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ASTRO®
XTL™ 2500
Digital Mobile Radio

M5 Control Head
User's Guide

M5 Control Head

EMERGENCY
Emer

DIM
BUTTON
VOLUME
KNOB

MODE
KNOB

INDICATORS
XTL 2500

HOME

POWER
ON/OFF

SOFT MENU
KEYS

NAVIGATION
KEYS

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Product Safety and RF Exposure Compliance
Before using this product, read the operating instructions for safe
usage contained in the Product Safety and RF Exposure booklet
C a u t i o n enclosed with your radio.

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.

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.

WARNING

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

CAUTION

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.

The following special notations identify certain items:
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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

iii

Notes

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
ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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

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
ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

vii

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

viii

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

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Notes

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)

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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:
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

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Introduction

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

Adjusting the Display Brightness
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).

Using the navigation keys
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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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.
EMERGENCY
Emergency
Emer

Emer

Accy no dot button
Accy 1-dot button
Accy 2-dot button

SOFT MENUKeys
Soft Menu
KEYS

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Introduction

Note: Sig 1-3 & Disp can be programmed as Soft Menu Keys to
launch the One Touch features.

Alert Tones
Tone Type

Name

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.

Description

Introduction

Tone Type

Name

Description

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Introduction

Tone Type

Name

Description

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.

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).

CAUTION

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

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

CH MISMATCH

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.

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

REMOTE
ZONE CHAN

PWR

SQL

Non-Active Radio

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Multiple Control Head Features

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

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 ZONE CALL PAGE F/R

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Multiple Control Head Features

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

Multiple Control Head Features

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.

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.

Transceiver

(PTT is pressed)
Transmitting

INTERCOM

EXIT
Radio 1

RADIO 1
Receiving
EXIT
Radio 2

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Multiple Control Head Features

Notes

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)

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.
button below ZONE.

The display shows the current zone and mode.
3

Press the

until the desired zone is displayed.
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.

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
3

button .

Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the
displayed zone.

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.

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.

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

Press and hold the

to scroll to the CHUP or CHDN softkey.
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
3

button.

Press the PTT button to begin transmitting on the
displayed zone and mode.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

and Zone down buttons are optional
Note: The Zone up
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).

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.

Programmable
Buttons

Keypad Numbers
1,2,and 3

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Basic Operating Procedures

Selecting the Home Mode
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.

Transmitting (Conventional Modes Only)
1

Lift the microphone off-hook, and listen for activity on that mode.

If you hear no activity, press and hold the microphone PTT
button.

Basic Operating Procedures

Transmitting (Trunked Modes Only)
1

Lift the microphone off-hook, and press the microphone PTT
button.

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.

Selecting the Transmit Power Level
The PWR softkey lets you select (toggle) the transmit power level.
Press the PWR softkey.
The display momentarily shows POWER LOW or POWER HIGH to
indicate the transmit power level selected.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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).

Press the

Pressing MON softkey momentarily toggles between MONITOR ON
and MONITOR OFF. MONITOR ON shown on the display indicates
that the radio is monitoring.

Pressing MON softkey again turns monitor off and you don’t hear
all channel traffic.

button to scroll to the MON softkey.

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
•

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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)

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.
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.

Initiating an Emergency Call
1

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

Press the PTT button and announce your emergency.

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.

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.

Press the PTT button and announce your emergency.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

General Radio Features

Initiating a Silent Emergency Alarm
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.

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.

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

General Radio Features

Turning On Scan
Do the following:
1

Press the

button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.
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).

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.

Press the

The brief MONITOR ON display indicates that the radio is
disregarding the squelch code.

button below MON.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

Press the

button to scroll to the VIEW softkey.
button below VIEW.
button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.
button below SCAN. The radio suspends

scanning while a scan list is being reviewed.
6

Press the
scan list.

button to scroll through the preprogrammed

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).

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.

General Radio Features

Transmitting While Scan Is On
Radio Programmed for 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.
Radio Programmed for Non-Talkback Scan
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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

General Radio Features

Temporarily Deleting a Nuisance Mode with Scan On
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.

Restoring a Nuisance Mode
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.

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.
1

Press DYNP softkey to change the priority of a nonpriority channel in the scan list to priority 2.

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

You cannot alter the status of the priority 1 member.

Restoring Mode Priorities in a Scan List
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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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

Press

button to scroll to the PROG softkey.
button below PROG.
button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.
button below SCAN. The scan indicator blinks and

a good-key chirp is heard.
5

Press the
scan list.

button to scroll through the preprogrammed

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.

General Radio Features

Deleting a Channel from the Scan List
Do the following:
1

Press the

Press

button to scroll to the PROG softkey.
button below PROG.
button to scroll to the SCAN softkey.
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.
ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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

General Radio Features

Permanent Horn and Lights
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.

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

Changing the Selected Alarms
1

Press the H/L softkey until a tone sounds and the display
indicates the currently selected alarm.

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

Press the H/L softkey to select the desired alarm and return to
normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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
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.

Turning Off Rearmable External Alarms
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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

Press the PTT button to talk; release it to listen.

When the call is completed, press the HOME button or PHON
softkey to hang up and return to normal operation.

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.

Press the

button to locate the number you want to call.

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

4
5

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.
When your party answers, press the PTT button to talk, and
release it to listen.
When the call is completed, press the PHON softkey to hang up
and return to normal operation.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

General Radio Features

Unlimited Telephone Interconnect
Calling a Phone Number Not in the List
1

Press the

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.

Press Enter on the keypad mic to make the call

When your party answers, press the PTT button to talk, and
release it to listen.

When the call is completed, press the HOME button to hang up
and return to normal operation.

General Radio Features

Storing a Number in the List
1

Press and hold the PHON softkey to select the phone
programming function.

Press the
change.

Press the SEL softkey to edit the number in the display.

Enter the new phone number on the keypad.

button to locate the number you want to

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

Use the navigation keys,
want to change.

to locate the list member you

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.

•

rocker
To leave a space in the text, press the Mode up
switch to move the blinking cursor to the next character
position, and then enter the character.

General Radio Features

•

To delete characters, press the Mode down
to move backwards over existing characters.

rocker switch

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

General Radio Features

Table 1: Entering Characters Using the Keypad
Number of times the key is pressed

Key

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

General Radio Features

Press the SEL softkey or the microphone PTT button.
The display changes to PLEASE WAIT.

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.

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)

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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 lastacknowledged status name.

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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:
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).

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

Rotate the Mode knob to choose a different talkgroup.

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.

Conventional Radio Features

Conventional Talkaround
Talk Direct (Mobile-To-Mobile)
To talk directly to another unit without going through the conventional
repeater system:
1

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

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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.

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Conventional Radio Features

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.

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.

Conventional Radio Features

Viewing Your Unit ID Number
1

Press the CALL softkey momentarily to select the Selective Call
feature.
The Call indicator lights.

Do one of the following:
•

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

•
3

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

To return to normal operation, press the HOME button.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

Use the navigation keys to locate the list member you want to
change.

Press the NAME softkey to store a name
OR
press the NUM softkey to store a number.

Use the keypad mic to update the entry.

When all the digits are entered, press the SAVE softkey to store
the new ID.

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.

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.

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.

Press and hold the SEL button to select the name-editing
function.

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 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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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

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.

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)

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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.
72

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.

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

–

rocker switch once, and then use
Press the Mode up
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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Trunking Operation

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 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.

•

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.

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:
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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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.
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.

Requesting a Dynamic Regrouping
(Digital Modes Only)
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 dispatcheracknowledge 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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

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

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.

Press the microphone PTT button to initiate the announcement.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

Trunking Operation

Notes

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
find CHAN.

button to

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

ARSNSVR

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Press the button to find the
channel /mode you want.
Z1 ARSSVR

OR
Rotate the Mode knob.

ZONE CALL PAGE PROG TMS
Server mode

Z1 ARSNSVR
ZONE CALL PAGE PROG TMS
ARS non-server mode

Press the
channel.

button to confirm the displayed zone and mode /

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

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

button until USER appears on the display.

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.

09:19AM

ID:
PIN:
LOGN

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To Login as a User
1

Press the
prompt.

button below ID to enter your username at the

Note: Username will not be case sensitive in server mode and
will be case sensitive in non-server mode.
09:19AM

ID:|
PIN:
LOGN
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.

