.

During a silent emergency alarm, there are no display changes,
and the receiver audio mutes so that no indication is given that
an emergency alarm has been sent.

2 To exit the silent alarm mode, press and hold the emergency

button until a tone sounds.

Note: If silent emergency alarm is used with emergency call,

pressing the PTT button exits the silent mode and initiates
the emergency call.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 35

General Radio Features

Scan Operation

The scan feature allows you to monitor activity on different
conventional or trunked modes by scanning a scan list of modes. The
modes to be scanned in a scan list are programmed by a qualified
radio technician. You can select the modes to be scanned in a scan
list if operator-selectable scan is enabled.

There are three types of scan lists available:

• Conventional—Comprises up to 15 different conventional-only
modes

• Trunked Priority Monitor—Comprises up to 15 modes that are all
from the same trunked system

• Talkgroup Scan—Comprises up to 10 combined conventional
modes and modes from one trunking system

The radio supports both priority and non-priority scanning. With
priority scanning enabled, a scan list can have one mode assigned as
the first-priority mode and a second as the second-priority mode.

The XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio supports automatic scanning
(autoscan), which can be programmed into the radio by a qualified
radio technician. With this feature, the radio begins scanning
whenever you select a mode to which a scan list is assigned.

Note: You cannot turn scan off on a mode that has autoscan

enabled.

If multiple scan types are enabled in the radio, the type of scan that is
activated depends on the personality of the mode selected when the
SCAN softkey is pressed. For all types of scan, the selected mode is,
by default, a member of its own scan list.

Scan lists stay in memory when you turn scan off, turn the radio off, or
disconnect the radio from the battery.

36

General Radio Features

Turning On Scan

Do the following:

1 Press the  button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

2 Press the button below SCAN.

The Scan indicator lights and a list of modes is scanned
for activity. The text display area will indicate SCAN ON
if scan is currently enabled or SCAN OFF if scan is just
been turned off.

When a scanned mode becomes active, the display
changes to show the active mode name, the appropriate
priority indicator lights, and the radio unmutes.

The radio will not begin scanning again for a
predetermined hang time after the call ends, giving you
time to respond. The hang time is typically three
seconds (by default), but can be changed by a qualified
radio technician.

Note: A lit N PRI (non-priority) indicator means that the active

mode is a non-priority member of the scan list (for all scan
types).

A solidly-lit PRI (priority) indicator means that the active
mode is the priority 2 member of the scan list (Trunking
Priority Monitor and Conventional scan types only).

A blinking PRI indicator means that the active mode is the
priority 1 member of the scan list (Trunking Priority Monitor
and Conventional scan types only).

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 37

General Radio Features

Turning Scan On While Disregarding the Squelch
Code
(Conventional Modes Only)

Do the following:

1 Press the  button to scroll to the MON softkey.

2 Press the button below MON.

3 The brief MONITOR ON display indicates that the radio is

disregarding the squelch code.

Note: While scanning for activity, you can still receive fleetwide,

system-wide, dynamic regrouping, incoming telephone
interconnect and Private Conversation/Call Alert calls.

Respond to these types of calls as you would normally on
the selected mode. However, when scanning different
modes while in talkgroup scan, incoming Private
Conversation/Call Alert calls may be missed.

38

General Radio Features

Viewing a Scan List

1 Press and hold the SCAN softkey until the Scan indicator blinks

and a beep is heard.

The radio suspends scanning while a scan list is being
reviewed.

2 Press the  button to scroll to the VIEW softkey.

3 Press the button below VIEW.

4 Press the  button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

5 Press the button below SCAN. The radio suspends

scanning while a scan list is being reviewed.

6 Press the  or button to scroll through the preprogrammed

scan list.

7 Those modes that are in the scan list are indicated by N PRI,

PRI or blinking PRI indicator (indicating the mode’s assigned

priority as previously described).

8 Press RCL softkey to review only modes that are already in the

scan list.

Press the HOME button momentarily to exit the scan list and
resume scanning.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 39

General Radio Features

Transmitting While Scan Is On

Radio Programmed for Talkback Scan

Radio Programmed for Non-Talkback Scan

Press the microphone PTT button to transmit on the mode
indicated by the display.

The radio does not begin scanning again for a predetermined
hang time (programmable by a qualified radio technician) after
you release the PTT button, allowing the other party to respond.

If the other party responds within the hang time, scanning does
not resume until the full hang time expires after they have
finished speaking, allowing the conversation to be completed.

Note: To transmit on the selected channel if another channel is

active, first turn scan off by pressing the SCAN softkey
momentarily.

In selected mode or fixed mode, press the microphone PTT
button at any time to transmit on the selected mode or fixed
mode.

Note: To make a Call Alert page, or Private Conversation call while

scanning, press either the PAGE or CALL softkey.
The call is entered on the selected mode and scanning is
halted until the call is exited by pressing the HOME button
or pressing either the PAGE or CALL softkey.

40

General Radio Features

Temporarily Deleting a Nuisance Mode with Scan On

Restoring a Nuisance Mode

To temporarily delete a mode that you do not wish to hear
(nuisance mode), press NUIS softkey by searching for it with the
help of  or .

You can delete undesired modes.

Note: Priority modes, the selected mode, and the designated

transmit mode cannot be deleted.

To restore the original scan list, do one of the following:

• Turn scan off, then on.

