Modding a Maratrac for a PAC-RT

kf4sqb · Post by **kf4sqb** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 12:27 am

The standard method of doing this calls for using the TX indicator line in the radio's control cable to route discriminator audio to the PAC. Unfortunately, you lose the TX indicator function on the control head. My question is, would I run into a problem if I use the 'Emergency' line in the control cable to carry the audio instead of using the TX indicator line? Put another way, will the radio care if the emergency line is no longer there?

kb0nly · Post by **kb0nly** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:29 am

If it's not programmed for it i would imagine that it would ignore it?

I guess the only way to find out for sure is to try it. I assume the Maratrac doesn't have any unused spares in the control cable?

kf4sqb · Post by **kf4sqb** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 9:17 pm

kb0nly wrote:If it's not programmed for it i would imagine that it would ignore it?

Scott, I would think so, too, but I want confirmation before I try it!

kb0nly wrote: I assume the Maratrac doesn't have any unused spares in the control cable?

Unused spares? Try no spares at all. I guess that, due to using the old Mocom/Motrac/Mitrek control plug, they didn't have any room for spares.

kb0nly · Post by **kb0nly** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:26 pm

That sucks! I had a couple Maratracs but never got a manual and never had to get into the control cable so i didn't know that.

How about just adding a custom connector to the front of the radio near the handle or in the side? I put a 8 pin chassis mount mic connector in the side of one for connecting up an interface for packet.

kf4sqb · Post by **kf4sqb** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 10:46 pm

If it were mine, I would probably do just that, but it's my brother's. He has this issue about wanting to keep everything as close to original as possible. I'm glad I don't have that same problem!