Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

This forum is dedicated to discussions pertaining specifically to the Motorola ASTRO line of radios (those that use VSELP/IMBE/AMBE), including using digital modulation, digital programming, FlashPort upgrades, etc. If you have general questions please use the General or Programming forums.

Moderator: Queue Moderator

Post Reply
Logitec
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 57
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2002 4:00 pm

Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

Post by Logitec »

Trying to set up a VHF XTS 3K for P-25 HAM use. When I TX in Astro mode, my Pro-96 scanner (I know, bad way to test) does not decode any audio. It switches to digital mode but decodes no audio (silent).

At the moment I have no other way to test (no other radios on same band or service monitor). Next week I will have access to advanced equipment, but just impatient right now.

Could this be an alignment problem (thought it was aligned OK) or a programming problem? Thanks.
Logitec
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 57
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2002 4:00 pm

Re: Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

Post by Logitec »

FYI, it's not some of the obvious:

XTS is not secure equipped and I tried moving the Pro-96 very far away to prevent overload of the cheap receiver.
User avatar
n7maq
Posts: 1440
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Mocom 70 w/scan!!

Re: Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

Post by n7maq »

Logitec wrote:Trying to set up a VHF XTS 3K for P-25 HAM use. When I TX in Astro mode, my Pro-96 scanner (I know, bad way to test) does not decode any audio. It switches to digital mode but decodes no audio (silent).

At the moment I have no other way to test (no other radios on same band or service monitor). Next week I will have access to advanced equipment, but just impatient right now.

Could this be an alignment problem (thought it was aligned OK) or a programming problem? Thanks.
I would look at the alignment. The TX balance may be off.

Jim
Logitec
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 57
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2002 4:00 pm

Re: Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

Post by Logitec »

More info:

If I go to the Service Menu in RSS and under Transmitter Test Patterns, have it generate a P-25 1011 Hz Test Tone, that comes through fine on the Pro-96 (in digital decode mode). That must mean the alingment is, at least, reasonable, right?

But just speaking into the Mic, it's like it's not modulating the P-25 signal with voice. Analog Modulation is fine. Could the radio have a problem that would cause no TX audio, just for Astro? Or could this still be something in programming? I've tried many different settings and no change.
User avatar
n7maq
Posts: 1440
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Mocom 70 w/scan!!

Re: Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

Post by n7maq »

Logitec wrote:More info:

If I go to the Service Menu in RSS and under Transmitter Test Patterns, have it generate a P-25 1011 Hz Test Tone, that comes through fine on the Pro-96 (in digital decode mode). That must mean the alingment is, at least, reasonable, right?

But just speaking into the Mic, it's like it's not modulating the P-25 signal with voice. Analog Modulation is fine. Could the radio have a problem that would cause no TX audio, just for Astro? Or could this still be something in programming? I've tried many different settings and no change.

You need a service monitor, sorry. With out one, you will most likely make it worse. With digital, the alignment needs to be right on, not close. I would wait till you get the monitor next week.

Also it could be you are just overloading the PRO-96's RX if you are to close. Have you tried from a few feet away, on low TX power?

If you are going to use it for ham use, drop me a PM if you can't get it going and I'll be glad to help you out if I can. I try to promote P25 use on the ham bands as much as I can. I have mixed mode Quantars on both 2, and 440.


Jim
Logitec
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 57
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2002 4:00 pm

Re: Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

Post by Logitec »

n7maq wrote:
Logitec wrote:More info:

If I go to the Service Menu in RSS and under Transmitter Test Patterns, have it generate a P-25 1011 Hz Test Tone, that comes through fine on the Pro-96 (in digital decode mode). That must mean the alingment is, at least, reasonable, right?

But just speaking into the Mic, it's like it's not modulating the P-25 signal with voice. Analog Modulation is fine. Could the radio have a problem that would cause no TX audio, just for Astro? Or could this still be something in programming? I've tried many different settings and no change.

You need a service monitor, sorry. With out one, you will most likely make it worse. With digital, the alignment needs to be right on, not close. I would wait till you get the monitor next week.

That's my plan. I haven't changed any alignment settings without a service monitor.

Also it could be you are just overloading the PRO-96's RX if you are to close. Have you tried from a few feet away, on low TX power?

Have tried low power and very far away.

If you are going to use it for ham use, drop me a PM if you can't get it going and I'll be glad to help you out if I can. I try to promote P25 use on the ham bands as much as I can. I have mixed mode Quantars on both 2, and 440.

Jim

It is for Ham use and thanks.
Logitec
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 57
Joined: Sat Mar 23, 2002 4:00 pm

Re: Pro-96 not decoding XTS 3K Astro audio

Post by Logitec »

Forgot to post last week, but this was an alignment problem with the Deviation Balance. Works great now. Thanks for the help.
Post Reply

Return to “Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum”