Programming a MaraTrac

MB · Post by MB » Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:25 pm

I just got a MaraTrac with an A7 head and I am trying to figure out how to program it.

Model # T73XTA7TA7BK

I have searched around the Batlabs website and can't seem to find out how to program it. I may have missed something..

I know you need software and a special cable. Could anyone provide me with any web links on programming instructions? Where can I purchase the software and the cable?

Thanks

Will · Post by **Will** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:39 pm

MB, I see you have not searched here as the info IS here and on BatLabs.

For short, the MaraTrac takes the Maxtrac/Radius?GM300 series mobile cable. Easy to build, DB25 to 8 pin RJ connetor, NOT special. You still need the RIB.

The rest IS here!! http://www.batlabs.com/maratrac.html

MB · Post by MB » Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:58 pm

Will wrote:MB, I see you have not searched here as the info IS here and on BatLabs.

For short, the MaraTrac takes the Maxtrac/Radius?GM300 series mobile cable. Easy to build, DB25 to 8 pin RJ connetor, NOT special. You still need the RIB.

The rest IS here!! http://www.batlabs.com/maratrac.html

This stuff is all new to me. Does anyone sell that cable? I don't think I have the tools to make it.

Where can I purchase a RIB? I thought I read somewhere that the MaraTrac could be programmed without a RIB?

Do I have to buy Motorola RSS software, or is there another vendor that makes that software?

Sorry I am so ignorant, but I am new to this Motorola radio programming stuff.

I would appreciate any help.

Will · Post by **Will** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:43 pm

MB,

The cable is the easy part, but YES you NEED the RIB.

Maybe some one who has the required componets can program your MaraTrac for you.

I am in So. Calif., and work on lots of MaraTracs if that helps.

MB · Post by MB » Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:00 pm

Will wrote:MB,

The cable is the easy part, but YES you NEED the RIB.

Maybe some one who has the required componets can program your MaraTrac for you.

I am in So. Calif., and work on lots of MaraTracs if that helps.

I would like to be able to get all the stuff so I can do it myself, and so I can make changes in the future.

Would this RIB and cable work? How does the price look?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pocket-RIB-Cable-fo ... dZViewItem

What kind of computer can I use? I have 3 computers, 1 with Windows 95, one with Windows NT and one with Windows XP.

Will Motorola let me purchase the MaraTrac RSS software directly from them? How much does the program cost?

Thanks for all the help guys...

kc7gr · Post by **kc7gr** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:07 pm

MB wrote:
Will wrote:MB,

The cable is the easy part, but YES you NEED the RIB.

Maybe some one who has the required componets can program your MaraTrac for you.

I am in So. Calif., and work on lots of MaraTracs if that helps.
I would like to be able to get all the stuff so I can do it myself, and so I can make changes in the future.

Would this RIB and cable work? How does the price look?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pocket-RIB-Cable-fo ... dZViewItem

What kind of computer can I use? I have 3 computers, 1 with Windows 95, one with Windows NT and one with Windows XP.

Will Motorola let me purchase the MaraTrac RSS software directly from them? How much does the program cost?

Thanks for all the help guys...

In sequence:

Perhaps I'm being overly paranoid, but I've been taught never to trust any RIB that is not a Motorola RLN4008 series, or that is not based on Sandy Ganz's design.

I will say this much: The RIB is one of the most critical components when programming ANY Motorola radio. If it's wrong, you can turn said radio into an expensive doorstop. Quickly.

On the computer: It is unlikely that those you listed will work, at least not with the operating systems listed. You need a fairly old-and-slow (I would say no faster than a 486/66) system with pure MS-DOS or PC-DOS.

NEVER try to program ANY radio through RSS running in a simulated-DOS window under Windows. That's an invitation for disaster.

On the software: The ONLY legal method of obtaining it is to purchase it from Motorola. You will, in the process, need to sign their Draconian licensing agreement.

You can find a .PDF of the current (as of 2004) Motorola part numbers and versions for all their RSS packages at:

http://www.batlabs.com/utils.html

Last I looked, Maratrac software was around $175.

If you decide that self-programming is getting too expensive, I am one of several people on the board who can do the programming for you. Follow the link in my signature block for details.

Happy hunting.

Will · Post by **Will** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 8:29 pm

The Maratrac RSS (software) is DOS ONLY, it will run on most computers to at least 166mhz, and with Windows 95 or 98 BUT must start from command prompt, DOS, ONLY.

Now the "so-called" pocket RIB, here is the kicker, "this brand new Pocket-RIB is 100% component-level identical with the original Motorola RIB interface schematics."

Not good, the original RIBs from Motorola have poor RS232 interface specs and do not work well with some computers or some radios. I as well as Monty (RIP) did a lot of repairs and research on this incompatability.

http://www.batlabs.com/images/rib_mod.jpg

Current RIBs from Motorola STILL have the problems. Not sure if Sandy updated his RIB.

HLA · Post by **HLA** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 9:35 pm

where are you located, maybe someone on here is close and can help you out for your first time.

MB · Post by MB » Fri Jul 07, 2006 8:38 am

HLA wrote:where are you located, maybe someone on here is close and can help you out for your first time.

I am located in the Adirondacks of upstate New York.