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Nicks Radios - flooding ?
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 8:20 am
by Astro Communications
I have been looking on ebay and have noticed that there are alot of the parts build radios nick built for sale.
are they good? cause it seems everyones getting rid of theirs
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 9:20 am
by Dale Earnhardt
Most PPL Say they are good radios,
He builds them, and sell it for cheap, but he don't tune them at all. thats the only thing I know about them.
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 9:29 am
by N4KVE
I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE 2 XTS3K'S I PURCHASED FROM NICK. I AM LISTENING TO VERY INTERESTING RADIO TRAFFIC AS WE SPEAK ON THE 800 MHZ ONE. LOTS OF PEOPLE WILL BE EATING BOLOGNA SANDWICHES TONITE. I THINK PEOPLE ARE MESSING THEM UP TRYING TO PROGRAM THEM OR CHANGE FLASH CODES ETC. I LET A PRO PROGRAM MINE. AGAIN VERY HAPPY

73'S GARY N4KVE.
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 9:41 am
by Astro Communications
NK4VE do you listen to trunked or just fixed channels?
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 10:02 am
by N4KVE
I AM LISTENING TO TRUNKED ANALOG CHANNELS NOW. HOPE TO HAVE DIGITAL TRUNKED PUT IN SOON. ALSO NPSIC CONV. 73'S GARY N4KVE
Listening to Truncked Radio channels
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 10:11 am
by Microwave Mike
Around here in Phoenix , don't get caught listening to truncked radio traffic unless the agency programed the radio. The S.O. has sent out goons to people who program radios on their system. The law broken is a computer network acess law.
The system the S.O. has is a Smartzone 3600 baud system. The City is in the process of putting on line a 9600 Baud SZ.
The only way I monitor the trunking is with scanners, both analog and digital. That also msaves money supporting the /\/\ habit.
MM
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 10:54 am
by N4KVE
JUST SO EVERYONE KNOWS I DONT EVEN OWN A COMPUTOR. I SEND EMAIL FROM WORK. MY RADIOS ARE PROGRAMMED BY A LOCAL SHOP. THE PTT SWITCH IS DISABLED. AS A HAM I CAN LISTEN TO ANYTHING I WANT. SINCE THE RADIO SHOP PAYS FOR RSS THEY CAN PROGRAM THE SUBFLEETS. THERE ARE BOOKS SOLD IN SOUTH FLA. WITH ALL THE SYSTEMS INFO FOR $10.00. I HAVE BEEN STOPPED BY THE POLICE FOR REGULAR STUFF.WHEN THEY SEE THE RADIOS THEY ASK ALL THE CRAZY QUESTIONS. I REMIND THEM OF FLORIDA STATUTE 843.16[1] WHICH BASICALLY SAYS HAMS CAN LISTEN TO ANYTHING. THEN I FLASH MY CONCEALED PISTOL PERMIT AND THEY SAY "HAVE A NICE DAY SIR". 73'S FROM SUNNY SOUTH FLORIDA. GARY N4KVE
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 6:22 pm
by mastr
N4KVE wrote:... I REMIND THEM OF FLORIDA STATUTE 843.16[1] WHICH BASICALLY SAYS HAMS CAN LISTEN TO ANYTHING. THEN I FLASH MY CONCEALED PISTOL PERMIT AND THEY SAY "HAVE A NICE DAY SIR". 73'S FROM SUNNY SOUTH FLORIDA. GARY N4KVE
I'm obviously missing something here, how does a concealed pistol permit help in this situation? Around here (KY) a valid ham call is all you need for receive only.
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 6:41 pm
by Astro Communications
how do you set up analog trunk systems to scan? i thought you needed a system key.
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 6:50 pm
by spectragod
There you have it, Gary here just whips out his permit and all is good, WTF, that makes no sense what so ever. And just because your a ham, that does not give you the right to have someone's sys programmed in your radio, sounds like the sys admin needs to grow a set and get his sys key back from that MSS if they are programming unauthorized radios, better yet, wait till they kill your illegal ID with their SIP or SIM, then it will be all over, and you can explian to the agency how they need to let you back on, or else you will show them your permit. hahahahaha, what a joke.
SG
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 7:34 pm
by nickjc
N4KVE wrote: THEN I FLASH MY CONCEALED PISTOL PERMIT AND THEY SAY "HAVE A NICE DAY SIR". 73'S FROM SUNNY SOUTH FLORIDA. GARY N4KVE
Your the kinda clown that stops the asinine state of NJ where I live, from implementing CCW...
Jesus Christ you got a CCW, now your Wyatt Earp....