• Change modes.

• Turn off the radio, and then turn it back on.

Note: Nuisance mode delete can be disabled by the system

administrator.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 41

General Radio Features

Changing Mode Priorities While Scan Is On

When active, this dynamic priority feature allows you to change the
priority of a non-priority mode in the scan list to priority 2.

Restoring Mode Priorities in a Scan List

1 Press DYNP softkey to change the priority of a non-

priority channel in the scan list to priority 2.

2 Press the HOME button momentarily to exit the scan list

and resume scanning.

You cannot alter the status of the priority 1 member.

To restore the original mode priorities in a scan list, do one of
the following:

• Press the RCL softkey.

• Turn scan off, then on.

• Change modes.

• Turn off the radio, and then turn it back on.

42

General Radio Features

Programming a Scan List

To program a scan list, operator-selectable scan list members first
must be enabled in the radio programming by a qualified radio
technician.

Adding a Channel to the Scan List

1 Press the

 button to scroll to the PROG softkey.

2 Press the button below PROG.

3 Press the

 button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

4 Press button below SCAN. The scan indicator blinks and

a good-key chirp is heard.

5 Press the

or button to scroll through the preprogrammed

scan list.

Press the SEL softkey to add the channel.

Scroll through of the available priority choices, and press the SEL
softkey to choose one.

The new channel becomes a member of the scan list assigned to
the selected channel when scan list programming was entered.

Note: If a scan list is full, you will hear a bad-key chirp each time

you press SEL softkey, and the desired channel will not be
assigned to the list.

Press the HOME button to exit scan list programming and return to
normal scan operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 43

General Radio Features

Deleting a Channel from the Scan List

Do the following:

1 Press the

 button to scroll to the PROG softkey.

2 Press the button below PROG.

3 Press the

 button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.

4 Press button below SCAN. The scan indicator

blinks and a good-key chirp is heard.

5 Press the

or button or rotate the Mode knob to

locate the channel to be deleted.

Press the SEL softkey momentarily to scroll through the available
priority choices until the priority choice disappears.

This indicates that the channel is no longer a member of the scan
list that was assigned to the selected channel.

OR

Press the RCL softkey momentarily to scroll through just the scan list
members.

OR

Delete a channel from a scan list by pressing DEL softkey.
Note: If you delete all members of a scan list, and scan is

subsequently turned on, you will hear a continuous low­pitched tone, and the display will change to EMPTY LIST

You cannot delete the designated transmit mode, the
selected mode, or the fixed scan list members. The selected
mode, by default, is always scanned when scan is turned
on, regardless of whether or not it is explicitly programmed
as a scan list member.

Press the HOME button to exit scan list programming and return to
normal scan operation.

44

General Radio Features

Hang Up Box (HUB)

To temporarily suspend Scan Mode operation, remove the
microphone from the Hang Up Box (HUB). You are allowed to use the
microphone while scan is suspended. Priority Member scanning is
not suspended, however. This feature applies to all Scan Lists and
Scan Types. Scan is resumed once the microphone is returned to the
holding clip and the preprogrammed hang time has elapsed.

Note: Priority Scan List members are continuously scanned only

when the Scan List, Designated Tx Member field is set to
“Talkback” in the radio programming. Otherwise, all scan
mode operation is suspended.

Optional External Alarms (Horn and Lights)

All control heads can be equipped for external alarms (horn and
lights) that are activated when a Call Alert page, Private Conversation
call, or phone call is received.

These features are useful when you must leave the vehicle, but need
to receive any incoming messages.

The radio always powers up with the horn and lights feature enabled.

Activating the External Alarm(s)

Non-Permanent Horn and Lights

1 Press the H/L softkey momentarily.

If necessary use the

or buttons to access other options

within the menu.

The last selected alarm(s) are enabled, and the display
alternately shows the enabled alarm(s), then the selected
mode.

2 Press the H/L softkey a second time to turn off the alarm(s).

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 45

General Radio Features

Permanent Horn and Lights

Changing the Selected Alarms

1 Press H/L softkey momentarily.

The last selected alarm(s) are enabled.

The display briefly shows the enabled alarms, and then reverts
back to the selected mode.

2 Press the H/L softkey a second time to turn off the alarm(s).

1 Press the H/L softkey until a tone sounds and the display

indicates the currently selected alarm.

2 Press the appropriate softkey right below the menu to review

the choices until the display shows the desired alarm:

• H/L softkey - HORN/LITES ON (both horn and lights)

• LGTS softkey - LIGHTS ON

• HORN softkey - HORN ON

3 Press the H/L softkey to select the desired alarm and return to

normal operation.

46

General Radio Features

Receiving a Call While Alarms Are Turned On

When a call is received, the vehicle’s horn sounds for four seconds,
and/or the car lights turn on for 60 seconds. The time interval can be
modified by a qualified radio technician.

The display alternates between the type of call received (CALL,

PAGE, or PHONE) and the selected mode name.

Turning Off Non-Rearmable External Alarm

Turning Off Rearmable External Alarms

1 To turn off the external alarm(s), press the PTT button or any

control-head button.

Note: Pressing the CALL, PAGE, or PHON softkey will turn off the

external alarm(s) and place you directly in that feature.

The Volume knob and the DIM button have no effect on the
state of the external alarm(s).

