Batboard

I have one of the original Motorola Cellular phones: Model 8000. It looks like a big brick. I am unable to unlock to unit even thought I know the unlock code. Motorola was not helpful. Can someone help? Does anyone repair these units anymore?
Thanks

The first thing to try is the last three digits of the phone number (if you know what it is.

The next thing to do is to put the phone in program mode (I forget how with the Dynatac, but I'll look to see if I still have the manual) and try the security code of 000000 (6 0s). If you get in, you can change the unlock code to whatever you want.

Another old cellular trick was to put in a programming adaptor plug. It went between the two DB25 connectors and all it did was either short one pin to ground or reverse 2 pins.

If you call an old cellular shop in your area they should be able to tell you what pins to switch or short, and that will get you in the back way with some wierd programming.

The 8000 was a handheld model, no DB-25 involved. The programming sequence varies depending on your keypad. The 6-digit security code is factory set to "000000", though it can be changed in the programming as well.

If you have a FCN & RCL key, then it's "FCN, 0, (6-digit security code twice), RCL". This will do most models.

Some very old models dropped the first "0", to make it "FCN, (6-digit security code twice), RCL".

If you have a FCN & MEM key, then it's "FCN, 0, (6-digit security code twice), MEM".

If you have no FCN key, but have a STO key, then try "STO, #, (6-digit security code twice), RCL".

If you have a CTL & RCL key, try "CTL, 0, (6-digit security code twice), RCL".

If you have a CTL, but no RCL key, try "CTL, 0, (6-digit security code twice), *".

Unlock code is step 8 in the programming. Step through with the "*" key, hit SND at any step display screen to save & reboot the phone.

If these don't work, the security code has likely been changed. Often times people will either put in 123456, or the lock code twice. Since you don't know the lock code, that won't help you. In that case, you need to put the phone in test mode. Looking at the back of the phone with the battery off, you should see a set of 12 gold pins at the top. The top right pin needs to be grounded upon power-up to put the phone in test mode. The display should flash numbers on it. Hit "#", 55, "#" to enter programming. Once again, "*" steps you through, the lock code is still step 8. In this mode, you must step all the way through until a small apostrophe appears in the display & the "*" button won't scroll any further. Then hit SND to save.

Todd

Yup Todd got it right. It's just like I remember it from l0pht.
I miss the good old analog days, and I will be very upset if and
when Verizon forces me to retire my 8000 due to no more AMPS.
But then Again It might take a while in the Mid West but I live in
the City so It's probably coming a lot faster than I would like. I'd
be content to keep using my brick FOREVER. My brick has been in
use since 1988, But its not even the same phone anymore as I had
to fix it several times over the years from new Buttons, Case and
Boards, mostly due to it hitting the concrete because I drop it. I used to drop it more, but I am trying very very hard not to because
parts for the early ones are scarce. I paid almost $50 bucks recently
for one.


Actually, I need an RF deck for a Dynasty. Anybody got one? (or the whole phone)

The Motorola bricks were great, but if you can find an old OKI 700/710/750 handheld, jump on it. Those things were the greatest cell phone ever. About 98% as durable as a Motorola 8000, but with a very nice LCD display & features up the ying-yang. Also performed better than any other cellphone I've used/tested. Quite often they tested 12dB sinad at -122 or better (spec is -116 for cellular). Screw-on TNC antenna, almost two hours talk time on a good battery, can't say enough good about them.

Todd

Cool stuff !
I collect old mobile phones, mostly the analog AMPS models, and have many Motorola phones in my collection.
Even have the Mototola cellular service manual for a lot of them.
I have a Dynatac 8000 model, but a later version from 1989.
Can still use it with my cellular test set.
I also have the very first Motorola car phone model made in 1983, a Dynatac 4000. Has a huge transceiver unit.
Cheers, Chris.