Batboard

I am trying to implement some wildcard programing in my MTR 2000 but it does not take effect. I noticed that in the station config area there is a check box indicating wildcard enable. It is gray and can not be checked. Do I have to have an Aux I/O card in the unit in order to use wildcard programing that does not involve any I/O?

Thanks, John Isella

You better order the AUX I/O Module from Motorola AAD first and you might need a C540 Connector and Wires if you intend routing any of the signals in or out of the Base Station.

I believe /\/\ wants $600 for that card, and if he doesn't need any I/O capabilities, does he still need it if he just wants to add some logical programming to the station? Is there a microprocessor on the card that understands the programs he wants to write? If so that would explain the cost. If it's just a dumb I/O card... OUCH !

Bob M.

This Option, FRU & Module was designed by the MTR Product Group, Marketing and Brand personnel gave their blessings and priced everything except they forgot to convey the pricing information to (the formerly known NPD) AAD personnel. The break down follows this pattern ordering a MTR2000 Base Station from the factory and you want the AUX I/O, you must order X151 Option, X233 Option & if you need to connect the station to the outside world C540 Option. If you want, order a spare CLN1206 FRU from the factory for $$$$$ but if you are sharp order the CLN6698 Module from AAD and reap the benefits $$$. I never knew cardboard and foam could cost that much!

Once you have purchased the AUX I/O, power down the station and install the module into the slot above the SCM. Power up the station, READ the station's program, open window for options and click on the field that indicates there's a CLN6698 AUX I/O installed. I believe there's a box or circle that needs to be enabled in this same window. Now WRITE this information back into the station & let it reboot self test before attempting to program the AUX I/O Wildcard. As I recall from my memory you've got to watch the "Action" & "In Action" Fields while programming the Wildcard.

There's a certain amount of black magic and luck programming these Wildcards compared to the Quantar versions. After writing all of the Wildcard scripting WRITE this into the station's software, otherwise you'll lose it and start all over again. The Wildcard interfaces to the SCM where the Microprocessor is located.

Dan

Thanks Dan, I really appreciate the help, excuse my ignorance but what is AAD? It's funny, when I called M I inquired about buying a CLN6698 but the fellow indicated that I wanted a 1206. In hind sight I thought that he sounded a bit sheepish about it... Guilt must have come through.

Thanks again, John

AAD = Accessories and Aftermarket Division [formal name for the parts department]

According to MOL [Motorola On Line] CLN6698 has been replaced by CLN1206 @ $600.00 DNUP.

Hello John & xmo,

If AAD (Parts Dept) 1-800-422-4210 has taken the CLN6698 Module and reverted it back to the CLN1206 FRU, this must have happened in the last 5 months. It took the Big /\/\ only 5 years to realize their financial mistake.

Dan

I think Motorola must have learned how to price after-purchase parts the same way Agilent does. One can buy an option, at time of manufacture, for a price increase of maybe $500. Buy that same option after you have the instrument and it now costs $2000. Of course, they also give you three pages of installation instructions, which you can find on their web site for free, plus a CD with a bunch of other manuals on it, plus a printed guide to programming, and maybe new firmware, which you also can get on the web for free. All of this gets shipped from Malasia via FedEx.

I just ordered some "retainer, spring" components. These support the VCOs in MSF5000 stations. Each VCO uses 4 springs and 4 retainers, and the station has two VCOs. I needed enough for two stations! The springs come in bags of 10 for about $2.50. The retainers are $2.10 EACH, and they're just little nylon barbed plastic pieces about 1/8 inch diameter and maybe 1/2 inch long in total. Talk about economy of scale !

John, do you REALLY need all the functionality that the card will give you? Think of the money you'll save by selling the MTR2000 and buying something newer !

Bob M.

"...Think of the money you'll save by selling the MTR2000 and buying something newer ! .."
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The MTR2000 is a current production product and the only mid tier infrastructure grade base station in the Motorola portfolio - so if you want something newer Bob, you're going to have a long wait....

Pricing, this is an interesting subject which could go on forever. Are those VCO nylon plastic retainers gold plated?

I remember years ago I had to repair a TLD5082A high power RF tube amplifier. The PA got so hot that it practically destroyed most of the components inside, maybe from a lightning strike. Anyway I had to replace both grid lines so I NSO priced them, $3.60 for the left inductor line and $39.00 for the right inductor line! What??!! I esculated that price up through the Parts Dept chain of command but everyone there insisted it was correct. Holy smokes, it must have been very difficult for supplier to manufacture that one 14 guage copper line with tin plating.

I'm thinking the MTR next generation station will be introduced in 2008 and everything will be software driven off of the electronic backplane ID and serial numbers .... the hardware will already be included in the unit. I would bet the options / upgrades won't be inexpensive.

Dan