Motorola XTS2500 Military Version - AES256 Encryption, SHTF Survival Radio - P25 XTS 2500 Review

[@rokroll]

Those radio don't cost $200 but more like $1000 and can't buy them without a license from FCC

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You're right! Except that you can find them many places for $200 and you can, and always have been able to buy them without any license from the FCC or anyone else.. But yah, other than those two things, you're 100% correct!

[@craigdavidson2977]

Hey, RoK, you seem like a really smart guy. Did you know that the FCC has a special program to give out ham licences to smart guys without needing to take the test? You should call the FCC and get yourself one.

[@Ian-ke3gq]

@Rok remember that time when you got owned. That was awesome .

[@InfamousAl]

hmmmm... I don't think you need a license to buy them, specially used one. Lol.

[@bryantwalley]

Wake up one morning, find a video on KZbin, and write the dumbest thing you can in the comments.

[@arikjohnson412]

Holy cow! $895?! That inflation is biting pretty hard the past 13 months!

[@Doorkicker870]

Thank God I got mine free from work when we phased them out for apx's

[@Robert_H_Diver]

Yea wtf

[@mrw1160]

Supply and demand

[@Freedomguy]

"Some people may ask, "why would I need encryption on a radio?" If you have to ask then you...don't need...encryption...on your radio. If you need encryption on your radio, you know..that you need...encryption...on your radio." "Non affiliate link below. " I love this guy. Instantly like and subscribed.

[@tom_olofsson]

As a certified, qualified, sanctified, mesmerized, and verified, KZbin HAM radio operating lawyer, I concur with your analysis expressed concerning SHTF radio use.

[@MTCKIE68]

Please do more videos on these radios. Show us everything you can about them. In my opinion this is the way to go !!

[@craigdavidson2977]

Fun fact: Do you know why a 'key loader' is required for AES encryption? 13:52 Because AES is intended for transmissions so secret that the user of the radio is not allowed to know what the key is. That's one reason (there are other reasons) the key can't be entered on the keypad. I was never allowed to actually see the key loader at my last job. 'They' said I had the proper 'clearence' but I 'didn't have a need to know'. My understanding is that a military key loader is capable of generating a random key and downloading it into as many radios as the mission requires. No one ever gets to see the key. Its allways 'locked' in the hardware encryption chips of the loader and the radios. Once the key loader and all the radios are 'erased' after the mission is over then no one will ever know what the key was and those conversations over those radios is protected forever. (well, almost forever). This protects against the 'enemy' recording your encrypted conversations and then getting ahold of the key later (maybe through bribery or torture) and then being able to play back your conversations and find out your secrets. ADP (40 bit) encryption is much more vulnurable because its in software and that can be hacked more easily - its not just the smaller key size. As any good preper does - I have evaluated my life and its importance and I am sad to report that my risk of being subjected to bribery or torture to get my personal secrets is so low that it doesn't justify any key longer than 40 bits.

[@howforless]

you dont actually see a key, the loader does it all behind the scenes. The loaders aren’t any secret, any platinum channel partner will have access to a key loader.

[@hellreaverschannel2007]

The need to know thing is basic security stuff. Nothing personal.

[@devincarter801]

I completely agree.. I think. 😂

[@pstewart5443]

Depending on how it's built, the length can be quite a bear as well. Symmetric encryption using AES256 has yet to be cracked so it is fairly tough to break, but if the military needed to crack it, then it wouldn't take them more than the phone call to the NSA to request the algorithm in order to decrypt the traffic. There are few algorithms that NSA doesn't have the parent algorithm for since they were involved in most used by the West. If it's a SHTF, then any comms is better than none, but whomever the enemy is, just know they probably have an RDF, and will be on you pretty fast unless you're breaking up the comms a lot, but that will never be as good as freq hop.

[@SoloPilot6]

Uh . . .no. It's so that a lost radio can't be changed to a new code by an unauthorized user.

[@eskieguy9355]

Once again I feel enlightened. Something I don't always feel when watching other YT videos. Thank you Randy.

