Search found 50 matches

by dirtrat
Sat May 31, 2008 9:14 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra FAIL 001 code?
Replies: 12
Views: 2726

Re: Spectra FAIL 001 code?

These aren't the only things that cause this problem. I've replaced MANY 16.8 Mhz crystals becuase of a FAIL 001. VCO out of lock. You've either hacked the radio and pushed it too far outside its rated bandsplit causing the VCO to unlock (may be fixable with a conductive pen, but you still have the ...
by dirtrat
Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:14 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Astro Spectra deviation adjustment help
Replies: 8
Views: 669

Re: Astro Spectra deviation adjustment help

How do you know the deviation is too high without using a service monitor? Are you just guessing? The deviation limit adjustment should be set to 2.83 Khz. The other people here are right, you need a service monitor to do this correctly! Look I just need to know what these 2 softpots do compared to ...
by dirtrat
Wed Mar 05, 2008 10:20 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Astro Saber R - NHN6667 (RUGGEDIZED CTRL TOP)
Replies: 3
Views: 594

Re: Astro Saber R - NHN6667 (RUGGEDIZED CTRL TOP)

The drawing you show is not a Ruggedized Astro saber radio. Also as far as I know there is no such thing as a Ruggedized Control top. All of the control tops are the same for the Astro Sabers. The main difference in the Ruggedized version is the housing and battery base plate. The discription of tha...
by dirtrat
Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:58 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra help wanted.
Replies: 11
Views: 795

Re: Spectra help wanted.

Many times you will not see the damage from the leaky caps until you have removed them unless you have a trained eye and have removed lots of them and know what and where to look. Also to be fair a FAIL 001 does not automatically mean you have leaky caps. I've replaced many 16.8 Mhz Crystals that ha...
by dirtrat
Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:19 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Those Panter88 XTS-2500s??
Replies: 64
Views: 8150

Re: Those Panter88 XTS-2500s??

Just out of curiousity, what are you going to do with these radios when they need to be sent to Motorola for repair? They won't repair a radio with a serial number of 123ABCD1234. I doubt any reputable MSS would repair them also.
by dirtrat
Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:11 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: converting A5 spectra to SmartZone
Replies: 8
Views: 1322

Re: converting A5 spectra to SmartZone

A FAIL 001 indicates a synthesizer unlock, possibly a bad 16.8 Mhz crystal or other problems. It will be impossible to convert a Spectra to SmartZone operation, however if you do get it to work in trunking and are only monitoring 1 site on the SmartZone system then you can just program it for SmartN...
by dirtrat
Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:49 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Command StarLite power supply
Replies: 2
Views: 536

Re: Command StarLite power supply

Hmm, I don't think you can easily hook up a regular power supply to one. I don't think Motorola sells new ones any more. I know we have had some go bad and we opted for a repaired one back in exchange. This power supply is not cheap!
by dirtrat
Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:45 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: XTS2500 Flat Rate ?
Replies: 5
Views: 689

Re: XTS2500 Flat Rate ?

I've sent a few of these in for flat rate with no problems. Try and put the flap back in place the best you can and send it it. The worst csae is they will refuse repair and you will be out shipping. Unfortunately these connectors cannot be replaced easily (I've tried) and most MSS won't be able to ...
by dirtrat
Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:04 am
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: No Comms
Replies: 5
Views: 1484

Re: No Comms

You can also disable this message in programming if you want. Its optional
by dirtrat
Sat Dec 22, 2007 10:54 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Jedi Missing Pixels FSB *extended* DIY Working Fix Inside
Replies: 52
Views: 77737

Re: Jedi Missing Pixels FSB *extended*

This FSB/SRN has been extended several times. I'll bet we have sent in well over 100 radios for this fix over the years. We have always sent in the whole radio. Just make sure there are no other problems with the radio or Motorola will send it back to you unrepaired. We have sent in radios that were...
by dirtrat
Sun Dec 09, 2007 11:37 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Converting XTL5K 05 & W3 to 03
Replies: 32
Views: 13711

Re: Converting XTL5K 05 & W3 to 03

If you are converting from a W series to a 03/05 control head and have a secure module then you will also need to order a new secure module interface board. There are certain steps that need to be done to make this work. There will not be any instructions in these kits on how to do this. Also you wi...
by dirtrat
Sun Dec 02, 2007 11:34 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: EEPROM HW ERROR
Replies: 11
Views: 5958

Re: EEPROM HW ERROR

I found this OLD SRN but it has since expired. You may have to send this radio to Motorola if it continues to happen but I assume they will charge you for a flat rate repair. You could always try to update to the latest firmware but it may not fix the problem. SRN - 1395 APC - 672, 749 January 2003 ...
by dirtrat
Thu Nov 29, 2007 10:15 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: XTS 5000 Transceiver board
Replies: 15
Views: 2366

