Search found 357 matches

by 4n6inv
Thu Jul 06, 2017 12:39 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: MC3000 Inquiry
Replies: 7
Views: 4447

Re: MC3000 Inquiry

I will say this: The function futons on the MC3000 are not definable - meaning that they are hard coded to a particular control head button on the W9 head. It can get weird since there are only a few LED annunciators on the MC3000 to indicate that they are active. FWIW; A W7 codeplug will work with ...
by 4n6inv
Wed Jan 18, 2017 3:42 pm
Forum: Consoles
Topic: Using an RCH3000 with a standard (non-consolette) Astro Spectra/Spectra Plus
Replies: 7
Views: 8993

Re: Using an RCH3000 with a standard (non-consolette) Astro Spectra/Spectra Plus

Did all of that. I've done direct wires to consolettes with both flavors with success. Yes, the wiring is different, and you better watch it closely or you'll be very unhappy. I tried the Busy signal both ways with no success. Gaitronics vs. AML are quite different, with the latter being the most fi...
by 4n6inv
Wed Jan 18, 2017 12:17 pm
Forum: Consoles
Topic: Using an RCH3000 with a standard (non-consolette) Astro Spectra/Spectra Plus
Replies: 7
Views: 8993

Re: Using an RCH3000 with a standard (non-consolette) Astro Spectra/Spectra Plus

Sadly; I tested the MC3000 and CommandSTAR Lite last night without success. Looked good on paper, but didn't fly.
by 4n6inv
Tue Jan 17, 2017 6:31 am
Forum: Consoles
Topic: Using an RCH3000 with a standard (non-consolette) Astro Spectra/Spectra Plus
Replies: 7
Views: 8993

Re: Using an RCH3000 with a standard (non-consolette) Astro Spectra/Spectra Plus

OK. Dumb question: How are you powering up the radio? Through the 15 pin on the rear of the radio? Or, does the radio detect the RCH3000 as an "On" W9? Incidentally; I built a rapid deployment case with an 800 AS using the AIB from the consolette inside the case with a straight through cab...
by 4n6inv
Thu Oct 08, 2015 5:08 am
Forum: ASTRO Series (Astro Saber, Spectra, XTS3000/3500) Subscribers
Topic: RCH3000 L3030A Manual
Replies: 2
Views: 7152

Re: RCH3000 L3030A Manual

I don't know if I can post it here, but I just scanned it 2 weeks ago for a friend. Should have it on my thumb drive. I've done many a remote setup since the DGT-9000's and it can seem complicated. Once you understand "their" terminology, it's not too bad. Motorola is about as helpful as B...
by 4n6inv
Mon Aug 04, 2014 4:47 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: unmute encrypted audio
Replies: 14
Views: 13908

Re: unmute encrypted audio

I was thinking along those lines. I went ahead and deleted the no longer valid keys. I guess I'll try reassigning the slots that they were in so there won't be any confusion and try it from there. Good point. Thanks!
by 4n6inv
Mon Aug 04, 2014 10:49 am
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: unmute encrypted audio
Replies: 14
Views: 13908

Re: unmute encrypted audio

I have the exact opposite problem. I have an Astro Spectra Plus, as well as a Regular Astro Spectra for a base. The local agency uses 2 different keys, and when they use the key that I don't have; I hear the Gerbils. What I'm wanting to do is mute the undecipherable noise, but be able to unmute the ...
by 4n6inv
Thu Jun 05, 2014 8:44 am
Forum: Radio Programming
Topic: Motorola Spectra Suitcase Repeater
Replies: 2
Views: 2146

Re: Motorola Spectra Suitcase Repeater

There were three different revisions of the suitcase repeater RSS. The latest is 1.02 if I remember correctly. The one that I have is the last one that they released. I'll have to check to see how mine is configured, but you have to install REGULAR Spectra RSS - Lab is not recommended - and if memor...
by 4n6inv
Tue Feb 25, 2014 11:48 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Remote Controlling of XTL 5000s with MC3000
Replies: 15
Views: 8104