2 To rearm the horn and lights feature, press the H/L softkey

momentarily.

To turn off the external alarm(s), press the PTT button or any
control head softkey or button other than the H/L softkey.

Pressing CALL, PAGE, or PHON softkey turns off the external
alarm(s) and places you directly in that feature. When the
external alarm(s) are turned off, they will be automatically
rearmed.

Note: Pressing the H/L softkey turns off the external alarm(s) and

exits the horn and lights feature. To re-arm the feature, press
the H/L softkey momentarily.

The Volume knob and the DIM have no effect on the state of
the external alarms.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 47

General Radio Features

Time-Out Timer

All ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radios provide a time-out timer
function that prevents locking up a repeater or channel by prolonged
keying of the transmitter. You cannot transmit longer than the preset
timer setting. If you attempt to do so, the radio automatically stops
your transmission, and you hear a talk-prohibit tone.

Note: You will hear a brief, low-pitched, warning tone four seconds

before the transmission times out.

The timer is set for 60 seconds at the factory, but it can be
reprogrammed by a qualified radio technician for between 15 and 465
seconds (7.75 minutes), in 15-second intervals, or it can be disabled
entirely for each radio mode.

Push-To-Talk Identification (PTT-ID)

When you press the PTT button to send a message, your radio ID
number is transmitted as part of each voice message. This PTT-ID
number is then shown on the receiving radio’s display.

For the digital mode, the display shows up to eight right-justified
digits.

Pressing the CALL softkey erases the PTT-ID from the display.

The display conditions of PTT-ID must be programmed by a qualified
radio technician.

48

General Radio Features

Telephone Interconnect List (Conventional
and Trunking)

With any of the control heads, you can initiate and receive telephone
calls if the system is properly equipped. All calls between the mobile
operator and the land line are private, regardless of who initiates the
call.

All control heads feature a phone list capability of up to 100
preprogrammed phone numbers. The radios can be programmed by
a qualified radio technician so that a name can be assigned to each
number in the list.

Answering a Phone Call

When a phone call is received, telephone-type ringing sounds and
the display shows PHONE CALL.

1 Press the PHON softkey.

2 Press the PTT button to talk; release it to listen.
3 When the call is completed, press the HOME button or PHON

softkey to hang up and return to normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 49

General Radio Features

Initiating a Telephone Call from the List

1 Press the PHON softkey momentarily to select the phone

function.

A valid-key chirp is heard.

The display shows the last number dialed or a blank scratchpad
appearing as a series of dashes.

2 Press the  or  button to locate the number you want to call.

The display first shows the name, and then the number.

3 Press the PTT button.

The display shows the number that is automatically dialed.

Note: If the number contains a programmed pause, the dialing

pauses briefly when the display shows P. After the brief
pause, the rest of the numbers are dialed.

If you are out of range of the trunked system, the display
shows NO PHONE, and a continuous low-pitched tone
sounds. Press the PHON softkey to resume normal
operation.

If the trunked phone interconnect is in use or the phone
interconnect is out of service, a telephone-type busy tone
sounds, and the display shows PHONE BUSY. Your number is
automatically dialed when the phone interconnect becomes
available. If you hang up, you lose your place in the queue.

If the display shows PHONE BUSY with a low-pitched tone
rather than a telephone-type busy tone, the call is not
queued. You must hang up and try again.

4 When your party answers, press the PTT button to talk, and

release it to listen.

5 When the call is completed, press the PHON softkey to hang up

and return to normal operation.

50

General Radio Features

Unlimited Telephone Interconnect

Calling a Phone Number Not in the List

1 Press the  or  button to access the PHON feature.

Press the softkey under the phone feature.

2 Enter the desired phone number from the optional keypad mic.

The display updates as the numbers are entered.

3 Press Enter on the keypad mic to make the call
4 When your party answers, press the PTT button to talk, and

release it to listen.

5 When the call is completed, press the HOME button to hang up

and return to normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 51

General Radio Features

Storing a Number in the List

1 Press and hold the PHON softkey to select the phone

programming function.

2 Press the  or  button to locate the number you want to

change.

3 Press the SEL softkey to edit the number in the display.
4 Enter the new phone number on the keypad.
Note: To backspace, press the # button twice or the Mode down

 button once. Enter a pause by pressing the * button, then

the # button.

5 Press the SEL softkey to store the new number.
6 Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

OR

• Press the PHON softkey to return to normal phone operation.

52

General Radio Features

Editing a Name in the List

1 Press and hold the PHON softkey to enter the phone ID list

programming.

The Phon indicator flashes and a high-pitched tone sounds.

2 Use the navigation keys,  or  to locate the list member you

want to change.

OR

Use the numbered keys to go immediately to the location of a
member in the list. For example, press 2 to go to the second
member in the list; press 1 and 0 to go to the tenth member in
the list, and so on.

3 Change the characters or numbers using any of the numeric

keys (0 through 9) and special function keys
(

*, #).

Note: The maximum number of characters permitted in a text line

is 14. If you try to add too many characters, you will hear a
low-pitched tone.

To edit, do any or all of the following:

• To enter a character at the blinking cursor, refer to the table
on page 54.

Press the key of the desired character the number of times
shown in the table. For example, to enter the character C,
press the 2 key three times.

