Convertacom Data Burst

KD0GS · Post by **KD0GS** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:23 pm

Hi all, just set up a Convertacom to use with my MT1000. Whenever the MT1000 is in the Convertacom, I get a data burst when I unkey the radio. No data burst when the MT1000 is alone, and all signaling is turned off. I also get the same data burst when I insert a P200 into the Convertacom.

Is there something on the Convertacom I need to turn off? I didn't see any info in the manual, but I could have missed it. Don't know what data is being transmitted, but I'd sure hate to be transmitting a callsign that's not assigned to me.

Thanks

KD0GS · Post by **KD0GS** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 6:20 pm

Ok, just did a little more of my own research. The data is a MDC burst, and I'm decoding it with a little program called WinMDCD. The data contained is OP: 01, ARG: 80, and ID: 1712. I suppose there's nothing that would be illegal on GMRS.

Still would like to figure out how to turn it off, it's almost as annoying as the Walmart special blee-bloop radios! Besides, I can't even kerchunk my buddy's repeater without him knowing who it is!

73

mancow · Post by **mancow** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 7:07 pm

You'll have to get the equipment and just reprogram it. There's nothing that can be done via the controls.

KD0GS · Post by **KD0GS** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 4:19 pm

Ok, thanks. I had no idea that Convertacoms could be programmed. Guess that might explain the DB25 connector on the back. I couldn't find any info on programming doing an extensive Google search, perhaps I need to look harder.

I'll live with the data burst. Paid $20 for the Convertacom and I'm not going to spend hundreds of $$$ just to get rid of a harmless MDC burst.

Thanks

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 4:54 pm

Interesting. I never knew you could program convertacoms either.

Not sure if there may be a hardware type device hardwired into the convertacom, but it's worth a look. I had a Uniden radio that had a small circuit board wired to the microphone circuit. I actually could hear the MDC through the microphone when I keyed the mic. Needless to say, I pulled it out and never looked back.

mancow · Post by **mancow** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 5:09 pm

NO, I mean the radio.

He can't turn off MDC without reprogramming it.

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 5:13 pm

I read that he does not get the MDC burst when it's by itself, only while it's in the convertacom, hence why I think it's a hardware problem.

If you're positive that your handhelds are not sending an MDC data burst, then I'd crack open the convertacom and look for a small circuit board that doesn't belong <------ read <aftermarket>.

HLA · Post by **HLA** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 6:33 pm

where did the convertacom come from? can you ask the previous owner? and do you have another 1000 that you can borrow and see if it transmits the same thing with another radio?

KD0GS · Post by **KD0GS** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 6:58 pm

I have both a MT1000 and a P200, and both transmit the same unit ID of 1712 when in the Convertacom. Neither transmit the MDC burst when not in the Convertacom.

My buddy who works in a radio shop and programmed both radios for me says he did not turn any signaling on.

I'll pull the Convertacom apart in the next couple of days and see if I can spot any add-ons.

BTW, I purchased the Convertacom from a seller on Ebay and I don't think he knew what he was selling in the first place. Typical "I bought this at an auction but have no way to test it". I doubt if he'd know anything about the MDC. Guess it couldn't hurt to ask though..

73

d119 · Post by **d119** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 7:28 pm

Not to mention that P200's are not capable of MDC signalling, and neither are MT1000's UNLESS they are fitted with an MDC front cover.

You definitely have an aftermarket board in that convertacom, because regardless of the portable inserted, the MDC ID stays the same.

It was smart of them to put it in the convertacom vice the portable, because the convertacom was fixed in a vehicle, and regardless of who's portable was in the vehicle, the vehicle always maintaned the same ID.

You're sure to find something in that convertacom that doesn't belong (in your application). Please keep us posted.

57Shasta · Post by **57Shasta** » Tue Mar 20, 2007 8:44 pm

Now that's wierd! I have not seen any converta-bomb inject MDC into a portable. Normally the option board would be for the portable and send a burst in or out of the CVC. Pop that puppy open and see if there are any funny SP's in there.

KD0GS · Post by **KD0GS** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 5:33 pm

Hi all, guess what I found inside my convertacom today?

Two wires to the mic connector, two to the pc board.

Unsoldered the 4 wires and the MDC burst has gone bye-bye.

Thanks a millon for all the suggestions!

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 5:38 pm

Cool, I kind of figured that was your problem. Glad you found it. Come to think of it, that is a pretty cool idea.

d119 · Post by **d119** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 5:59 pm

Now put the board in a padded envelope and send it to me for my experimentation

KD0GS · Post by **KD0GS** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 6:02 pm

d119, send me a PM with your address and the board will be on its way...in a few days, anyway