[@flightmedic7634]

I can confirm that one of these radios can survive an entire day submurged under a mud/cow manure puddle and be washed off and seemed to be no worse for the wear : ) It popped off the belt clip on a roll over/extrication ems call and it took me a few hours to excavate/recover it from its hiding location. Definitely a solid and professional product. 👍

[@tomperone9338]

After a day under a cow pattie, the real question becomes how badly do you want it back? 😉

[@adventuresofhunter]

Thank god. I was wondering this exact thing

[@donaldsmith188]

It didn't survive the Bush hog though. 😢

[@FreemanWithrow]

Carried one for years as a firefighter and we put them through hell ! Extreme heat , water and dirt and they keep on keepin on.. I'll be buying one soon ! Thanks notarubicon

[@gubbool]

Thanks!…. I am a causal viewer… I noticed that I have been watching a bit more often and thought I should contribute some beer money.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Thanks!

[@sgttackleberry1098]

If I can remember correctly, a part 90 radio can be used for ham radio, but then again, I only got my ham radio license as my department required it to be a radio tech. Been using XTS2500 and XTS500 for over 10 years as a firefighter, so they are solid radios. So 10/10 highly recommend!

[@terryevans1976]

Yes, under Part 97 amateurs can build their own radios and/or modify commercial radios to use under Part 97.

[@WillPhoneman]

This is correct. Ham equipment does not require type acceptance, hence the reason hams can build their own equipment, and aren't required to get it certified. They are expected to ensure their equipment is working properly and not causing interference to others.

[@chainsaw5vent]

Eh. They don’t always work well in commercial high rise buildings that are constructed with lots of metal stud interiors walls. Need to get next to the building windows for hope of transmission. They can also have phone capabilities added….

[@LatitudeSky]

Hams can use Part 90 gear under Part 97 so long as the operation still complies with Part 15. So many parts.

[@Sparks68]

Yes -ARS licensees can build their own station equipment from scratch. The only requirement is compliance with Part 97 technical standards. As of writing this, nobody makes P25 gear for ARS. It was designed for government agency interoperability. Amateurs are reprogramming mostly UHF R1 for use on the 70 cm band as that is the band used by the majority of P25 capable repeaters. There are a few 2m P25 repeaters but not very many.

[@aquatone327]

The XTS2500 designation for the military is AN/PRC-153 in case anyone is wondering.

[@NotRobot574]

No one was wondering Nerd

[@highlordstevious]

My experience with ham radio so far includes watching KZbin videos trying to decide whether or not to try it out. I realized this radio was well over my head early on, yet stuck around through the whole thing hoping to see the thumbnail chick. Well played, sir.

[@Hawc51]

If you're looking at these radios 10mo from the time this video was posted, and you're kicking yourself because they're $900 now - go ahead and hit that subscribe button.

[@EathenRice]

Yeah...

[@benwilson409]

Love the sig p365 mat under the radios. One of my favorite guns. Also I love all your videos. Thanks

[@Honesty8117]

Informative, smart ass remarks, frequent comedic cuts during the video…. Alright I guess I’ll subscribe dude.

[@markpinther9296]

Found your channel today. Love the humor and info! Found myself laughing several times.

[@murphmurph2124]

2/13/22 just got my technician license, I vow to never be a sad ham.

[@Flash1857]

You must get great comments. Thank you for the solid GRMS information in earlier videos.

[@vektordizajn6342]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I really enjoy your streams. Many nice greetings from Bosnia and Herzegovina

[@Stream7ine]

Sportin' the GS shirt I love it brother. Thanks for what you do Sir'

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video Randy Love the yellow Xts2500 Military Model The coyote is good looking also 15:00 @NotaRubicon Productions

[@iggy151]

I absolutely love that you are reiterating everyone's favorite exception.

[@tjwilcox8480]

I got one of the last 2 Blue Units. Thank you Randy.

[@tjwilcox8480]

Hey, any one else still waiting for shipping confirmation from Kemp Wireless?

