Motorola Oddballs through the years

The General forum is where users can discuss any topic regarding Motorola communications equipment - hardware, software, etc. There are also several focused forums on this board, so please take the time to ensure that your questions doesn't fall into one of those categories before posting here!

Moderator: Queue Moderator

Post Reply
User avatar
Mfire39
Moderator
Posts: 1331
Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2004 8:53 am
What radios do you own?: APX

Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Mfire39 »

Just for fun and conversation, I put together a couple photos of some oddball portables that have been produced over the years. I don't think these particular models have ever been together in one place at one time for a group shot that I know of, so I figured why not.. If anyone else has an oddball, feel free to include it..

In order,

-Jedi model 3 clear (pre-production)

-Saber SI

-XTS3500R

-XTS4000

Image
Image

-Marc
Stupidity creates job security!

If your radio has old firmware, programming it with the latest CPS will not add any new features unless you have the latest firmware to match..

CPS = Customer Programming Software, Not CPS Software.
User avatar
FireCpt809
Posts: 1846
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2002 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Alot..

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by FireCpt809 »

I have an HT210 that I should post. I also have a VHF XTS3500 MIII but it is dressed up as a 3000.
PETNRDX
Posts: 868
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Too many

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by PETNRDX »

OK, now those are weird radios...
Steve K.
User avatar
wavetar
Administrator
Posts: 7340
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by wavetar »

Ooooh, I likey the clear MTS!
No trees were harmed in the posting of this message...however an extraordinarily large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

Welcome to the /\/\achine.
User avatar
escomm
Queue Moderator
Posts: 5170
Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 8:24 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by escomm »

I have a clear SP50+ and SP10, they were handed out as demos for the early Radius dealers
dxon2m
Posts: 948
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 8:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by dxon2m »

Feelin' British mate

Image
User avatar
NSPD
Posts: 1626
Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2002 4:52 pm
What radios do you own?: Motorola FR50!

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by NSPD »

Mfire39-

I notice that your Saber SI has the teal-colored buttons like the Astro Sabers...

Mine has dark hunter green-colored buttons... was this an early or late production change?

I just noticed the difference and I have been wondering about it for some time...
Jake
User avatar
Mfire39
Moderator
Posts: 1331
Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2004 8:53 am
What radios do you own?: APX

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Mfire39 »

NSPD wrote:Mfire39-

I notice that your Saber SI has the teal-colored buttons like the Astro Sabers...

Mine has dark hunter green-colored buttons... was this an early or late production change?

I just noticed the difference and I have been wondering about it for some time...
Thats a good question... If I had to guess, I would say that the teal buttons like the Astro Sabers were towards the end of the short SI production life, as the Astro Sabers started to come about.. The dark hunter green buttons were probably very early production runs. Is there any way you can post a photo of your SI in this thread when you have time? I'm curious to see how much different of a shade they are..

-Marc
Stupidity creates job security!

If your radio has old firmware, programming it with the latest CPS will not add any new features unless you have the latest firmware to match..

CPS = Customer Programming Software, Not CPS Software.
User avatar
kotaguchi
Posts: 1373
Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:04 pm
What radios do you own?: XTS5000

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by kotaguchi »

Now,if someone posts some pics of their Professional Series(HT750,HT1250) radio with the camo housings..That would be nice addition to this thread. 8)
In Memory of those that serve.

Seal Team Six

Radios I currently own:

2-qty APX7000 UHF R2/700-800MHz M3
User avatar
NSPD
Posts: 1626
Joined: Sun Aug 04, 2002 4:52 pm
What radios do you own?: Motorola FR50!

