I currently own a C64RLB unit. The control module has the 3-digit LED display on the right side, and the unit uses RSS for programming. I have the RSS and cable, and it works fine. I have several questions for the gurus out there, however.
In general, would ANY MSF5000 that has the 3-digit display on the control panel be RSS-programmed, or am I jumping to conclusions?
There are analog stations and digital-capable stations. Does this naming convention have anything to do with whether the controller is programmed with RSS or new EPROMs?
Some of the MSF5000 SSCB boards had actual mechanical pots for adjustments. The ones I'm familiar with have EEPots. I believe this also requires that the 3-digit LED display be present, and/or RSS be used for programming. Do all of these go hand-in-hand: EEPots, use RSS for programming, 3-digit LED display, digital-capable?
While my station is an RLB model, I've seen a lot of CXB models, some with the 3-digitl LED display, some without. Do certain model numbers require EPROMs while others only work with RSS?
I'm trying to expand my knowledge of the units so I give others proper information when the subject comes up.
Thanks.
Bob M.
MSF5000 Model Info
Moderator: Queue Moderator
Is it safe to assume that any controller with real pots and 8 discrete LEDs, without the 3-digit LED display, will use EPROMs for programming, as opposed to RSS? I would think the control jack in the front is present on all units, no matter how they're programmed (EPROM or RSS).
The 3-digit LED display lets you manually select a channel, mode, and security key, as well as change EEPot settings and other things from the front panel without RSS. If the control unit has this display, does this rule out EPROM programming entirely, or could any combination exist?
Thanks.
Bob M.
The 3-digit LED display lets you manually select a channel, mode, and security key, as well as change EEPot settings and other things from the front panel without RSS. If the control unit has this display, does this rule out EPROM programming entirely, or could any combination exist?
Thanks.
Bob M.
limited msf
if it has the LED display then it's PC programmed.
the RLB series MSF was known as the "LIMITED" MSF.
here's the story...
when the MSR2000 was disco'd in the mid-80's due to cost of parts (read: crystals) Moto had to come out with a quick and dirty lower cost unit than the MSF... since full blown MSF's were in the $12-$15,000 range they just weren't affordable to much of anyone (except local gov'ts and the US gov't)
so... enter the "LIMITED" MSF
what's LIMITED about it?
nothing.
what WAS limited was the available factory installed options on the repeater - in other words, you didn't have all the myriad of interfacing stuff available at the factory level like a full blown MSF. I do not know if the actual firmware in the MSF is different between a limited and non-limited machine.
funny thing is --- there is actually a "LIMITED" quantar out there.... hahahaha
hope that helps
doug
the RLB series MSF was known as the "LIMITED" MSF.
here's the story...
when the MSR2000 was disco'd in the mid-80's due to cost of parts (read: crystals) Moto had to come out with a quick and dirty lower cost unit than the MSF... since full blown MSF's were in the $12-$15,000 range they just weren't affordable to much of anyone (except local gov'ts and the US gov't)
so... enter the "LIMITED" MSF
what's LIMITED about it?
nothing.
what WAS limited was the available factory installed options on the repeater - in other words, you didn't have all the myriad of interfacing stuff available at the factory level like a full blown MSF. I do not know if the actual firmware in the MSF is different between a limited and non-limited machine.
funny thing is --- there is actually a "LIMITED" quantar out there.... hahahaha
hope that helps
doug
BRAVO MIKE JULIET ALPHA
"You can do whatever you want, there are just consequences..."
IF SOMEONE PM'S YOU - HAVE THE COURTESY TO REPLY.
"You can do whatever you want, there are just consequences..."
IF SOMEONE PM'S YOU - HAVE THE COURTESY TO REPLY.
My two bits worth:
There are two types of control boards.
The older "Analog" station which uses the R1800 to program U803, 2732A
code plug.
The later "digital" station with the 3 led display is programmed via the Mike jack. or the expansion connector with RSS.
The MCS if so equipped can be programmed with the R1800, or by the programming buss.
There are two types of control boards.
The older "Analog" station which uses the R1800 to program U803, 2732A
code plug.
The later "digital" station with the 3 led display is programmed via the Mike jack. or the expansion connector with RSS.
The MCS if so equipped can be programmed with the R1800, or by the programming buss.
