jrothwell
Member
Upon further research, it appears that it may depend on the firmware version in the radio, whether or not the MRK requires the programming interface or will work with just the cable.
Would you be inclined to provide a schematic diagram of the cable?I've been toying with making some cables for these.. I might take another look into it. I have the bits and pieces but it sure isn't pretty in it's current configuration lol
Did the serial to USB adapter have a DB9 or DB25 connector? From the pictures I've seen it appears to be a DB25. Can you advise the pin numbers used in the connector? Curious if a microphone cable can be converted to programming.I've programmed several LPE-200s with just the cable and I've programmed even more P7100s and P7200s with the same cable. I have never had any issue. I'm even using a serial to USB adaptor.
DB9...I'll check when I get home.Did the serial to USB adapter have a DB9 or DB25 connector? From the pictures I've seen it appears to be a DB25. Can you advise the pin numbers used in the connector? Curious if a microphone cable can be converted to programming.
Well, I use the same programming cable on MRK, LPE200, and P7100, and works just fine. You are right, no rib needed but the UDC is different on the P7200 and newer.That is incorrect. Even the MRK does not need anything but the cable. I've used the same cable on MRKs as I have to program the LPE-200s and P7100s and P7200s. Older GE Radios did require an additional "RIB", but not these ones.
The pin assignment is different and the board is not possible to convert from mic to programming.Did the serial to USB adapter have a DB9 or DB25 connector? From the pictures I've seen it appears to be a DB25. Can you advise the pin numbers used in the connector? Curious if a microphone cable can be converted to programming.
Is this a valid part number? 19B801971P3The pin assignment is different and the board is not possible to convert from mic to programming.
Programming cables can come in USB or RS-232/DB9. either will work. (the USB has a converter to RS232)
Therein lies my problem, I don't have a cable and am trying to figure out what I need and can I DIY a cable.The bottom line is that this all depends on the cable you have. Either you have the db25 cable with no active electronics (needs a rib), or you have the db9 cable with active electronics.
My rib actually has audio I/O and a PTT button, and has the db25 cable attached and a db25 to db9 on the other side for connection to a ‘normal’ serial port.
A desire to sell maybe?I have no use for the rib any longer I guess, now that I have both the OEM programming cable and the OEM Keyload cable.
Yeah, not likely I'll go there with this kayak anchor. This all began as a learning process for me. I have scanners to accomplish the same function but no clue how they actually do what they do. At 75 years old I look for interesting things to keep my mind sharp and trunk programming an older radio seemed like a good idea at the time. But I am enjoying all the discourse in this thread, thanks for your reply.Finding the right firmware and DSP to get the full compliment of P25C features working on a p7100 was extremely difficult and I eventually had to have a dealer ask TAC for it… it’s import controlled and I had a heck of a time getting it. It’s only mentioned in a couple of Harris docs and not listed in any KeyManager compatibility table that I’ve seen…
So, to my understanding, a rib in its most basic form is an rs232 to TTL converter. It basically translates voltage levels and keeps the logic intact. That’s why they were able to move from a metal box to a small inline converter as semiconductor manufacturing miniaturized. You can DIY electronically with relative ease, but the issue is always a plastic form that will mate to the radio, while making reliable connections.Therein lies my problem, I don't have a cable and am trying to figure out what I need and can I DIY a cable.
Well well, I guess that statement confirms that rib's were used a few years ago, contrary to what others have stated in my thread.
A desire to sell maybe?
Yeah, not likely I'll go there with this kayak anchor. This all began as a learning process for me. I have scanners to accomplish the same function but no clue how they actually do what they do. At 75 years old I look for interesting things to keep my mind sharp and trunk programming an older radio seemed like a good idea at the time. But I am enjoying all the discourse in this thread, thanks for your reply.
This is the Harris part number: CA-023407-001Is this a valid part number? 19B801971P3
I built something similar many years back TTL to RS232 using Max232 chips to program AOR receivers.So, to my understanding, a rib in its most basic form is an rs232 to TTL converter. It basically translates voltage levels and keeps the logic intact. That’s why they were able to move from a metal box to a small inline converter as semiconductor manufacturing miniaturized. You can DIY electronically with relative ease, but the issue is always a plastic form that will mate to the radio, while making reliable connections.
I did that a couple of years ago but again all the magic was in software. It was a learning process but easily accomplished. I may be wrong but it appears to me that doing the same thing with a 7200 is a larger challenge, especially to have all the TG's identified. I really enjoy coming to RR due to all the expertise available.If you are interested in trunking and scanning a trunked system, you should buy a ~$50 RTLSDR and install SDRTrunk on your PC.
That appears to be for the 7300 and xg series. Won’t fit the 7200.This is the Harris part number: CA-023407-001
Your probably right. I don't have a 7200 to check, but do have the 7300.That appears to be for the 7300 and xg series. Won’t fit the 7200.
My cable arrived from NLT over the weekend. It has the DB-25 connector, multiple wires and a couple of resistors in series with two wires. I have a DIY DB-25 to DB-9 converter cable but it will not make all the connections the DB-25 requires.The bottom line is that this all depends on the cable you have. Either you have the db25 cable with no active electronics (needs a rib), or you have the db9 cable with active electronics.
At the DB9 female, the only connections needed are RXd, TXd, and ground. RTS and CTS are jumpered on both ends of the cable.but it will not make all the connections the DB-25 requires
Doesn't help with the DB-25, all 9 wires in the cable are used.At the DB9 female, the only connections needed are RXd, TXd, and ground. RTS and CTS are jumpered on both ends of the cable.