ex500 with wrong board? Need moto EXPERT advice on this one!

CynicCE · #1 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 10:10 PM

Hey,

I think I figured out my problem but could still use a bit of input. I tried downloading a generic codeplug for the ex500 and saw that the model numbers do not match (H38RDC9AA3 vs. mine of H38RDH9AA6) I did a search for my model # and it doesn't state a specific model but it does decode as a 128ch radio with a keypad vs the ex500 which is supposed to be a 16 channel no keypad.

My problem was not being able to receive transmissions from FRS/GMRS bubble pack radios after the ex500 transmitted once to the FRS radio on a channel. I'm wondering if this could be the problem? Appears to be a completely different circuit board in an ex500 radio shell. Could I flash this board (i'm guessing it's a GP338plus) to an ex500 board and roughly how much would that cost? Or...since I got it off ebay should I contact the seller and try to work the problem out? Or is there no problem at all?

Oy vey...what a time.

Ben

Josh · #2 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 10:37 PM

It's probably time to contact the seller and verify your purchase.

n2hbx · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 09:59 PM

Your model number indicates you have, in fact, an EX600 radio in an EX500 case. You would probably have an easier time finding a replacement EX600 housing. You actually have a better radio than what the guy thought he was selling you.

Larry

kc8svs · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 10:07 PM

Lucky!

Wish I would've made that purchase.

n2hbx · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 12:52 AM

I guess. Personally, I don't care for the RX audio quality from the EX500/600 radios. Plus the small size is an annoyance since I have fairly large (chubby?) hands. I much prefer the HT750/1250/1550 series myself. But, we've sold a bunch of 'em so I guess there are those that love 'em!

Larry

Josh · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 10:47 AM

Don't like the RX audio quality? Disable "low level expansion" it's a default that makes the radio sound like arse.

Wyandotte · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n2hbx

I guess. Personally, I don't care for the RX audio quality from the EX500/600 radios. Plus the small size is an annoyance since I have fairly large (chubby?) hands. I much prefer the HT750/1250/1550 series myself. But, we've sold a bunch of 'em so I guess there are those that love 'em!

Larry

I know what you mean, the audio sounds a little muffled compared to the HT's you listed. We can't program EX500's, so changing compression and emphasis and all that is out of the question, and since we only have about six of 'em, it's not worth buying the program to do it. My biggest issue with the EX500 is battery life. "Chirp chirp" in no time.

CynicCE · #8 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 01:46 PM

I went with an ex500 because that's what my ski area carries for radios. On top of that, the Icom's have been having problems with the cold weather and what not out there so I wanted a more sturdy radio. Being that police and fire use them almost exclusively I figured it'd be a pretty safe bet for a high quality radio.

I don't believe it's an ex600 for a couple reasons. Motorola says ex600 is 160 channel programmable, this board is only 128. Also says that ex600 has quikcall2 which is not an option for this radio. That's what makes me think this is a gp338plus board. I'm having trouble finding a ton of specs for that model so not sure if that one supports 12.5 kHz frequency which could be leading to my FRS problems.

Other than that I'm not sure what else could be causing the issue.

bezking · #9 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 01:52 PM

You can give a try to calling Motorola Parts ID at 800-814-0601 Option 3, 1, 1. Read the tech the model number on the board, and he should be able to give you a definitive answer...

CynicCE · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 01:57 PM

Well...I guess I did find out specs for this thing. It does have channel spacing of 12.5/20/25 so that shouldn't be an issue. I just can't figure out why this radio cannot receive transmissions from an FRS radio once it has TX'ed on a channel.

I did have a chance to try it on the business repeater and it worked back and forth. When this thing transmits there's a definite tone burst being sent that can be heard on other radios receiving the transmission.

It doesn't make any sense at all.

Josh · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 03:49 PM

sounds like it could be euro to me

The EX600 was a 128 channel radio.

It was the EX600XLS that did 160 and LTR in the same package.

Wyandotte · #12 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CynicCE

I went with an ex500 because that's what my ski area carries for radios. On top of that, the Icom's have been having problems with the cold weather and what not out there so I wanted a more sturdy radio. Being that police and fire use them almost exclusively I figured it'd be a pretty safe bet for a high quality radio.

I don't believe it's an ex600 for a couple reasons. Motorola says ex600 is 160 channel programmable, this board is only 128. Also says that ex600 has quikcall2 which is not an option for this radio. That's what makes me think this is a gp338plus board. I'm having trouble finding a ton of specs for that model so not sure if that one supports 12.5 kHz frequency which could be leading to my FRS problems.

Other than that I'm not sure what else could be causing the issue.

First off, you chose wisely to go with the radio that is being used where you are at. That way, you can get mikes and batteries for it no issue.

But if the radio has got more than 16 channels, you don't have an EX500. The 500 only comes with 16 channesl, that's it. Like Josh said, maybe you got a Euro or Asian radio or something like that.