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Key

Number of times the button is pressed
1

Space

Delete a character

OR
Select a predefined username from the list of predefined
username. See “Selecting a Predefined Username” on page 91
for information on how to add a predefined username.
Note: Valid characters for username entry are capital letters AZ, small letters a-z, numbers 0-9, ‘*’, ‘#’, ‘-‘, ‘/’ and the
space character. The maximum username length is 8
characters.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Press the
button below PIN to enter your PIN (Personal
Identification Number) number at the prompt. You need to use
the keypad microphone to manually enter a PIN number. The
maximum PIN length is 4 digits. The PIN number will appear as
asterisks.
09:19AM

ID:User228
PIN:****
LOGN
4

To log in :
Press the
below LOGN.

button

In ARS server mode:
The progress screen
appears.
In ARS non-server mode:
The “logged in” confirmation
screen appears.
In non-ARS enabled mode:
The display shows OFFLINE.

09:19AM

ID:User228
IN PROGRESS
CNCL
Server mode

09:19AM

ID:User228
OFFLINE
LOGT
Non-ARS enabled mode

Press the
button below CNCL to cancel the login in
progress screen and return to the initial user login screen.

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

The logged in confirmation
screen appears when the
login process is successful.
The “successful user login”
indicator (IP indicator) will
be shown on the display.

When you enter an invalid
username or PIN, login fails
and the user login screen
will display a momentary
text LOGIN FAILED. The
user login failure indicator
(blinking IP indicator) is
shown on the display.

09:19AM

ID:User228
LOGGED IN
LOGT

09:19AM

ID:User228
LOGIN FAILED

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To log out :
Press the
below LOGT

button

Upon pressing the LOGT
button, a confirmation
screen appears.
Press the
button
below YES to clear all your
private data. A momentary
text PRIVATE DATA
CLEARED is shown.
OR
Press the
button
below NO to keep your
private data.
Note: Private data refers to
all messages in the
text messaging
Inbox, Draft and Sent
folder. The next radio
user will be able to
access your Inbox,
Draft and Sent
messages if private
data is not deleted.

09:19AM

CLEAR PRIVATE
DATA?
YES

09:19AM

PRIVATE DATA
CLEARED

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Selecting a Predefined Username
1

Press the
Press the

button to scroll to the next username.
button to scroll to the previous username.

Press and hold the button to scroll to the next usernames
continuously one at a time at a fast scroll rate.
Press and hold the button to scroll to the previous usernames
continuously one at a time at a fast scroll rate.
OR
Rotate the Mode knob to scroll through the usernames.
2

If you log in with a selected predefined username comprising of
8 characters or more, or one with an invalid character, you will
see a momentary text INVALID ID on the display.
Note: A predefined username may sometimes be invalid
because the programming software that is used to set
predefined usernames allows you to set usernames
comprising of 8 characters or more.

09:19AM

INVALID ID
PIN:
LOGN

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Text Messaging
The Text Messaging Service (TMS) is an application service through
which you can send and receive text messages. You can send 3
types of text messages, namely
•

A new text message (free form messages)

•

Predefined messages (quick text messages)

•

Edited quick text messages

Accessing TMS Feature
Use the Menu
1

Press the

button until TMS appears on the display.
button directly below TMS.

Z1 ARSSVR
ZONE CALL PAGE PROG TMS

Use the TMS Feature Button
Press the

button on the keypad microphone to access the

TMS feature screen.

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Use the Preprogrammed TMS Button
Press the preprogrammed button on the keypad microphone to
access the TMS feature screen.
Pressing and holding the preprogrammed TMS button brings you
directly to the Inbox screen.
Note: Any programmable button on the keypad microphone can
be programmed to access TMS feature. See
“Programmable Buttons” on page 9.
The TMS feature’s main menu consists of the Inbox, Compose,
Draft, Sent and Back option.
See “TMS Menu Options” on page 94 for explanation on each
menu option.
Press the

button to scroll through the main menu options.

User228
0000009
INBX COMP DRFT SENT BACK

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Table 2: TMS Menu Options
Menu Options

Description/ Function

INBX

This is used to store new incoming messages or
messages that you have received. The Inbox can
hold up to 30 messages.

COMP

This menu option brings you to the compose
screen.

DRFT

This is used to store all saved messages or
messages that are to be sent at a later time. The
Draft folder can hold up to 10 messages.

SENT

This is used to store the messages that you have
already sent. The Sent folder can hold up to 10
messages.

BACK

This menu option brings you back to the TMS
main menu or previous menu.

EDIT

This menu option brings you to the Quick Text
Messages screen.

SAVE

This menu option allows you to save your
messages to the Draft folder.

RPLY

This menu option allows you to reply to a
message.

DEL

This menu option allows you to delete a message.

ADDR

This menu option allows you to key in the target
address, or select one from the list.

NEW

This menu option allows you to compose a new
message.

LIST

This menu option allows you to select a predefined
message.

IMPT

This menu option is used to toggle on/off the
“Priority” flag for an outgoing message.

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Menu Options

Description/ Function

RQRP

This menu option is used to toggle on/off the
“Request Reply” flag for an outgoing message.

CURR

This menu option is used to delete the current
selected message.

ALL

This menu option is used to delete all the
messages in the current message folder.

Table 3: TMS Status Symbols
Symbol

Indication
Priority Message
This icon is displayed
• when incoming message is a “Priority”
message.
• when “Priority” is toggled on before sending the
message.
• in the Inbox folder for messages which are
flagged with “Priority”.
Request Reply
This icon is displayed
• when “Request Reply” is toggled on before
sending the message.
• in the Inbox folder for messages which are
flagged with “Request Reply”.
Inbox Full
This icon is displayed when the Inbox folder is full.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Symbol

Indication
New Message Icon
This icon is displayed when a new incoming
message is received.
Message Sent
This icon indicates that the selected message has
been successfully sent.
Message Unsent
This icon indicates that the selected message was
not successfully sent.
Read Message
This icon is used to indicate that the selected
message in the Inbox has been read.
Unread Message
This icon indicates that the selected message in the
Inbox folder has not been read.
Message Index
This icon indicates the index of the current message
the user is viewing. Example: If the user is looking at
the third message out of a total of 6 messages in the
Inbox folder, the icon is displayed as the icon on the
left column.
Num Lock
This icon indicates that the text entry is currently in
num lock mode.
Normal Mode
This icon indicates that the text entry is currently in
the normal mode.

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Symbol

Indication
Uppercase
This icon is displayed during text editing mode to
indicate that the text entry is currently in uppercase
mode.

Receive a Message
When you receive a
momentary text, NEW MSG
appears on the display
along with a new message
icon.

NEW MSG

ZONE CALL PAGE PROG TMS

To View Message from the Inbox.
1

Access TMS (or Launch
TMS).
Press the
button
directly below INBX.

User228
0000009
INBX COMP DRFT SENT BACK

The Inbox screen appears.
The first message in the list
is displayed. Message status
icons are displayed at the top
of the screen. See “TMS
Status Symbols” on page 95
for further details on these
icons.

INBOX 01/01

FROM:User826
Hello
RPLY

DEL

BACK

Note: If the message fills more than one screen, scroll to read it
by pressing the or button.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Press the or

button to scroll through the messages.

OR
Rotate the Mode knob.
4

To delete the message, press the
button below DEL. See
“Delete a Message” on page 105 for further details.

Compose a New Text Message
1

Press the
message.

button below COMP to compose a new

The Compose Message Screen appears.
LIST or NEW option appears on the display.

LIST OR NEW

NEW
2

Press the

LIST

BACK

button below NEW to type a new message.

A blinking cursor appears on the display indicating point of input.

ADDR

SAVE

BACK

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Writing Text
Type your message using the keypad microphone.
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 # button to delete a character.

Key

Number of times the button is pressed (in normal mode)
1

or press and hold to toggle between normal text
entry mode, uppercase mode and num lock mode.

1 . , ? ! ; @ _ - *# & $ / + = \ “ ‘ ( )

Space

Delete a character

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

You can move the cursor by pressing the v or u button on the
keypad microphone.
Press and hold 0 to toggle between normal text entry mode,
uppercase mode and num lock mode.
Note: i) During the uppercase mode, multi-tapping the buttons
will only scroll through the uppercase letters.
(Example : A->B->C->2)
ii) During the num lock mode, pressing the keypad will
only enter the numeric digits. Subsequent presses of
the same button will insert the same digit to the text
message (no multi-tap).

