RIB info needed

[e99mo]

I have built my self a RIB using the instructions found on batlabs. Yes, I know it is better to use original motorola stuff but what's the fun in that

Before I try to program my radio I would like to verify that the RIB okey, I don't want to damage another radio... Is there some simple measurements i could make to verify it? Maby check the voltages on the DB25 with no cable or radio connected?

I did check this and found 2.7 V on the BUS- pins, shouldn't it be 0 V ? What does the two zener diodes connected at these pins do?

Please help me figure this one out!

[kc7gr]

I have built my self a RIB using the instructions found on batlabs. Yes, I know it is better to use original motorola stuff but what's the fun in that

Actually, what I did was spend $20 on a pre-made PC board from Sandy Ganz at http://www.geocities.com/sganz.geo/RibPage.html -- Built myself a nice little RIB with it (my final product was a little fancier than I think most folks would do).

It worked great! So far, I've done a GTX, a Maxtrac, a Maratrac, and a Syntor X9000 with it. No problems whatsoever.

Before I try to program my radio I would like to verify that the RIB okey, I don't want to damage another radio... Is there some simple measurements i could make to verify it? Maby check the voltages on the DB25 with no cable or radio connected?

Best possible way to test any RIB is to try reading the radio. Reading is pretty much harmless. It's writing that can get dicey. If you can reliably read a couple of different radios, you probably did well enough. However, the board I mention above allows you to construct a near-exact duplicate of Motorola's RIB. I would recommend it in the long run.

73 de KC7GR

[Monty]

HI:

A pretty easy test I use, is to " measure " the Current
in stand-by......Most Atypical, the unit should draw about
5 ~ 10 ma @ 9VDC, and depending on the radio, ( and Rib
Componets chosen ) should shift to 35 ~ 50 Ma during
the Write / Read Modes....

Also, in the Rib Boxes, there is a BIG difference between
programming a Maxtrac, and lets say a Spectra. In the latter,
the Entire Program Rib Box is used, where in the Maxtrax only
a small portion is used....

What is MOST important is NOT TO INTERUPT the program
process ESPECIALLY in the case of these later model Radio
Products....

They are VERY sensitive, and not very forgiving should you
make a mistake.

Monty