[@kg4gav]

@@tjwilcox8480 They are working overtime and weekends to get caught up. Not sure of you received yours yet. I got the shipping confirmation the day after the package arrived. But it did ship on day 14 after the order, just as they said it would.

[@czgunner]

Your pinned comments highlighting idiocy make my day.

[@ericwilliams952]

Great review as always. 73.

[@Jagrrr]

I have been starting to track the TekMats under your radios. You have several of my favorites.

[@daleandstephfarmeritaville7434]

I absolutely love your sarcastic sense of humor. Please keep it up.

[@spectre0418]

Notarubicon not affiliate link yo Rock!! I enjoy your videos!!

[@martycuhntzmart5635]

I EFFING LOVE THIS DUDE.

[@BartlettTFD]

Your videos are always educational AND entertaining 😀 Thanks.

[@milohall5447]

Awww ! You're killing me smalls ! 2 mil-spec and trimmings just went on my card ! but , again you're right. Now time to hit up Disco 32 for good ptt's & flexi tennas,,, and back to ham rad prep for upgrade from technician. Well played Randy,,, well played. You're my hee-row!

[@milohall5447]

Ok, I have to admit, I have used these transceivers multiple times over the past year, and I am very pleased with the durability , performance and user simplicity. I would have purchased them long ago, but I figured they were far out of my budget as in upwards of $1500 ea. These survive being rain drenched up here in the PNW, I have signed out the same radio many times surprised it still turns on. I have no experience with programing or calibration other than basic field use and training. I wear mine high on my left hip, behind my arm, so it gets more than its fair share of abuse from impacts and fowl weather. From slamming into a building , missing the doorways , to being crushed between my armor and some vehicle, these keep working. If you are plugging your personal Peltors into a UV5R,,, then this mil.spec Motorola is the pinnacle to move to. PS. Don't hesitate, get the spare battery !

[@hawaiiangunner]

You're lucky you got it when you did there are not available anymore

[@jddavis8431]

I carried one of those professionally for quite a few years. It's a tough radio, however I would recommend having a spare battery pack or two.

[@121AHCRvn]

I agree! Please do more videos on these radios

[@trep17mag]

G'day from Melbourne again. Another enjoyable and straight forward video. Very well explained and I like the way you think. Keep them coming! And $185 US for one of these reconditioned? Great value.

[@c-jen8923]

Dang, I am late to the party on this one. Sale is LONG over. I used the XTS5000 at work, they are GREAT radios and stand up to abuse!

[@mrcharrington1]

Love your info and humor. Thanks.

[@TacticalBushcrafterOverlanding]

The first video I've seen of yours. Enjoyed it very much! Subscribed!

[@maingig1]

Damn Randy!!!! I love those teeshirts!!! 🤣

[@kzerobkobrian8937]

Holy S***! That's a heck of a deal on that radio!

[@isaacstiles5710]

I’ll echo what some other people are saying, please make more videos on both the 2500 and 5000 please!

[@danielsteenis1623]

Awesome video...keep em coming love the content... extremely informative and I will be purchasing a couple of these..

[@bhi7165]

I broke an xts 5000, in a nasty fight with a s*** head. No bullets. Just asphalt. Lots of asphalt. Other than that. Damn good radio!

[@vueport99]

Your honor, no murder weapons were found at the crime scene... But we did find a Motorola sticker on the victim's head.

[@MrRobertSpearsJr]

Great content, thank you, your favorite fan !!!

[@BravoKiloZulu]

This can't compete with the Baofeng when it comes to pure quality of roger beep.

[@TheEnderman67]

What's great about the XTS2500 battery is that they are completely interchangeable with HT750/1250/1550 radios and PR860 radios as well. So for those who already own said radios, you will not have to buy a different battery.

