Search found 3338 matches

by Jim202
Tue Sep 26, 2023 7:48 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra Programming - Serial Bus Error
Replies: 10
Views: 3275

Re: Spectra Programming - Serial Bus Error

I know this is a really old posting, but did you ever get your radio programmed?

If so, let the rest of the group know what you had to do to get the programmimg to work.

Another commement I will pass along, is that the DOS computer should have a clock speed of no more than about 900 MHz.

Jim
by Jim202
Sat Sep 23, 2023 6:08 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: GROUNDING With Motorola R56 Stanadards
Replies: 0
Views: 1126

GROUNDING With Motorola R56 Stanadards

Have you ever had damage to your radio equipment from a thunderstorm lightning strike? What do you have for grounding to try and protect your investment? Do you have surge protection on both the antenna lines and electrical power feeds? All of the above are dependent on how of a low resistance the w...
by Jim202
Sun Jun 04, 2023 7:07 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra Programming - Serial Bus Error
Replies: 10
Views: 3275

Re: Spectra Programming - Serial Bus Error

I program Spectra radios all the time with a computer I have that runs DOS only for the Spectra and several other radios. Do not try to run a DOS box under a computer running Windows. It probably won't function with the Spectra software very well. I use DOS only to program Motorola radios of this ag...
by Jim202
Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:03 am
Forum: ASTRO25 Series (XTS/XTL 1500/2500/5000) Subscribers
Topic: Dumbing down an IMPRES charger to charge a too-low voltage battery
Replies: 8
Views: 5644

Re: Dumbing down an IMPRES charger to charge a too-low voltage battery

I always use a variable supply where I can control the current going into the battery. Plus I have a low Ohm resistor of about 2.5 Ohms I made out of some wire wound resistors connected in parallel. This give you some surge protection of the battery under test. Put a volt meter on the battery side o...
by Jim202
Sat Mar 11, 2023 6:28 pm
Forum: Experimental - Mods, and how to do things a little out of the box
Topic: Bringing dead batteries back to life.
Replies: 1
Views: 6178

Re: Bringing dead batteries back to life.

I know this is a very old posting, but there is a safer way to do this. I use a in series resistor of around 2.5 Ohms between the power source and the battery in question. I made it out of some wire wound power resistors in parallel. This will reduce the in rush current to limit the possible damage ...
by Jim202
Wed Mar 08, 2023 6:43 pm
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Radio Shelter Relocation
Replies: 7
Views: 8349

Re: Radio Shelter Relocation

This is a very old post, but you never came back with any comments about the shelter move. One point not mentioned is that the door will now be on the other side of where it was originally. Did you also have to add to the driveway to have access to the shelter door for working or moving equipment in...
by Jim202
Wed Mar 08, 2023 6:29 pm
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Super-Turnstile antenna
Replies: 7
Views: 6625

Re: Super-Turnstile antenna

That's why we have regional repeater coordinators. They are there to work out the stubborn operators of those repeaters causing problems.
Jim
by Jim202
Wed Mar 08, 2023 3:22 pm
Forum: MotoTRBO Repeaters, Trunking, and Site Infrastructure
Topic: SLR5700 VHF and lightning
Replies: 2
Views: 2551

Re: SLR5700 VHF and lightning

You may want to look at your grounding system and surge protection. The Motorola R56 Grounding Standard has some very good information. BUT, there is some information missing that I have found out the hard way at 2 different homes over the years. The low ground resistance of your ground rods is wher...
by Jim202
Sun Mar 05, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: ASTRO25 Series (XTS/XTL 1500/2500/5000) Subscribers
Topic: XTL1500 (not) DOS muting
Replies: 2
Views: 789

Re: XTL1500 (not) DOS muting

Shut off the MDC signaling on the ham channels. Most of the ham repeaters only are looking for PL. No need for MDC on the PTT on those frequencies. This is where zones come in handy. Use one zone for the public safety and another for the ham frequencies. I am on the fire dept. here in the town I liv...
by Jim202
Sun Mar 05, 2023 11:46 am
Forum: ASTRO Series (Astro Saber, Spectra, XTS3000/3500) Subscribers
Topic: Mid power Astro Spectra pinout
Replies: 6
Views: 2332

