MCS2000, correct power supply matching?

The General forum is where users can discuss any topic regarding Motorola communications equipment - hardware, software, etc. There are also several focused forums on this board, so please take the time to ensure that your questions doesn't fall into one of those categories before posting here!

Moderator: Queue Moderator

Post Reply
atod
New User
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 9:41 pm

MCS2000, correct power supply matching?

Post by atod »

Hi Folks,

I'm considering picking up a UHF and VHF MCS2000 110W radio for amateur use. I will not be transmitting simultaneously on both transceivers, however one of the transceivers will remain in standby mode while the other transmits. Does anyone know what the current draw is for these radios? In standby and during transmit?

I have heard around 25 amps. Given that and standby for the other radio, I suspect I'd have to upgrade my Astron RS-20A to a RS-35 or RS-50A.

Thanks so much,
Nick
KB1GZN
New York, NY
User avatar
jackhackett
Posts: 1513
Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 8:52 am

Re: MCS2000, correct power supply matching?

Post by jackhackett »

From the service manual, power requirements for VHF units:

Power Supply:
Nominal Voltage: 13.6 V
Operating Voltage: 10.8-16.3 V

Current Drain, maximum values:

Stand-by: 0.45 A

Receive:
1.7 A with 7.5 W speaker
2.5 A with 13 W speaker
1.5 A with 4 W speaker

Transmit (25-50W): 15 A
Transmit (110W): 27 A

Off: 35 mA

For the UHF units:
Nominal Voltage: 13.6 V
Operating Voltage: 10.8-16.3 V

Current Drain, maximum values:

Stand-by: 0.5 A

Receive:
1.7 A with 7.5 W speaker
2.5 A with 13 W speaker

Transmit (25-40W): 13.0 A
Transmit (50-110W): 31.0 A

Off: 35 mA
Last edited by jackhackett on Sun May 21, 2017 7:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
N4KVE
Posts: 1647
Joined: Wed Apr 02, 2003 10:35 am
What radios do you own?: APX XTS XTL TRBO 900MHZ

Re: MCS2000, correct power supply matching?

Post by N4KVE »

The Astron 35 amp PS is rated at 25 amps constant. So get the 50 amp supply if you're long winded. Also run a few cooling fans on the heat sinks. These radios were not designed for hams to discuss the weather. They were designed for a plumber to say "what's my next stop"? Since you'll be using them indoors, I would suggest 50 watt front mount radios, instead of 100 watt trunk mount radios which are a cabling nightmare, especially in a house. I've used both.
atod
New User
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat May 20, 2017 9:41 pm

Re: MCS2000, correct power supply matching?

Post by atod »

Thanks everyone. This clears everything up!

KB1GZN
Post Reply

Return to “General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion”