Radius P50+ (note the + ) is it really programmable?

RapidCharger · Post by **RapidCharger** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 6:00 pm

I have quite a few of these p50's, p50+'s, and some p10's that were on the market in the early 90's. Way before Home Depot started selling them, these have the adjustable squelch knob, not the same as any latter p50 that was dummyproofed for consumers. And I firmly believe they redesigned these without changing the model number, correct me if I'm wrong.

I know that the p10's and p50's are crystal controlled, but according to this site, the P50+ (note the "+") is programmable. It doesn't say much more than that. Some other sources I've seen say that it is programmable but not for frequencies, only features like quick call etc.

Has anyone actually programmed frequencies and pl tones in the p50+, the one with the adjustable squelch knob (circa 1992)? And do you know where I can get a cable to do this? I found the software for it but haven't used it. AND most of the ones I have are open squelch, in order to use coded sqelch with them, you need to put in a retrofit that used to cost $75 new. Are the p50+'s TPL & DPL or do they also need a retrofit?

I've always liked these units, nice and small but rugged and not afraid to give them to employees, kids etc. Just a pain to recrystal.

Couldn't resist. That chart is way too tempting for me.

Robert HT220 · Post by **Robert HT220** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 7:16 pm

I think that SP50's are programmable, but I have no idea about the P50's/P50+'s.

Robert

Nand · Post by **Nand** » Fri Apr 11, 2003 7:26 pm

EKLB · Post by **EKLB** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 10:22 am

I have the P50+ programing manual.

And it basicly says the same as above posts= only the DPL/PL/QCII are porgramable.

I may even have the program adaptor for this radio - id have to check.

If interested in them = PM me and leave your email address and ill get back to you.

EKLB

RapidCharger · Post by **RapidCharger** » Sat Apr 12, 2003 5:24 pm

Ah, screw it then. To buy new crystals for those... It's more expensive than the radios are worth. Theres some folks on ebay selling some p50+'s who seem to think you can put the freqs in there, because they are advertising them as such.

CuriousGeorge · Post by **CuriousGeorge** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 2:57 am

We received some VHF P50+'s from a neighboring agency. Probably not work changing the frequency but if we can just change the PL (even just make them CSQ) that may have some use.

Assuming one found the software laying in a drawer somewhere, what kind of programming cable/adapter is needed?

Any other use besides weighting down garbage cans?

Rod Farva · Post by **Rod Farva** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 10:12 am

the SP50 is RSS programmed, P50+ is programmable by dip switch, just like the SP10. There are prepgrogrammed frequencies in the radio, there should be a row of 4 dip switches on the P50+ and 8 or 10 for the PL or DPL code. The Squelch board can only be DPL or PL can not be both...

RadioSouth · Post by **RadioSouth** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:58 pm

Rod Farva wrote:the SP50 is RSS programmed, P50+ is programmable by dip switch, just like the SP10. There are prepgrogrammed frequencies in the radio, there should be a row of 4 dip switches on the P50+ and 8 or 10 for the PL or DPL code. The Squelch board can only be DPL or PL can not be both...

I believe you're incorrect. P50+ is Xtal controlled and there are no DIP switches for PL/DPL, that part is RSS programmable.
Either way it's not one of Motorola's best examples, the on/off and squelch controls often go bad, not really worth the cost of re-crystalling.

Rod Farva · Post by **Rod Farva** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 1:07 pm

I had a radio that I repaired on my bench a few years back that looked exactly like a P50 and it looked like a SP10 inside.. I stand corrected....