MSF 5000 out of band

[RADIOMAN2002]

Has anyone taken a MSF 5000 out of band? I am going to try and get the 460 version to do 478.000 tx and 481.000 rx. I would imagine that the software can be hacked like any other Motorola software package. I am just concerned about the RX and TX filters, and I imagine the VCO can be manipulated as has been done on the Syntor X series. Wondering if anyone has done it.

[kcbooboo]

The software probably doesn't have to be hacked. It may complain about the out-of-range freqs but you can tell it to ignore this problem and it will accept almost whatever you key in.

There's probably enough tuning range on the VCOs too, but if not, there are trimming points that get laser-cut during manufacturing which you can solder over or cut more off.

The mixer injection tuning coils as well as the front end might limit you. Best advice is to try it and see. People have taken VHF range-2 into range-1 successfully.

Bob M.

[RADIOMAN2002]

Great thanks, It's amazing that a formerly $5k repeater is now only worth about $100.00. Too bad some one doesn't try and get a FCC narrow band ID for them.

[GlennD]

We have half a dozen in a scrap container waiting to be scrapped! It breaks my heart but I am not willing to be fired for taking the stuff.

[RADIOMAN2002]

I agree, we have hundreds of GE MPA and MRK radios in the scrap bin, as well as hundreds of Spectra Clean Cabs, the GE Mstr III stations are next for the dumpster. Looks like Canada screws us again, they are not narrow banding, so all this equipment could go there.

[WB6DGN]

We have half a dozen in a scrap container waiting to be scrapped! It breaks my heart but I am not willing to be fired for taking the stuff.

Have you asked the appropriate people if you can have them? Many organizations are quite liberal about employee access to no longer needed assets as long as they're not being resold. My suggestion; write a note explaining your wish to recover them and ask your boss to get it to the right person/department. If you go through proper channels, you may be surprised at the results. That has been my experience with several previous employers.
Tom

[GlennD]

It does not matter now since the bin with MSFs, Mastr IIs, Spectras, X9000s, and one half of a Fairnon 2G shot is gone. In my 13 years with the city I have never heard of any "gifts" to employees.

[d119]

Great thanks, It's amazing that a formerly $5k repeater is now only worth about $100.00. Too bad some one doesn't try and get a FCC narrow band ID for them.

The reason this is the case is because of size and weight, along with the fact they are not narrow-band compliant out of the box. (Communications Specialists does manufacture a narrow-band kit for them, however!)

Rack space at radio sites, while the need is sharply declining, is still priced at a premium and "by the inch" in most cases. Putting an MSF 5000 at a site will take up considerable "rack" space, and is much costlier than a Quantar or MTR 2000. Most site managers want to see newer, smaller, tidier installations. I don't know why this is the case, as many sites I've worked at recently are barren compared to the way they were a few years ago. Cellular has completely taken over.

Not to mention the MSF 5000 doesn't support P25 digital. I've got two MSF 5000's sitting in my garage doing nothing. I don't have the heart to part with them, I'm sure they'll see the air again someday. It's still one hell of a radio!

[motorola_otaku]

I'm about to the point where I'd sacrifice a toe or two for a handful of short-cabinet VHF MSFs. A friend and I are building a multi-site linked hammy system with three 2-meter boxes in the mix that are running garbage right now because VHF cabinet stations just aren't out there in the used market, and when they are the selling them want the mint for them. So the "dumpster" stories especially make me cringe.

I love my UHF stations.. they are more than up to the task of long-winded OF hams and drunks on GMRS. The only problem I have ever encountered is the <expletive> RF tray passthrough filters.. once they're gone that's it, game over. I have tried EVERYTHING to clean them once they develop the black corrosion up to and including industrial solvents, but even when not a speck is left they still kill the transmit when put back in the station.

[GlennD]

Feel free to cringe. The bin held all small cabinet MSFs. 4 VHF, 6 or 7 UHF, one 800 data MSF, 6 UHF Mastr II base station and around 100 mobiles.

They used to go to Propertyroom.com but the powers realized that we were getting less than scrap value.

[d119]

I'm about to the point where I'd sacrifice a toe or two for a handful of short-cabinet VHF MSFs. A friend and I are building a multi-site linked hammy system with three 2-meter boxes in the mix that are running garbage right now because VHF cabinet stations just aren't out there in the used market, and when they are the selling them want the mint for them. So the "dumpster" stories especially make me cringe.

I love my UHF stations.. they are more than up to the task of long-winded OF hams and drunks on GMRS. The only problem I have ever encountered is the <expletive> RF tray passthrough filters.. once they're gone that's it, game over. I have tried EVERYTHING to clean them once they develop the black corrosion up to and including industrial solvents, but even when not a speck is left they still kill the transmit when put back in the station.

They are a rarity. One of our customers has one that is slated for replacement and I'm going to ask for it when it's time. I've only ever owned one VHF MSF. I bought it in it's 7' cabinet and left it in there. The cabinet holds the repeater/PA/power supply, controller, and 4-cavity dB products duplexer all in one nice package with a little bit of room to spare. And it's a VHF Range 1 75W. It's still on the air right within Range 1

[Will]

If I remember the Micor cabinets will fit. You have to relocate the two vertical rails.