Desktrac transmits constantly at power on

[Hey Nurse]

Hey all, got my hands on a desktrac repeater (L35SUM7000BT) for some use on the ranch. On power it transmits constantly, and only stops when the time out timer kicks the transmitter off.

I cant see any evidence of damage, though the seller noted that it had been recently changed from 12V dc only operation to operate from an internal AC power.

Searching the boards revels some potential causes for this: Bent RJ45 jack pins, wiring problems on the 16 pin connector, and Issues with High RF (no dummy load/antenna connected).

I've never touched one of these and would love to hear any pointers/suggestions/thoughts on what's causing this.

Thanks!

[Will]

I break each radio down and test them by them self's. They should be Maxtracs.

Look carefully at the board behind the front panel for moisture ect.

[Hey Nurse]

After some quick testing.....
--Transmits w/o 16pin connector (cable) connected
--Stops transmitting when control panel cable removed.

No time for more; busy day; stupid work.

[Will]

Next step. try that radio with a standard control head pluged in.

And is the 'transmitting ' radio on the left side?

[Hey Nurse]

Ok...... Finally got some time to play around with this thing again.
--The radio transmits fine with a standard control head plugged in.
--The transmit radio is indeed on the left side, and appears to transmit just fine with a mic attached to the standard control head.
--The "FSOFT" and "LPTT" lights on the rear of the case are lit and stay lit no matter how the TX radio is connected...

[Hey Nurse]

I happen to have another front panel board ((FRN5353B) around somehow. Replacing said board seemed to have cured the TX @ power on problem, but only for a while. If I leave the board connected OR key the mic/front panel TX button, it keeps transmitting until the TOT kicks on OR i kill the power. Oddly enough It's also transmitting the audio from the self test beep hahah

[NSPD]

Was this formerly part of a Startsite system by chance?

[Hey Nurse]

I am not sure....

[NSPD]

Well this is a stab in the dark as I don't know much about the desktracs, but since your FSOFT light is lit up and it is transmitting continuously, could this be a former trunking repeater from a small Startsite system that is in failsoft mode due to the system controller no longer being connected? In failsoft, the transmitters transmit continuously. That doesn't explain the TOT kicking in though.

Again, just a stab in the dark.