DTMF Decode with Spectra

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Bob W
Posts: 142
Joined: Fri Sep 07, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by Bob W »

Can anyone tell me what I'm missing. I'm attempting to use DTMF selective call on a Spectra. I set the ID, enable it on a mode, and try dialing toward the radio. The radio ignores the tone sequence. What I expect to happen is a horn output like with MDC call alert. These radios sit there and don't beep or anything when you hit them. RSS book, and service manual gloss over DTMF. Radio is a 40 watt A5, more specifically D44KMA7JA5BK. I've tried several radios with the same results. I've also tried several Maxtracs with full signalling (15 pin) boards. I actually don't care if I wind up with a Maxtrac or Spectra to do the deed. In the end I'll be happy to make a label that says Stanley for the radio. (Trying to use it for the garage door at our shop so we don't have to buy 11 remotes for our trucks!) BTW, MDC works, but with the mix of Spectras, Syntors, Maratracs and MCS's they don't all do MDC but they all can do tone.
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Pj
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Posts: 5147
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: X9000 thru APX

Post by Pj »

A spectra garage door opener? Now that is a new one indeed! That can be a tidbit on the Motorola sales sheets!

The problem may be that the radio's MLM just may not support it. Spectras are weird in that respect. You can have 3 spectras all with the same model number, but each able to do something differnt. I would try to get the history and orignal order specs of each spectra to see what they can actually do. I have two similar UHF spectra's myself, and one does, one doesn't. Its kinda annoying.
Cowthief
Fail 01/90
Posts: 1900
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by Cowthief »

Hello.
Some early spectras use the control head to do DTMF, perhaps yours is one?.
Mike B
Posts: 907
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by Mike B »

This weekend I just found a Spectra DTMF decoder option manual. It is 6807992D56 - "Model W946ALSP" and is $ 11.75 retail.

It documents the HLN6151A DTMF decoder circuit (schematic & parts list), operation, RSS defaults, theory and troubleshooting. In spite of its price, it only has 12 pages (6 pieces of paper total). The circuit board only has 2 ICs on it (DTMF decoder and shift register).

I noticed the 900 MHz radio HLN6150A Hear Clear circuit board also has a DTMF decoder circuit built into it (the Hear Clear circuit board hardware is documented in the Detailed Service manuals).

Each of the above circuit boards plug into the Spectra Command Board J501 connector.

Maybe Pj's annoyance with his UHF Spectra is caused by a missing optional HLN6151A circuit board?
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Mike B
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Mike B
Posts: 907
Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by Mike B »

I just found another important piece of information in the DTMF decoder trouble shooting flow chart. It said:

"Malfunction is with the command board hardware or MLM software. Make sure radio software is 5.10 or higher".
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Mike B
KitN1MCC
Posts: 1890
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2002 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: ht1550 XLS,6 MT-1000,

Post by KitN1MCC »

Whats about using an External DTMF decoder. Tseeco and many ham radio locations sell them
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