[@OuterSpaceJake]

not true. the XTS2500 battery has different pins. the ht battery will fit on it

[@DonkeyDeeWillis]

So you actually can drop them in the lake. One of my buddy's dropped one in a water hazard on one of the Parris Island crucible events. After all the recruits left we went swimming for it. Found it by calling it from another radio and it was whining underwater. Blew it off and it worked so we never told the COC it happened :)

[@malleusflavus1160]

This was a really good video. It opened up several possible lines of inquiry and investigation. Thank you, snarky NotaRubicon guy. I feel I can trust you BECAUSE you would tell me if I was being an idiot, not IN SPITE OF it. As they say, a true friend will let you know when your deodorant has stopped working, whereas a HAM radio expert will tell you that you smell just fine.

[@ytgre7767]

Then report you to the FCC

[@malleusflavus1160]

@@ytgre7767 Ha ha!!! Shots fired - ham down!

[@tedkay1048]

The bolshevik "useful idiots" moniker comes to mind, when I read that last sentence.

[@scooter9225]

Yep, sale long gone. Too bad,,, wanted to buy four of the darn things... Great Video!!

[@ravenhurst00]

We used these in the usaf and they are definitely robust. Also, those antennas were always shoved near places you don't want to think about. 🤔 lol

[@attribute-4677]

@Missagan Never anger the button pushers 😂

[@visiter127]

Wow cool coms, love seeing this kind of stuff

[@CluelessRanchHand]

This radio dork has been meddling with Motorola programming software for years and I still like I feel like I've just scratched the surface 😅

[@k9policexj]

I've found Motorola software a pita... it's got a steep learning curve.

[@photolabguy]

Awesome content as usual! Just curious, could you make a video on how to obtain a commercial license?

[@debestgamer4533]

This would be great if/when SHTF due to some of the police might have their radio still. But i will still have my CB's walkies and everything else hooked up

[@mightydocb3334]

Firstly, I have to say “thank you” for your UV5R videos. You are the reason I thoroughly understand the radio, at least to the level of my capabilities to understand anything. I’m very interested in the Motorola XTS. I don’t understand the the megahertz ranges on the adverts? They are very narrow ranges. Do the radios with the frequency ranges have the ability to access frequencies above or below these mhz ranges? I’d be grateful for any information. Thank you in advance for any aid coming in my general direction.

[@stevederjones7340]

Interesting. I’m thinking about getting the HYT that you reviewed. I really like the idea of having a 25watt hand held. Good video

[@donaldoc]

I currently utilize the XPR Commercial Series of Motorola brand radios (except for "1" Wouxon KG-UV9G Pro 🤫) in my fleet, I currently do not require a radio of this level. "However", O Sensei, This, "Serious Radio Dork", appreciates the education I receive from you, as to the many, "option" FCC type radios available in the commerical and government catagories, that are out there for use in the Amateur/GMRS world. All while saving, "your favorite viewer", the funds required to purchase this level of equipment. 👌👍👏👏😉 Thank You!

[@karm42yn]

Due to the intricacies of supply and demand the military version is now $250 more expensive. :)

[@b0h1ka]

that peel @ 6:09 ...satisfying...

[@saddam9507]

We used AES 256 on the HAM bands locally, the old timers got pissed off but to bad! Don't ask where we got the key loaders from! Not Radio Shack!

[@damiengirvan5020]

Ware?

[@prestonhagman2027]

I would love to see more on how to program these radios. I have a few because I to am a radio dork. I would like to see how you set them up for using a repeater and scanning using the software. Another great video 👍

[@duff8402]

Retivis should take this video as a hint as to how much influence you have on someone purchasing a radio. These XTS2500s were wiped out QUICK

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Sadly, pretty much any radio or accessory I've given a good review on tends to sell out within 24 hours.. These went especially quick.

[@PhinAI]

@@TheNotaRubicon, five months later, I'm too late....

[@stickmenwithrayguns]

Sounds exactly like a commercial-displays presenting the last and only knife-set you will ever buy.

[@cartersm2425]

Nice shirt! My closet is 75% Grunt Style.

[@johnkeo358]

the nice thing about using ADP is even though its a weak algorithm, if someone cracks it and listens to your communications, that's an automatic felony provided that the world still existed

[@JSRocker1776]

Darn! Wish I had found this video during that sale.

