MT-500 frequency change

jim · Post by **jim** » Fri Dec 14, 2001 2:43 pm

I have a UHF MT-500 which I need to change the frequency in. I already know what this will cost by using new parts (Ben Dover!).
Does anyone know of an aftermarket source to do this any cheaper?

Will · Post by **Will** » Fri Dec 14, 2001 3:09 pm

You can get the existing "channel elements" recrystaled at several places.The channel el's are the plug-in oscillator modules that have the crystal inside.

Bomar Crystal Middlesex, NJ

International Crystal, OK

and there are others also. I perfer Bomar as they do a good job and they will install the new crystal in the element and test it.

Monty · Post by **Monty** » Fri Dec 14, 2001 6:27 pm

Hi:

At one time when MT500's " were the radio to have" I specialized in them.

I can either Re-Crystal, and Detail the Channel Elements for you, or if you give
me a call, I can give you a Estimate on
how much investment will be required.

I have " Detailed" many MT500 Channel Elements, and can either direct you on
" How Too " or I can set up Channel Elements
for 40.00ea ( Including Xtal )

Note:

One is required for " Receive" and one is
required for "Transmitt"

Also one sometimes has to consider the "Tone"
Element Costs too if you are using PL/DPL, that will add some extra costs.

In general, with labor, runs around 125.00-150.00 to set a MT500 up. Sometimes not a
real good idea since you can get a HT600 fully set up for 150.00-200.00 ( and those are programmable )
In general, the Radio will require some kind
of realighnment.

Post by **wavetar** » Fri Dec 14, 2001 6:55 pm

In general, with labor, runs around 125.00-150.00 to set a MT500 up. Sometimes not a
real good idea since you can get a HT600 fully set up for 150.00-200.00 ( and those are programmable )

Amen to that!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: wavetar on 2001-12-14 21:57 ]</font>

jim · Post by **jim** » Sun Dec 16, 2001 6:35 pm

That's what I thought. These are before my time! I figured it would be big $$$ to change them. He paid $25 for the radio and thought it was a good deal. Fortunately, the split that's already in it happens to be used locally, so he can just change the PL and sell it off.

thanks

Post by **/\/\y 2 cents** » Mon Dec 17, 2001 12:40 am

If you dont get a programable radio, at least get yourself a life. MT500's are sweet, its just to pay Monty type money to have just the crystal's done you are crazy.....Dont forget you need PL reeds too....that 's gonna cost you the same amount as the crystals. If you cant afford a HT600, then buy a HT50 or p100.....if you are gonna go crystals, better yet a P50+...that way at least you dont need to buy PL/DPL reeds, that would be a step forwards at least...all you need is like a$100 to get a programable Motorola radio from the 80's...hell the older programmable radio the better with motorola these days.

jim · Post by **jim** » Mon Dec 17, 2001 11:32 am

I just wish he would have asked me before he bought any radio! I would have told him to look around for a P110- in fact, I would have GAVE him a P100 that I have.

Will · Post by **Will** » Mon Dec 17, 2001 1:05 pm

BUT, the MT500 was and still is a exteamly rugged radio and has a look about it as no other. I fixed hundreds of them for PD's, FD,s and comercial users. Some are still in use!
ONE DAMMEND GOOD RADIO!!!!!!
So if you do not intend to change frequencies, then I'd get them recrystaled and they will last you a lifetime.
PS Monty does GOOD work!!!!

Post by **/\/\y 2 cents** » Mon Dec 17, 2001 4:34 pm

yes MT500 are GREAT radios...just know the system you are gonna be on and make sure its staying in service for a while because it sucks to have to keep changing them....if it is for use on a specific system that you know will be staying 25KHz for a while longer then go for it...I think they are the best radios ever made its just from a standpoint of someone who like to tinker and change freq's its a waste of time and money..its all about what you need I guess..