• To leave a space in the text, press the Mode up

 rocker

switch to move the blinking cursor to the next character
position, and then enter the character.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 53

General Radio Features

• To delete characters, press the Mode down  rocker switch

to move backwards over existing characters.

When the last character on the display has been erased,
press the Mode down

 rocker switch again to leave the

name-edit mode, without making any changes, and begin
the procedure again at step 2.

4 To save the changes, press and hold the SEL softkey.
Note: Press the SEL softkey momentarily to confirm changes to a

number in the list.

5 Repeat steps 2 through 4 until you have modified all the desired

names,

OR

Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

OR

• Press the PHON softkey to return to normal phone operation.

54

General Radio Features

Table 1: Entering Characters Using the Keypad

Key

Number of times the key is pressed

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

0

0

1

1

2

ABC2abc

3

DEF3de f

4

GHI 4gh i

5

JKL5 j k l

6

MNO 6m n o

7

PQRS7pqr s

8

TUV8 t u v

9

WXYZ9wxyz

*

*/+-

#

#

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 55

General Radio Features

Call Alert Page (Conventional and Trunking—
Digital Modes Only)

The Call Alert feature allows a radio to selectively alert another radio,
and to determine whether or not that radio received the alert. A Call
Alert page can be initiated after an unsuccessful Private Conversation
call or as a separate feature.

The M5 Controller Head is capable of responding to a Call Alert
initiated by another radio. It features a unique list of up to 100
preprogrammed ID numbers. A name can be assigned to each ID in
the list for your convenience.

Sending a Call Alert Page

1 Press the PAGE softkey.

The Page indicator lights and a valid-key chirp sounds.

The display shows the last transmitted/received unit ID number.

2 Select a radio in one of the following ways:

• From the ID number list:

– Do nothing if you want to call the unit ID currently

displayed.

OR

– Use the prestored list by using the navigation keys to

locate the name/ID you want to call.

OR

– Enter, using the keypad or keypad mic, the ID of the

desired unit.

Note: Using the keypad to enter the ID of another unit can only be

accomplished from the first display shown when Page was
entered. If the list has been entered, scroll to the first display.

56

General Radio Features

3 Press the SEL softkey or the microphone PTT button.

The display changes to PLEASE WAIT.

4 Choose one of the following:

• When the called radio acknowledges the page, four
additional tones sound and the display changes to ACK
RCVD.

The radio returns to normal operation.

• If you are out of the range of the system, a low-pitched tone
sounds.

Try again by pressing the PTT button or the SEL softkey,

OR

Press the HOME button to return to normal operation.

• If, after six seconds, the called unit fails to acknowledge the
alert, a low-pitched tone sounds and the display changes to
NO ACK.

Try again by pressing the PTT button or the SEL softkey,

OR

Press the HOME button to exit.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 57

Conventional Radio Features

Features Used in Conventional Operation

This chapter shows you how to access features available in
conventional operation. The following topics are covered:

• Status Calls (Digital Modes Only) (page 58)

• Smart PTT (page 61)

• Conventional Talkgroup Calls (page 61)

• Conventional Talkaround (page 63)

• Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only) (page 63)

58

Conventional Radio Features

Status Calls (Digital Modes Only)

Radio status calls are used to inform the dispatcher of the present
state of the mobile unit. For example, a status might be ENROUTE or
AT SITE.

Status names are field programmable. Each radio can have up to 8
separate statuses.

Sending a Status Call

1 Press the STS softkey, and the display shows the last-

acknowledged status name.

2 Press the  or  button to review the list of status names, or

use the keypad mic to enter the number of the status you wish
to send.

Note: If no button is pressed for a period of time, an inactivity

warning will sound.

3 The display shows the desired status name or number, press

the PTT button to send the transmission.

One of the following conditions occurs:

• The radio display shows PLEASE WAIT until the transmission
is received and acknowledged.

When the dispatcher acknowledges the status, four high­pitched tones sound, and the display shows ACK RECEIVED.

The radio then returns to normal dispatch operation.

• If the status is not acknowledged after approximately six
seconds, the display alternates between NO ACKNOWLEDGE
and the associated status name. A low-pitched tone also
sounds continuously.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 59

Conventional Radio Features

• If there is no acknowledgment, do one of the following:

Press the microphone PTT button to resend the status
transmission.

OR

Press the HOME button to return to normal dispatch
operation.

60

Conventional Radio Features

Sending a Direct-Entry Keyboard (DEK) Status

Press the desired Sts # button on the DEK.

The red indicator flashes while the radio is waiting for an
acknowledgment. The control head momentarily displays the
selected status, then shows PLEASE WAIT.

One of the following conditions occurs:

• When the dispatcher-acknowledge is received, four high­pitched tones sound, and the status indicator lights solid and
remains on to show the last status acknowledged by the
dispatch terminal.

The display also temporarily shows ACK RCVD.

The radio then returns to normal dispatch operation.

• If the dispatcher-acknowledge is not received, the red
indicator continues to flash, the display temporarily shows
NO ACK, and a low-pitched tone sounds. At the same time,
the indicator above the last-acknowledged status lights.

The radio then returns to normal dispatch operation.

• Resend the last status.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 61

Conventional Radio Features

Smart PTT

Smart PTT is a per-mode feature that gives the system manager
better control of radio operations. When smart PTT is enabled in your
radio, you will not be able to transmit on an active mode. If you try to
transmit (press the PTT button) on a busy or active smart PTT
channel, a continuous tone sounds until you release the PTT button,
and the transmission is inhibited.