Re: XTS 5000 Transceiver board

It's too bad there aren't any recent SRN's or FSB's for the XTS-5000 that require a flash, that way you would have got one for free. I checked all of them and they have since expired. If you are sure it is a firmware problem you could always buy the refresh flash from Motorola and flash it yourself....
by dirtrat
Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:26 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: XTS 5000 Transceiver board
Replies: 15
Views: 2366

Re: XTS 5000 Transceiver board

By authorized service center I mean are you a MSS. If you don't know then I would assume you are not especially if you are replacing entire RF boards (EXPENSIVE) for no power out problems instead of troubleshooting the boards or even sending the radio in for a flat rate repair which would be cheaper...
by dirtrat
Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:35 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: XTS 5000 Transceiver board
Replies: 15
Views: 2366

Re: XTS 5000 Transceiver board

If you put back the original RF boards and send them to Motorola they will most likely charge you a flat rate charge and repair the radios. this seems to be a very common answer for Motorola when there tech support can't help you figure out the problem within 10 minutes on the phone. The issue with ...
by dirtrat
Sat Nov 24, 2007 11:20 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra vs. CDM 1250
Replies: 34
Views: 4230

Re: Spectra vs. CDM 1250

We've already started rebanding in California and the Spectras are getting replaced by XTL-2500's so I guess Nextel and Motorola would disagree with you! I'm sure if they thought the CDM-1550 was an equivilant model radio they would use it considering the difference in the cost. While they might not...
by dirtrat
Thu Nov 15, 2007 6:46 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Astro Saber Repair Needed
Replies: 9
Views: 925

Re: Astro Saber Repair Needed

If its ruggedized the chassis should be fine then. They eliminated most of the cracked chassis problems with that housing and the battery baseplate is completely different. It's a R model anyway....and no I have no way of telling if it was ever dropped...The battery fits fine all appears ok on the o...
by dirtrat
Wed Nov 14, 2007 10:09 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Astro Saber Repair Needed
Replies: 9
Views: 925

Re: Astro Saber Repair Needed

OK, the person you bought it from dropped it and broke the chassis. Seriously I have replaced HUNDREDS of chassis and flex cables on these radios. We had a very large federal customer with 2000+ of these and its a know problem. I've worked on them for over 6 years now. Cracks WILL develope on the ch...
by dirtrat
Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:12 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Astro Saber Repair Needed
Replies: 9
Views: 925

Re: Astro Saber Repair Needed

Yep, common problem. You drop radio, crack chassis and battery baseplate and blow fuse on RF board.
by dirtrat
Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:06 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Junking the CP200's
Replies: 15
Views: 2834

Re: Junking the CP200's

You are right because they are totally different types of radios and you can't compare them! You are basically comparing a Jedi series radio to a commercial series radio. Different type of radio for different types of uses. Make sure you compare apples to apples if you want a fair comparison. A CP-2...
by dirtrat
Sun Nov 11, 2007 5:10 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Junking the CP200's
Replies: 15
Views: 2834

Re: Junking the CP200's

Why would you send a CP-200 to the depot for these problems? Don't you have a local MSS? I've fixed many CP-200 with these problems much cheaper than a flat rate repair unless you are having warranty repairs done. Accessory jack problems are nothing new to Motorola radios; many of there models have ...
by dirtrat
Sat Nov 10, 2007 8:18 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Motorola XTL 5000 HLN1471B 05 control head
Replies: 4
Views: 901

Re: Motorola XTL 5000 HLN1471B 05 control head

Since I just did one of these conversions I'll add a few things. The radio may need to be flashed with the latest firmware for it to recognize the new control head. Also if you run any type of encryption you will need to order a retention interface module to replace the old one. There is a certain o...
by dirtrat
Sat Nov 03, 2007 7:33 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Astro Saber Antenna Stuck
Replies: 3
Views: 430

Re: Astro Saber Antenna Stuck

You mean the nut thats screws on the threads came off or was it missing the nut and one of the washers came off? Typically these have a nut, washer, lockwasher and a rubber seal. If you mean the antenna came off with the threaded part still in it then you have a broken antenna switch.
by dirtrat
Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:52 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: HT1250 heating up behind keypad
Replies: 8
Views: 1222

Re: HT1250 heating up behind keypad

On many radios I repair the B+ is unswitched directly to the PA. I've seen the PA go bad and have a constant high current drain on the battery, thus causing the heat in the radio. If you could hook the radio up to a power supply with an amp meter you could check the current draw. In RX the current d...
by dirtrat
Sun Aug 26, 2007 8:30 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: dynamic priority scan not available in trunking?
Replies: 3
Views: 401

Re: dynamic priority scan not available in trunking?

