Local Radio-to-Radio ASTRO TMS Network
These are the CPS settings needed to join our conventional ASTRO digital voice + Text Messaging Service (TMS) network. Encryption is disabled. This works radio-to-radio with no infrastructure required.
Requirements: XTS 2500/5000 (or similar) with ASTRO Digital (Q806 or equivalent) enabled. Model II or III preferred for practical TMS use. Use ASTRO 25 Portable CPS. ASTRO 25 CPS software can be found free of charge on the Internet Archive at archive.org.
1. ASTRO System Settings
Create or use an ASTRO System and set:
- Individual ID: A 4-character code, 0001 through FFFF. Same form as an MDC1200 ID. Keep leading zeros and letters.
- Check the radio ID roster.
- If the ID is already listed, it is taken.
- Ask Devin before you write the radio.
- Data tab:
- Packet Data Compatible System (PDS): Checked
- Auto Generate IP Address: Checked
- Auto Generate Target IP Address: Checked
- Packet Data Mode: Direct
- Text Messaging Service: List Only (Model II) or Unlimited (Model III)
- ARS tab:
- Automatic Registration Service Enable: Checked
- ARS Mode: Non-Server
2. Conventional Personality Settings
For each channel you want in the TMS zone:
- Rx Voice/Signal Type: ASTRO (or Mixed Mode)
- Tx Voice/Signal Type: ASTRO
- ASTRO System: Point to the system created above
- Frequencies: Use the shared frequencies listed below
- Deviation / Channel Spacing: 2.5 kHz / 12.5 kHz typical for digital
- Secure/Clear: Clear (encryption off)
3. Zone
Create a dedicated zone (example name: TMS or DIGITAL) and assign the personalities above to the channels in that zone. FPP can stay disabled.
4. Radio-Wide & Button Settings
- Radio Configuration → Radio Wide. These fields are not the 4-character radio ID.
- Soft ID / Username: The name listed for you on the radio ID roster.
- Ask Devin before you write the radio. He records the name on the roster.
- If that name is already listed, it is taken.
- Other radios add this name to their Data User List.
- PIN/Password: Any value.
- Subscriber IP: Leave the default.
- Controls → Buttons: Assign one button (often App or a side button) to TMS
- Data User List: Add the Soft ID from the roster for each radio you want to message.
Shared Frequencies & Zone Info
Update this section with the actual frequencies and zone name the group is using.
| Channel | Frequency | Notes |
|---|
| 1 | TBD | Primary simplex / repeater |
| 2 | TBD | Secondary |
Zone name: TMS (or as agreed)
Quick Checklist
- ASTRO System with a 4-character Individual ID you requested from the roster + PDS + Packet Data Mode = Direct + TMS enabled
- Personalities set to ASTRO Tx/Rx and pointed at that system
- Zone created and channels assigned
- Soft ID from the roster + TMS button assigned
- Write the radio and test radio-to-radio TMS
Questions, or to request a radio ID and Soft ID, contact Devin (KJ7OES) / eskridge.org. Check the radio ID roster and ask for a 4-character ID that is still open. Your Soft ID name is recorded on that same roster.
Last updated: October 2026. Settings based on proven conventional ASTRO TMS configurations for XTS series radios.