MCS2000 01/90 problem. won't power up/ will power up

metro121 · Post by **metro121** » Sat Dec 22, 2001 7:15 pm

First, I do not want to get a lot of flack about the radio. I know I posted a big hate message about them but I can't resist a challenge.

I picked up a VHF MCS2000 real cheap and I just found out why.

When I first powered it up, it appeared to be ok but when I disconnected it and got home to program it, the LCD would not power up but the back light on the buttons did and then I got the 01/90.

I shut it down and checked the connections and power supply. I then hooked it back up and same thing.
I tried to read it with the CPS version and was able to get a good code plug out of it. I then reloaded the radio hoping it would help but it got worse. Now , it will not even power up the back light buttons and I cannot get into the code plug via RSS. In fact, when I power it up, it takes about 30 seconds and all i get is a 01/90.
I checked the voltage regulator to make sure it did not come lose. No help.

Any other ideas.

Monty · Post by **Monty** » Sat Dec 22, 2001 8:00 pm

O1/90 refelects a hardware failure
of some sort. With a harware failure,
chances are pretty high when trying to
program the radio ( although it read OK )
could not get a check-sum varification.

As a result, Boom.....

About all you can do is varify all the controls, contacts, making sure hardware is secure.

Other than that, its probably going to require factory service.

Post by **wavetar** » Sun Dec 23, 2001 2:28 pm

What is the date code of the radio? I think 01/90 just means there's no ignition sense hooked up (I'll check that tomorrow at work). Newer units can be turned on with the power button without the ignition sense lead hooked up. I'm not sure what the cut-off date was, but the older models would not turn on without an ignition sense lead hooked up if was programmed to need it. I'll get back to you on that tommorrow.

Todd

--edit--
I must be thinking of the 01/90 error on the Spectra, my bad, ignore what I said (although the older MCS-ignition sense thing is true).

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: wavetar on 2001-12-23 18:05 ]</font>

OX · Post by OX » Sun Dec 23, 2001 9:15 pm

I had a very similar problem (including error 01/90) on a Spectra. It turned out that my bench power supply got bumped up to 28 VDC. Bumping it back down to 13.5 VDC fixed the problem; you may have a power supply problem before it hits the radio.

Post by **wavetar** » Mon Dec 24, 2001 7:40 am

OK, this may sound silly, but are you trying to power the radio up while the programming cable & RIB (powered up) are plugged into it? I knew I saw that error before, and I can duplicate your problem by doing that. Just a suggestion.

Todd

2wayguy · Post by **2wayguy** » Mon Dec 24, 2001 7:59 am

I have had 3 of the MCS2000's with this same problem in the past month. ALL of them have had the chip falloff problem that someone already described in here earlier. A little solder reflow and they are good as new..

Haydn

metro121 · Post by **metro121** » Fri Dec 28, 2001 5:07 am

I would like to thank all for thier input and future recomendations towards the problem.
I did check on all possible solutions listed both here and in batlabs.
I ended up giving the radio back to the guy I got it from and took the 800 radio instead.
However , I am having the same problem,(seems like this guy only buys dead radios).
I have checked everything and it all appears to be ok.
Is it possible that he radio is good but there is a problem in the control head.
I noticed that on some occasions when screwing around the radio, it will power up but if I turn it off and then back on it goes beserk.
The other thing I noticed is, when it fails, the on/off button does not seem to work.
When I plug in the power and attempt to turn the radio on, nothing happens for approx 15 seconds. The radio will then light up the display only, nothing else and shows the 01/90. It will not even cycle through the self check. When it is iin this state, I try to turn the radio off by use of the on/off switch and there is no response. The display will stay lit up with the fail code. I have to turn off the power via unplug the power cable or shut off the power supply.
Any other ideas

Post by **wavetar** » Fri Dec 28, 2001 5:49 am

Have you tried putting +12volts on the ignition sense, pin 15? It may make the difference, especially if the radio is an older model. Once again, don't try to power up the radio while connected to a powered RIB, or it'll do exactly what you're seeing.

Todd

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: wavetar on 2001-12-28 08:51 ]</font>

metro121 · Post by **metro121** » Fri Dec 28, 2001 10:11 am

As I explained in prior posts. i have double checked with all known problems listed in the forum and in batlabs.
The problem almost sounds like a bad solder joint somewhere other than the norm..
I checked bothe voltage regulators and they are doing thier job. If I can find a good working radio of the same sort. I will try swapping control heads. Other than that look on ebay in the near future as I will probly auction it off to the highest bidder.

imad · Post by **imad** » Sun Jan 20, 2002 11:01 pm

01/90 generaly is caused by non dialogue between
radio and control head ,check busy line and data line frome to control head

spectragod · Post by **spectragod** » Wed Jan 23, 2002 3:48 am

I juste fixed one that had the same problem, the control head was the issue, betwwen the fact that it got wet and some junior radio tech tried to repair it with gobs of solder........ I just wound up swapping the head, I did save some good parts off of it though. I guess I know who not to buy from on batboards and ebay now. SG