Batboard

Hi all:
First, I have a copy of the Spectra software. Second I have a question about a particular file, namely spectra1. On the BatBoard it indicates that this file needs to be "bit-banged" to allow entry of ham frequencies----since I am definitely "bit-banged" challenged, does anyone have a simpler method for this file modification? Hopefully the moderators will see this question for what it is---help with a file and not a more general rss request.
Thanks again
bill in las cruces

Since I need to step out, the best suggestion I can provide is to do a search on the fourms here. I thought there was a link on the main site, but I couldn't find it.

A few people posted pics of the screenshots to modify the radio's MLM.

Generally, HexWorkshop (or any software hex editing program) is used to modify the RSS. "Bitbanging" is used in LAB RSS to modify the radio's MLM.

My guess is that you will need to modify the spectra files with hex workshop and modify the band limits. I never needed to mod my spectra's, so thats the extent of what I can give you. However, it has been discussed quite a bit. You may want to look at the subfourm here for modding 900MHz equipment.

This is the way I used to do mine and it works fine :

http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorol ... o-mod.html

You will also need a syskey for each different trunking system in your radio. This will allow you to delete everything and make more place for your ham stuff in the codeplug.

I may be missing something here, but just which ham band are you talking about? All the Spectra units
on VHF that I have played with work just fine on 2 meters without doing anything except program in
the channels you want.

Jim

K5ILF wrote:Hi all:
First, I have a copy of the Spectra software. Second I have a question about a particular file, namely spectra1. On the BatBoard it indicates that this file needs to be "bit-banged" to allow entry of ham frequencies----since I am definitely "bit-banged" challenged, does anyone have a simpler method for this file modification? Hopefully the moderators will see this question for what it is---help with a file and not a more general rss request.
Thanks again
bill in las cruces

RonJeremy wrote:This is the way I used to do mine and it works fine :

http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorol ... o-mod.html

You will also need a syskey for each different trunking system in your radio. This will allow you to delete everything and make more place for your ham stuff in the codeplug.

You DO NOT need a system key to delete a trunking system. A system key is not anything that you want to be asking around for.


Jim

For some reason, I was thinking that he was talking about the 900MHz Spectra, unless it was edited.

Some RSS revisions I have used will not let you touch the system without the system key. I know some early ASTRO RSS did this...can't delete/etc a thing. You can take them out of the zone/channel assignment, but not out of the trunking menu.

Older Spectra RSS wouldn't let you go OOB without complaining, and I think R6.x would let you to a point. The common issue was the UHF 450 units.

Pj wrote: Some RSS revisions I have used will not let you touch the system without the system key. I know some early ASTRO RSS did this...can't delete/etc a thing. You can take them out of the zone/channel assignment, but not out of the trunking menu.

I stand corrected on the part that you do not need the key to delete. But you still don't want to be asking around for a system key.



Jim

Thanks to all that responded. I learned a lot from the answers. I did finally get the unit to program!
Both the spectra and the mt1000 now work like a charm.
hope I can help out someone in the future.

bill in las cruces

For future reference...

The last and latest version of the Spectra RSS has no problem with entry of amateur frequencies on 2m, UHF, or 900.

The only thing you might get is, on the UHF side, a warning when you enter a frequency below 449MHz. The warning will tell you that you're going out of the radio's programmed range, and that the radio "might not work correctly" or some such nanny-nagging.

Simply ignore it and program what you need to program. I've yet to see any VHF Spectra that did not cover the full 2m range on VHF. I've also had good luck with UHF Range 3 covering amateur 440, although you sometimes have to put a drop of conductive ink on the VCO's microstrip, and (sometimes) change out the receiver's front end module (or the filter).

Happy tweaking.