100

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Addressing a message
Press the
button
below ADDR to address your
outgoing message.
The Address input screen
appears.
Press the

ADDR:|

IMPT

RQRP

BACK

button to scroll through the address list.

OR
Use direct address entry via multi-tap.
Note: The address will not be case sensitive in server mode
and case sensitive in non-server mode.
5

Append a Priority Flag or Request Reply
Before sending your message, you can set a priority flag or a
request reply to your message.
Press the
button below IMPT to toggle on/off a “Priority”
flag for an outgoing message. A “Priority” flag is displayed at the
top of the screen when it is toggled on. See “TMS Status
Symbols” on page 95.
!

ADDR:|

IMPT

RQRP

BACK

Note: When you receive a message on the XTL 2500 mobile
radio that is flagged with the “Request Reply” icon, you
must manually respond to the sender that you have
received the message. The system will not automatically
send back a notification that the radio received such
message.
ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

101

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Note: The “Priority” flag on a message does not imply that the
message will get higher priority over the other messages
when it is being transmitted. It is just an indication that
can be embedded into a message to let the receiver
know that the message is important.
Press the
button below RQRP to toggle on/off a “Request
Reply” icon for an outgoing message. A “Request Reply” status
icon is also displayed at the top of the screen when it is toggled
on. See “TMS Status Symbols” on page 95.
6

When an address has been appended to the outgoing message,
press the PTT button to send your message.
OR
Press the
button below SAVE to save your message for
sending at a later time.
The message will be saved in the Draft folder. See “To Access
the Draft Folder” on page 106 for further details.

Send a Predefined Message
The Quick Text Messages are messages that are predefined and
usually consist of messages that are used most frequently.
1

Press the
message.

button below LIST to use the predefined

OR
Press the preprogrammed Quick Text button.
Note: Any programmable button on the keypad microphone can
be programmed to access the Quick Text Messages
feature. See “Programmable Buttons” on page 9.

102

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

The first predefined message appears.
QT 001/002

I will be late

ADDR
Press the

EDIT

BACK

button to scroll through the messages.

OR
Rotate the Mode knob.
2

When a message has been selected from the list, press the PTT
button to send the message.

Edit a Quick Text Message
1

Press the
message.

button below EDIT to edit a quick text

The Editing Screen appears. A blinking cursor appears at the
end of the predefined text.
QT 001/002

I will be late|

ADDR

SAVE

BACK

Edit your message using the keypad.

Press the
button below SAVE to save the edited changes.
The message is saved in the Draft folder.

Press the PTT button to send the edited message.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

103

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Reply to a Received Message
1

Press the

button below RPLY to reply to a message.

The Compose Message Screen appears.
LIST or NEW option appears
on the display.

LIST OR NEW

NEW
2

Press the

LIST

button below NEW to type a new message.

OR
Press the
button below LIST to use the predefined
message / quick text message. See “Send a Predefined
Message” on page 102 for further details.

104

BACK

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Delete a Message
1

From the Inbox, Draft or Sent screen, scroll to select a message
for deletion.

After selecting a message,
press the
button
below DEL. The display
shows 2 delete options.
Press the
button
below CURR to delete only
the current message.

INBOX 01/01

FROM:User826
Hello
CURR

ALL

BACK

OR
Press the
button
below ALL to delete all
messages.
3

When you select to delete all
messages, a confirmation
screen appears.
Press the
button
below YES to delete all
messages.

INBOX 01/01

DEL ALL?

YES

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

105

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To Access the Draft Folder
The Draft folder stores the messages that were saved previously. The
Draft folder can hold up to 10 messages. The oldest message in the
folder will be deleted when the 11th message comes in.
1

Press the

button below DRFT. The Draft screen appears.

The first draft in the list is displayed.
DRAFT 01/01

Have a nice day

EDIT
2

Press the or

BACK

button to scroll through the list of drafts.

OR
Rotate the Mode knob.

106

DEL

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

To Access the Sent Folder
The Sent folder stores the messages that were sent out previously.
The Sent folder can hold up to 10 messages The oldest Sent
message in the folder will be deleted when the 11th message comes
in.
1

Press the

button below SENT. The Sent screen appears.

The first sent message in the list is displayed. A message
delivery icon will be displayed at the top right corner of the
screen. See “TMS Status Symbols” on page 95 for details on
Message success delivery icon and Message delivery failure
icon.
SENT 01/02

TO:User826

ADDR
2

DEL

BACK

Press the or button to scroll through the list of messages that
have been sent.
OR
Rotate the Mode knob.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

107

ARS User Login and Text Messaging Features

Notes

108

Secure Operation
Features Available on Secure XTL 2500
This chapter covers features available on XTL 2500 Digital Mobile
Radios with secure encryption. The following topics are covered:
• Receiving a Private Message (page 110)
• Transmitting a Private Message (page 110)
• System Considerations (page 111)
• Loss Indication (page 111)
• Selecting an Encryption Key (Conventional Only) (page 112)
• Selecting an Encryption Index (Conventional Only) (page 114)

Note: Keyloading is not available from the control head in a remote
mount configuration; however, it is available from the front of
the transceiver.
Digital and Secure modes does not apply to 900 MHz band
radios.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

109

Secure Operation

Receiving a Private Message
1

Select a mode by rotating the Mode knob.

Using the Volume Knob, adjust the volume to a comfortable
listening level.
In conventional modes and, if enabled, in trunking modes, the
BUSY light blinks and the radio unmutes when the radio is
receiving a private message.

Note: The secure on/off state does not affect received messages.
The radio automatically receives coded or clear messages.

Transmitting a Private Message
1

Press the SEC softkey to turn on the coded mode.
Some radio modes may have secure automatically set on or off
if the mode-strapped Secure feature is enabled.
The display shows the current key if multi-key has been
enabled.

Note: If the coded mode is selected, the D is on. If the standard
(clear) mode is selected, the D indicator is off.
2

Monitor the mode to be sure it is not in use.

Press and hold the SEC softkey to transmit.
The XMIT indicator lights, and the display shows the current key
selected when transmitting in the coded mode, if multikey and
Display on PTT are enabled.

110

Secure Operation

System Considerations
•

Trunked Systems only: If you press the PTT button when no
secure-voice channel is available, the display shows NO SECURE,
and a continuous talk-prohibit tone sounds until you release the
PTT button.

•

Analog trunking systems: You are not allowed to change from
a secure transmission to a clear transmission during a secure
trunked call. If you attempt to change from a secure to a clear
transmission during a call, the radio generates a talk-prohibit tone,
and the display will show SEC ONLY or SECURE ONLY.

•

Digital trunking systems: You are allowed to change from a
secure transmission to a clear transmission during a secure
trunked call.

Loss Indication
When you press the PTT button while in the coded mode and without
the encryption module containing a valid key, the speaker generates
bursts of alert tones, and the display shows KEY FAIL until you
release the PTT button.
When the radio is first turned on, six medium-pitched tones sound
and the display momentarily shows KEY FAIL to indicate that the
encryption module does not contain a valid key for the current mode.
If the periodic keyfail tone feature is enabled, six medium-pitched
tones are generated every five to ten seconds while the radio is not
transmitting or receiving to remind you that the radio does not have a
valid key for the current mode. The keyfail reminder will not sound
when the radio is in clear mode.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

111

Secure Operation

Selecting an Encryption Key (Conventional
Only)
The Select Key feature allows you to manually select any one of the
16 encryption keys.
If the current mode is programmed with key selection being strapped
to force the current mode to use a predetermined key, the Select Key
menu will not appear as a Secure menu item.
1

Press and hold down the SEC softkey until a tone sounds, which
indicates entry into the Advanced Secure menu.

Use the navigation keys to locate the KEY SEL option.

Press the SEL softkey to enter the Key Selection menu.
The display changes to show the last user-selected key.

Do one of the following:
•

Use the navigation keys to review the encryption keys,
OR

•
5

Use direct keypad entry to access the encryption keys.

Choose one of the following:
•

To save a key, press the SEL softkey.
The radio returns to the home display.

•

To select the default encryption keys on a radio-wide basis,
press the SEL softkey while the radio displays PRESET.

