Programming SP50

[scooter956]

I may be attempting to program GMRS channels in an SP50. Should I expect any problems using a 133 MHZ Pentium booted with a DOS 6.22 disk

Is a SmartRib compatable with that radio?

Thanks

[Al]

I routinely use a 233 Mhz Pentium booted to DOS 6.22 and I've seen no problems, but again I use the last(read newest) version of the SP50 RSS.

[HLA]

a smartrib is overkill unless you have a flashport radio

[Grog]

a smartrib is overkill unless you have a flashport radio

Lets say it's all he has access to. Will the smart RIB work?


It's likely a dumb question but I really know very little about the smart RIB

[Batwings21]

It may be overkill, but so is posting but not directly answering the O.P's question when you know the answer.

Yes, the smartrib will work just fine for programming the SP50.

[DJP126]

a smartrib is overkill unless you have a flashport radio

Lets say it's all he has access to. Will the smart RIB work?


It's likely a dumb question but I really know very little about the smart RIB

A smart RIB is A RIB with flash capabilities. So to answer the question, yes it will work.

[scooter956]

OK-I found I have the correct rib (RLN4008B) as well so I have a few questions:

Using the Rib RLN4008B, with version 4.00 of software 133 Pentium booted with dos 6.22, questions:

1. The rib has an input for a wall transformer. What output transformer do I need, or can I just put a 9 volt battery in the rib?

2. The rib has a 15 pin connector on what I assume is the side that goes to the 9 pin serial on the computer. Correct? If so, I cannot find a 15 pin to 9 pin serial cable. Do I have to make one up?

3.On the 25 pin side of cable that I hook up to the charging stand (converted to programming stand)-do I put a jumper between pins 11 & 14?

4. Do I turn on the radio with the radio battery installed?

Thanks guys.

[kf4sqb]

Using the Rib RLN4008B, with version 4.00 of software 133 Pentium booted with dos 6.22, questions:

That version should be Pentium compatible.

1. The rib has an input for a wall transformer. What output transformer do I need, or can I just put a 9 volt battery in the rib?

The wall-wart should be 9vdc, with a few hundred milliamp capacity. You can just power it with a 9v battery, just make sure its fresh.

2. The rib has a 15 pin connector on what I assume is the side that goes to the 9 pin serial on the computer. Correct? If so, I cannot find a 15 pin to 9 pin serial cable. Do I have to make one up?

That is indeed the side that goes to the PC's serial port. I don't think one would be commercially available, except through Motorola. You'd probably be better off building your own. The pinout of it can be found HERE.

3.On the 25 pin side of cable that I hook up to the charging stand (converted to programming stand)-do I put a jumper between pins 11 & 14?

I'm assuming the "14" is a typo. The jumper goes between pins 11 and 4.

4. Do I turn on the radio with the radio battery installed?

Yes, the radio has to have a battery attached (I'd recommend freshly charged) and be turned on to program it.

[scooter956]

Thanks for the help. Made the computer to rib cable tonight.

Now onto making a programing stand from a charger-more questions please:

1. Since we use only the bottom two pins, I assume you take one of the two top contacts and move it to the bottom?

2. There is no need to plug in the charger stand for power, correct?????

3. This will be a dedicated programming stand-so there is no need for any of the circuitry??

Thanks!

[kf4sqb]

1. Since we use only the bottom two pins, I assume you take one of the two top contacts and move it to the bottom?
Correct. Its been a while since I made mine, but if memory serves, you'll have to find some kind of creative method to hold the contact in the bottom position. If I recall correctly, you should be able to melt the plastic in the housing with a soldering iron to make it stick.

2. There is no need to plug in the charger stand for power, correct?????
Correct.

3. This will be a dedicated programming stand-so there is no need for any of the circuitry??
If you don't intend to use it for battery charging, there is no need for the circuitry. In fact, IIRC, I completely removed the board from mine when I made my programming base.

Thanks!
You're welcome!

[scooter956]

Many-many thanks for the help.

On the original 10 hour charging stands for the SP50-what was the wall tranformer out voltage and amps?

THis site is great. Thanks again.

[kf4sqb]

On the original 10 hour charging stands for the SP50-what was the wall tranformer out voltage and amps?
I have no idea, but if you're thinking of using it to power a RIB, it should be OK.

[arlojanis]

Model tansformer 2580955Z02. Output 12 VDC 200mA.

[scooter956]

Thanks so much! Finally got it to work tonight on the 1st try! Could not have done it without this site.

Questions-as I mentioned earlier-I am programming GMRS channels. One of the SP50s will not take channels below 470. Is there anyway to change the range?

2. Will a CTCSS squeltch produce less noise after the mike is keyed than a DPL/DPS?

[scooter956]

I forgot to add: The SP50 I am having trouble getting GMRS channels into is a P94YQT20G3AA. I had no problems with the P94YQT20G2AA. Seems the 3AA will only accept channels between 465-490. Is there anyway to program in the GMRS frequencies? I tried the shift key thing which did not work. I am a novice at this, but I don't think the hex editor thing in the mdf file needs modified as it already allows the GMRS freqencies.