Re: Remote Controlling of XTL 5000s with MC3000

Thanks, Jason. Seems to work fine. I'm going to try a couple of different Audio Interface boards to see if there is any difference. I got the error on a "B" rev AIB and am going to try the "A" and "C" versions, as well. I tried it on a bench project some months ago, but...
by 4n6inv
Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:56 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Remote Controlling of XTL 5000s with MC3000
Replies: 15
Views: 8104

Re: Remote Controlling of XTL 5000s with MC3000

I'm having the same error code. I'm using An Astro Spectra W9 mid-power with the "Direct Connect" method - using the DB-25 to RJ45 at ~10 feet. I've used the same configuration with a W7 - different radio - different AIB without any problems. The radio works fine with a W9 head attached, b...
by 4n6inv
Wed Nov 06, 2013 8:07 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Codeplug Converter
Replies: 4
Views: 2124

Re: Codeplug Converter

Worked like a charm! Thanks everyone. I was gifted an Astro Spectra Plus consolette - essentially NOS, with clock, and cloned my mobile Astro Spectra W3. It worked great. I got tons of error messages about the display character length, but amazingly; it truncated the number of characters from 14 to ...
by 4n6inv
Mon Nov 04, 2013 12:39 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Codeplug Converter
Replies: 4
Views: 2124

Re: Codeplug Converter

YES!!! Thank you! That's the one I was looking for. Is that a stand alone program that I can download, or is one that has to be run from the site? I just got an Astro Spectra Plus consolette and want to clone my mobile codeplug - as nearly as possible to the consolette. I used it years ago when I tr...
by 4n6inv
Mon Nov 04, 2013 5:02 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Codeplug Converter
Replies: 4
Views: 2124

Codeplug Converter

Once upon a time, in a Bat Cave far, far away I read about either an Excel program or a process in which you could export a Astro Spectra codeplug into some type of Excel file and pseudo convert it into a file that could then be imported by the P25 software. Anyone familiar? Tried several searches t...
by 4n6inv
Tue Jun 18, 2013 10:46 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?
Replies: 30
Views: 8535

Re: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?

Replaced the crappy mini-UHF with a high quality BNC, replaced everything in line, and did the preamp mod this morning. The results were phenomenal. 55 miles away in Abilene, and it nearly blew me out of the car. My hunch is; regardless of the underlying problem; I now have one hot receiver again. P...
by 4n6inv
Tue Jun 18, 2013 10:35 am
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Astro Spectra VHF Preamp Play
Replies: 11
Views: 5421

Re: Astro Spectra VHF Preamp Play

I did the mod this morning, and drove 55 miles to Abilene. The result: Practically blew me out of the car! Awesome! Thanks for the information! Incredible difference. I'm out in the middle of nowhere, so IM isn't a real issue out here. Being able to hear? Priceless! Thanks again! What I did was; I r...
by 4n6inv
Mon Jun 17, 2013 5:47 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?
Replies: 30
Views: 8535

Re: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?

OK; the radio is BNC modded, and the complete antenna / coax and mount are replaced. Parts people gave me the wrong resistor value on the most important one for the preamp mod, so that's going to have to wait until tomorrow morning. Monday night isn't a good time to do a drive test in a small town, ...
by 4n6inv
Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:18 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?
Replies: 30
Views: 8535

Re: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?

Only one radio in the car - the mid-power VHF Astro Spectra, so too many antennas isn't the cause. And, I can't for my life imagine where I could have been exposed to a high RF level to blow it out. I'm about to swap out the original NMO mount with the white Teflon coax for one I made using mil-spec...
by 4n6inv
Mon Jun 17, 2013 11:28 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?
Replies: 30
Views: 8535

Re: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?

Thank you VERY much! I didn't expect that fast of a response - if one at all. jbdempsey@sbcglobal.net is my email addy, if you have the time to take this off the board for a few more questions. You seem to know quite a bit about this. I'd like to do a few more things, but would spend too much time a...
by 4n6inv
Sun Jun 16, 2013 8:33 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?
Replies: 30
Views: 8535

Re: Tweaking/modifying a Spectra for max RX sensitivity?

