Maxtrac and Gm300 codeplug / mdf editing

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Jay
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Posts: 723
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by Jay »

Ok, see if you all follow me on this.

I have a repeater that I would like to edit so that the two radios in it cannot be read by anyone else who visits the site.

So in theory, if I change the model # in the MDF file, and also in the codeplug archive, can I lock the radios in this fashion?

Is there any type of encryption that I need to be aware of? I've worked in MDF files before, so that shouldn't be a problem.

Jay
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Monty
Administrator
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Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by Monty »

Hi:

A much more simple way I use is by way
of a " Key " that fits in the back of the
16 Pin acc'y plug.

So, re-route the program wiring through a
loop back in the 16 Pin Plug. That way you
can leave the radio almost factory stock, and
when the key is removed, its impossible to
access the Code Plug through the front.

If some Tech wants the data, all they really
have to do is 'read' the transmitter for the
Tx data, but if you have a hidden PL/DPL that
is split, then it will work

If this is for your receiver, you have
some added protection while keeping the radios code plug intact.

Changing a GM300 series code plug is a real
hassle, and you may end up with a corrupted
code plug.

Play with the Maxtracs all you want, becarfull of the GM300's

Monty
Will
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Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2001 4:00 pm

Post by Will »

In the many years working on numorous mulit user sites this IS a problem. Used to be if the speaker was left on in a Base or epeater, they would want to get into it.
A good lock on the radio cabinet used to be all you needed. Now most everone is required to rack mount their equipment so some form of protection is needed. Some bad guys have even delibertly "de-programmed" radios and repeater pannels, not to mention cutting coax.
It is easy to get the transmitt freq with a counter and measure the PL or DPL on you service monitor or monitor receiver.
One simple sujestion is to change what pins the programming appears on and put hard 13volts on the program pin so they blow up their RIB! But NOTHING is going to stop the determined pirate, he will just hook your radio to 120volts AC, ca-BANG!!!!.
Another soulition we use is the radios have NO front pannels on them and we make up a special test cable that supplies the mic jack and speaker for testing. There is a blank metal plate on the front of some or the plastic covers used in the remote mounting in a vehicle. The front pannels were used for other mobile radio up-grading.
Our R1225 repeaters are all like this because the front pannel adds several hundred dollars to the installation.
April
Posts: 385
Joined: Thu Jan 24, 2002 4:00 pm

Post by April »

This is a great idea, changing the pins or the control pannel is not left on the base radio.. I have had some radios fouled up by someone trying to read/program radios.
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