Selecting preset causes the radio to return to its
preprogrammed keys on a per-zone/-mode basis.
Note: When you scroll to an erased key, the display alternates
between the key name and ERASED.

112

Secure Operation

To abort this menu, press the HOME button or the PTT button.
Pressing HOME exits the key-select menu without saving the
selected key choice.
Pressing the PTT button exits the menu without saving the
selected key choice and allows the radio to transmit.
When you abort the key-select menu, the radio uses the key
that was selected prior to entry into the menu.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

113

Secure Operation

Selecting an Encryption Index (Conventional
Only)
The Select an Index feature allows you to select one or more groups
of several encryption keys from among the available keys stored in
the radio. For example, you could have a group of three keys
structured to one index, and another group of three different keys
structured to another index. By changing indices, you would
automatically switch from one set of keys to the other.
If the mobile does not support indexing, the index menu will not
appear as a Secure menu item.
1

Press and hold down the SEC softkey until a tone sounds,
which indicates entry into the Advanced Secure menu.

Use the navigation keys to locate the INDX SEL option.

Press the SEL softkey to enter the Index Selection menu.
The display changes to show the last index that was selected
and stored after the Index Selection menu was entered.

Use the navigation keys to locate the desired key index.

Choose one of the following:

114

•

To save an index key, press the SEL softkey. The radio will
save the index and return to normal operation,

•

To abort from the Index Selection menu, press the HOME
button or the PTT button. (Pressing the PTT button allows
the radio to transmit.)

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting
The following are suggestions to assist you in troubleshooting
possible operating problems.

CAUTION

The cables that connect to the rear of
the radio could have live voltage on
some of their pins. Do not remove or
reconnect these cables. Only a
qualified radio technician should
perform this task. Service performed
by unauthorized personnel may cause
the radio to transmit an emergency
alarm even if the unit is turned off.
If your radio is locked up or the display shows FAIL 01/90, turn the
radio off and then back on. If this does not correct the condition, take
the radio to a qualified radio technician for service.
If radio operation is intermittent, check with other persons using the
system for similar problems before taking the radio in for service.
Similar problems indicate a system malfunction rather than a radio
failure.
If symptoms persist or, if your unit exhibits other problems, contact a
qualified radio technician.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

115

Troubleshooting

Notes

116

Accessories
Motorola provides the following approved accessories to improve the
productivity of your XTL 2500 mobile two-way radio.
For a list of Motorola-approved antennas, batteries, and other
accessories, visit the following web site:
http://www.motorola.com/cgiss/index.shtml

Antennas
Part No.

Description

HAD4006_

VHF, 136–144 MHz, quarterwave whip,
roof mount

HAD4007_

VHF, 144–150.8 MHz, quarterwave,
roof mount

HAD4008_

VHF, 150.8–162 MHz, quarterwave,
roof mount

HAD4009_

VHF, 162–174 MHz, quarterwave, roof
mount

HAD4014_R

VHF, 140–174 MHz, halfwave, roof
mount

HAD4016_

VHF, 136–162 MHz, quarterwave,
wideband, roof mount

HAD4017_

VHF, 146–174 MHz, quarterwave,
wideband, roof mount

RAD4000_

VHF, 136–174 MHz, halfwave, roof
mount

RAD4002_RB

VHF, 136–144 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4003_RB

VHF, 144–150.8 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4004_RB

VHF, 150.8–162 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4005_RB

VHF, 162–174 MHz, quarterwave

RAD4010_RB

VHF, 136–174 MHz, halfwave, roof
mount

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

117

Accessories

118

HAE4003_

UHF, 450–470 MHz, quarterwave whip

HAE4004_

UHF, 470–512 MHz, quarterwave

HAE4011_

UHF, 450–470 MHz, 3.5 db, roof mount

HAE4012_

UHF, 470–495 MHz, 3.0 db, roof mount

HAE4013_

UHF, 494–512 MHz, 3.0 db, roof mount

HAE6010_

UHF, 380–433 MHz, 3.5 db gain

HAE6011_

UHF, 380–433 MHz, 5.0 db gain

HAE6012_

UHF, 380–433 MHz, quarterwave whip

HAE6013_

UHF, 380–470 MHz, 2.0 db gain,
wideband

HAE6015_

UHF, 450–512 MHz, broadband

HAE6016_

UHF, 490–512 MHz, quarterwave whip,
motorcycle

RAE4014_RB

UHF, 450–470 MHz, 5.0 db

RAE4015_RL

UHF, 470–494 MHz, 5.0 db gain

RAE4016_RB

UHF, 494–512 MHz, 5.0 db gain

RAE4024_RB

UHF, 450–482 MHz, quarterwave whip,
motorcycle

HAF4002

800–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof
mount

HAF4013_

764–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof
mount

HAF4014_

764–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof
mount

HAF4016_

764–870 MHz, quarterwave, roof
mount

RRA4935_

900 MHz (890-960 MHz) 3dBi Low
Roof Top 14’ cable length

RAF4003_RM

900 MHz (890-960 MHz) 3 dBi Low
Roof Top 22’ cable length

Accessories

Bull Horns for Siren and Public Address
Part No.

Description

TDN6251_

Round with chrome finish

TDN6252_

Rectangular with chrome finish

TDN6253_

Underhood with gray finish

TDN6254_

Round with gray finish

Cables
Part No.

Description

HKN4191_

Power, high-power, dash-mount

HKN4192_

Power, 20-ft., remote-mount

HKN4356_

17-ft. (W4/5/7/9)

HKN6160_

Data, 6-ft., dash-mount (kit)

HKN6161_

Data, 20-ft., dash-mount (kit)

HKN6163_

USB

HLN4952_

Fuse kit for green/orange leads

HKN6164A

Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 40M (131
FT)

HKN6165A

Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 35M (115
FT)

HKN6166A

Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 23M (75 FT)

HKN6167A

Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 15M (50 FT)

HKN6168A

Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 10M (30 FT)

HKN6169A

Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 5M (17 FT)

HKN6170A

Remote Mount Cable (CAN) - 3M (10 FT)

HKN6182A

Cable/Adapter, Keyloader

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

119

Accessories

HKN6184A

Cable, CH Programming (RS-USB)

HKN6183A

Cable, CH Programming (RS-232)

HKN6184

Flash/Programming cable (USB)

HKN6183

Flash/Programming cable (RS232)

YLN1148_

Armored, for handset/hangup mic

HMN4082A

Armored, for handset/hangup mic

Microphones
Part No.

Description

HMN1079_

Motorcycle Palm D-Sub 9 connector

HMN4081A

Motorcycle Palm GCAI connector

HMN4079_

Keypad Mic

HMN6185A_

Standard palm

RLN6080A_

GCAI Handset Model III

Miscellaneous

120

Part No.

Description

HLN5113_

Emergency footswitch

HLN6188_

Emergency pushbutton

HLN6372_

Key lock mount

Accessories

Remote Mounting Kits
Part No.

Description

HLN6921A

Remote-to-dash

HLN6922A

Dash-to-remote

Speakers
Part No.

Description

HSN4031_

7.5 W external

HSN4032_

13 W external

HSN4038_

7.5 W remote weather-resistant

HSN4039_

13 W remote weather-resistant

HSN6003_

Motorcycle, weather-resistant

Trunnion Kits
Part No.

Description

HLN6909_

Quick-release, high-power

HLN6910_

Standard high-power

HKN6186A

Trunnion, CH Remote Mount

HLN6861

HDWR Millenium St. Install - Mid Power

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

121

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the
VHF Frequency Range
Special Channel Assignments
Emergency Channel
If you are in imminent and grave danger at sea and require
emergency assistance, use VHF Channel 16 to send a distress call
to nearby vessels and the United States Coast Guard. Transmit the
following information, in this order:
1

“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”

“THIS IS _____________________, CALL SIGN __________.”
State the name of the vessel in distress 3 times, followed by the
call sign or other identification of the vessel, stated 3 times.

Repeat “MAYDAY” and the name of the vessel.

“WE ARE LOCATED AT _______________________.”
State the position of the vessel in distress, using any information
that will help responders to locate you, e.g.:
• latitude and longitude
• bearing (state whether you are using true or magnetic north)
• distance to a well-known landmark
• vessel course, speed or destination

State the nature of the distress.

Specify what kind of assistance you need.