Diggin' up bones... I found this on a Google search on modding my VHF Astro Spectra to add the preamp option. Where I'm at is; I have a mid power VHF W-3 Astro Spectra VHF that was depoed in 07 and virtually everything was replaced. It was hot as a firecracker until about 6 months ago. I used to be ...
by 4n6inv
Mon May 13, 2013 7:53 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Motorola Auxiliary Switch Panel (Wildcard Box) labels?
Replies: 8
Views: 4533

Re: Motorola Auxiliary Switch Panel (Wildcard Box) labels?

I've tried it on several different printers - my Cannon inkjet on my desk, the laser printer at work, and both HP Photosmart printers I have at home end never experienced any difference - except that my Photosmart printers at home did a MUCH better job of blackng out the dark areas, as they are high...
by 4n6inv
Mon May 13, 2013 8:49 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Motorola Auxiliary Switch Panel (Wildcard Box) labels?
Replies: 8
Views: 4533

Re: Motorola Auxiliary Switch Panel (Wildcard Box) labels?

Absolutely. If you'll PM me with an email addy; I'll send it to you. I'll also be glad to send you one that is already laminated and cut, if you'd like. Just need a snail mail address. Include what legends you want, and in what order.
by 4n6inv
Sun May 12, 2013 11:37 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Motorola Auxiliary Switch Panel (Wildcard Box) labels?
Replies: 8
Views: 4533

Re: Motorola Auxiliary Switch Panel (Wildcard Box) labels?

I just completed a template in Microsoft Word that works BEAUTIFULLY! The VERY good news is; you can modify it with any description that will fit into the light channels. The other good news is, since it's a one piece strip, there's no light leakage or fumbling with inserting individual labels. I pr...
by 4n6inv
Sat Jul 28, 2012 4:37 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: ASTRO Spectra conversion
Replies: 4
Views: 2676

Re: ASTRO Spectra conversion

Seriously; aside from the W-3 HHCH, you WILL have to have the control cable - which isn't that expensive. In fact; it's cheap. You MUST have the W-3 interconnect board - not so cheap; but not insane, either. They really are cool radios (I have 4 in various vehicles). You'll need someone to make it h...
by 4n6inv
Fri Jul 27, 2012 9:39 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: ASTRO Spectra conversion
Replies: 4
Views: 2676

Re: ASTRO Spectra conversion

Your soul. Your life. And, a pint of Virgin blood.
by 4n6inv
Sat Jul 23, 2011 11:19 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Low Profile VHF antenna?
Replies: 18
Views: 6562

Re: Low Profile VHF antenna?

Looks like a good alternative, but; if you're buying it from Sti-Co, buckle your seatbelt on the price. Although, considering all of the other hassels, it may be well worth it!
by 4n6inv
Sat Jul 23, 2011 6:22 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Low Profile VHF antenna?
Replies: 18
Views: 6562

Re: Low Profile VHF antenna?

I'm a big fan of the 1/4 wave as well. If appearance is the issue get them in black. If clearance is the problem a couple companies make a flexible, narrow diameter that will bend and return to normal without damaging the mount or hole. On my pickup I have one of these flexible types in black, bare...
by 4n6inv
Sat Jul 16, 2011 6:47 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: What do you have on your belt ?
Replies: 144
Views: 56468

Re: What do you have on your belt ?

At least I was honest...
by 4n6inv
Sat Jun 11, 2011 1:51 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: What do you have on your belt ?
Replies: 144
Views: 56468

Re: What do you have on your belt ?

A lot of belly fat.
by 4n6inv
Tue Mar 15, 2011 6:52 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Odd Visar antenna
Replies: 15
Views: 2711

Re: Odd Visar antenna

Been there; done that, got a tee shirt - less filling! I've used the funky Visar Antennas with XTS5000's with excellent results; if not superior results.
by 4n6inv
Sat Mar 05, 2011 4:40 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Low Profile VHF antenna?
Replies: 18
Views: 6562

Re: Low Profile VHF antenna?

OK, If we're going to get down to picks; this is mine: I use the Motorola heavy duty wideband 1/4 wave VHF with the heavy spring on the bottom. I had mine bronze anodized (since they only come in chrome from Motorola) and no one notices it against the dark blue paint on my S-10 Blazer 4x4. I can hea...
by 4n6inv
Sat Mar 05, 2011 9:05 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Low Profile VHF antenna?
Replies: 18
Views: 6562

Re: Low Profile VHF antenna?

I've tested some that did perform fair on rx, but not close to a 1/4 wave. Tx - forget it - unless you want to replace your PA's prematurely. My experience is: If you absolutely, positively HAVE to have a low profile VHF antenna, they're only good for short range tx and rx with low power.
by 4n6inv
Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:36 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Low Profile VHF antenna?
Replies: 18
Views: 6562

Re: Low Profile VHF antenna?

I've spent a king's ransom to buy and try a LOT of low profile / disguise VHF antennas. These were tested on Motorola factory tuned mobiles. My word is: "They pretty much all suck". Shark Fins, and Soup cans are the absolute worst, unless you want to even consider the bumper / license plat...
by 4n6inv
Mon Jan 17, 2011 5:22 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: ASTRO SPECTRA W4 to W3 downgrade HELP
Replies: 8
Views: 2678

Re: ASTRO SPECTRA W4 to W3 downgrade HELP

If you can get your vocon "healed", it's no big deal. And; it's an excellent setup. I have two and one with the remote siren DEK box stashed in my console.
by 4n6inv
Tue Jan 04, 2011 7:07 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Motorola XTL5000 O3 Head
Replies: 27
Views: 11990

Re: Motorola XTL5000 O3 Head

tvsjr, While I understand your point (and; yes; I did check his feedback) me Spidey senses just don't represent everyone on this board. Nor; do I claim them to be 100%. Hence the disclaimer: "I've been wrong before." Maybe wrong in this one. He does have 100% feedback, including some ambig...
by 4n6inv
Tue Jan 04, 2011 12:58 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Motorola XTL5000 O3 Head
Replies: 27
Views: 11990

Re: Motorola XTL5000 O3 Head

"Motorola XTL 5000 remote control head O3 ( head only, no cables ), these control heads are all in great condition, tested working prior to shipping to me but as I lack the radio and cable, no test has been done, so sold as is." Also notice the interesting artifact on the top center of the...
by 4n6inv
Sun Dec 26, 2010 6:17 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: ASTRO SPECTRA W4 to W3 downgrade HELP
Replies: 8
Views: 2678

Re: ASTRO SPECTRA W4 to W3 downgrade HELP

You mentioned a Y cable from a high powered Spectra. If it wasn't an Astro Spectra; it won't work. You won't get audio. The P/N should have a rev. B at the end of the number. The P/N is identical, except the A rev. works with the analog Spectras. I think the B rev. will work with either but I'm not ...
by 4n6inv
Sun Dec 26, 2010 12:26 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: ASTRO SPECTRA W4 to W3 downgrade HELP
Replies: 8
Views: 2678

Re: ASTRO SPECTRA W4 to W3 downgrade HELP

I hate to break it to you, but that's no easy task. First; you're going to have to "find" someone who can reflash the vocon board. W-4 will only do 128 channels. W-3 does 255. Plus, the diferent features on the control head vs. HHCH. You have to have the W-3 interface board for the radio, ...
by 4n6inv
Thu Dec 16, 2010 2:49 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: hln1185b service manual neaded
Replies: 10
Views: 2088

Re: hln1185b service manual neaded

The HLN1185x circuitry is nearly identical, but the 1439 is a totally different creature. Electronically; it is backwards compatible but the board is totally different.
by 4n6inv
Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:33 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: nonstandard pl/dpl
Replies: 13
Views: 5164