Re: Mid power Astro Spectra pinout

Stop being lazy. Download the service manual and save it. Your going to be asking additional questions that this manual has. The index works well to locate the information you may have in the future. Plus you can print an individual page or number of pages to your printer as needed. I download all s...
by Jim202
Mon Feb 27, 2023 11:48 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: X9000 control head reset problem
Replies: 7
Views: 7594

Re: X9000 control head reset problem

Just thought I would add to this old post. Here it is almost the end of February of 2023. The 10 meter FM segment on 10 meters is very active this year. Hearing all sorts of skip coming in just about each day. Most is on the 29.6 simplex frequency, but have also been hearing some repeaters showing u...
by Jim202
Mon Feb 27, 2023 10:19 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Comm-Tac 2 from Trend Microsystems - Radio InterOp Gateway
Replies: 1
Views: 10813

Re: Comm-Tac 2 from Trend Microsystems - Radio InterOp Gateway

I know this is an old post, but if your looking for a fine Interop Gateway, try looking at a company called Sytech Corp that is located in Alexandria, VA. Their gateways have some features that to my knowledge no other company has. Their gateway can use the Internet to be able to control the gateway...
by Jim202
Mon Feb 27, 2023 7:53 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: IMPRES: Undefined LED status (blinking orange/green)
Replies: 1
Views: 2871

Re: IMPRES: Undefined LED status (blinking orange/green)

I would expect the batteries are dead and won't take a charge. What I try on dead batteries that do this is to use a variable voltage power supply and use a series of resistor that I made out of some large wire wound resistors to make a 2.5 ohm total of them in parallel. Then gradually raise the vol...
by Jim202
Mon Aug 15, 2022 7:40 pm
Forum: Computer/Technical Assistance
Topic: Made it another year & computer is still working
Replies: 1
Views: 9671

Re: Made it another year & computer is still working

Just thought I would add to my post of some 5 years ago. Thought there might be at least one comment made. Tonight at the fire department training, a couple of us older members were talking about our radio system. It use to be just a VHF local repeater. Noe most of the radio traffic is done on the s...
by Jim202
Mon Aug 15, 2022 6:53 pm
Forum: Computer/Technical Assistance
Topic: Xp home help with sound drivers and application
Replies: 1
Views: 5922

Re: Xp home help with sound drivers and application

I know this is a very old post, but my question is why did you not start with installing the computer's normal drivers after doing a new install of Windows XP? I still use XP for most of my computers and even some of the newer computers I have picked up from a computer store that took them in on eit...
by Jim202
Sat Aug 06, 2022 6:31 am
Forum: ASTRO25 Series (XTS/XTL 1500/2500/5000) Subscribers
Topic: XTL2500 MPL Not transmitting...
Replies: 1
Views: 7159

Re: XTL2500 MPL Not transmitting...

I could be wrong with my age and memory getting bad, but some years back, Motorola made a change to the programming software that effected the MPL use on the XTL. I used the feature in my radios as I traveled frequently and ran into new repeaters that I couldn't key up. So I had set up the multi PL ...
by Jim202
Fri May 27, 2022 1:24 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra A7 power issue
Replies: 3
Views: 8014

Re: Spectra A7 power issue

I know this is an old post, but you may have a radio with a sorted reverse polarity diode shorted. This diode was designed to protect the radio from being connected backwards to the DC source supply. They normally are a good sized diode on the board. If you have the service manual, it should be easy...
by Jim202
Sun May 15, 2022 12:46 pm
Forum: Radio Programming
Topic: Need some help or direction
Replies: 1
Views: 4603

Re: Need some help or direction

I know this a real old post, but the first place I would try to look on is on Ebay.

Jim
by Jim202
Sun May 15, 2022 11:30 am
Forum: Radio Programming
Topic: Motorola Spectra mobile programmer needed
Replies: 5
Views: 5511

Re: Motorola Spectra mobile programmer needed

I might elaborate a little. The Spectra radios require pure DOS to be programmed. Not a DOS BOX in Windows. You will also need a computer with an operating speed no more than about 900 MHz. There is a program called MOSLO that can help some computers and allow some faster computers to function in pr...
by Jim202
Fri Jan 21, 2022 1:17 pm
Forum: Radio Programming
Topic: Motorola Spectra mobile programmer needed
Replies: 5
Views: 5511