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by NSPD »

I will post some pictures as soon as I can, my main computer is down right now so I am using my netbook. I can also post pictures of my 220mhz HT1250 in a camouflage housing.
Jake
User avatar
KX5MOT
was JonboyOK
Posts: 1705
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:56 pm
What radios do you own?: Motorola Talkabout 250

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by KX5MOT »

I guess ill take a photo of the clear SP50 i have.
"Archers."
"I beg pardon, sire. Won't we hit our own troops?"
"Yes....but we'll hit theirs as well. We have reserves....attack"
WB6NVH
Posts: 270
Joined: Tue Apr 19, 2005 5:08 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by WB6NVH »

Here's an older one, MP500 railroad pack set:

Image
User avatar
601
Posts: 868
Joined: Thu Jan 17, 2002 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 601 »

Not as impressive, but it's an orange P50 :lol:

Image
KitN1MCC
Posts: 1890
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2002 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: ht1550 XLS,6 MT-1000,

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by KitN1MCC »

i like the lunch box radios i have one. i want to try and put a cp 200 in one
motorola_otaku
Posts: 1854
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:03 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by motorola_otaku »

German-manufactured VHF-midband (68-84 MHz) MX1000. 2 feet of radio, baby.

Image

Image

It lights up florescent bulbs, too.
Will
Posts: 6823
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Will »

I want one of those!!!

I do remember one radio site that I could not turn off the lights....
motorola_otaku
Posts: 1854
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:03 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by motorola_otaku »

Proof positive that it does exist: the Astro Saber AVA/Astro HHCH kit.

ImageImageImageImageImageImage

Youtube video of the beast in action.
dsheli
Posts: 66
Joined: Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:32 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by dsheli »

What kind of programing cable is used on the XTS4000?
David
akardam
Posts: 2251
Joined: Thu Mar 04, 2004 10:53 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by akardam »

dsheli wrote:What kind of programing cable is used on the XTS4000?
David
NKN1029A - XTS 4000 Service Cable USB - List $237
NKN1027A - XTS 4000 Service Cable Serial - List $251
User avatar
wavetar
Administrator
Posts: 7340
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by wavetar »

Guys, I split all the Astro Saber AVA discussion out of the thread, as it didn't really have anything to do with the original topic. More excellent Astro Saber AVA information by motorola_otaku can be found here:

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=88557
No trees were harmed in the posting of this message...however an extraordinarily large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

Welcome to the /\/\achine.
User avatar
wavetar
Administrator
Posts: 7340
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by wavetar »

I had to throw this one in here...the intrinsically safe 'CSA Approved' MTX4550. Love the smurf blue case...I know all you Americans are jealous!

Image
No trees were harmed in the posting of this message...however an extraordinarily large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

Welcome to the /\/\achine.
User avatar
escomm
Queue Moderator
Posts: 5170
Joined: Fri Mar 24, 2006 8:24 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by escomm »

Yeah, what's up with that?? Canuckistanians gettin purdy blue radios and we get.... :x
KitN1MCC
Posts: 1890
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2002 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: ht1550 XLS,6 MT-1000,

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by KitN1MCC »

i want a blue radio
User avatar
4n6inv
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 4n6inv »

A Motorola Smurf? What next? Kinda cool, though... Red would be great for FD radios Blue for PD. and Green for Whackers.
User avatar
wavetar
Administrator
Posts: 7340
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by wavetar »

Wow, some people actually like the gay blue...maybe Motorola Marketing wasn't smoking anything after all.

I've had a few PM's on getting the cases & whatnot. Unfortunately, since they are CSA approved, only Motorola will be working on them...we cannot get parts, or even part numbers, for that matter. Sorry!
No trees were harmed in the posting of this message...however an extraordinarily large number of electrons were horribly inconvenienced.

Welcome to the /\/\achine.
impalass427
Posts: 30
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:42 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by impalass427 »

I have micor era mic that is red with cream front screen
User avatar
4n6inv
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 4n6inv »

Someone educate me on how to post a photo... I have an oddball. You'll crack up when I tell you the story.
User avatar
FireCpt809
Posts: 1846
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2002 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Alot..