Not disputing the statute nor the sys key, not my bag...but FLASH YOUR CCW !!!

I bet you got one of those shiney new ham radio badges outta QST too I reckon....
No wonder the 2nd is still under attack....
Posted: Fri May 16, 2003 8:24 pm
by jcobb
Yep Nick, there's always one more a$$hole than you counted on. (I forget who said that.)
Kinda like when you see the veteran's handicapped tag in FL, and you see how they drive - you just KNOW it was a head wound.........
And they wonder why hams have a bad rep.
Oh, and if he doesn't own a computer - will someone tell the owner he's on here so they'll lock up the room when no one's in class.
Jack
Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 4:08 am
by N4KVE
SORRY I WENT NUTS ON FRIDAY BUT WHEN SOMEONE ASKS" YOU LISTEN TO TRUNKED SYSTEMS WITH YOUR RADIO?" WELL DONT MOST OF US? I BET SOME OF US ON THIS BOARD PROGRAM OUR OWN RADIOS. I BET SOME OF THEM DONT HAVE RSS AGREEMENTS. I USED TO DO THAT BUT I SAW WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE MOTO SECURITY AND SOFTWARE PIRACY SO ALL THE SOFTWARE I HAD WENT BY BY. SINCE I DO HAVE A CARRY PERMIT AND ALWAYS CARRY I AM REQUIRED TO DISPLAY THIS PERMIT AND INFORM THE OFFICER THAT I AM CARRYING, HE HAS THE CHOICE TO HOLD MY GUN UNTIL THE STOP IS OVER, OR LET ME KEEP IT. THE OFFICER REALIZING ALL THE BACKGROUND CHECKS I HAD TO GO THROUGH, FINGERPRINTING, SAFETY COURSES, ETC I MUST BE AN UPSTANDING GUY. 9 OUT OF TEN THEY JUST SAY FIX YOUR TAIL LAMP, OR HEADLITE ETC. AND NO I DONT HAVE A HAM RADIO BADGE OR EVEN A CONCEALED BADGE. I GUESS I JUST GOT PI**ED WHEN I WAS ASKED "YOU LISTEN TO TRUNKED RADIO"WELL I THINK MOST OF US DO. SOMETIMES I ENGAGE MY MOUTH BEFORE MY BRAIN SO AGAIN I'M SORRY. YES NICK'S RADIOS ARE GREAT AND I LISTEN TO TRUNKED RADIO SYSTEMS ON IT JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE. 73'S GARY N4KVE
Ouch.
Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 8:54 am
by Barry Dehatchit
Try taking your CAPS LOCK KEY OFF Gary.
Makes it much easier to read your message.
Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 11:54 am
by nmfire10
How does having a Ham Radio call sign allow you to program your radio with a unauthorized ID? I must have missed that part?
Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 12:30 pm
by N4KVE
I don't program the radio. Thats the point. I have a shop do it with ptt disabled. Once the radio is in my hands I can listen to it. I mean what does everyone do with all these Astro Sabers & xts3k's? expensive book ends? I think not. At least i don't program them at home with labtools etc. Anyway I'd like to drop this subject. I said I was sorry for my comments and will try to type w/o cap locks. Many of us listen to our local pd & fd with these radios no matter how they were programmed. It's all for fun and thats it. time to go home so the computor gets turned off. 73's to all GARY N4KVE
Posted: Mon May 19, 2003 1:52 pm
by nmfire10
Of course, I'm not saying using it to monitor only is bad. I mean, thats like saying we shouldn't copy video VHS movies or download MP3's. Harm? Well, not really.
My question is though, doesn't it need to TX to affiliate or something like that. Thats what I gathered from various other threads on the subject.
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2003 1:35 pm
by nitornemo
r0f wrote:
It's like telling people they're not allowed to look in the windows of a women's gym, when they're facing a main street and their tight butts are all flexed out for everyone to look at.
Shaun
Is that why your eyes are like that!
.
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2003 3:21 pm
by jcobb
N4KVE said:
"I mean what does everyone do with all these Astro Sabers & xts3k's? expensive book ends? I think not."
Most of us use them, on systems that we are authorized to use.
This is not a "scanner" hobbiest or ham board.
Jack
To Xmit or Not to Xmit??
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2003 3:40 pm
by Microwave Mike
One of the best ways to prevent a radio from transmitting is to disconnect the final brick, or power to it. On the 3k's I have worked on, the final brick's input is removed and the power pin is lifted. No chance of RF getting out. Just a little Exciter leakage. On 5K's I just remove the coil feeding the final Fet and remove the blocking cap from the Exciter. Very little leakage. The parts are left on the Rf board so they can be replaced if needed.
