Batboard

Thinking of cahnging from hacked Kemwood 707 to a real radio. Looking at the MCX1000 any thoughs? Can it work with a Pak RT?

Thanks
Greg

not when uhf and vhf spectras can be had sub-$300.

there was a guy dumping a5 spectras not to long ago for $155

)@#)@$)#$)#$#@


mcx1000 is a smoking hot rx radio... but .... it's ooooooollllld.... a pain to program... and really limited.


i don't think the mcx is pac-rt compatible either.


consider an x9000 if you want a cheap pac-rt... spectra if you want a "real" radio.


doug

I think the MCX1000 is about the best radio that MOT made. I don't think they are as hard to program as the SPECTRA. I had a SPECTRA and pulled it out, and put my MCX1000 back in.
They are old, but you can get them cheap, and have spare parts. Even some of the MCX100 parts work in them.
Much easier to buy with the features I really wanted, like ZONES, NUISANCE DELETE, different SCAN list for each zone, plenty enuf channels, easy program to Ham bands (either VHF OR UHF).
Cheap easily made programming cable.
VERY good sounding audio, crisp squelch... I could go on.
The SPECTRA is a VERY good radio, ESPECIALLY with A9, but for a basic radio, its hard to beat the MCX.
And you can usually get them cheap enuf that if someone steals it, you aren't heartbroken.

Also very easy to interface a PAC-RT with. Great scanning receiver, especially if you get a dual front-end fast lock synth. Only problem is the oxidation of the pins between the boards.

Bugs

I have one I use for a GMRS base station. Nice and crisp and loud. scan is nice and the channel/volume knob are still solid and crisp. They dont make em like that anymore. You have to use a 386 or low MHz 486 to program it or you get a "divide overflow" program error. Mine might need a tuning though.

I borrowed a friend's UHF MCX1000 awhile ago...it was an amazing radio.

If you don't need alot of features (and don't mind the size), the MCX1000 is definatly the way to go. Audio is very "full". 128 channels, and an MPL feature make the radio VERY desirable for Amateur Radio, if you're so inclined.

-Mike

2wayfreq wrote "Mine might need a tuning though." You are right, they do need some alignment as the RF filters in the receiver are not broadband like Spectra, Max's.

Some have two section RF frontends in the RX.

So, Pendrix, do you have a clue as to why a MCX1000 will transmit any voice or PL/DPL ? Maybe it mite have had a encription module in it at some time?


Will
Four star General,
BatTeam West

If you are asking me, I don't understand your question.
Ask again...

He's got a radio that doesn't transmit PL or DPL. We've been wondering if it had anything to do with a lack of an encryption board. It's a digital model but I think it's missing the encryption board.

I cast my vote for the MCX1000! Great radio, hot receiver, great audio and it just looks neat, kinda like the A4 Spectra.


I think you'll like it if you get one with all the accessories.

Frank

FYI, I have 2 , both secure models, one without the encryption interface and one with , no problem with PL on either one.

Frank

If it is not Txing PL, it might be the ecript board. If you have removed the extender board, etc. I have done that to a few, and then "told" the radio that it was a standard radio, and they worked fine.

Has the MCX1000 been programmed with the Coast Guard version of RSS?
If it is then you won't get pl or dpl. But you can reprogram with the conventional RSS version and get it back.

What steps are needed to "tell the radio" it is a standard radio? It is a UHF 460 radio.

Not like the Saber that requires a jumper if the module is removed?