State the number of persons on board and the number needing
medical attention, if any.

Mention any other information that would be helpful to
responders, such as type of vessel, vessel length and/or
tonnage, hull color, etc.

“OVER.”

10 Wait for a response.
11 If you do not receive an immediate response, remain by the radio
and repeat the transmission at intervals until you receive a
response. Be prepared to follow any instructions given to you.

122

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

Non-Commercial Call Channel
For non-commercial transmissions, such as fishing reports,
rendezvous arrangements, repair scheduling, or berthing
information, use VHF Channel 9.

Operating Frequency Requirements
A radio designated for shipboard use must comply with Federal
Communications Commission Rule Part 80 as follows:
•

on ships subject to Part II of Title III of the Communications Act,
the radio must be capable of operating on the 156.800 MHz
frequency

•

on ships subject to the Safety Convention, the radio must be
capable of operating:
•
•

in the simplex mode on the ship station transmitting
frequencies specified in the 156.025–157.425 MHz frequency
band, and
in the semiduplex mode on the two frequency channels
specified in the table below.

Note: Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82, and 83 cannot be
lawfully used by the general public in US waters.
Additional information about operating requirements in the Maritime
Services can be obtained from the full text of FCC Rule Part 80 and
from the US Coast Guard.
Table A-1: VHF Marine Channel List
Frequency (MHz)

Channel
Number

Transmit

Receive

156.050

160.650

156.100

160.700

156.150

160.750

156.200

160.800

156.250

160.850

156.300

–

156.350

160.950

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

123

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

Table A-1: VHF Marine Channel List (Continued)
Frequency (MHz)

Channel
Number

Transmit

Receive

156.400

–

156.450

156.500

156.550

156.600

13**

156.650

156.700

15**

156.750

156.800

17**

156.850

156.900

161.500

156.950

161.550

157.000

161.600

157.050

161.650

157.100

161.700

157.150

161.750

157.200

161.800

157.250

161.850

157.300

161.900

157.350

161.950

157.400

162.000

156.025

160.625

156.075

160.675

156.125

160.725

156.175

160.775

156.225

160.825

156.275

160.875

156.325

160.925

124

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

Table A-1: VHF Marine Channel List (Continued)
Frequency (MHz)

Channel
Number

Transmit

Receive

67**

156.375

156.425

156.475

156.575

156.625

–

156.675

156.725

***

77**

156.875

–

156.925

161.525

156.975

161.575

157.025

161.625

157.075

161.675

157.125

161.725

157.175

161.775

157.225

161.825

157.275

161.875

157.325

161.925

157.375

161.975

157.425

162.025

Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82, and 83 cannot be
lawfully used by the general public in US waters.
** Low power (1 W) only
*** Guard band
Note: A – in the Receive column indicates that the channel is transmit
only.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

125

Appendix: Maritime Radio Use in the VHF Frequency Range

Notes

126

Glossary

Glossary
ACK

Acknowledgment of communication.

ARS

Automatic Registration Service

Channel

A group of characteristics, such as transmit/
receive frequency pairs, radio parameters, and
encryption encoding.

Coded Squelch

Tone Private-Line™ or Digital Private-Line.
Used on conventional channels to make sure
you hear only the communication meant for
you.

Control Channel

In a trunking system, one of the channels that
is used to provide a continuous, two-way/data
communications path between the central
controller and all radios on the system.

Conventional

Typically refers to radio-to-radio
communications, sometimes through a
repeater. You share a frequency, or
frequencies, with other users without the aid of
a central controller to assign communication
channels. Therefore, you should monitor each
channel before transmitting to avoid interfering
with another user who may be transmitting.

Cursor

A visual tracking marker (a blinking line) that
indicates a location on the display.

Digital PrivateLine (DPL) Coded
Squelch

A continuous, sub-audible data signal,
transmitted with the carrier.

Dispatcher

An individual who has radio system
management duties.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

127

Glossary

Failsoft

A back-up system allowing you to
communicate in a non-trunked, conventional
mode should the trunked system fail.

FCC

Federal Communications Commission.

Hang Up

Disconnect.

Home Display

The first display information after the radio
completes its self test.

LCD

Liquid-Crystal Display.

Mode

A programmed combination of operating
parameters; for example, a channel or
talkgroup.

Mode-Slaving

Radio programmed to automatically give the
proper operation for a given mode you have
selected.

Monitoring
(Conventional
Operation)

Press a programmed monitor button to listen to
another user active on the channel. This way,
you may be prevented from talking over
someone else’s conversation.

Page

A one-way alert, with audio and/or display
messages.

Personal Identification Number.

Push-To-Talk
(PTT) button

The PTT button engages the transmitter and
puts the radio in transmit (send) operation
when pressed. Press this button to transmit;
release it to receive.

Repeater

A conventional radio feature, in which you talk
through a receive/transmit facility (repeater)
that re-transmits received signals in order to
improve communications range and coverage.

128

Glossary

Radio Frequency. A part of the general
frequency spectrum between the audio and
infrared light regions (about 10 kHz to
10,000,000 MHz).

RSSI

Received Signal Strength Indicator.

Squelch

The muting of audio circuits when received
signal levels fall below a pre-determined
threshold. With carrier squelch, you hear all
channel activity which exceeds the radio’s
preset squelch level.

Standby

An operating condition whereby the radio’s
speaker is muted but still continues to receive
data.

Talkgroup

An organization (or group) of radio users who
communicate with each other, using the same
communication path.

TMS

Text Messaging Service.

Tone Private-Line
(PL) Coded
Squelch

A continuous sub-audible tone transmitted with
the carrier.

Trunking

The automatic sharing of communications
paths between a large number of users (see
Conventional). Allows radio users to share a
smaller number of frequencies because a
repeater, or communications path, is assigned
to a talkgroup for the length of a conversation.

Zone

A grouping of channels or talkgroups.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

129

Glossary

Notes

130

Commercial Warranty and Service
Limited Warranty
MOTOROLA COMMUNICATION PRODUCTS
I. WHAT THIS WARRANTY COVERS AND FOR HOW LONG:
MOTOROLA INC. (“MOTOROLA”) warrants the MOTOROLA
manufactured Communication Products listed below (“Product”)
against defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service for a period of time from the date of purchase as scheduled
below:
ASTRO XTL 2500 Portable Units

One (1) Year

Product Accessories

One (1) Year

Motorola, at its option, will at no charge either repair the Product (with
new or reconditioned parts), replace it (with a new or reconditioned
Product), or refund the purchase price of the Product during the
warranty period provided it is returned in accordance with the terms of
this warranty. Replaced parts or boards are warranted for the balance
of the original applicable warranty period. All replaced parts of
Product shall become the property of MOTOROLA.
This express limited warranty is extended by MOTOROLA to the
original end user purchaser only and is not assignable or transferable
to any other party. This is the complete warranty for the Product
manufactured by MOTOROLA. MOTOROLA assumes no obligations
or liability for additions or modifications to this warranty unless made
in writing and signed by an officer of MOTOROLA. Unless made in a
separate agreement between MOTOROLA and the original end user
purchaser, MOTOROLA does not warrant the installation,
maintenance or service of the Product.
MOTOROLA cannot be responsible in any way for any ancillary
equipment not furnished by MOTOROLA which is attached to or used
in connection with the Product, or for operation of the Product with
any ancillary equipment, and all such equipment is expressly
excluded from this warranty. Because each system which may use
the Product is unique, MOTOROLA disclaims liability for range,
coverage, or operation of the system as a whole under this warranty.
ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

131

Commercial Warranty and Service

II. GENERAL PROVISIONS:
This warranty sets forth the full extent of MOTOROLA'S
responsibilities regarding the Product. Repair, replacement or refund
of the purchase price, at MOTOROLA’s option, is the exclusive
remedy. THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
EXPRESS WARRANTIES. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL MOTOROLA BE LIABLE FOR
DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE
PRODUCT, FOR ANY LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF TIME,
INCONVENIENCE, COMMERCIAL LOSS, LOST PROFITS OR
SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR
INABILITY TO USE SUCH PRODUCT, TO THE FULL EXTENT
SUCH MAY BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW.
III. STATE LAW RIGHTS:
SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION
OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR
LIMITATION ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO
THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY.
This warranty gives specific legal rights, and there may be other
rights which may vary from state to state.
IV. HOW TO GET WARRANTY SERVICE:
You must provide proof of purchase (bearing the date of purchase
and Product item serial number) in order to receive warranty service
and, also, deliver or send the Product item, transportation and
insurance prepaid, to an authorized warranty service location.
Warranty service will be provided by Motorola through one of its
authorized warranty service locations. If you first contact the company
which sold you the Product, it can facilitate your obtaining warranty
service. You can also call Motorola at 1-888-567-7347 US/Canada.

132

Commercial Warranty and Service

V. WHAT THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:
A) Defects or damage resulting from use of the Product in other
than its normal and customary manner.
B) Defects or damage from misuse, accident, water, or neglect.
C) Defects or damage from improper testing, operation,
maintenance, installation, alteration, modification, or
adjustment.
D) Breakage or damage to antennas unless caused directly by
defects in material workmanship.
E) A Product subjected to unauthorized Product modifications,
disassemblies or repairs (including, without limitation, the
addition to the Product of non-Motorola supplied equipment)
which adversely affect performance of the Product or
interfere with Motorola's normal warranty inspection and
testing of the Product to verify any warranty claim.
F) Product which has had the serial number removed or made
illegible.
G) Rechargeable batteries if:
• any of the seals on the battery enclosure of cells are
broken or show evidence of tampering.
• the damage or defect is caused by charging or using the
battery in equipment or service other than the Product for
which it is specified.
H) Freight costs to the repair depot.
I)

A Product which, due to illegal or unauthorized alteration of
the software/firmware in the Product, does not function in
accordance with MOTOROLA’s published specifications or
the FCC type acceptance labeling in effect for the Product at
the time the Product was initially distributed from
MOTOROLA.

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

133

Commercial Warranty and Service

J) Scratches or other cosmetic damage to Product surfaces that
does not affect the operation of the Product.
K) Normal and customary wear and tear.
VI. PATENT AND SOFTWARE PROVISIONS:
MOTOROLA will defend, at its own expense, any suit brought against
the end user purchaser to the extent that it is based on a claim that
the Product or parts infringe a United States patent, and MOTOROLA
will pay those costs and damages finally awarded against the end
user purchaser in any such suit which are attributable to any such
claim, but such defense and payments are conditioned on the
following:
A) that MOTOROLA will be notified promptly in writing by such
purchaser of any notice of such claim;
B) that MOTOROLA will have sole control of the defense of such
suit and all negotiations for its settlement or compromise; and
C) should the Product or parts become, or in MOTOROLA’s
opinion be likely to become, the subject of a claim of
infringement of a United States patent, that such purchaser
will permit MOTOROLA, at its option and expense, either to
procure for such purchaser the right to continue using the
Product or parts or to replace or modify the same so that it
becomes non-infringing or to grant such purchaser a credit
for the Product or parts as depreciated and accept its return.
The depreciation will be an equal amount per year over the
lifetime of the Product or parts as established by
MOTOROLA.
MOTOROLA will have no liability with respect to any claim of patent
infringement which is based upon the combination of the Product or
parts furnished hereunder with software, apparatus or devices not
furnished by MOTOROLA, nor will MOTOROLA have any liability for
the use of ancillary equipment or software not furnished by
MOTOROLA which is attached to or used in connection with the

134

Commercial Warranty and Service

Product. The foregoing states the entire liability of MOTOROLA with
respect to infringement of patents by the Product or any parts thereof.
Laws in the United States and other countries preserve for
MOTOROLA certain exclusive rights for copyrighted MOTOROLA
software such as the exclusive rights to reproduce in copies and
distribute copies of such Motorola software. MOTOROLA software
may be used in only the Product in which the software was originally
embodied and such software in such Product may not be replaced,
copied, distributed, modified in any way, or used to produce any
derivative thereof. No other use including, without limitation,
alteration, modification, reproduction, distribution, or reverse
engineering of such MOTOROLA software or exercise of rights in
such MOTOROLA software is permitted. No license is granted by
implication, estoppel or otherwise under MOTOROLA patent rights or
copyrights.
VII. GOVERNING LAW:
This Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, USA.

Service
Proper repair and maintenance procedures will assure efficient
operation and long life for this product. A Motorola maintenance
agreement will provide expert service to keep this and all other
communication equipment in perfect operating condition. A
nationwide service organization is provided by Motorola to support
maintenance services. Through its maintenance and installation
program, Motorola makes available the finest service to those
desiring reliable, continuous communications on a contract basis. For
a contract service agreement, please contact your nearest Motorola
service or sales representative, or an authorized Motorola dealer.
Express Service Plus (ESP) is an optional extended service coverage
plan, which provides for the repair of this product for a period of three
years from the date of shipment from the factory, or the date of
delivery if purchased from an authorized Motorola two-way radio
dealer. For more information about ESP, contact the Motorola Radio
Support Center, 2204 Galvin Drive, Elgin, IL 60123, 1-800-227-6772.
ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

135

Commercial Warranty and Service

Notes

136

Index
Symbols
800 MHz frequencies ....................2

A
access
draft folder .............................106
inbox ........................................97
sent folder .............................107
TMS feature
use the menu .......................92
use the preprogrammed TMS
button ...................................93
use the TMS feature button .92
user login .................................85
add scan list channel ..................42
adjust
display brightness .....................6
squelch level ...........................29
volume .......................................6
alarms
activate non-permanent ..........44
activate permanent ..................45
change selected ......................45
horn and lights .........................44
initiate
emergency ...........................32
emergency call and alarm ....33
silent emergency .................34
non-permanent horn
and lights activation ..............44
non-rearmable external ...........46
optional external ......................44
permanent horn and lights
activation ................................45
rearmable external ..................46
receiving call when on .............46
alert tones ...................................10
analog
mode .........................................3
trunking system considerations ...
111
answer
Enhanced Private Conversation

call ................................... 64, 72
phone call ............................... 48
ASTRO mode ............................... 3
automatic scanning .................... 35
autoscan ..................................... 35

B
basic operation ........................... 21
box, hang up (HUB) .................... 44
button
programmable buttons .............. 9
PTT ......................................... 39

C
call
answer phone ......................... 48
conventional talkgroup ............ 61
emergency .............................. 31
Enhanced Private
Conversation .................. 65, 73
initiate
emergency .......................... 32
Enhanced Private
Conversation ................ 65, 73
from phone list ..................... 49
phone number not in list ......... 50
receiving when alarms
turned on .............................. 46
Call Alert page
description .............................. 55
placing .................................... 56
selecting unit to call ................ 55
sending ................................... 55
calls, status ................................. 58
change
ARS mode .............................. 83
mode ....................................... 22
mode in current zone .............. 23
mode not in current zone ........ 24
mode priorities ........................ 41
selected alarms ....................... 45
zone ........................................ 22
control head

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

137

Index

operation ...................................5
status display .............................8
conventional
mode .......................................26
scan list ...................................35
selecting talkgroup ...................62
talkaround ................................63
talkgroup calls ..........................61
conventional mode, monitoring
activity ........................................28
current zone
change mode ...........................23
select mode .............................23

D
delete
delete a message ..................105
nuisance mode ........................40
scan list channel ......................43
digital trunking system
considerations ........................111
direct-entry keyboard,
send status ...............................60
display, brightness adjustment ......6
dynamic regrouping
receiving an ID assignment .....76
requesting ................................77

E
edit
quick text message,predefined
message ..............................103
edit name in list ...........................52
embedded signaling ......................2
emergencies, special
considerations ..........................34
emergency call
initiating ...................................32
trunking ....................................31
emergency call and alarm
description ...............................31
initiating ...................................33
encryption key

138

index selection ...................... 114
selecting ................................ 112
Enhanced Private Conversation
answer a call ..................... 64, 72
description ............................... 72
initiate call ......................... 65, 73
select unit to call ................ 65, 73
entering keypad characters ........ 54
external alarms ........................... 44
activate non-permanent horn
and lights .............................. 44
activate permanent horn
and lights .............................. 45
non-rearmable ......................... 46
rearmable ................................ 46

F
failsoft ......................................... 75
frequency ranges
800 MHz .................................... 2

G
glossary .................................... 127

H
hang time .................................... 36
hang up box (HUB) ..................... 44
Home
mode, selecting ....................... 26
horn and lights alarms ................ 44
HUB (hang up box) ..................... 44

