Batboard

300W 900 MHz Nuc 2 with conventional controller. If I connect a computer to the NIU port, then power up the station, the screen begins reporting things like it's in a test mode. Every time I hit <ENTER>, it begins another test. The transmitter keys up several times. When it's all done, the screen says:

END OF AUTOMATED TESTS!!!

all test ended

On the station controller, I get flashing ALARM and DISABLE LEDs, but these go away as the tests progress. If I reset the station, the LEDs remain off and it operates just fine, putting out up to 300 watts on 927.5 MHz.

The 3.6V lithium battery on the NIU measures 0.1 volts. The battery on the modem card (if that's what it is) is similarly low. I haven't measured the coin cell on the station control board but I'd guess it's exceeded its lifetime, as the station was built in 1994. I'm hoping I can buy batteries from a place like Mouser, rather than having to pay big bucks from Mother. Sending the boards to them is not going to happen.

Is the operation I'm observing supposed to happen, i.e. should the console port be in a diagnostic/test mode under normal circumstances, or is it doing this because something's wrong?

Are the dead batteries sending it into this mode, and if I replace the batteries will it stop doing this? One of the printouts indicates the NVRAM battery voltage is 0.4 and the NVRAM is bad, yet everything seems to be working as far as RF and front panel operations are concerned.

I'll probably have to talk to Motorola techs if I can't get someone on here to give me a dose of reality.

Thanks.
Bob M.

Yes, you will see automated tests if connected to the NIU port whenever you cold-start the unit...this is normal. It's been a long time since I played with one of those, I can't recall the default password to access the station off-hand.

Todd

I've got both passwords. That all seems to be working. Is there a way to abort the tests, should I just ignore them, or avoid plugging the cable in when I'm first powering it up?

I have found that the 3.6V battery on the NIU is dead, and I've bought a new one. There's also a DS2244T2AT SIMM in the top rear socket and the battery on that is quite dead as well. I'd replace it if I knew what the voltage should be, but so far I haven't been able to find anything out about the DS2244T. I'm guessing it's a clock/calendar but there's a lot of stuff on both sides of the module, and the manual says there could be a modem there.

There's a 3v rechargeable battery ML2430, on the station control board. I've seen a picture of such a board but with a different battery that plugs into the two-pin connector next to the coin cell holder. I didn't measure that battery but I'd guess that it's similarly defunct.

Bob M.

kcbooboo wrote: Is there a way to abort the tests, should I just ignore them, or avoid plugging the cable in when I'm first powering it up?

Not sure, yes & yes.

Todd

I spoke with Motorola this morning. I am getting NVRAM and RAM battery alarms, apparently coming from the dead 3.6V lithium battery on the NIU. I have a new one on order. Most likely once this has been replaced, the unit will realize that it has gone through these tests the first time, set a flag, and remember it until the battery dies again. I guess it's sort of like the POST on a PC after CMOS has been cleared. The console port should only request a password when the station is turned on - mine does that after it goes through the tests and I reset it.

The 3V rechargeable coin cell (ML2430) on the system control module is now connected via wires to a nearby connector. It still is held to the board by sitting in the coin cell holder, but doesn't make it's electrical connections that way. For those who are interested, the part number of the newer style battery is 6082173V02 and they cost $12.25 each. There were 52 in stock at the time I called.

I wish I could get an advanced controller board for this unit for a similar price !

Bob M.