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MaxTrac Help -- 32 Channel Mod.

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 1:55 pm
by swannie
Hi All,

I followed the instructions on the web for creating a 32 channel MaxTrac from a 16 Channel (its a MaxTrac 300, 16 pin logic board, etc), but it didn't work. I can program all 32 channels in the RSS, but only 16 are available to me on the radio. Additionally, none of the modes wraped around, as the instructions said might happen if you don't have the right firmware/etc. Instead, the radio just seems to pay attention to the first 16 channels. The only thing that was different about my radio is that I have v. 6.00 firmware. The instructions said that you needed v. 5.34 (if memory serves). So, I figured I was good with my firmware since it was at newer, however, since the mod didn't work, I'm wondering if I need to have *exactly* v. 5.34.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Brian

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:22 pm
by MotoMax300
I bet you have a 5pin radio (pins on back)... If so, no go. Only 16 pin will.

maxtrak help

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 4:42 pm
by swannie
Thanks for the reply, it is indeed a 16 pin. Any other ideas?

Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:54 pm
by kb0nly
Sounds like you just need to swap out the firmware. Not sure what version 6 is, never had one with it. But i know the 5.34 with a 16 pin board will give you a full feature radio.

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 10:46 am
by train_radio_guy
Wonder if your memory EPROM is too small, or it isn't there at all. Never ran into this problem myself, but it seems like I once heard of your scenario.

If a Maxtrac with the 16-pin connector has the correct (or newer) firm, and is blanked & reinitialized properly, it should yield 32 unique channels. If your radio only gets 16, and you do not have the 'wrap around' problem, I bet you need to change out the memory EPROM to a larger one, or install it if it's missing.

Surely someone on the board has done this modification, & could offer a little clarity to your particular problem.

- trg, 8)

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 2:33 pm
by wavetar
It's the firmware...I've never even heard of "v6.00" before, but I can pretty much guarantee if the proper v5.34 is used, it'll work like a charm. I've never seen a 16-pin board that couldn't convert. Version 5.34 still shows as the newest current Maxtrac firmware...so even though reason would indicate v6.00 is 'newer', it isn't...at least it's not the newest 32-channel capable version.

Todd

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 5:50 am
by redbeard
Give us some more information. List everything on the sticker on the firmware chip, and the radio sticker on the rear. How many pins is the firmware IC? Locate the part number on your logic board too. Is it an HLN9313A for sure?

I'm wondering if it isn't a hack job with a GM300 board in it or something. Possibly a custom firmware like those LTR ones even. What RSS are you using? The LTR firmware used a special non-/\/\ program, FYI, which I have along with a special way to wipe them to be re-init with standard firmware.