Motorola maxtrac

[cablers232]

I have been trying to get a couple Maxtracs programmed, however I have two of them the rss does not seem to recognize. I have programmed a FUD1841AB Maxtrac 2 channel VHF with no problems for 2 meter.
I have a D4MJA77A3CK UHF) and a D33MJA7JA5AK (VHF) that I cannot get programmed or for that matter get any plug information.
I am using a DOS computer with required RIB box and cable. I am using version R07.02.00a RVN-4019 software.
When attempting to read radio I get “radio must be connected and powered up to continue”
On both the radios.Am I running the correct software for these?
Both have the 16 pin rear connector

 

[mmckenna]

Programming through the mic jack?

Do those two radios power up correctly?

Are they Maxtracs or GM300's?

There was a company that used to make remote head kits of these. Just on the off chance you bought some that had ben "un-remoted" you might want to open them up and make sure everything is still connected.

 

[cmdrwill]

Dirty connections in the mic jack. You would have to scope the data line to see if it is working.

The RVN4019 Ver 07.02 is correct. And you are using a real serial port.

There is a known problem with the RIB.

 

[cablers232]

Both are maxtrac not GM. Both power up correctly. Swapped heads out just to see any different, but no luck.
The uhf had the ignition power fuse cut but I repaired it.
Real serial port being used on old laptop.
I’ll inspect closer inside and look to see if anything looks amiss. Any internal jumpers that I should look at?
I’ve used the same RIB box to program some MSF5000’s and the formentioned 2 channel maxtrac

Thanks

 

[cmdrwill]

I have seen some Maxtracs with a bad transistor in the SCI + line.

Did you measure the SCI+ , aka data line?

 

[cablers232]

I have seen some Maxtracs with a bad transistor in the SCI + line.

Did you measure the SCI+ , aka data line?

I’ll take a look at that

 

[cablers232]

Had a bit of tine today and checked both radios data line on the front jack and both read +5 volt


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[petnrdx]

You might look at the firmware PROM.
Some people have changed Maxtrac's to be Radius in order to use the accessory connector for remote channel change.
Kind of a BCD channel change.
The Maxtrac firmware doesn't do it.
Maxtrac should be 5.36 or lower, Radius would be 21.01
Its a longshot, but worth a look.

 

[petnrdx]

Another possible...
If you have successfully programmed the two channel one, then you know that circuit works.
Take the covers off the two channel, and remove that front panel completely.
Then remove the covers and front panel of one of the "problem" radios. But DON'T unplug the 12 pin connector.
Unplug the 13 pin connector from the multi channel front panel of the problem radio, and let it hang out of the way.
Plug the 13 pin connector from the 2 channel front onto the problem radio.
So you sort of have two panels connected to the radio.
This will put a good mic connector and its panel circuitry on the radio, and leave the multi channel display board on the other
front panel connected.
I have seen this a few times where someone cut traces on the mic connector board so people could not program the radio.
Rental radios had this often.

 

[stmills]

It has been a long time since I dealt with it but if I recall correctly there was a way with lab that a radius codeplug could be loaded into the maxtrac without replacing the firmware. It would read with the radius cps instead of maxtrac.

 

[cablers232]

Looked over both radios and all seemed fine, not tampered with
Decided to get one of those ribless cables I saw on ebay to try.
Connected to laptop and was able to read the code plugs on both.
I guess the problem is with the rib box
But regardless I’m back in business


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[cmdrwill]

As I stated before:

There is a known problem with the RIB.

 

[mm]

For the vhf model you should try to use R05.30.00 RSS FOR that maxtrac 300 as I have the same model converted to 220 MHZ and I found R05.30.00 THE MOST STABLE RSS for my radio.

also I have had issues with some front panel/heads and you may try swapping a different front panel/head and see if it programs.

 

[radioman2001]

Quote"
I recall correctly there was a way with lab that a radius codeplug could be loaded into the maxtrac without replacing the firmware

I think it was the other way around, I put a lot of Maxtrac programming in all knds of radios by hex editing the first 3 lines of the code plug, and I didn't need lab after the editing. I just used the standard Maxtrac software package (up to ver 5), but he might try moving the bad heads to the good radio as a test, and then try other software packages. It also might have a SJI firmware kit in it, you have to look at the Prom.