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by FireCpt809 »

impalass427 wrote:I have micor era mic that is red with cream front screen
Illinois state police used those for years with the ISPERN radios almost every car in the state in the 70's and 80's had a state issued ISPERN radio. The EMS had a Yellow mic with a black screen for the MERCI radios.
Batwings21
Posts: 930
Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:21 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Batwings21 »

FireCpt809 wrote:
impalass427 wrote:I have micor era mic that is red with cream front screen
Illinois state police used those for years with the ISPERN radios almost every car in the state in the 70's and 80's had a state issued ISPERN radio. The EMS had a Yellow mic with a black screen for the MERCI radios.
Yeah I used to have a couple of those, still have a GE I.S.P.E.R.N. control head, built off of the master 2 progress line.
motorola_otaku
Posts: 1854
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:03 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by motorola_otaku »

4n6inv wrote:Someone educate me on how to post a photo... I have an oddball. You'll crack up when I tell you the story.
1.) Go to http://www.imageshack.us
2.) Click the "Browse" button and browse over to where the image is stored on your computer. Left-click on it to highlight it and click "Open." The image file name and filesize should now appear under the image/videos/url/webcam options.
3.) Click "Start Upload." If clicking it doesn't do anything, you may need to temporarily disable your browser adblocking software/plugin, refresh, and repeat Steps 1-3.
4.) Once the image has uploaded, copy the code under "Direct link to image" and paste it into your post in IMG tags, like this:

Code: Select all

[IMG]*image link code goes here*[/IMG]
If the image is large, copy the "Thumbnail for Forums (1)" code and paste it into your post as-is.
5.) Complete your post and reply normally.
6.) Profit.
User avatar
Mfire39
Moderator
Posts: 1331
Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2004 8:53 am
What radios do you own?: APX

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Mfire39 »

I'm surprised a photo of the long rumored Red Swiss XTS3000 hasn't surfaced yet...


-Marc
Stupidity creates job security!

If your radio has old firmware, programming it with the latest CPS will not add any new features unless you have the latest firmware to match..

CPS = Customer Programming Software, Not CPS Software.
User avatar
4n6inv
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 4n6inv »

OK, here goes...

Image

Shortly after the XTS4000 came out; I was tantailizing my local sheriff about it and promised to show him a "demo". This was what I walked into his office with. Hilarity ensued. This is an OLD 36 MHz handie.

Enjoy... if it works.

Jim
User avatar
4n6inv
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 4n6inv »

OK; no go...
User avatar
Bill_G
Posts: 3087
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:00 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Bill_G »

4n6inv wrote:OK; no go...
a little help ....

Image

I fixed more than my share of those things.
User avatar
Tom in D.C.
Posts: 3859
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Progreso soup can with CRT

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Tom in D.C. »

Connecticut State Police used to carry these things, which I was told worked sometimes very well and sometimes not at all. At that time they were first on 45.02 and later on 45.82 in the Southbury area. My resident trooper complained to me once about how "other" government agencies had radio systems that "really worked." He was referring to a USSS repeater that the Feds set up once when Sargent Shriver visited our town when he was running for VP. He was talking about a system on 165.XXXX, set up on the unused fire tower, that blanketed the town. I tried explaining how/why it worked so well but his eyes sort of glazed over after about ten seconds of my spiel. At least I tried. That was the only MH-using system I ever saw, but this was in the days when if you had an HT220 you were the coolest guy in town, around 1975. All things considered, except for my advancing age, I'll take today over those days any time, at least radio-wise.
Tom in D.C.
In 1920, the U.S. Post Office Department ruled
that children may not be sent by parcel post.
User avatar
4n6inv
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 4n6inv »

Thanks, Bill. I don't know what I did incorrectly, but I tried... It was a blast to bring this into the SO office and watch their faces when I whipped it out! They'd NEVER seen anything so old!

I'd bet that with a new battery; it would probably work perfectly!

Merry Christmas!