Priority scan will work in trunking, however it won't work on Multi-System scan. In other words you can either scan multiple systems or scan one system with Priority Scan. Also as far as I know Conventional mode counts as a System.
by dirtrat
Sat Jul 28, 2007 8:57 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Batlabs out of date.... (not BATBOARD)
Replies: 19
Views: 3224

Re: Batlabs out of date.... (not BATBOARD)

Yeah I understand what you are saying. The link on top that lets you located a MSS is not accurate at all. It in no way list all of the MSS shops! Our company has 4 shops and we are the only MSS in a pretty big city and have been since Motorola sold all of there shops years ago and we aren't even li...
by dirtrat
Wed Jul 11, 2007 5:02 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: P1225Ls
Replies: 2
Views: 375

Re: P1225Ls

Can't you just get another codeplug from someone else and reprogram it out.
by dirtrat
Wed Jul 11, 2007 5:00 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: HT1250 Flex Problem
Replies: 1
Views: 561

Re: HT1250 Flex Problem

Are you talking about the actual connector that the flex plugs in to? If it's the Brown latch on the connector then your only option is to send it into the depot. I've tried replacing those before with no luck; the latch's break off very easily. If its something else then you need to clarify what it...
by dirtrat
Sun Apr 29, 2007 5:50 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra cap replacement photos
Replies: 16
Views: 3830

I've replaced lots of caps in Spectras using this method with no problems. A GOOD cleanup on both sides of the board and feedthrough repairs may be needed. To each his own! I use a heat gun to remove the caps, works great! That IS great, it accelerates the capacitor leakage damage... best to follow ...
by dirtrat
Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:23 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Spectra cap replacement photos
Replies: 16
Views: 3830

I use a heat gun to remove the caps, works great!
by dirtrat
Sun Feb 25, 2007 3:00 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Trunked Spectra won't see system?
Replies: 24
Views: 3559

If its not an Astro Spectra its not SmartZone. What about the connect-tone? If it's wrong, could that also give him the same symptoms? He didn't specify if it's a SmartNet system or not. If it's SmartNet (or SmartZone) the Connect Tone is provided by the controller so whatever setting was programmed...
by dirtrat
Mon Aug 22, 2005 8:07 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Stolen XTS5000's
Replies: 13
Views: 2285

Just so you know, the Air Force has no CID, no Brigades, or MP's. You are thinking of the Army!
by dirtrat
Sun Oct 17, 2004 6:17 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Liquid Flux and Very small diameter solder recommendations
Replies: 5
Views: 531

Excellent, thanks for the tip. I actually found some .010 rosin core solder but it's $80 for 1 pound. I think it will be worth the money though. I don't see the Liquid Flux I want but will call them tomorrow.
by dirtrat
Sun Oct 17, 2004 5:04 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: XTS Model Labels
Replies: 16
Views: 1858

Re: XTS Model Labels

Unless you are a dealer, Motorola won't sell you this part because of problems rebadging radios. The only way to get it is through a Motorola Service Center. Look in you Yellow Pages and be prepared to bring in your radio to prove you actually have it! I received my XTS 3k R housing but they don't c...
by dirtrat
Sun Oct 17, 2004 4:33 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Liquid Flux and Very small diameter solder recommendations
Replies: 5
Views: 531

Liquid Flux and Very small diameter solder recommendations

I need some suggestions for sources for some no-clean, non-corrosive, organic, liquid flux and some rosin core solder smaller than .020. I don't know if they make solder that small but the smaller the better since its used for some very fine surface mount soldering. The liquid flux will be used for ...
by dirtrat
Sun Feb 15, 2004 7:07 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: astro saber chassis
Replies: 14
Views: 1068

I wasn't aware that the kit came with the control top, I thought it just included the Flex cable, channel switch and volume, on/off switch. The Escutcheon is a very cheap item to order though. In the past I usually replaced everything myself instead of ordering the kit. Thanks for the info BUT one d...
by dirtrat
Sun Feb 15, 2004 1:14 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: astro saber chassis
Replies: 14
Views: 1068

No digital ground and it was causing the radio to not turn on. Found several of them in our last batch of stock.

JMR964 wrote:What was the defect in the flex cable and what was the symptom it caused?