The yellow BUSY LED lights when the radio is receiving to indicate
that the mode is busy.

Three radio-wide variations of smart PTT can be enabled on your
radio:

Conventional Talkgroup Calls

Digital Modes Only

This feature allows you to define talkgroups for your conventional
system. Talkgroups, combined with selective squelch operation, allow
groups of users to transparently share a conventional channel.
Talkgroups can be slaved to a personality through programming, or
you can select them.

Encryption keys are slaved to talkgroups. When conventional
talkgroups are enabled, encryption keys are changed by changing the
active talkgroup.

Transmit Inhibit on
Busy Mode with
Carrier

You will not be able to transmit if any
activity is detected on the mode.

Transmit Inhibit on
Busy Mode with
Wrong Squelch Code

You will not be able to transmit on an
active mode that has a squelch code other
than your own.

Quick-Key Override You can override either of the two previous

transmit-inhibit states by quick-keying the
radio (two quick PTT button presses).

62

Conventional Radio Features

Selecting a Conventional Talkgroup

The Talkgroup Select feature allows you to manually select any one
of the available talkgroups.

1 Press the TGRP softkey.

The display changes to show the last-selected talkgroup.

2 Rotate the Mode knob to choose a different talkgroup.
3 Press the SEL softkey to save the talkgroup.

The radio returns to the home display.

Note: To select the default talkgroup, press the SEL softkey while

the radio displays PRESET.

Selecting PSET softkey causes the radio to return to its
preprogrammed talkgroup.

To abort the talkgroup menu, press the HOME button or the
PTT button:

– Pressing HOME exits the talkgroup select menu without

saving the selected talkgroup choice.

– Pressing the PTT button exits the menu without saving

the selected talkgroup and allows the radio to transmit.

Note: If the encryption key slaved to the new talkgroup is erased,

the display shows KEY FAIL and a momentary tone is
generated. If the encryption key that is slaved to the new
talkgroup is not allowed, the display shows ILLEGAL KEY
and a momentary tone is generated.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 63

Conventional Radio Features

Conventional Talkaround

Talk Direct (Mobile-To-Mobile)

To talk directly to another unit without going through the conventional
repeater system:

Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only)

The Selective Call feature not only allows you to carry on a
conversation that is heard only by the two parties involved, but also
enables you to determine whether the unit you are calling is in
service.

The M5 Control Head is capable of responding to a Selective Call
initiated by another radio. It features a unique list of preprogrammed
ID numbers. A name may be assigned to each ID in the list for your
convenience.

1 Press the DIR softkey momentarily.

The Dir indicator lights, indicating that the radio is now
transmitting directly to another unit.

2 To return to repeater operation, press the DIR softkey again.

The Dir indicator goes out.

Note: A conventional personality can be configured to always

transmit on the direct mobile-to-mobile frequency. In this
case, the Dir indicator is lit continuously while the mode is
selected.

64

Conventional Radio Features

Answering a Selective Call

When a Selective Call is received, two high-pitched tones sound
and the display alternates between CALL RECEIVED and the home
display.

1 Press the CALL softkey within 20 seconds of receiving the call.

(This time is programmable by a qualified radio technician.)

The display shows the ID number of the calling unit.

2 To respond to the call, press the PTT button and talk.

If 20 seconds pass before you press the CALL softkey, you will
not respond privately to the call just received. Instead, when
you press the CALL softkey, you enter the Selective Call state,
as described in “Selective Calls (Digital Modes Only)” on
page 63.

If the system is busy when you attempt to answer the call, a
telephone-type busy tone sounds and your radio’s BUSY
indicator lights. When a channel becomes available, you
receive a call back, and your radio automatically keys up for
three seconds so that you can begin talking.

Note: If you do not press the CALL softkey before pressing the

PTT button, your conversation will be heard by all members
of the talk group.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 65

Conventional Radio Features

Initiating a Selective Call

To initiate a Selective Call, select a unit to call, then place the call.

1 Press the CALL softkey.

The Call indicator lights, and the display shows the last
transmitted/received unit ID number.

2 Select a unit in one of the following ways:

• From the ID number list:

– Do nothing if you want to call the unit ID currently

displayed.

OR

– Use the prestored list by turning the Mode knob to locate

the name/ID you want to call.

OR

– Enter, using the keypad, the ID of the desired unit.

Note: Using the keypad to enter the ID of another unit can only be

accomplished from the first display shown when CALL was
entered. If the list has been entered, scroll to the first
display.

3 Press the microphone PTT button.

A telephone-type ringing sounds if the unit you are calling is in
service. The display shows PLEASE WAIT.

66

Conventional Radio Features

4 Choose one of the following conditions that applies to your

current call:

• If the receiving unit answers, identify yourself and begin your
Selective Call.

• If, after a programmable time period, you are not connected,
the display shows NO ACKNOWLEDGE and a momentary, low­pitched tone sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal
operation.

• If you are out of the system’s range, a low-pitched tone
sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal
operation.

• If the system is busy when you attempt to make a call, the
radio you are calling hears a telephone-type busy tone.
When a channel becomes available, the called radio
receives a call back and automatically keys up for three
seconds so that conversation can begin.

