A screenshot of Centracom Series II Plus CRT

[d119]

For those of you who may have never seen it, here's a screenshot of a Centracom Series II Plus CRT dispatch console. Note: This is a test configuration and doesn't really show the complete capability of the system, so don't assume that this is "the norm" for most dispatch centers running this equipment. In fact, the system I took this screen shot of has since beeen added to and has much more on the screen... I'll try to get more pics later.

For what it's worth, this OP was running R08.00.00 of the Video Display software, it's since been upgraded to R13.04.00 and no longer says (C) 1987 Motorola, it's now 1996...

[Bruce1807]

That brings back memories.
Thank god for Elite!!

No, great job, I remember my first upgrade from B&L to CRT and I thought it was great.

[d119]

Having worked on both Elite, II/II+ B&L and II+ CRT, in my opinion II+ CRT is the easiest to configure...

If you think about it, there's not that much difference between II+ CRT and Gold Elite other than the way the alias database is handled and the fact that Gold Elite runs on Windows.

Here's a screenshot I just took of how the console is configured now - this could be compared to a small-mid size dispatch center:

[Bruce1807]

I think the biggest bonus is the Elite CDM especially in a SZ enviroment.
You can download the talkgroups from the SZ controller, Download all the aliases and you dont have to program the COIMS to often.

[xmo]

d119 has a good point.

As cool as the Elite features are, the CRT Classic or Series II Plus CRT is easy to configure and a great way to put together a system for non-critical applications since there is a lot of equipment now available surplus.

With this system, the computer can be very simple, the entire application fits on one floppy. There is no network required and your set up is easy compared to button & LED since you don't need to have the right CCM's and don't need to get labels engraved, etc.

[d119]

d119 has a good point.

As cool as the Elite features are, the CRT Classic or Series II Plus CRT is easy to configure and a great way to put together a system for non-critical applications since there is a lot of equipment now available surplus.

Agreed, xmo... However I think it's still perfectly suited to mission-critical applications, as it supports redundancy (dual system timers and optional redundant BIM's)... I know of at least two MAJOR law enforcement/fire agencies still using II+ CRT in this area...

I have also gotten some service calls to a few agencies that are still using Centracom II B&L with 6809 OMI's...

II+ is fantastic for conventional & SmartNet II trunking... I don't think I'd want to try and integrate one into one of todays SmartZone systems though... However it *is* possible.... I even have the AIMI's and TTOMI's to do it... Yikes!

Note on the "Repeater" channel control window, it says "Self Rpt"... I have talk-through console-repeat on the repeater... The BIM has MDC muting enabled, so any audio repeated through the console has the MDC stripped out of it. All you hear is a little "cheep" and then the voter clicking... It's slick. (Yeah I know you can't do unit-to-unit MDC stuff through it, but big deal...)

Also the first screen shot is the "old" color scheme, the second is the "new" color scheme.

[xmo]

The recommendation for use of this product in non-critical applications was based on Motorola's having discontinued parts and technical support.

If you have sufficient spares and service experience the system can be used however you want.

Schaumburg just wants everybody to buy new stuff to keep the factory humming and Zander's bonuses coming.

[d119]

Commander Zander. Indeed. Point well taken, xmo. I'm one of those people that has spare cages full of cards sitting around

I have been able to get technical support for it as recent as last week... Not sure if that's available to everyone though...

[wb4bli]

Boy!!!! That looks nice. When I find a place to get my chips from (Mouser seems to be out) I will post a want-ad to see if you guys can help me get something like that. Much easier on my eyes! Thnx for the pics as it looks cool!

[Rod Farva]

naw here is what you need!! This is in my front room!!!








It was a post on the board that made me build this unit in my home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Yes that is a MAC keyboard and mouse!! I have a MAC and only own 1 PC and that is for the Centracom!!!

[nmfire10]

I have to find some of my screen shots where I put AUX buttons on the elite screen that said "MISSILE ARM", "MISSILE LAUNCH", and "AUTO-DESTRUCT"

[Rod Farva]

what will make it better is if you could set it up to have the AUX I/O set off a wave file that sounds like a missile being fired!!!!

[nmfire10]

I wanted to hotwire one of those little noisemaker keychain things and wire it up to the punch block.