Jason
by dirtrat
Sun Feb 15, 2004 8:56 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: astro saber chassis
Replies: 14
Views: 1068

I already mentioned the RF ground clip in my original message. Guess you didn't read it all. BTW the Flex cables by themselves are not available right now. I found a defect in them and came across several bad ones. Motorola QA got involved and they have stopped (as of a couple days ago) selling this...
by dirtrat
Sat Feb 14, 2004 11:03 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: astro saber chassis
Replies: 14
Views: 1068

Re: astro saber chassis

Yes it is! Doesn't matter what model or if its a ruggedized they are all the same. I've replaced literally hundreds of these. BTW the service manual recommends replacing the Flex cable any time you replace the chassis. Cracks in these chassis are very common. Also if you replace the chassis I would ...
by dirtrat
Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:47 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: HT750 Power Problem
Replies: 10
Views: 869

Just curious exactly how you are changing out the battery contacts? Are you removing it with a heat gun? I doubt a soldering iron will work in this case. With all the shields on this board this radio is a real pain to work on! The battery contects on the radio always get deformed or lose their tensi...
by dirtrat
Sun Nov 09, 2003 7:15 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Need Laptop recommendation for Programming
Replies: 14
Views: 1100

Money isn't an issue but reliability is. Because of the amount of software that must go on this laptop to properly handle all of the different radios we could program, reinstalling software every few months because the computered died wouldn't really be desirable. Are there any reputable companies t...
by dirtrat
Sun Nov 09, 2003 8:22 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Need Laptop recommendation for Programming
Replies: 14
Views: 1100

Monty, I agree with what you say but the second part of my question is finding a good reliable source for one of these laptops. Any place sell new 486 laptops any more or do you know any place good that sells refurbished laptops? Thanks for your input. HI: You of course are entitled to what ever opi...
by dirtrat
Sat Nov 08, 2003 6:56 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Need Laptop recommendation for Programming
Replies: 14
Views: 1100

Need Laptop recommendation for Programming

I work for a wireless shop and need to buy a new laptop for myself and co-worker. I've been looking for something older, P800 or slower but have been having a hard time finding a reliable source for a good condition laptop, new or refurbished with at least a 20 Gig hard drive and Serial port. I coul...
by dirtrat
Thu Oct 16, 2003 8:11 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: New Radios ????????
Replies: 18
Views: 2094

We have had very good luck with the CP200's. The P1225 is a piece of crap and had numerous firmware issues. The SP50 is like the P1225 and is WAY over priced. So far our customers like the CP200's and we have not had any issues from them! I don't know where you are getting your information from but ...
by dirtrat
Thu Aug 14, 2003 8:53 pm
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Motorola vs Kenwood repeater
Replies: 22
Views: 6252

Re: Put a sock in it

Uhh, OK! I manage a wireless shop and we are an authorized Kenwood and Motorola sales and service center. We sell AND repair lots of both brands but I KNOW FOR A FACT that the Motorola repairs come back MUCH quicker than the Kenwood repairs. We send several of each brand in for flat-rate every week ...
by dirtrat
Wed Aug 13, 2003 7:54 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Ultimate Communications Trailer?
Replies: 39
Views: 6276

Uh, before you start putting in those VHF (AM) and HAM radios you might actually check to make sure someone has a license and permission to use them. We used to have a mobile command post and when I first saw it they had a ham radio in it but nobody was licensed to use it.
by dirtrat
Wed Aug 13, 2003 7:30 pm
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Motorola vs Kenwood repeater
Replies: 22
Views: 6252

Re: Motorola vs Kenwood repeater

One thing that noboby here has mentioned that will be critical when you decide to buy a repeater is to determine how long it will take to get it repaired. If your local service center is unable to do the repair and has to send it in, Motorola will be much faster that Kenwood in repair turnaround. Ke...
by dirtrat
Sat Aug 09, 2003 8:20 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Tone Remote Control possible thru Radio Microphone Jack?
Replies: 3
Views: 385

OUTSTANDING! Thanks for the help

Nand wrote:Yes you can use the Mic connector with the tone remote adapter.

On the mic jack, pin 4 is ground, pin 5 is mic audio, pin 8 is RX audio and pin 6 is PTT.
That should be all you need.

If you like to implement the monitor function, use pin 3.

Nand.
by dirtrat
Sat Aug 09, 2003 7:50 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: So you want your amateur license? OR... Who needs help?
Replies: 38
Views: 3530

You are bringing back nightmares for me from my USAF days. I was one of the people who used to repair those. They are fun to play with UNTIL you have to fix one. Lots of fun with that point-to-point wiring. I was glad to see them go and most were replaced with Pacer Bounce HARRIS HF radios. Also got...
by dirtrat
Sat Aug 09, 2003 7:32 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Tone Remote Control possible thru Radio Microphone Jack?
Replies: 3
Views: 385

Tone Remote Control possible thru Radio Microphone Jack?

I have a Motorola M1225 and a Gai-tronics Tone remote adapter. I know I can wire this to the M1225 Accessory connector but is it possible to wire the Tone remote adapter through the Microphone Jack? The radio only has a single frequency so channel steering shouldn't be needed. I'm using the accessor...

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