Aloha, Bernie
Thanks Bernie. So far, my experience is with a C64RLB7106B station that is digital-capable, has the 3-digit LED display, and does use RSS. I've just bought a C74CXB7106BT which also has the 3-digit LED display and really wanted confirmation that this unit also is RSS-programmable. From what people are saying, if the control unit has the 3-digit LED display, then it would be programmed via RSS.
What I'm not sure about is this: some of the control boards have physical pots to adjust levels, as opposed to the EEPots on the units I have. The EEPots must be adjusted either via RSS or the front panel LED display and switches. Are the boards with physical pots called ANALOG, and the other boards (that have EEPots) called DIGITAL (or digital-capable), or does this have nothing to do with the naming convention? Also, if a board has physical pots, does that mean that it can NOT be programmed via RSS and must have new EEPROMs burned? I'm just trying to get all the possibilities ironed out.
Thanks.
Bob M.
What I'm not sure about is this: some of the control boards have physical pots to adjust levels, as opposed to the EEPots on the units I have. The EEPots must be adjusted either via RSS or the front panel LED display and switches. Are the boards with physical pots called ANALOG, and the other boards (that have EEPots) called DIGITAL (or digital-capable), or does this have nothing to do with the naming convention? Also, if a board has physical pots, does that mean that it can NOT be programmed via RSS and must have new EEPROMs burned? I'm just trying to get all the possibilities ironed out.
Thanks.
Bob M.
My two bits worth:
The boards with pots are the old analog control board, the Tone/DC line card, as well as the Trunking control module, and Spectra-Tac encoder.
The "Digital" station has the (SSCB) Secure capable control board with out adjustable pots as well as the TTRC (Tone Trunked Control Board)
The modules within the control chassis are NOT interchangeable between the analog version, and digital version.
The RF parts, PA, and Power supplies are.
A note about EEPOTS:
The MPU keeps track of the pot setting.
If the Firmware is upgraded, or the SSCB, TTRC or Secure boards are replaced it may be necessary to run the EEPOT control from min to max to cause the display to track the actual setting.
The RSS you should use RSS V5.19, or 5.21.
The SSCB, as well as the TTRC should be V5.XX.
I have designed a cable that allows programming, as well as RX TX audio to enable level setting.
The later firmware makes programming easier, and helps prevent such problems as the station being inop, with all indicators normal, re setting fixes the problem.
The boards with pots are the old analog control board, the Tone/DC line card, as well as the Trunking control module, and Spectra-Tac encoder.
The "Digital" station has the (SSCB) Secure capable control board with out adjustable pots as well as the TTRC (Tone Trunked Control Board)
The modules within the control chassis are NOT interchangeable between the analog version, and digital version.
The RF parts, PA, and Power supplies are.
A note about EEPOTS:
The MPU keeps track of the pot setting.
If the Firmware is upgraded, or the SSCB, TTRC or Secure boards are replaced it may be necessary to run the EEPOT control from min to max to cause the display to track the actual setting.
The RSS you should use RSS V5.19, or 5.21.
The SSCB, as well as the TTRC should be V5.XX.
I have designed a cable that allows programming, as well as RX TX audio to enable level setting.
The later firmware makes programming easier, and helps prevent such problems as the station being inop, with all indicators normal, re setting fixes the problem.
Aloha, Bernie
Thanks for the info. I am running R05.21 version of RSS with a home-made programming cable, an aftermarket RIB, a Dell Inspiron 8000 laptop running at 850 MHz. I boot DOS 7 from a floppy and run the software that's stored on the hard drive. Works perfectly so far.
As far as audio levels are concerned, I did all my work using my signal generator through the receiver, external repeater controller, and back into the transmitter. I can appreciate however having a cable with audio in and out connections, but then I'd need to carry around a few more pieces of test equipment. Maybe it'll be easier with my 2nd MSF5000 as it won't be in the garage for 12 months like the first one was.
Bob M.
As far as audio levels are concerned, I did all my work using my signal generator through the receiver, external repeater controller, and back into the transmitter. I can appreciate however having a cable with audio in and out connections, but then I'd need to carry around a few more pieces of test equipment. Maybe it'll be easier with my 2nd MSF5000 as it won't be in the garage for 12 months like the first one was.
Bob M.