Re: Motorola Spectra mobile programmer needed

I know this is a real old posting, but I have a couple of comments. Have you tried stopping by the computer repair stores in your area? Most of them will freely give you computers they are throwing out. So go on a hunt and make friends with the stores. I have picked up a pile of computers over the y...
by Jim202
Fri Jan 21, 2022 7:19 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra A discriminator help
Replies: 4
Views: 4428

Re: Spectra A discriminator help

Did you ever solve your audio problem?
by Jim202
Sat Jan 15, 2022 6:48 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Fans for Spectra D44 UHF radiofor low power repeater -
Replies: 1
Views: 3195

Re: Fans for Spectra D44 UHF radiofor low power repeater -

The transmitter heat sink needs to be cooled enough to hold your hand on it after say 5 or 10 minutes in transmitting. Warm is OK. But too hot to keep your hand on it is very bad. You need to know that these radios were never designed for 100 percent transmit time. All mobiles will have a time limit...
by Jim202
Wed Oct 27, 2021 10:30 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Radius M1225 Software Issues
Replies: 35
Views: 26034

Re: Radius M1225 Software Issues

OK, don't yell at me, I know this is a really old topic. But I have found that dropping by the local computer stores, especially the older computer repair stores have been a treasure hunt for me over the years. I end up putting in a small hard drive and see if the computer will function after loadin...
by Jim202
Fri Oct 01, 2021 11:13 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra Mode Names Unavailable
Replies: 4
Views: 6918

Re: Spectra Mode Names Unavailable

One other note worthy of mentioning, I have pulled the MLM boards out of some 800 MHz. radios and used them on low band, VHF and UHF radios with good luck. Just remember, you need something working before you can copy it to work to work else where. The MLM bit banging can be a major task if you have...
by Jim202
Fri Oct 01, 2021 10:49 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra A discriminator help
Replies: 4
Views: 4428

Re: Spectra A discriminator help

The value of the DC blocking cap will partially depend on how your going to use the audio. In the past I have found using a 1.0 uf cap works for most applications. I tend to use a disc cap that is non polarized. They are easy to find and easy to use. If you don't put a cap in series with the audio, ...
by Jim202
Mon Aug 16, 2021 11:10 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra Mode Names Unavailable
Replies: 4
Views: 6918

Re: Spectra Mode Names Unavailable

Don't feel bad. This assumes that you originally set up the save directories in the computer. Many have been in the same boat before you. Select :F2 Read from radio. Select F3 then F7 to save the radio codeplug to to computer hard drive. This lets you cecoup any major goofs you might make along the ...
by Jim202
Sun Aug 16, 2020 5:12 am
Forum: Vehicle Warning Equipment Discussion
Topic: 2015 Ford Explorer (Civilian) Wiring Diagram
Replies: 7
Views: 12203

Re: 2015 Ford Explorer (Civilian) Wiring Diagram

On the drivers side there are several large rubber grommets that have all sorts of space to drill a hole for your wires. Just make sure there are no wires on the engine sided that you may come in contact with while drilling the hole. I do this on all the radio installs for public safety that come my...
by Jim202
Fri Jul 24, 2020 6:37 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: RJ11 6 pin plug mic with RJ45 8/10 pin sockets
Replies: 5
Views: 8779

Re: RJ11 6 pin plug mic with RJ45 8/10 pin sockets

Just because you have a mic where the connector will fit into the radio you have, that doesn't mean you won't do damage to the radio and the mic. Best to obtain the correct mic that goes with the radio you have. In other words, get with the program and think this through before you regret what your ...
by Jim202
Sat Jul 04, 2020 4:07 am
Forum: Test Equipment & RF Equipment Alignment
Topic: IFR 1900 upside down display
Replies: 10
Views: 8924

Re: IFR 1900 upside down display

Careful using the pencil eraser on the contacts as you can take the plating off. Use a gentile pressure doing this. It doesn't take much at all to clean the contacts this way.