I
identification, radio ........................ 4
inbox
delete message ..................... 105
view message ......................... 97
indicator
N PRI (non-priority) ................. 36
PRI (priority) ............................ 36
scan ........................................ 36
initiate

Index

emergency alarm .....................32
emergency call and alarm .......33
Enhanced Private Conversation
call ..................................65, 73
phone call from list ..................49
silent emergency alarm ...........34
trunked announcement ...........81
interconnect, unlimited telephone 50
introduction to radios ....................1

selection .................................. 22
slaving ....................................... 8
transmitting (conventional) ...... 26
transmitting (trunked) .............. 27
trunked ...................................... 8
monitoring
conventional mode activity ...... 28

key, encryption
index selection ......................114
selecting ................................112
keypad
character selection sequence ..54
entering characters .................54

N PRI (non-priority) indicator ...... 36
non-priority scanning .................. 35
non-rearmable external alarms ... 46
non-ruthless preemption ............. 81
non-talkback scan ...................... 39
nuisance mode
deleting ................................... 40
restoring .................................. 40

list
edit name ................................52
phone, place call .....................49
scan .........................................35
store phone number ................51
telephone interconnect ............48
lock on a site, SmartZone ...........79
loss indication, secure operation 111

operation
basic ....................................... 21
control head .............................. 5
scan ........................................ 35
secure ................................... 109
SmartZone site-button ............ 78
trunking ................................... 71
operator-selectable scan ............ 35
out-of-range indication ................ 80

M
menu
TMS menu options ..................94
mode
analog .......................................3
ARS Non server mode ......13, 83
ARS server mode ..............13, 83
ASTRO ......................................3
changing ..................................23
changing outside current zone 24
priorities, changing ..................41
selecting ..................................23
selecting Home .......................26
selecting outside current zone .24

P
phone numbers, preprogrammed 48
PIN ............................................. 88
place phone call from list ............ 49
placing Call Alert page ................ 56
power level selection .................. 27
powering on radio ......................... 5
predefined
message,quick text message 102
username .......................... 17, 91
preemption
non-ruthless ............................ 81
ruthless ................................... 81

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

139

Index

preprogrammed phone numbers .48
PRI (priority) indicator .................36
priority
priority flag .............................101
priority message ......................95
priority scanning ..........................35
private data .................................90
private message
receive ...................................110
transmit ..................................110
programming scan list .................42
PTT button ..................................39
PTT-ID (Push-to-Talk
identification) ............................47
Push-to-Talk
identification (PTT-ID) ...............47

R
radio identification .........................4
rearmable external alarms ..........46
receive
call with alarms turned on ........46
private message ....................110
text message ...........................97
reply a message ..........................98
request receipt ..........................102
requesting a dynamic regrouping 77
restore
mode priorities .........................41
nuisance mode ........................40
ruthless preemption .....................81

S
scan
autoscan ..................................35
indicator ...................................36
non-priority ...............................35
non-talkback ............................39
operation .................................35
operator-selectable ..................35
priority ......................................35
talkback ...................................39
transmit while on ......................39

140

turning on ................................ 36
scan list
add a channel ......................... 42
conventional ............................ 35
delete a channel ...................... 43
modes ..................................... 35
programming ........................... 42
restore mode priorities ............ 41
talkgroup scan ......................... 35
trunked priority ........................ 35
viewing .................................... 38
secure operation ....................... 109
select
a channel
method 2: use the menu 14, 84
Call Alert page unit .................. 55
clear transmissions ........... 17, 86
conventional talkgroup ............ 62
encryption key ....................... 112
encryption key index ............. 114
Home mode ............................. 26
mode ....................................... 22
mode in current zone .............. 23
mode not in current zone ........ 24
power level .............................. 27
volume level .............................. 6
zone ........................................ 22
selected-disabled units ............... 77
selected-enabled units ................ 77
send
Call Alert page ......................... 55
new text message ................... 98
predefined message,quick text
message .............................. 102
status call ................................ 58
service ...................................... 135
site trunking
SmartZone .............................. 79
site-button operation, SmartZone 78
slaved programming ..................... 8
slaving, mode ................................ 8
smart PTT ................................... 61
SmartZone

Index

description ...............................78
lock on a site ...........................79
site trunking .............................79
site-button operation ...............78
squelch, adjusting level ...............29
status
TMS status symbols ................95
status calls
description ...............................58
sending ....................................58
status display, control head ..........8
store phone number in list ...........51

T
talk direct (mobile-to-mobile) .......63
talkback scan ..............................39
talkgroup scan list .......................35
telephone interconnect list ..........48
text messaging ............................92
time-out timer ..............................47
tones, alert ..................................10
transmit
conventional modes ................26
private message ....................110
trunked modes ........................27
with scan on ............................39
transmitting ...........................26, 27
troubleshooting .........................115
trunked
announcement
capability ..............................81
initiate ..................................81
Call Alert page .........................55
mode ...................................8, 27
priority scan list ........................35
system considerations ...........111
trunking
answer phone call ...................48
emergency call ........................31
Enhanced Private
Conversation .........................72
failsoft ......................................75
initiating emergency call ..........32

operation ................................. 71
status calls .............................. 58
telephone interconnect list ...... 48
unlimited telephone
interconnect .......................... 50
turn on
radio .......................................... 5
scan ........................................ 36

U
UHF frequencies ........................... 2
units
select-disabled ........................ 77
select-enabled ........................ 77
troubleshooting ..................... 115
unlimited telephone
interconnect ............................. 50
user
access
use preprogrammed user button
....................................... 16, 85
use the menu item ......... 16, 85
log out ..................................... 90
login .................................. 17, 86
username
direct entry,multi-tap ............... 86
predefined username .............. 87

V
VHF frequency ............................. 2
maritime radio use ................ 122
view a message .......................... 97
viewing scan list .......................... 38
volume, adjusting ......................... 6

W
warranty .................................... 131
writing text .................................. 99

Z
zone selection ............................ 22

ASTRO XTL 2500 Digital Mobile Radio with M5 Control Head

141

Index

Notes

142

ASTRO® XTL™ 2500 Digital
Mobile Radio with M5
Control Head
M5 Quick Reference Card
Product Safety and RF Exposure Compliance

!
Caution

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

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.

EMERGENCY
Emer

DIM
BUTTON
VOLUME
KNOB

MODE
KNOB

INDICATORS

BASIC OPERATION
Turning the Radio On and Off
Press the Pwr button once.

Setting the Volume and Squelch
1 Turn the Vol knob clockwise to increase volume or
counterclockwise to decrease volume as desired.
2 On conventional modes with Private-Line or Digital
Private-Line, press MON softkey to defeat the coded
squelch.
3 Press MON softkey again to return to coded-squelch
operation.
4 To adjust squelch level, hold MON softkey until a tone
sounds.
5 Rotate the Mode knob clockwise to increase squelch
level or counterclockwise to decrease squelch level.
6 Press Home button to save the squelch level.

Changing Modes

Activating Scan
1 Press Scan softkey to start a scan. If no activity
exists, the display shows your selected mode. When
a scanned channel or talkgroup becomes active, the
display shows the active mode name. The PRI and
NPRI indicators show priority.
2 Press Scan softkey again to stop scanning.

Programming a Scan List
1 Press Prog softkey followed by Scan softkey until the
scan list is being displayed and the scan indicator
blinks.
2 Use the navigation keys to select the mode you want
to program.

4 Repeat the previous steps to continue editing the list.

Press Home button to access the preprogrammed
Home mode.

5 Press Home button to exit.
Press Sel

Mode

Indicator

One time

Non-Priority

NPRI lit

1 Press and hold the microphone PTT button.

Two times

Second Priority

PRI lit

2 When the transmit light comes on solid and no alert
tones sound (or a talk-permit tone or ID sidetone
sounds), speak into the microphone in a normal voice.

Three times

First Priority

PRI blinks

Four times

Delete from List

No indicator

HOME

NAVIGATION
KEYS

2 Press Dir softkey again to return to repeater
operation.

3 Press the Sel softkey as indicated in the table below
to add or remove the displayed mode from the scan
list.

Transmitting

SOFT MENU
KEYS

1 Press Dir (Direct) softkey. The Dir indicator lights.

Rotate the Mode knob to select the desired mode.