Solves the auto affilitate problem of a 9600 Baud flash. It also creates a very expenseve scanner.
As to system keys.. There has been several sites, in Russland, that have all the systems keys that there ever can be...0001-FFFF. Not a very big file. Just download and you are ready.
I have seen some of Nick's radios. All were new parts with great flashcodes. They needed very little alignment.
As to moto's being able to track parts. Yes they can. All the solid state surface mount parts have lot numbers and date codes on them. These can be used for tracking finished boards. The question is do they do this?
Think about it. You get in 10,000 boxes a day at the depot. Most go to the trash. The paper work is all that is tracked. You send in a board for up grade, you don't get the same board back.
Now on whole radios, that is different. They stay together. I wonder if you send in a radio for a upgrade to the command board, will you get the same board back? I may have to test this, a small mark different parts.
I allways send in just the part to be worked on. Never the radio unless the whole radio is a basket case.
mm
Re: To Xmit or Not to Xmit??
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2003 7:05 pm
by Twisted_Pear
Microwave Mike wrote:......Solves the auto affilitate problem of a 9600 Baud flash.......
Have you verified this? It's my understand that if the radio doesn't see the controller echo back the affiliation, it goes 'out of range.' I could have sworn someone mentioned that on here. Shaun?
-Wayne
Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2003 7:35 pm
by Johnny Galaga
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2003 4:49 am
by ASTRO_25
I'm curious, for a 9600 baud system, has anyone tried setting a scan list on a conventional channel to see if the radio affiliates to the site when scanning talkgroups? You know, the old hide the zones trick...
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2003 5:20 pm
by Twisted_Pear
r0f wrote:
No affiliation = No monitoring on SmartZone.
This doesn't go for all firmware versions. My two XTS3ks work fine with TX Inhibited on SZ systems. My most recent firmware is 7.0.
-W
Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2003 1:32 pm
by nitornemo
r0f wrote:
Is it your job to go posting these little troll links? Nick hasn't scammed anyone. He takes his time, but no scams.
I'll put my reputation on the line for him.
NO SCAM.
I've sent the man money myself, on several instances.
Shaun
Troll Links
I will also put my rep and an ALL A+ rating on Nick!
We just got in number 7 for XTS3k's and 4 AS3's upgraded with 1Meg boards and Nick's Flashcode, in last week.
We've spent alot with him and he delivered "Above and Beyond" on every one. He'll give you a one year replacement and fix it for short money after that if it needs it.....Haven't had to send one back yet!
BTW, Buy'em now....Part prices are going up in August
.
Auto-Affiliation
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 1:29 pm
by FMROB
On a smartzone system can't you just change the affiliation style to PTT???Just a quick thought....Once the radio acquires the data channel it is good to go....I have looked at a codeplug of a SZ system, And it is set to PTT, The radio tech for the system said it deminishes the capabilites of the system with auto set??? Don't know if he is correct or not, thoughts anyone...
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 3:22 pm
by wavetar
You cannot change the affiliation to "On PTT" if the system is set as SmartZone. It will not let you chose anything other than "Automatic".
The "no affiliation=no monitoring" is not really true. As long as there are other radios on the same talkgroup affilated to the site you're currently on, you will receive the audio. The problem comes when there are no other radios affiliated to your site. The system will not route the audio to the site if nobody's affiliated, thus no monitoring for your TX inhibited radio.
Todd
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 3:25 pm
by ASTRO_25
Todd, the problem is, on a P25 9600 Baud system - the specs say the radio isn't allowed to monitor a tg unless it actually affiliates.
Has anyone verified on a P-25 network that motorola portables exhibit this behavior on P-25 9600 baud systems?
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 3:57 pm
by FMROB
Well, I guess I was wrong,,,Anyway......Todd, My little project worked great, I finally figured it out, Thanks to you and one other person...I greatly appreciate your help, you are a good man..Thanks
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 4:49 pm
by wavetar
ASTRO_25 wrote:Todd, the problem is, on a P25 9600 Baud system - the specs say the radio isn't allowed to monitor a tg unless it actually affiliates.
Has anyone verified on a P-25 network that motorola portables exhibit this behavior on P-25 9600 baud systems?
You could be right, I have no experience with P25 systems. I was referring to SmartZone in general, not specifically to P25. It could very well be that Motorola put enough smarts in the XTS5000/2500 to disable receive until the radio has affiliated. Solves the problem of people getting their hands on a used radio & monitoring, or at least puts a big hurdle in the way.