Jim
by Jim202
Thu Jun 25, 2020 4:13 pm
Forum: ASTRO25 Series (XTS/XTL 1500/2500/5000) Subscribers
Topic: XTL2500 Scan List
Replies: 5
Views: 7879

Re: XTL2500 Scan List

Bear with me as my memory doesn't work as well as it use to. Been playing with radios since I was in High School back in 62. Graduated in 64. But my VHF XTL2500 and 5000 have like 50 zones in them. As such, there are 50 scan lists. To keep thing simple, my scan list matches the zone. So for say zone...
by Jim202
Thu Jun 25, 2020 10:15 am
Forum: Test Equipment & RF Equipment Alignment
Topic: IFR 1900 upside down display
Replies: 10
Views: 8924

Re: IFR 1900 upside down display

Sounds like a poor connection someplace. Have you tried to re-seat the connectors a number of times to attempt to remove any oxidation that may have developed on the contacts? This is a common problem in some of the ribbon cable connectors and some wire connectors with crimped on pins.

Jim
by Jim202
Thu Jun 25, 2020 10:06 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Radius M1225 Software Issues
Replies: 35
Views: 26034

Re: Radius M1225 Software Issues

One other thought that just came to me is to use a small program called "CACHEOFF.EXE" before you try to run the M1225 software. This program can be found by doing a search on the internet. Download it and put it in the M1225 directory so you can find it. Then run it before starting the M1...
by Jim202
Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:07 am
Forum: Test Equipment & RF Equipment Alignment
Topic: IFR 1900 upside down display
Replies: 10
Views: 8924

Re: IFR 1900 upside down display

Have you tried turning the 1900 upside down to be able to read the display?
by Jim202
Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:02 am
Forum: ASTRO25 Series (XTS/XTL 1500/2500/5000) Subscribers
Topic: XTL2500 Scan List
Replies: 5
Views: 7879

Re: XTL2500 Scan List

The XTL is a fine radio and is very flexible in the programming. One thing to keep in mind is that you can only have 15 channels (modes) in a scan list. I also like using the O5 control head. With that said, you can set up zones in the radio to go to a different group of channels. This then allows y...
by Jim202
Sun Jun 21, 2020 4:58 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Radius M1225 Software Issues
Replies: 35
Views: 26034

Re: Radius M1225 Software Issues

I could be wrong, but I suspect the software will only run in DOS. Been a long time since I have programmed those radios. You will also need a RIB (radio interface box) to translate the serial port of the computer to the signal levels the radio understands. A cable to go between the RIB and the comp...
by Jim202
Wed Jun 03, 2020 2:29 pm
Forum: Motorola Digital and Voice Paging
Topic: Minitor VI Question
Replies: 4
Views: 11579

Re: Minitor VI Question

Couple of possibility issues. Contacts on the pager are dirty or the contacts are not lining up.
by Jim202
Wed May 06, 2020 4:20 pm
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Record discriminator output on Quantar
Replies: 6
Views: 8187

Re: Record discriminator output on Quantar

I always use a 1.0 mfd capacitor, non polarized in series with the audio output you have selected on pin 50. This will take the DC bias voltage off of the line and your computer will work OK with it then.
by Jim202
Mon Feb 17, 2020 6:53 am
Forum: Radio Programming
Topic: Radius M216 no working radmbl
Replies: 4
Views: 7567

Re: Radius M216 no working radmbl

Trying to use Dosbox is not always going to work on the fast modern computers. Most Dos software doesn't like working above 900 MHz. clock speed. You might try visiting the computer stores in your area and see if they have any really old computers collecting dust on one of their shelves. I go around...
by Jim202
Wed Nov 27, 2019 11:13 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: maxtrac lowband pll
Replies: 3
Views: 7232

Re: maxtrac lowband pll

anyone have any info on the pll u101 as the low band pll is not the same as the rest 73 ve3fmt Just What is your question? There is a good deal of information on the Internet on the Maxtrac. But I will point out there are several low band models, depending on which band segment your trying to use. ...
by Jim202
Mon Oct 21, 2019 3:32 pm
Forum: ASTRO Series (Astro Saber, Spectra, XTS3000/3500) Subscribers
Topic: Do I have the HLN6387 VOCON?
Replies: 1
Views: 5459

Re: Do I have the HLN6387 VOCON?

Have you tried to locate the part number on the VOCON board?