[@gworf2]

RIP John Candy and Harold Ramis ❤️

[@ahole5407]

Bait and switch. The old okeidoke. $200 radio that is actually $1000 @ kemp wireless

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Congratulations on learning how the passage of time, inflation, and supply & demand can adversely affect the cost of goods. Thank goodness nobody is forcing you to buy anything or you'd actually have something to complain about.

[@GregoryRomeu]

GREAT FUCKING DELIVERY! MOST EXCELLENT INFORMATION! GRATZI!

[@Subgunman]

Back in the late 70’s the police department in my community had the General Electric PE series of HT's. They were not too reliable but the officers who carried them used them in place of batons when it came to smacking a suspect. I use both DES-XL and AES-256 in my toys.

[@alexp3752]

On LA County mountain top repeater sites, LA Sheriff base radios were situated behind protective fences inside radio buildings. Years ago, the sheriff used GE radios. We used to laugh about that. No technician I know would ever want a GE radio because most of us simply thought they were junk. We used Motorola exclusively, and if it wasn't from them, no thanks. GE had bright orange knobs on their control heads. Perhaps the sheriff got a toaster from GE by purchasing their radios.

[@yudelrox]

Reminds me of the cellphones of the early 90s. They came in a carrying case

[@thorjor1]

Wish I would have jumped on these from Kemp while the gettin' was good. They are now just shy of $900 :(

[@DermalDeviations]

Unfortunately they were out of stock shortly after this video was uploaded. The Al-Gore-rhythm just suggested this vid again, which reminded me to check their stock again, now that the sales have likely cooled off.... ...just over one year later (as of 04-13-23), Kemp Wireless does indeed have some in stock, but is now selling them for $895.00 each!

[@patm5165]

Excellent vid, love this guy, love this channel! Can’t keep up with getting all the cool radios out there!

[@kg4gav]

I received my XTS2500 Military version s few days ago. The radio arrived when they said it would, and they did a great job putting it in a new case, new battery, charger, antenna, etc. Here is the only (sort of) bad part. These radios have a known issue in that some of them will not program from FPP mode on ch.10 on any Zone. Most of the time, this is not an issue, and is only when doing front panel programming. Kemp offered a programming cable for a reasonable price, but I didn't get it because I was planning on just doing FPP for the whole radio. I wasn't thinking about all the other features that are not FPP accessible. You CAN do this if you just want to program basic transmit and receive frequencies and tones, but there are so many other features this radio has that are not accessible from FPP programming. SO, if you really want to unlock the full potential of the radio, set up the side and top buttons, have more control of the display layout, sounds, etc, then get the programming cable. If you didn't order it with the radio, reach out to the vendor and he will make sure you get the cable and STUFF you need to program the radio, as well as some other handy info. Yes, you may find a cable cheaper on some other site, but the info he provides with the cable makes it a lot easier to get up and going.

[@mikewilsher1005]

Kemp has them for a lot more now, wow, did the price go up or what? The coupon does work however.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

No, it is impossible for the price to have gone up like everything else because your President says inflation is going DOWN!

[@mikewilsher1005]

@@TheNotaRubiconLOL, he does seem to be very disconnected. Great radio though but spendy. Thanks for the infotainment!!!

[@RedLeg13B]

Holy crap! They're over $500 now?

[@sandybartlett1333]

Great video and funny as usuall

[@Jacob-mm8xq]

I thought I was a radio nerd until I tried to program one of these lol

[@scottnyc6572]

I like that,”unless it’s emergency “shit-suation”. The most important part in activating the self destruct option (scuttling key) is remembering to remove the clear plastic protectors.

[@charlesbarkley2883]

Sadly, I believe the train has left the station. Kemp doesn’t seem to offer the military version any longer and while the discount still works, the radios (apparently the commercial version?) are well over twice what they were when you posted the video. All versions are > $465. Oh well, I tried.

