I've got a little `stash' of `Modded' PRO-2006s w/ OPTO 456 boards and I've currently got 2 of them hooked up to an old IBM Intellistation MPRO dual processor machine that is multi-bootable between PC DOS 7, WFW 3.11, WIN 98se, and a custom OS that the original programmer that wrote TBBS wrote for me.
Using the `SBBS" software along with an 8-port DIGI-Board it's possible, though I have only tried it a couple times over the years, to get 8 OPTO equipt PRO-2006s running at the same time. (Talk about `controlled chaos'!) The last time I had things up and running I was only using 3 of the 2006s hooked up and was attempting to chase down a possible source of some interference I was experiencing with my 2 Vantage PRO2+ consoles and the ISS. (SWMBO was a slight bit `perturbed' about all the assorted wiring, both antenna and scanner control, running all over the place along with my `make shift' temp antenna mountings. [2 of the 2006s were running off of `spare' 12 bus batteries, The 3rd 2006 was 1 of 4 that reside in the house along with all the other scanners in my `scanner stack'. 1 antenna was mounted on a mast that was mounted on one of the clothesline `T' posts, and the other was on a mast mounted on one of those `non-penetrating' roof mounts with cinderblocks and tractor weights to keep it place. {GRIN!} The 3rd antenna was mounted on one of those telescoping `push up' masts tied onto the North side of our house.])
While I *did* manage to track down several `culprits' that were *possibly* causing my problems. There were, and unfortunately still are, several others that I haven't, yet, managed to figure out their actual location. (900MHz is a real PITA to deal with interference problems on. Especially when the signal being `messed with' has an output of only 8mw max! Even more frustrating some of the `other things' that may be doing the interferencing are running a lot more despite their supposedly also being restricted!) Anyway, while I am still dealing with interference problems, I'm hoping that once spring comes around I'll be able to re-setup my setup with some better antennas, better wiring/wiring layout(s), and at least another 2006 and come up with a solution to all the dropouts and data corruption.
I'm thankful that I was able to have initially, w/ SWMBO's agreement, bought 3 `spare' 2006s before the `available stock' disappeared when they quit making/selling them along with OPTO 456s to install. Later on I also managed to `stumble on' to another 4 more, with OPTO 456s already installed along with a 2005 with the OPTO 456 Lite board installed. (In case anyone has been attempting keep count I've currently got at least 9 2006s and 1 2005. [I say `at least' because that is all that I've counted without going out to one of our `storage sheds' to make certain whether I might have missed/forgotten any.]) I also have a pair of 2004s that have had some of Bill Cheek's `mods' installed, nope never go around to doing both the memory expansion or the computer mods. Both of those, however, have basically died of `old age' and the `griplet' AKA bad through plating syndrome. Since I have all those 2006 & 2005 scanners I figured if I *really* needed to use the 2004s I'd dig them out, throw them on my workbench, grab the manual, and finally fix them.
Anyway, whilst some people might carp and cavil about the `usefulness' of the old PRO 200X scanners these days there still are quite a few uses, `boat anchor' *not* being one, for them. Besides... they, other scanners, old computers, old `HiFi', `Stereo', and `Quad' equipment, and other Misc. electronics equipment and parts are what makes "The Bide-a-Wee Home For Orphaned and Superannuated Computers, Scanners, and other Electronics Equipment" what it is these days. A collectors `heaven'! {
VB GRIN!}
Just an `Olde Fart's' 2¢...
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