Todd
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 5:58 pm
by jcobb
State of CO 9600 baud Smartzone. Any of the things recommended here for "monitoring" don't work. Even physically disabling the xmtr.
If it can't affiliate, it shows "Out of Range".
Guess it has to do with the handshaking on the control channel.
The only way to monitor it is to have an authorized radio. At least, that's the way it is on XTS3000s. I have 2 (authorized) and we played with one to see what it could do. Must affiliate to hear traffic.
Just my 2 pesos worth.
Jack
jcobb
Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2003 6:53 pm
by kmoe
Jcobb, what is the system ID of the State of Colorado system?
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 5:35 pm
by davkenrem
spectragod wrote:There you have it, Gary here just whips out his permit and all is good, WTF, that makes no sense what so ever. And just because your a ham, that does not give you the right to have someone's sys programmed in your radio, sounds like the sys admin needs to grow a set and get his sys key back from that MSS if they are programming unauthorized radios, better yet, wait till they kill your illegal ID with their SIP or SIM, then it will be all over, and you can explian to the agency how they need to let you back on, or else you will show them your permit. hahahahaha, what a joke.
SG
SG,
why are you so angry, Gary is right, most people on this board are buying and programming Motorola radios w/ Pirated SW. This board would not exist were it not for the interest of people outside of the /V\otorola Loop.
What do radio shop people need a board like this for, they can call Motorola and get any info they need. If somebody is gonna get flamed for talking about using a /V\ radio for listening to a trunking system, we we should shut down this site and Lindsey's too.
As for having his radio shut off. As I understand it, Pre- Astro radios needed to have the ability to shut them off programmed in via the RSS. I know this to be true for Spectra, STX's and Maxtracs. I have all programmed to follow my city's System. Havent had the opportunity to play with an Astro radio yet.
I also know how Florida Police handle people w/ CW permits. The people in FLA with them are primaraly upstanding people and you have to jump through hoops every five years to maintain it. It is much harder to get than a D/L and the Police know it. Not that it is a cover all. But he is right in stating that if you are armed you must show your CWP and DL together.
As far as using /V\ otorola radios as a scanner, well we all know that a Uniden is a much cheaper alternative. But none of us would be here if we wanted to go that route. I'll bet over half the radios owned by members of this board are used as scanners. Big deal. We all love the big /V\. and why flame somebody because of it. Every one can't have the priveledge of serving in Public Safety or working for a radio shop. This is a fun hobby that we all enjoy it whethter we are in the loop or not.
As far as SysAdmins go they all arent jerks. I just got a Maxtrac last week Programmed by the sysadmin of my city. It has a valid radio id registered to me, and it affiliates with the system and it is a scanner. So its not impossible to use these radios legally and with the systems permission.
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 5:41 pm
by davkenrem
jcobb wrote:N4KVE said:
"I mean what does everyone do with all these Astro Sabers & xts3k's? expensive book ends? I think not."
Most of us use them, on systems that we are authorized to use.
This is not a "scanner" hobbiest or ham board.
Jack
It's not, I beg to differ. I'll bet most members of this board fall into the three catagories you just mentioned and insulted.
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 5:59 pm
by spectragod
davkenrem wrote:spectragod wrote:There you have it, Gary here just whips out his permit and all is good, WTF, that makes no sense what so ever. And just because your a ham, that does not give you the right to have someone's sys programmed in your radio, sounds like the sys admin needs to grow a set and get his sys key back from that MSS if they are programming unauthorized radios, better yet, wait till they kill your illegal ID with their SIP or SIM, then it will be all over, and you can explian to the agency how they need to let you back on, or else you will show them your permit. hahahahaha, what a joke.
SG
SG,
why are you so angry, Gary is right, most people on this board are buying and programming Motorola radios w/ Pirated SW. This board would not exist were it not for the interest of people outside of the /V\otorola Loop.
What do radio shop people need a board like this for, they can call Motorola and get any info they need. If somebody is gonna get flamed for talking about using a /V\ radio for listening to a trunking system, we we should shut down this site and Lindsey's too.
As for having his radio shut off. As I understand it, Pre- Astro radios needed to have the ability to shut them off programmed in via the RSS. I know this to be true for Spectra, STX's and Maxtracs. I have all programmed to follow my city's System. Havent had the opportunity to play with an Astro radio yet.
I also know how Florida Police handle people w/ CW permits. The people in FLA with them are primaraly upstanding people and you have to jump through hoops every five years to maintain it. It is much harder to get than a D/L and the Police know it. Not that it is a cover all. But he is right in stating that if you are armed you must show your CWP and DL together.
