MCS2000 programming CABLE (not software) RIB, RIBless questions

[scannermanner1]

Hey can someone explain to me the whole RIB and RIBless cable thing ?
I'm looking to program a MCS2000 and I already have the software but I need to get a programming cable for it and I'd like to know what is needed. I would like to just get a USB to RJ45 but i don't think its that simple lol

 

[KG4INW]

The so called RIBless cables actually have the RIB circuitry built into them without needing a separate RIB. However, radios of that era communicate with the computer (on the PC side of the RIB) using RS232 and not USB. Motorola does recommend using the IOGear guc232A USB to serial adapter if your computer doesn't have a real serial port. I have used one to program several MCS2000s without any issue but I was using a real RIB and MCS cable.

 

[Skypilot007]

I don't think any of the after market vendors made a ribless cable for the mcs2000 radios. I may be wrong on that, check ebay for one. Your best bet and safest way to program is to get a rib and cables and find a PC with a serial port. BTW I've had no problems with the after market ribs from kawamall on ebay. They cost a bit less then the Motorola rib. I have both Motorola rib and after market type and I get identical results with both. No problems either way.

 

[N4KVE]

I have seen ribless cables for the MCS2000. However there's another situation you should know about. I have 3 MCS radios. 2 front mount 900 radios, & a 100 watt trunk mount UHF radio. While I can program my 2 front mount radios with my cable that plugs into the mike jack, that same cable will NOT program the trunk mount radio from the mike jack. For that radio, I have to program through the acc jack on the bottom of the radio. Don't know why, but that's the way it is. I use a Radio Stew rib with all my MCS radios.

 

[scannermanner1]

Thank you everyone for your input!!

So if I get this RIB will it work for basic programming ?
Radio Interface Box Rib for Motorola Radio RLN4008 New | eBay

And this cable
Radio Programming Cable for Motorola MCS2000 MCX2000 MC2100 GM2000 | eBay

With a serial to USB adapter

Do you think i'll be able to make it work with that?

 

[cmjonesinc]

That's the same rib I have and it works great. Those two items will work together fine. If you're going to be doing several different model radios the rib saves a few bucks in the long run. The rib to radio cables are cheaper than a ribless cable and half the time you can build your own.

 

[N4KVE]

The weak link will be the USB to serial adapter. Some work, but many don't depending on what chip they use. I just use laptops with a serial, & USB port.

 

[Skypilot007]

That setup should work. I do remember when I got my off brand rib it didn't come from China although it was probably made there. and it looks exactly like the one pictured in that ebay auction. But like Moonboots says you may or may not have joy with the USB to serial adapter. Good luck.