Jim
User avatar
Bill_G
Posts: 3087
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 5:00 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by Bill_G »

My pleasure Jim. Merry Christmas to you too.
PETNRDX
Posts: 868
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Too many

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by PETNRDX »

Yes, the HT220 was a very cool radio.
And they were pretty durable if you got a good one.
I had several in that '75 to '80 period.
Started with a 4 ch Omni, but built a nice 6 ch Universal with a "bubble" DTMF pad on it for Ham VHF.
We had a couple dozen UHF at the SO where I worked most of my life.
When the HT220'S got replaced with the MX360 (channel element version) we didn't think the new radio would be
that much better, but they were.
I had a MX360-S assigned to me from about 1984 thru retirement in 2003.(even when we went 800 trunking, they didn't make me turn it in)
That MX never let me down.
I still think the Genesis was the toughest I have owned tho.
Tho I have never owned one, I suppose any of the "ruggedized" Motorolas would have to be TOUGH.
Steve K.
User avatar
4n6inv
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 4n6inv »

Actually; it a Motorola Handi-Com MH10 if you've ever heard of that. It weighs a ton and is larger than the photo depicts. I don't know the difference betweeen a 220 and this "horse". It's a single channel with a PL on and off switch. Probably a close kin to the 220...
wazzzzzzzzup
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 751
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: XTS3000/astro spectra/

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by wazzzzzzzzup »

ill be posting some, i have a collection of oddball unusual stuff
i have followed the directions that were previously posted and its not working
the links are included too incase it cant be fixed

red alert monitor from the 70s
Image

http://img193.imageshack.us/i/redfdeskt ... tmoni.jpg/

red minitor II
Image

http://img8.imageshack.us/i/minitoriiredpager.jpg/

red MT500
Image

http://img689.imageshack.us/i/mt500red1ch.jpg/

yellow MT500 DTMF models chessie railroad
Image

http://img94.imageshack.us/i/motorolamt ... wrail.jpg/

HTX portable
Image

http://img51.imageshack.us/i/htxportablefront.jpg/

yellow HT1000
Image

http://img8.imageshack.us/i/ht1000yello ... losef.jpg/

apcor paramedic radio
Image

http://img193.imageshack.us/i/apcor1.jpg/

Radius T340 (maxtrac chassis)
Image

http://img693.imageshack.us/i/t340radiu ... ontke.jpg/

motorola MC80 (similar to maxar80)
Image

http://img686.imageshack.us/i/motorolamc80front.jpg/


secure capable expo top
Image

http://img193.imageshack.us/i/expotopwi ... recle.jpg/
think about how to ENCOURAGE Motorola learning safely with GRACE.....NOT condemnation.
motorola_otaku
Posts: 1854
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 7:03 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by motorola_otaku »

wazzzzzzzzup wrote:ill be posting some, i have a collection of oddball unusual stuff
i have followed the directions that were previously posted and its not working
the links are included too incase it cant be fixed

red alert monitor from the 70s
Image

http://img193.imageshack.us/i/redfdeskt ... tmoni.jpg/

red minitor II
Image

http://img8.imageshack.us/i/minitoriiredpager.jpg/

red MT500
Image

http://img689.imageshack.us/i/mt500red1ch.jpg/

yellow MT500 DTMF models chessie railroad
Image

http://img94.imageshack.us/i/motorolamt ... wrail.jpg/

HTX portable
Image

http://img51.imageshack.us/i/htxportablefront.jpg/

yellow HT1000
Image

http://img8.imageshack.us/i/ht1000yello ... losef.jpg/

apcor paramedic radio
Image

http://img193.imageshack.us/i/apcor1.jpg/

Radius T340 (maxtrac chassis)
Image

http://img693.imageshack.us/i/t340radiu ... ontke.jpg/

motorola MC80 (similar to maxar80)
Image

http://img686.imageshack.us/i/motorolamc80front.jpg/


secure capable expo top
Image

http://img193.imageshack.us/i/expotopwi ... recle.jpg/
Fixed. You used the wrong code/URL. Any time you see a / at the end or ".php?" in the URL it's not a direct link to the image itself.