5 To return to normal operation, press the HOME button.
Note: If you do not press the HOME button to hang up, your unit

will remain in the Selective Call state with the other unit. You
will miss all subfleet traffic and incoming phone calls.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 67

Conventional Radio Features

Viewing Your Unit ID Number

1 Press the CALL softkey momentarily to select the Selective Call

feature.

The Call indicator lights.

2 Do one of the following:

• Use the left navigation key to locate the MY ID display.

OR

• The display will alternate between MY ID and your ID
number.

3 To return to normal operation, press the HOME button.

68

Conventional Radio Features

Storing a Unit ID Number in the List

The Selective and Call Alert page features share the same prestored
list of units’ IDs.

1 Press and hold the CALL softkey to review the Call ID list.

The Call indicator flashes and a high-pitched tone sounds.

2 Use the navigation keys to locate the list member you want to

change.

3 Press the NAME softkey to store a name

OR

press the NUM softkey to store a number.

4 Use the keypad mic to update the entry.
5 When all the digits are entered, press the SAVE softkey to store

the new ID.

6 Repeat steps 2 through 5 until all the desired IDs have been

entered.

OR

Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

OR

• Press PTT to exit the feature.

Note: The maximum number of characters permitted in a text line

is 14.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 69

Conventional Radio Features

Editing a Name in the List

The Selective Call and Call Alert page features share the same
prestored list of unit IDs.

1 Press and hold the CALL or PAGE softkey to enter the Call ID list.

The Call indicator flashes and a high-pitched tone sounds.

2 Use the navigation keys to locate the list member you want to

change.

OR

Use the numbered keys to go immediately to the location of a
member in the list. For example, press 2 to go to the second
member in the list; press 1 and 0 to go to the tenth member in
the list, and so on.

3 Press and hold the SEL button to select the name-editing

function.

4 Change the characters or numbers using any of the numeric

keys (0 through 9) and special function keys (

*, #) with the

keyapd mic.

Note: The maximum number of characters permitted in a text line

is 14. If you try to add too many characters, you will hear a
low-pitched tone.

To edit, do any or all of the following:

• To enter a character at the blinking cursor, refer to the table
on page 54.

Press the key of the desired character the number of times
shown in the table. For example, to enter the character C,
press the 2 key three times.

• To leave a space in the text, press the up

 navigation key to

move the blinking cursor to the next character position, and
then enter the next character.

70

Conventional Radio Features

• To delete characters, press the down  navigation key to
move backwards over existing characters.

When the last character on the display has been erased,
press the down

 navigation key again to leave the name-

edit mode, without making any changes, and begin the
procedure again at step 2.

5 To save the changes, press and hold the SEL softkey.
Note: Press the SEL softkey momentarily to confirm changes to a

number in the list.

6 Repeat steps 2 through 5 until you have modified all the desired

names.

OR

Do one of the following:

• Press the HOME button to return to normal radio operation.

OR

• Press PTT to exit the feature.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 71

Trunking Operation

Features Used on Trunking Systems

This chapter shows you how to access features available on trunking
systems. The following topics are covered:

• Enhanced Private Conversation (Digital Modes Only) (page 72)

• Failsoft (page 75)

• Dynamic Regrouping (Digital Modes Only) (page 76)

• SmartZone (page 78)

• Out-of-Range Indication (page 80)

• Trunked Announcement (page 81)

72

Trunking Operation

Enhanced Private Conversation (Digital
Modes Only)

The enhanced Private Conversation feature not only allows you to
carry on a conversation that is heard only by the two parties involved,
but also enables you to determine whether the unit you are calling is
in service.

The M5 Control Head is capable of responding to a Private
Conversation call initiated by another radio. It features a unique list of
preprogrammed ID numbers. A name may be assigned to each ID in
the list for your convenience.

Answering an Enhanced Private Conversation Call

When a Private Conversation Call is received, two high-pitched
tones sound and the display alternates between CALL RECEIVED
and the home display.

1 Press the CALL softkey within 20 seconds of receiving the call.

(This time is programmable by a qualified radio technician.)

The display shows the ID number of the calling unit.

2 To respond to the call, press the PTT button and talk.

If 20 seconds pass before you press the CALL softkey, you will
not respond privately to the call just received. Instead, when
you press the CALL softkey, you enter the Private Conversation
Call state, as described in “Initiating an Enhanced Private
Conversation Call” on page 73.

If the system is busy when you attempt to answer the call, a
telephone-type busy tone sounds and your radio’s BUSY
indicator lights. When a channel becomes available, you
receive a call back, and your radio automatically keys up for
three seconds so that you can begin talking.

Note: If you do not press the CALL softkey before pressing the

PTT button, your conversation will be heard by all members
of the talk group.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 73

Trunking Operation

Initiating an Enhanced Private Conversation Call

To initiate an Enhanced Private Conversation Call, select a unit to
call, then place the call.

1 Press the CALL softkey.

The Call indicator lights, and the display shows the last
transmitted/received unit ID number.

2 Select a unit in one of the following ways:

• From the ID number list:

– Do nothing if you want to call the unit ID in the display.

OR

– Use the prestored list by pressing the navigation keys to

locate the name/ID you want to call.

OR

– Press the Mode up

 rocker switch once, and then use

the keypad to directly advance to the desired list
member.

OR

– Enter, using the keypad or keypad mic, the ID of the

desired unit.

