The MOTOROLA XTS 3000 is a legacy portable two-way radio known for its reliability and use in public safety, military, and other critical communication roles. Below is a detailed breakdown of its features and specifications:

Key Features:

1. P25 Compatibility:

   • Operates on the APCO Project 25 (P25) standard for digital communications, ensuring interoperability between agencies.

2. Analog and Digital Modes:

   • Supports both analog FM and digital P25 operation for backward compatibility with older systems.

3. Frequency Bands:

   • Available in multiple frequency bands:

     • VHF (136-174 MHz)

     • UHF (403-470 MHz or 450-520 MHz)

     • 800 MHz (806-870 MHz)

4. Encryption:

   • Supports a variety of encryption standards, including DES-OFB and AES-256 (optional, requires encryption module).

   • Some models may include hardware for voice security.

5. Rugged Design:

   • Built to meet MIL-STD 810 standards for shock, vibration, and environmental conditions.

6. Channels and Zones:

   • Multiple zones and channels allow for wide-ranging communication capabilities across different groups.

7. Display and Controls:

   • Models may include a full alphanumeric display or be "non-display" for simpler use.

   • Features a top-mounted channel selector knob, volume knob, and programmable side buttons.

8. Audio Clarity:

   • Digital audio processing ensures clear communication even in noisy environments.

9. Battery Options:

   • Compatible with various battery chemistries, including NiMH and Lithium-Ion.

   • Battery life varies depending on usage mode and settings.

10. Accessories:

    • Wide range of Motorola accessories, including speaker microphones, programming cables, antennas, and battery chargers.

Programming:

• Requires Motorola CPS (Customer Programming Software) and a compatible programming cable.

• Configurable for simplex, repeater, and trunked operation.

• Customizable for channel names, tones, and advanced features like scan lists.

Pros:

• Extremely durable for demanding environments.

• Reliable digital and analog operation.

• Compatible with modern P25 systems (Phase 1 only, not Phase 2).

Cons:

• Discontinued, so parts and support can be limited.

• No support for advanced features like Phase 2 trunking or modern encryption standards (e.g., AES).

• Larger and heavier compared to newer portable radios.

Typical Use Cases:

• Public safety (law enforcement, fire, EMS).

• Military and tactical operations.

• Utility and transportation sectors.

• Amateur radio (with modifications).

Notes on Discontinuation:

• Motorola no longer manufactures or directly supports the XTS3000, as it has been replaced by newer models like the XTS5000 and APX series.

• Spare parts, accessories, and batteries are still available on the secondary market.

ASK Passwords and Removal

As the XTS3000 is now being offloaded by various agencies and departments it has become a cost effective digital communications solution for those that aren't necessarily ready to drop a few hundred dollars on an XTS5000, 2500, or 1500. Unfortunately, a large amount of the XTS3000 radios that can be found for dirt cheap on the secondary market are locked down by an Advanced System Key (ASK). A radio with an ASK will let you read from the radio, but will not let you write to the radio. The good news is that with a little bit of time and effort you can remove the ASK from your XTS3000 letting you write to the radio again.

1. Use Astro Saber and XTS3000 Depot CPS 05.02.02 to read the s-record from your radio;

2. Save s-record; make backup of s-record.

3. Open s-record in your favorite text editor (in DOS, just type "EDIT filename" <enter>)

4. Go to address 0x310h

5. The ASK-enable flag is binary value 0100 (40h). You want to remove this value from whatever is at 0x310h. So if it's C0h, set it for 80h. If it's 40h, make it 00h. Get the idea?

6. The End-of-Block checksum (EOB) for this data is at 0x312h. Remove a value of 40h from whatever is there.

7. Go to the end of the s-record line. Now add 80h to whatever value is there. (27h for example, becomes A7h) (This is the End-of-Line (EOL) checksum).

8. Save your s-record file.

9. Open Astro Saber and XTS3000 Depot CPS 05.02.02, and Read the s-record from disk. Do not unpack it. If successful, it will read it successfully. If you've screwed up the EOB or EOL, it will puke and crash.

10. Write it into the radio.

Important Files and Software for the XTS 3000 (From W9CR):

Astro Saber and XTS3000 Depot CPS 05.02.02  - Astro Saber and XTS3000 Depot CPS 05.02.02 

ASTRO Saber & XTS3000 Firmware - Astro Saber and XTS3000 Firmware, includes R07.71.06/08.03.05 for the Saber and XTS3000. There's a bunch of binary files too. 

MotoTools1.3.0.0.zip - Mototools is a program that lets you read/write binary codeplugs to the ASTRO radios 

Astro FDB Tool - This is a program that lets you manipulate the FDB and flash code of Astro radios. This is a neat program as it's almost written 100% in LUA script and easy to modify and reverse.