Here's a cap of the Imageshack upload screen with the code you want to use:
Image
You can actually use the thumbnail code any time you want, but it's good netiquette to always use it whenever the image is larger than, say, 800 x 600 pixels.

Don't feel bad.. I was an idiot with image hotlinking and BB code when I was new to forums too. :lol: I'll go ahead and type up a complete image posting howto post separately since it seems to come up fairly often.
User avatar
4n6inv
Posts: 410
Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:39 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by 4n6inv »

Ah! The Secure EXPO! My four year old son's radio of choice! Plain DES; but disabled XL in my XTS5000 and we have a blast. You KNOW how important it is to have secure communications with a four year old... To him; it's the greatest thing in the world! Especially; when I say "Go to Secure 1 Red Power Ranger!"

I know this is the wrong forum for this question; but does anyone have the rubber cover for the volume know for the Expo to enable / disable PL monitor mode? His dried up and blew away a long time ago. I think it just slides over the metal knob and has a contact of some sort in the top to press down on to enable / disable the PL circuit.
wazzzzzzzzup
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 751
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: XTS3000/astro spectra/

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by wazzzzzzzzup »

ill try it again, heres some more pics i have collected over the years

HT200 with odd antenna
Image

HT220 red radio
Image

HT600 with DTMF
Image

original DVP keyloader
Image

how bout a maxar80 with a mitrek controlhead.....
Image

MCX1000 with external secure box.....on 146.520? not mine, it was on ebay years ago.
Image

MICOR scan head, part of the foretold ISPERN system
Image

motorola megaphone (probably used in crowd control in the 60s)
Image

the motorola police call box with an HT90 inside.... I want one of these!
Image
Image

MT500 battery tester
Image

R1800 suitcase programmer
Image

SABER metal convertacom
Image
think about how to ENCOURAGE Motorola learning safely with GRACE.....NOT condemnation.
resqguy911
Posts: 613
Joined: Sat Jun 26, 2004 3:35 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by resqguy911 »

wazzzzzzzzup wrote: SABER metal convertacom
Image
AKA: "RVA" or Ruggedized Vehicle Adapter for the Saber-R
"TDMA = digital and same great taste, half the bits"
PETNRDX
Posts: 868
Joined: Sun Nov 25, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: Too many

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by PETNRDX »

That weird antenna on the HT200 is called a "rigid antenna", and I think they were mostly used by railroad crews.
Part number NAD6100A and the price in the book was $8.00 back in the late 60's and early 70 parts book.
Made a nice carry handle when on foot.
Also offered on the HT220.
Steve K.
KitN1MCC
Posts: 1890
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2002 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: ht1550 XLS,6 MT-1000,

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by KitN1MCC »

the call box looks like an non motorola item

the maxar 80 is crazzy
GMC
Posts: 150
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by GMC »

KitN1MCC wrote:the call box looks like an non motorola item

I would tend to agree with you since they are still being made by an outside company, but offered by motorola.
http://www.connectivityinc.com/products ... isting.asp
resqroz
New User
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:49 am

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by resqroz »

I had a low band MH10 with a touch tone pad that I used for many years on my 6 meter repeater. It didn't have the rubber duck antenna, just a pull out whip.
wazzzzzzzzup
Batboard $upporter
Posts: 751
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2001 4:00 pm
What radios do you own?: XTS3000/astro spectra/

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by wazzzzzzzzup »

i found that site very interesting, alot more offerings today...any idea what is the portable of choice inside these models today? anyone have any inside pics?
think about how to ENCOURAGE Motorola learning safely with GRACE.....NOT condemnation.
GMC
Posts: 150
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2001 4:00 pm

Re: Motorola Oddballs through the years

Post by GMC »

wazzzzzzzzup wrote:i found that site very interesting, alot more offerings today...any idea what is the portable of choice inside these models today? anyone have any inside pics?

Can't remember what the portable is....... But I will get you some pictures next week when I get back to work.
Post Reply

Return to “General Motorola Solutions & Legacy Radio Discussion”