Note: Using the keypad to enter the ID of another unit can only be

accomplished from the first display shown when CALL was
entered. If the list has been entered, scroll to the first
display.

3 Press the microphone PTT button.

A telephone-type ringing sounds if the unit you are calling is in
service. The display shows PLEASE WAIT.

74

Trunking Operation

4 Choose one of the following conditions that applies to your

current call:

• If the receiving unit answers, identify yourself and begin your
Private Conversation.

• If, after a programmable time period, you are not connected,
the display shows NO ACKNOWLEDGE and a momentary, low­pitched tone sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal
operation.

• If you are out of the system’s range, a low-pitched tone
sounds.

Try again, or press the HOME button to return to normal
operation.

• If the system is busy when you attempt to make a call, the
radio you are calling hears a telephone-type busy tone.
When a channel becomes available, the called radio
receives a call back and automatically keys up for three
seconds so that conversation can begin.

5 To return to normal operation, press the HOME button .
Note: If you do not press the HOME button to hang up, your unit

will remain in the Private Conversation state with the other
unit. You will miss all subfleet traffic and incoming phone
calls.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 75

Trunking Operation

Failsoft

If the trunked system’s central controller fails for any reason, the radio
indicates failsoft. In this condition, the radio transmits and receives on
a pre-determined frequency in a conventional mode.

Failsoft ensures that you will have communications capability at all
times. Radios can be programmed by the system administrator so
units that normally communicate on the same trunked mode will be
assigned to the same failsoft repeater frequency.

Since the normal trunking features do not operate during failsoft,
much of the privacy of trunked systems is lost. You must share the
channel with other users until the failure is corrected.

To continue, in Failsoft, to communicate with other talkgroups:

Failsoft:

If a system that is in failsoft is accessed while in scan, the radio
freezes scan and remains on the failsoft frequency for a period of six
seconds. This time period can be changed by a qualified radio
technician. This allows the operator to monitor the failsoft frequency
for activity before resuming scanning.

1 Rotate the Mode knob rocker switch to change to a different

repeater frequency.

The failsoft condition is indicated by a faint beeping tone every
every nine seconds (radio unsquelched).

When the trunking system returns to normal operation, the
beeping tone stops.

2 Press the PTT button to talk, and release the button to listen.

76

Trunking Operation

Dynamic Regrouping (Digital Modes Only)

The dynamic regrouping feature allows the dispatcher to temporarily
reassign selected individuals, operating in separate trunked
talkgroups, into a single group so that they can communicate.

Receiving a Dynamic Regrouping ID Assignment

When your unit receives a dynamic regrouping ID assignment, a
unique chirp sounds to alert you that your unit has been dynamically
regrouped. The display shows the new dynamic mode name
assignment. Examples of the field-programmable dynamic mode
names include 16 DYNMC, 8 TACTCL.

• Press the PTT button. The radio makes a chirp and transmits
on the dynamically assigned mode.

After the dispatcher releases your mobile from the dynamic
ID assignment, your radio returns to the last selected, non­dynamic regrouping mode.

• If no dynamic regrouping assignment has been made, a low­pitched tone sounds if you attempt to select a dynamic
mode.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 77

Trunking Operation

Selecting Enable and Disable (Digital Modes Only)

The dispatcher may classify regrouped units into one of two
categories: select-enabled or select-disabled.

Requesting a Dynamic Regrouping
(Digital Modes Only)

Select-enabled Units are free to make mode changes to any of

the available talkgroups, including the dynamic
group.

Select-disabled Units cannot change modes because the

dispatcher has specifically chosen to force the
unit to remain in the dynamic mode.

Pres the RPGM softkey to request regrouping.

A high-pitched tone sounds, indicating your request was received by
the system’s central controller.

The display changes to REPROGRAM RQST while the request is being
processed.

If the regrouping request is acknowledged, a dispatcher-
acknowledge signal sounds (four high-pitched tones), and the
display shows ACK RECEIVED.

The radio then returns to normal operation.
If the regrouping request is not acknowledged within six to eight

seconds, the display alternates between showing NO ACKNOWLEDGE
and a low-pitched tone sounds.

At this time, do the following:

• Press the PTT button to resend the regroup request

OR

• Press the HOME button to return to normal operation.

78

Trunking Operation

SmartZone

The SmartZone® feature extends communications beyond the reach
of a single-trunked site (antenna location) when operating in a
SmartZone system. SmartZone units provide expanded wide-area
coverage.

SmartZone automatically switches the radio to a different site when
the current site signal becomes unacceptable. This usually happens
when the vehicle in which the radio is located is driven out of the
range of one site, and into the range of another.

Under normal conditions, a SmartZone-enabled radio functions
invisibly to the operator. However, the operator does have some
manual controls on the Control Head: the SITE softkey. This button
can be used to check, or change, the SmartZone operation.

Site-Button Operation

To check which site the radio has currently selected:

Press the SITE softkey momentarily.

The display momentarily shows the current site name and RSSI
(received signal strength indicator).

One of the following conditions can also occur:

• If the radio is not locked onto a site, but is scanning for a new
site, the display shows SCANNING.

• If the radio has not yet received site ID information for the
current site, the radio displays SITE XX.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 79

Trunking Operation

Locking onto a Site

In areas that commonly have weak signals, use the SmartZone lock
function to prevent the radio from automatically scanning for a new
site.

