Question on programming UHF MCS2000

[N4KVE]

I picked up a 100 watt UHF 403-470 remote mount MCS2000 with the model 2 head about a year ago. I didn't really need it, but it was in nice shape, & from a reliable source. Well, I've been trying to program it since then. I've also let a few friends try to program it, but no luck. These friends have had no problem programming their own 900 MHZ model 1 front mount MCS2000's. Finally, I ran into the seller & he said he'd take care of it. So he calls me today & says it's all done. My friends & I have all been using the programming cable that plugs into the mike jack, but the guy who was able to program it plugged into the accessory jack on the bottom of the radio. Is that how trunk radios are supposed to be programmed? Am I missing something here? GARY N4KVE

[fineshot1]

Hi Gary - I have always used the mic jack on dash & remote mounts - never had to use the accessory conn
but we have never had the 100W radios but I don't think that would make a diff.

[akardam]

Might be something gone south in the control head. I've seen that happen from time to time. You could try swapping heads and remote cables.

[d119]

I think this is what happens when one tries to program the radio with a MaxTrac cable. Something burns up in the control head of the MCS 2000 and the only way to program it is via the belly cable.

[N4KVE]

I think this is what happens when one tries to program the radio with a MaxTrac cable. Something burns up in the control head of the MCS 2000 and the only way to program it is via the belly cable.

If this was true, that would be the only problem with the jack? The mike would still work OK? I don't have spare heads or cables to test. I get the radio back tomorrow. Does anybody even sell a programming cable that plugs into the acc conn? GARY N4KVE

[N4KVE]

Happy ending. The person who sold me the radio, & programmed it with the cable using the accessory jack is making me a cable to do the same thing. End of problem. GARY N4KVE

[Motoboy]

I have built this cable, and it works like a champ!

http://www.batlabs.com/images/mcs2000.gif

[Jim202]

One point that you should be aware of with the MCS series radios is that they are very sensitive to programming voltage levels. Many of the clone RIB devices have an issue with either working erratically or not at all due to low voltage levels. Your best bet is to use a true Motorola RIB device if you are having problems.

The radio will normally read, but will complain when you try to write data to the radio.

Jim

[WB4JGI]

If anyone needs it the part number is: RKN4063

[motorola_otaku]

I think this is what happens when one tries to program the radio with a MaxTrac cable. Something burns up in the control head of the MCS 2000 and the only way to program it is via the belly cable.

Plugging in a Maxtrac cable won't hurt it. Plugging in a Commercial Series cable with the pins jumpered, however, leads to release of the magic smoke. BTDT.

[N4KVE]

Well the guy who sold me the radio made me a cable that programs through the accessory connector on the bottom of the radio. It works great using a Sandy Ganz/Radio Stew rib box. Finally, I can set up the radio like I want. GARY N4KVE

[smokeybehr]

One point that you should be aware of with the MCS series radios is that they are very sensitive to programming voltage levels. Many of the clone RIB devices have an issue with either working erratically or not at all due to low voltage levels. Your best bet is to use a true Motorola RIB device if you are having problems.

The radio will normally read, but will complain when you try to write data to the radio.

Jim

I make sure that I use a 12V power supply (wall wart or cable) that's >500mA for programming on the bench, or when I'm not away from 110v or 1v car power. Otherwise, I use a fresh 9V battery. I've had no problems whatsoever with programming anything. Sure, it requires extra cables, but don't we all have a pile of them in our programming bag already?