As far as using /V\ otorola radios as a scanner, well we all know that a Uniden is a much cheaper alternative. But none of us would be here if we wanted to go that route. I'll bet over half the radios owned by members of this board are used as scanners. Big deal. We all love the big /V\. and why flame somebody because of it. Every one can't have the priveledge of serving in Public Safety or working for a radio shop. This is a fun hobby that we all enjoy it whethter we are in the loop or not.
As far as SysAdmins go they all arent jerks. I just got a Maxtrac last week Programmed by the sysadmin of my city. It has a valid radio id registered to me, and it affiliates with the system and it is a scanner. So its not impossible to use these radios legally and with the systems permission.
Who says I am angry? I merely brought his comments to your attention, I honestly don't care if he has a permit, I do to, my cred's let me carry on aircraft as well, should I pull that out if I get stopped for breaking the law?
M has made some changes, if your "scanner" gets shut off, RSS will not turn it back on (depending on firmware and software used to program it), it won't matter if it is a Astro or not, it will be dead.... period.
Anyone can get a media ID as long as the sys admin is providing them, but since most are programming with pirated SW and such, I would guess that they are not supposed to be on those systems, consequently, I don't think those paticular people will be happy campers when they find you with their sys in your radio, especially if you wind up being the target of some type of investigation.
Of course, in that instance, you can show them your Fla. CW permit, you will probably be left alone after that.
I suggeest that you re-read the post I responded to, and then tell me if it doesn't sound like that story is a bit fishy. Although, if your a kid you might believe it, the rest of us that live in the real world know what really happens.
Oh, I didn't flame anyone for owning a Motorola radio, I could care less what you have, I flamed him for his attitude and self righteousness. As far as the privilege to work in public safety, anyone can, as long as you have no criminal record and the ability to do the job. but if you jack around with illegal software and such, you may never have that privilege.
SG
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 6:02 pm
by davkenrem
1c
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 6:11 pm
by Zap
Quote:
M has made some changes, if your "scanner" gets shut off, RSS will not turn it back on (depending on firmware and software used to program it), it won't matter if it is a Astro or not, it will be dead.... period.
Please tell MORE.....
Zap
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 6:12 pm
by spectragod
You know, I find it odd, you post on the board but you don't want a response unless it agrees with your beliefs. Like I said, some of us live in the real world, I never called YOU a KID, but I seemed to have touched a nerve, it seems my work here is done.
You though, seem to be wanting to get this topic closed and/or booted off this board, you may not be a kid, but your writing style sure reflects that you are immature.
SG
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 6:16 pm
by davkenrem
Oh touche' well you got me there. I've been reading your posts to this board and there definatly is a tone. People only agreeing with me , well if that isn't "the pot calling the kettle black". But you are right if we both don't stop this topic will get shut down, so I'll be the bigger man and call TRUCE.
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 6:19 pm
by spectragod
ZAP,
During a class at M, we touched on that topic of radio's on a sys and the fact that you could read and dump the file back in and it would become un-inhibited, the engineer said that they were working on that as we spoke, it has happened, the radio can only be un-inhibited with the SIM/SIP if it has later firmware and has been programmed with newer sofware.
But, if you have saved your CP, you may be able to get around this, it worked for us when we tried dumping a original CP back in, the radio became un-inhibited. I don't know if there will be anymore changes made that will make that method ineffective.
The bottom line, if you don't have a saved CP and/or your own software, you may have a doorstop if it gets shut down by the sys.
SG
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 7:55 pm
by jcobb
davkenrem wrote:jcobb wrote:N4KVE said:
"I mean what does everyone do with all these Astro Sabers & xts3k's? expensive book ends? I think not."
Most of us use them, on systems that we are authorized to use.
This is not a "scanner" hobbiest or ham board.
Jack
It's not, I beg to differ. I'll bet most members of this board fall into the three catagories you just mentioned and insulted.
Hmmm, well, go back to 8th grade english class. I only mentioned two.
If you're insulted - well, I guess you should be - it fits.
Jack
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 8:01 pm
by davkenrem
counting would be math class, You mentioned three in my count, I thought you meant 1.) Scanner, 2.) hobbyist, and 3.) Ham board.
I'm through with getting into pissing matches with people. So have a wonderful evening and thank you for your participation on the board.
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 8:06 pm
by jcobb
No, then they would have been separated with commas.
I don't need nor want your approval nor permission on this board. If you want to end the "pissing" contests - zip your own pants up.
Jack
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2003 8:07 pm
by davkenrem
Hey friend thanks for the advice, and have a nice day.