Site Trunking

In a SmartZone system, if the zone controller for a particular site fails,
the site enters into a site-trunking operational mode. In this mode of
operation, the user can only communicate with other units at the
same site.

Radios in a SmartZone system can be programmed by a qualified
radio technician to display SITE TRUNKING when site trunking
becomes active. The display alternates with the current mode display
as long as the radio remains in site trunking. The radio also sounds a
valid-key chirp when it first detects site trunking.

1 Press the SITE softkey momentarily to display the current lock

status.

Either the display shows SITE LOCKED or SITE UNLOCKED.
Press HOME button or SITE softkey again to return to normal
operation.

2 To change the locked or unlocked condition, press and hold the

SITE softkey until a tone sounds and the display changes.

After temporarily displaying the new condition, the radio returns
to normal operation.

80

Trunking Operation

Out-of-Range Indication

The out-of-range display/audible indication feature can be enabled by
a qualified radio technician. The display alternately shows OUT OF
RANGE and the current selected mode, and a low-pitched tone sounds
every six seconds:

• When the radio is out of range of the system and can no longer
lock onto the control channel

OR

• When the radio is in failsoft and cannot lock onto the failsoft
channel.

The out-of-range indication remains in effect until one of the following
conditions occur:

• The radio locks on a control channel

• The radio locks on a failsoft channel

• The radio is turned off

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 81

Trunking Operation

Trunked Announcement

The announcement capability allows a user to make announcements
to the entire user group, as well as monitor talkgroup calls and other
announcements.

Announcement calls are handled in two different ways, depending on
the trunked central controller configuration. The two types are called
ruthless and non-ruthless preemption.

• Ruthless Preemption: When a ruthless preemption

announcement call is initiated, the requesting radio begins
transmitting immediately. All associated talkgroup calls taking
place on other channels are immediately halted, and the radios
are steered to the announcement call.

Transmitting radios continue to transmit until the PTT button is
released, at which time they also unmute for the announcement
call. Individual calls (Private Conversation and telephone
interconnect) are not affected.

• Non-Ruthless Preemption: When a non-ruthless preemption

announcement is initiated, the initiating unit receives a telephone­type busy tone, followed by a call back when all associated
talkgroup conversations end.

Once an announcement call is pending, any attempts by other
users to initiate a talkgroup call will result in a telephone-type busy
tone. These users will not receive a call back until the
announcement call is complete.

Initiating an Announcement

If your radio has been programmed to allow announcement calls:

1 Rotate the Mode knob to locate the announcement-group

mode.

2 Press the microphone PTT button to initiate the announcement.

82

Trunking Operation

Notes

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 83

ARS User Login and Text Messaging

Features

Automatic Registration Service (ARS)

The Automatic Registration Service feature provides an automated

data application registration for the radio. When you turn on the radio,
the device automatically registers with the server. Data applications
within the fixed network can determine the presence of a device on
the system and send data to the device. For example: Text
Messaging Service (TMS).

The Automatic Registration Service for the radio consists of 2 modes:

• ARS Server Mode (default mode)

• ARS Non Server Mode

Note: The default ARS mode can be changed by a qualified

radio technician using the radio’s programming software.

Selecting or Changing ARS Mode

To change an ARS mode in the current zone, do the following:

After the zone you want is displayed, rotate the Mode knob until the
display shows the desired mode name.

OR

Press and hold the button to
find CHAN.

Press the button directly
below CHAN.

The display shows the current
channel/mode name (in this
case, ARSNSVR) blinking and the
zone (Z1), not blinking.

CHAN

Z1 ARSNSVR

84

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Press thebutton to find the
channel /mode you want.

OR

Rotate the Mode knob.

Press the button to confirm the displayed zone and mode /
channel.

Z1 ARSSVR

ZONE

PAGE

TMS

CALL

PROG

Z1 ARSNSVR

ZONE

PAGE

TMS

CALL

PROG

Server mode

ARS non-server mode

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head 85

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

ARS User Login Feature

The user login feature allows you as the user to be associated with
the radio. With this association, every data application (Example: Text
Messaging Service) will take on a friendly username. You can still
send text messages without logging in as a user. The user login
feature only enables the recipient of your message to identify you as
the sender by assigning a username to your message.

Accessing the User Login Feature

The user login feature can be accessed by selecting a menu item on
the display or through a programmable button.

1 Press the button until USER appears on the display.

2 To access the user login screen through the menu item, press

the button below USER.

To access the user login screen through a preprogrammed

button, press the preprogrammed user button on the keypad
microphone.

Note: See “Programmable Buttons” on page 9 for information

on preprogrammed buttons.

3 The user login screen appears.

ID:

PIN:

09:19AM

LOGN

ID PIN

86

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To Login as a User

1 Press the button below ID to enter your username at the

prompt.

Note: Username will not be case sensitive in server mode and

will be case sensitive in non-server mode.

2 You need to use the keypad microphone to manually enter a

username.You can enter a username via direct entry using the
keypad multi-tap function.
Press the button labeled with the desired character, once for the
first character, twice for the second, and so on.

For example:

To enter “S”, press the 7 button four times. To enter “7”, press

the button five times. If you do not press a button for a few
seconds, the character is accepted, and the cursor moves to the
next position.

Press the # button to delete a character.

ID:|

PIN:

09:19AM

LOGN

ID PIN