Question on RKN4105A cable.

[N4KVE]

Tonight I picked up a used RKN4105A cable from a friend. [XTS5000] I paid $50 for it, but it is only a single cable from USB connector to radio jack. There is no 2nd cable for aligning the radio. No big deal, as I don't have a signal generator, but I was just wondering if this is the real deal. My friend got it at a Moto shop, but didn't pay the insane price the 2 cable assy goes for. It has all the correct tags the double cable has, & works fine, but isn't the double cable I've seen others with. The cable is off white, has the tag with the trash can with the X through it saying EU only, 0924 is next to the tag on the cable, & 1 1/2" heat shrink with RKN4105A on the cable next to the tag. Anyone seen this cable? GARY N4KVE

[escomm]

RKN4105 has a DB25 on it for connecting to the test box. Not sure why yours is missing. But if it works fine then it's legit, there are no aftermarket USB cables that work for Astro25 portables that I am aware of. Post pics

[g8tzl2004]

So do you need a 2nd cable to align an XTS5K..you can't just use a programming cable?

In the XTS5K brochure I downloaded, a real RIB was listed under XTS5K "Service Tools" while the USB and Serial RIBless cables were listed under "radio programming"....so maybe you can use a real RIB for alignment??

[escomm]

No all you need is a service monitor and the tuner app. The DB25 is for the test box to use with the autotest/autotune function on high end monitors like an Aeroflex

[g8tzl2004]

Just so I am clear, you only need a Serial Ribless programming cable to align an XTS5K?

The only alignment I would plan on doing is to lower the minimum squelch threshold for weak signal working.

[KG4INW]

Serial RIBless or USB cable to tune/align (as well as program, of course). That's it.

[escomm]

Just so I am clear, you only need a Serial Ribless programming cable to align an XTS5K?

The only alignment I would plan on doing is to lower the minimum squelch threshold for weak signal working.

This will be done in CPS not the tuner app

[g8tzl2004]

Can you use CPS to adjust the squelch to the absolute minimum threshold?

With my MCS2000, the minimum "level 1" squelch which is set using CPS is still too high for weak signal working. You have to use the Tuner to lower the "level 1" setting so the squelch opens on very very weak signals.

Does the XTS5K use the same principle?