[@phraktl]

Yeah. I noticed that as well. Really disappointing.

[@arikjohnson412]

I found this late as well... will watch this thread in case of updates... I’m on the hunt now!

[@thetempleunfinished]

@@arikjohnson412 Ebay has them new in box or refurbished

[@EssentialE13]

It’s available now

[@michiganmotorsports]

Dec 2022 $780.00

[@billyboy664]

I use my radio all the time. FCC 90 is correct. However I can't predict when a sh** show is going to happen. Should it happen I am prepared for it that's why I use my part 90 radio. Hi Hi Your videos are great you get a thumbs up....

[@rmetcalf89]

I have a 2500, 5000 and an APX8000. Good radio. I tend to go for the 8K more often lol.

[@hellreaverschannel2007]

Would like to see you review the TRI prc-152 if you are interested.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

the question everyone wants the answer to is: Does it have Roger Beep?

[@setx2010teryx]

A must for all Radio Dorks!!

[@dcentral]

I’m bad at math. What’s the inflation rate when a radio price goes from $185 to $895 in a year? Are they counting in Zimbabwe currency?

[@AET4LYF]

Love your videos and your explanations on GMRS. Can you do a video going over the Part 90 licensing you have for the radio you talk about using in your jeep sometime though too. Curious what the advantages over using that radio is vs. sticking with the GMRS radios you talk about on your channel. Thanks either way!!

[@allenb3007]

Great video! Subscribed! We would need 2 of the military versions to have comms due to aes encryption right? Is there any other radios that can be used with aes encryption? Amazing videos, I keep coming back to watch all the vids.

[@FTD556]

Can you do a more deep dive into the XTS5000? software and programing. maybe FPP side of it too

[@8bitwarrior]

I’ve had radio shops program my radios for GMRS and they never questioned me 😁 not saying it was allowed but if anything Motorola part 90 radios would be less prone to interference. RIP my Motorola HT1250. It lived for over a decade

[@EmperorMingg]

Funny to think that in true SHTF situations, there are some people in this community that think that the FCC will give a solitary phuk about licensing

[@richardcorwin1828]

Thank you!

[@TheOriginalStevenH]

I'm not sure I got the right link to that radio. it's now like $750? are they really that price now?

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Supply & Demand can be a cruel mistress..

[@erice4611]

I was going to buy one at that price, but now everyone is getting greedy and i refuse to get shafted!

[@SamtheoriginalClassic]

this video has a subliminal message that includes hypnotic suggestions including but not limited to, "Non-affiliate link below" I'm not sure how this works; but this video gives me a sense of purpose and elevated feelings of happiness. ************* **Warning** ************* This video should not be watched by children or adults that are susceptible to impulsive buying. You have been warned! Legal disclaimer: If you purchase one of these radios, It's your own damned fault.

[@sduffman7015]

wow out of stock in 1 day. Any similar options? Now subscribed with notifications so wont be left in the dust

[@TwitchRadio]

There are a few different licenses that are commercial on the FCC site, what one is it exactly you need for either one of these radios? Thanks for your time and showing off these two radio's ✌️

[@sergioespinoza506]

as mentioned on the video... LMR....

[@TwitchRadio]

@@sergioespinoza506 ty😎👍

[@thecaribbean8615]

The only concern I had with the old version with encryption turned on was the high level latency. Not that big of a deal. But noticeable. Newer radios with encryption have less latency.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I have never noticed any latency in any of the 1000's of encrypted conversations i've had on either my XTS5000, XTL5000 or XTS2500.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

The thing I don't like about digital radios in general is the PTT delay.

[@EssentialE13]

Any chance of a deeper dive into the xts2500/prc-153 and it’s features, performance and programming?

[@mikepope6966]

Hi. I didn’t think Ham requires a Type acceptance. The Homebrew Altoids QRP radios are not.

[@PsykoHoneyWeed]

I can verified that he's telling the truth about XTS 2500, because I saw the Little Falls Police Department and Morrison County Sheriff’s Office in Minnesota use them, these are high quality radios