Motorola MCS2000 Not Transmitting

[Sandman8105]

Not sure why my mcs2000 (vhf) is not transmitting. It was working the last time that I had it hooked up. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[KevinC]

I bet something is wrong. :wink:

But seriously, people will need a LOT more info before they can even attempt to help you.

 

[Sandman8105]

I agree. I just figured it would be easier if questions were asked and I can give as many answers as I can.

 

[Sandman8105]

Powers up fine. Self Test shows to be fine. It is not transmitting but, it will receive.

 

[cmdrwill]

Radio NOT hooked up correctly. IGN lead missing.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Does it give a beep error when you try to key up?

Have you verified it isn’t transmitting with a wattmeter/service monitor/field strength meter/licking a finger and shorting the output/etc.

Unfortunately we need a little more info as we are not mind readers nor radio whisperers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sandman8105]

There is no ignition wire. Only hot and ground. Yes, it has a beep when keying up. Like the sound when it is out of range. I checked it against and old Relm that I have. It receives the signal from the Relm but, when I key up the mcs, I get the beep and the Relm doesn't pick anything up. Bear in mind, that Relm is OLD but, still works like a charm. They are pretty much programed with the same channels and it does the same thing on every channel.

 

[Sandman8105]

I made a reply to ya'lls questions before this. Wish I could make a video to show ya'll what is going on with it.

 

[Sandman8105]

Tried keying up with and without antenna attached and get the same result. I only keyed ONCE without antenna attached because I didn't want to screw up the radio.

 

[crazyboy]

Conventional or trunking? Will it tx on a test channel?

 

[Sandman8105]

Hopefully I can get to the point that I don't have to wait for admin to post my replies to ya'll. I know that it would speed things up a bit.

 

[Sandman8105]

Crazyboy, all I can tell you about it is that it is a MCS2000 Model III VHF.

 

[Sandman8105]

Everything acts as it should except for not transmitting. I really hope that it is not a board or programming issue. As I stated, the last time that it was hooked up it worked fine. Ordered a new mic and coaxial to eliminate the potential that it could be one of those (i.e. bad coaxial or bad mic pins). I am wondering though if possibly the pins on the control head are an issue (even though they look good), the board possibly having an issue, or if there is a glitch in the programming. Again, it was working fine before I installed it in the bronco.

 

[mmckenna]

There is no ignition wire.

OK. If there was and ignition sense lead, it would come off the DB25 connector on the bottom of the RF deck.

Yes, it has a beep when keying up. Like the sound when it is out of range.

Could be a personality (channel) programmed for receive only, or could be VCO out of lock.

I checked it against and old Relm that I have. It receives the signal from the Relm but, when I key up the mcs, I get the beep and the Relm doesn't pick anything up. Bear in mind, that Relm is OLD but, still works like a charm.

OK, it powers up and receives. That's a good start.

They are pretty much programed with the same channels and it does the same thing on every channel.

Who programmed them? Do you have access to the MCS2000 CPS? Did it ever work correctly?
When you key up the MCS, does it's power cycle off and back on? How are you powering the MCS?

 

[mmckenna]

Again, it was working fine before I installed it in the bronco.

Ah, OK. I think I posted at the same time as you.

If it's powered correctly, as in not voltage starved, you can probably check that off the list. If it restarts each time you TX, then look for bad power connections, crimps, fuse holders, etc.

Is it a remote head?

Is it a true Motorola mic, or is it an after market mic?

Have you checked the SWR on the antenna?

 

[Sandman8105]

Bear with me. I am just a ff hose jockey, not a certified electronics guy. Lol. Powers up fine. Self Test shows fine (no error codes). I have fused to the battery. The mic IS an oem mic. Never powers off/on while trying to transmit.

 

[Sandman8105]

COULD it be a power issue causing the no transmit (i.e. low voltage or not grounding properly)?

 

[Sandman8105]

Tried to post two pics of it. It's not posting.

 

[Sandman8105]

Hopefully this works.

 

[Sandman8105]

And I only have a volt/ohm meter to test anything with.