Jim
by Jim202
Fri Oct 04, 2019 6:32 pm
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: MTR2000 RF/audio feedback when remotes unkey
Replies: 10
Views: 9821

Re: MTR2000 RF/audio feedback when remotes unkey

Thank you both for input on the oddball issue. I took the MTR and duplexer up to the site today and proved everything out to be working as intended on a real base station antenna. It is indeed the feedline or antenna here at the house that was causing this weird issue. I have an offer from a friend...
by Jim202
Mon Sep 16, 2019 5:23 am
Forum: Motorola Digital and Voice Paging
Topic: Minitor Battery Charging
Replies: 2
Views: 5981

Re: Minitor Battery Charging

As an update to this subject, you can buy new rechargeable AAA batteries for the pager by looking for replacement batteries for your wireless house phones. They are available from Amazon in a package of 4 for reasonable cost. Plus you get fast delivery.

Jim
by Jim202
Wed Sep 11, 2019 4:39 pm
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Radio Shelter Relocation
Replies: 7
Views: 8349

Re: Radio Shelter Relocation

There have been some good comments already made about your planned shelter move. But you haven't provided any good reason to move the shelter. Just what are you expecting to gain by all the effort and expense involved with this move? Having worked in the cellular construction field for many years, I...
by Jim202
Fri Aug 23, 2019 8:44 am
Forum: Vehicle Radio Installs
Topic: 700 trunking antenna on a fiberglass boat roof
Replies: 5
Views: 7741

Re: 700 trunking antenna on a fiberglass boat roof

Sorry for the delay in posting a reply. There was a lightning strike that took out my Internet connection. Made it back to operational status.

Thanks for the confirmation of my plans.

Jim
by Jim202
Mon Aug 19, 2019 2:53 pm
Forum: Vehicle Radio Installs
Topic: 700 trunking antenna on a fiberglass boat roof
Replies: 5
Views: 7741

700 trunking antenna on a fiberglass boat roof

Looking for some information feedback on installing a standard mobile 700 trunking antenna on the roof of a boat? My thoughts are to use a thick NMO mount with a metal plate on the underside of the roof. Roof is about 3/16 to 1/4 inch thick.

Jim
by Jim202
Fri Aug 09, 2019 11:47 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Fixed level audio output from MaxTrac 100
Replies: 8
Views: 11054

Re: Fixed level audio output from MaxTrac 100

You might have a look at pin 11 on the accessory connector. Most of Motorola radios have a fixed level RX audio output that doesn't vary with the volume control. But this radio is so old, I can't be sure. The other point to consider is that most of the audio pins on the Motorola radios have a DC bia...
by Jim202
Thu Aug 08, 2019 7:09 am
Forum: Vehicle Radio Installs
Topic: Adding ignition sense to non ignition sense capable radio ?
Replies: 2
Views: 5735

Re: Adding ignition sense to non ignition sense capable radio ?

You can obtain relays from an auto store. Just don't use a horn relay. They are not made for continuous on service like your looking for. Then run the ignition on fed source to pull the relay coil on. Just remember to fuse the ignition feed wire going to the relay. Then fuse the 12 volt feed wire th...
by Jim202
Thu Jun 20, 2019 5:23 am
Forum: Motorola Digital and Voice Paging
Topic: Minitor Battery Charging
Replies: 2
Views: 5981

Re: Minitor Battery Charging

If there is much radio voice activity on the pager in the monitor mode, then it probably won't charge. If in the pager mute mode, it may take 4 hours or more depending on the state of the battery charge. If the red charge indicator is flashing fast, pull the radio out of the charger for about 10 sec...
by Jim202
Thu Jun 20, 2019 5:11 am
Forum: MotoTRBO Portables and Mobiles (4xxx/6xxx) 1.0 Series Subscribers
Topic: xpr-4550 remote mount invalid front accessory error
Replies: 2
Views: 6513

Re: xpr-4550 remote mount invalid front accessory error

With the programming cable connected to the radio and computer, try turning off the radio and then back on. I have seen a connection problem show up now and then and the power cycle of the radio generally gets the computer to talk to the radio.

Jim
by Jim202
Tue Jun 11, 2019 3:56 am
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Maratrac
Replies: 5
Views: 7197

Re: Maratrac

I don't know any repeater that kills the TX PL tone during the hang time. It is normal for a repeater controller to send a Roger beep when the repeater input goes away to let the other users know when the current user has finished transmitting. Can I ask why your trying to do this killing of the PL ...

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