Re: nonstandard pl/dpl

Cool information, Elroy. I wasn't even following this topic, but found your info useful and interesting! Thanks.
by 4n6inv
Fri Dec 03, 2010 9:52 am
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Best repeater for P25? Have your say
Replies: 43
Views: 14514

Re: Best repeater for P25? Have your say

Not sure exactly what you mean by P-25 "hang time", but every one that I installed was crystal clear and had excellent recieve sensitivity that outperformed the Quantar next to it. The SO has a Quantar that was purchased in 04 with grant money. The commissioners were still using a Micor; I...
by 4n6inv
Fri Dec 03, 2010 9:42 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Wireless Moto Speaker Mic?
Replies: 17
Views: 2549

Re: Wireless Moto Speaker Mic?

Not to get off topic; but the EX500 was one on the most rugged radios Motorola built, (mine was UHF with a stubby antenna) that I have ever used. I actually ran over one with a patrol vehicle once, and only had to replace the housing. It is a small, feature rich radio at a great price, as well. A li...
by 4n6inv
Fri Dec 03, 2010 7:46 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Wireless Moto Speaker Mic?
Replies: 17
Views: 2549

Re: Wireless Moto Speaker Mic?

I've never been - or - even heard of anyone having their speaker mic cable used to strangle them, although it is a very real and frightening possibility. I've been in my share of fisticuffs where the SM cable got snagged on something - up to, and including arms and legs - but it usually resulted in ...
by 4n6inv
Fri Dec 03, 2010 7:39 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: W&W IMPRES Battery Reader
Replies: 10
Views: 1982

Re: W&W IMPRES Battery Reader

W&W is definitely not my first pick! At any price.
by 4n6inv
Fri Dec 03, 2010 7:36 am
Forum: Base Stations, Repeaters, General Infrastructure
Topic: Best repeater for P25? Have your say
Replies: 43
Views: 14514

Re: Best repeater for P25? Have your say

The Quantar is an excellent repeater, but the Tait is my hands-down favorite. Easily servicable, feature rich - without having to pay for a ton of add-ons; excellent price, excellent quality. I've never had a problem with any one I've installed and they are a breeze to set up. Helluvalot less expens...
by 4n6inv
Fri Oct 22, 2010 11:50 am
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Does size really matter?
Replies: 12
Views: 2076

Re: Does size really matter?

A simple and probably stupid analogy from me would be: "Is it easier to catch a butterfly with a 3" net or a 12" net?" Sure; you can catch it with a 3", but when you're trying to absorb something; my rule is: The larger the surface area, the better. That, of course can have ...
by 4n6inv
Fri Sep 17, 2010 5:57 am
Forum: Radio Programming
Topic: XTS5000 FPP Question!!
Replies: 1
Views: 833

Re: XTS5000 FPP Question!!

Yes, you are correct. I had mine re-flashed with FFPP and the firmware upgraded to 12.xx, otherwise; you have to use 9.00 software or you lose the FPP. It stinks because it dropped my channel capaicity down from 1000 to about 512 and I can't "drag and drop" any of the old codeplug. I shoul...
by 4n6inv
Wed Sep 15, 2010 6:54 pm
Forum: General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion
Topic: Astro Spectra Consolette question
Replies: 6
Views: 1427

Re: Astro Spectra Consolette question

You'd need the digital board. It interfaces with one (or more with a splitter) RCH3000.
by 4n6inv
Sun Sep 12, 2010 5:19 pm
Forum: Legacy Batboard Motorola ASTRO (VSELP/IMBE/AMBE) Equipment Forum
Topic: Looming Part 97 problems
Replies: 106
Views: 17125

Re: Looming Part 97 problems

I'm with escomm... If it has to be pointed out; it's not very funny - and - questionalble at best as sarcasm. We have board members that range from newbies to top notch; like escomm and Wowbagger that are up on the new rules and regs. This is a realitively senistive issue with a LOT of folks that re...

Go to advanced search