XTL 2500

POWER
ON/OFF

Transmitting (Conventional Modes)

3 State your FCC call sign at the beginning of each
transmission.

Selecting Scan Mode Priority
1 Press the Sel softkey as indicated in the table above
to designate up to two modes as priorities.
2 Press Home or Scan to end scan list selection.

Sending an Emergency Alarm or Call
Press the emergency actuator (Emer button,
footswitch, hidden pushbutton) to begin an
emergency transmission.

Alarm Type

Indications/Actions

Alarm and Call

After ACK RECEIVED (see Non-Silent
Alarm above) is displayed, the radio
has priority voice-channel access.
Press the PTT button and talk.

For conventional modes, a silent or non-silent
emergency alarm data transmission is sent.

After completing the call, press and
hold the emergency actuator until a
tone sounds to return to normal
operation.

For trunked modes, emergency call (priority access
to a voice channel), silent or non-silent emergency
alarm, or emergency alarm and call are entered.
Depending on your radio's programming, one of the
emergency sequences described in the table below
occur.
Alarm Type

Indications/Actions

Non-Silent

A tone sounds and the display
alternates between EMERGENCY and the
zone/channel. When acknowledged,
four more tones sound and the display
shows ACK RECEIVED, then the radio
returns to normal operation.

Silent

The audio is muted and no display
changes take place during the alarm.
Press the PTT button, or press and
hold the emergency button to stop the
emergency condition and unmute the
radio.

Call (Trunked
Modes only)

A tone sounds and the display
alternates between EMERGENCY and the
zone/channel.
Press the PTT button and talk.
After completing the call, press and
hold the emergency actuator until a
tone sounds to return to normal
operation.

Sending a Status Transmission
1 Press Sts softkey. The display shows the last
acknowledged status or first status name.
2 Use the navigation keys to select other statuses.
3 Press the PTT button to send the transmission. The
display flashes the selected status/message name
until the dispatcher acknowledges, at which time alert
tones sound and the display shows ACK RECEIVED.
The radio then returns to normal operation.

Sending a Direct-Entry Enhanced Private
Conversation Call
1 Press the PTT button. A single tone sounds and the
display changes to PLEASE WAIT, followed by
telephone-type ringing if the receiving unit is in
service.
2 If the receiving unit answers, press the PTT button to
identify yourself and proceed with your call.
OR
If the called unit does not respond, press Sel or the
PTT button again to leave a Call Alert page message
and your ID.
A single tone followed by four tones sounds if the
called unit acknowledges the page.

Initiating a Call Alert Page
1 Press the Page softkey.
2 Follow the instructions for initiating a Private
Conversation to select a unit ID.
3 Press Sel or the PTT button to send a Call Alert page
to the displayed ID,
OR
To send a Call Alert page following an Enhanced
Private Conversation attempt, follow the instructions
for sending a direct-entry Enhanced Private
Conversation call.

Answering a Call Alert Page
Four tones sound and PAGE RCV flashes on the
display. The tone and display repeat every five
seconds.
1 Press the PTT button,
OR
Initiate an Enhanced Private Conversation call to the
caller.

Selecting a Zone/Mode (Optional)
1 Press the Zone softkey and then the arrow
key or to scroll to the desired zone.
2 Rotate the Mode knob to select the mode.

Selecting a Home Zone/Home Mode
Press the Home button.

Selecting Secure Mode
Press and release the SEC softkey. The D indicator
lights up.

Selecting an Encryption Key
1 Press and hold the SEC softkey until a tone sounds.
2 Use the navigation keys to scroll to KEY SEL.
3 Press Sel to enter the Key Selection Menu.
4 Use the navigation keys to select desired key.
5 Press Sel to select key.
6 Press Home or the PTT button to quit.

Selecting a Key Index
1 Press and hold the SEC softkey until a tone sounds..
2 Use the navigation keys to scroll to INDX SEL.

DISPLAY AND LIGHT INDICATORS
Display/Light

Displayed conventional mode has
activity on it, or selected trunked
system is currently busy. Wait for
callback.

XMIT light on

Indicates you are transmitting.

Dir indicator lit

Radio is in direct (mobile-tomobile) operation.

PRI, NPRI
indicators lit

Display shows a mode in the scan
list with the indicated priority level.

P displayed

Telephone dialing pause. Press
Sel softkey to continue the dialing.

NO ACKNOWLEDGE
displayed

Unit being called with the
Enhanced Private Conversation or
Call Alert Page feature is not in
service, or emergency alarm or
status/message transmission is
not acknowledged by dispatcher.

PHONE BUSY
displayed

Trunked phone interconnect is
busy.

NO ANSWER
displayed

Unit being called with Enhanced
Private Conversation or Call Alert
Page does not respond, but is
operational.

EMERGENCY
displayed

Radio is in emergency alarm or call
state.

NO EMERGENCY
displayed

A mode incapable of emergency
transmission has been selected.

OUT OF RANGE
displayed

Radio is out of range of the
trunking system.

3 Press Sel to enter the Index Selection Menu.
4 Use the navigation keys to select desired index.
5 Press Sel to select index.
6 Press Home or the PTT button to quit.

Erasing an Encryption Key
1 Press and hold the SEC softkey until a tone sounds.
2 Use the navigation keys to scroll to ERASE KY.
3 Press Sel to enter the Key Erase Menu.
4 Use the navigation keys to select desired index.
5 Press Sel to select index.
6 Press Home or the PTT button to quit.

Meaning

BUSY light on

ALERT TONES
Type of Tone

ALERT TONES (Continued)
Name

Explanation

1 Low-Pitched
Tone

Invalid Key Alert Feature button
pressed is not valid
in selected mode, or
a Call Alert or
emergency alarm
was not
acknowledged.

1 High-Pitched
Tone

Central
Acknowledge or
Valid Key

Central controller
has received
request for Call Alert
or emergency alarm
transmission.
You pressed a valid
key.

4 High-Pitched
Tones

Dispatcher or
Mobile Unit
Acknowledge

Dispatcher is
acknowledging your
emergency
transmission.
Mobile unit has
received your Call
Alert.

5 High-Pitched
Tones

The above two
acknowledge tones,
heard in tandem.

2 High-Pitched
Tones

Private
Conversation

You have an
incoming call. Press
Call, then the PTT
button, then talk.

4 High-Pitched
Tones every 6
seconds

Call Alert Page

Call Alert page has
been received.

Phone-Type
Busy Tone
(when pressing
the PTT button)

System Busy

All system radio
channels in use.
Release the PTT
button, and wait for
callback.

Type of Tone

Name

ALERT TONES (Continued)
Explanation

Type of Tone

Name

Explanation

A series of lowpitched tones
followed by a
series of highpitched tones.

Scan Alert On

Indicates that Scan
feature is activated
through the preprogrammed button
or 3-Position Rotary
Switch.

Talk Prohibit/
Out-of-Range or
Time-Out Timer
or Illegal Mode

A series of highpitched tones
followed by a
series of lowpitched tones.

Scan Alert Off

Indicates that Scan
feature is
deactivated through
the preprogrammed button
or 3-Position Rotary
Switch.

Low-Pitched
Tone (upon
pressing the
PTT button
during Transmit)
(Operation
Error)

Unique chirping
sound

Dynamic
Reprogramming

Indicates that a
dynamic ID is
assigned.

Out of trunked radio
system range or
system is out of
service.
Present
transmission will
soon be disabled.
You have entered a
mode where normal
system traffic will be
missed, or you
attempted
something that is
not allowed. (See
examples below.)

Failsoft

Unique, lowpitched chirping
sound

New Message

Indicates the arrival
of a new mesage.

High-Pitched
Tone every 10
seconds in
unmuted receive
condition

Unique, highpitched chirping
sound

Priority
Message

Indicates the arrival
of a priority
message.

2 Short HighTones (after
requesting a
busy channel)
upon pressing
the PTT button)

Automatic Call
Back or Talk
Permit

Channel is available
for previously
requested
transmission.
System is accepting
your transmission.

System central
controller failure.
The radio reverts
from trunked
operation to
operation similar to
a conventional
repeater.
Others may share
the channel.

Examples: Not exiting phone mode after a call (radio
cannot receive fleet or subfleet calls), transmitting in
receive-only conventional mode, trying to select a dynamic
mode when no dynamic ID assignment has been made.

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