Spectra: FAIL 001

[mfn002]

Does anyone know how to fix the error FAIL 001? Batlabs does not seem to explain it very well. I do know it means that the synth is out of lock, but is this something that can be remedied with the RSS? If so, how? FYI, it is a VHF dash mount (Model D43KMA7JA5BK).

 

[mancow]

Go to batlabs.com and search for spectra cap (capacitor) leakage issue. Use search terms like that. I believe the board will filter out spectra as a search term but you should be able to come up with something using those others.

Basically, the caps leak, eat up the boards and cause all sorts of issues such as you Fail 001 synthesizer out of lock.

 

[mfn002]

Well, I have checked all of the capacitors on the radio (I pulled off every panel I could find) and never found a leaking capacitor. Since I am going to use it as a recieve-only radio, would this problem effect this?

 

[n5ims]

Well, I have checked all of the capacitors on the radio (I pulled off every panel I could find) and never found a leaking capacitor. Since I am going to use it as a recieve-only radio, would this problem effect this?

Trust me, if they haven't yet been replaced, they have leaked (or will very shortly). Replacing them now may prevent you from having to replace the board (and the marginal caps on it) when the caps destroy it. The caps generally start failing within 8 to 10 years and most Spectras are well over 10 years old.

I have done several recap jobs and only one or two showed any sign of damage visibly prior to removing the old caps. The instructions on batlabs are good.

The bad caps affect the transmit, receive, computerized control, audio, and control head board. Since you have the Fail 001 error already, you either have damage or are attempting to program out-of-band frequencies (unlikely since you didn't indicate this error was from programming). Other tell tale signs are loud pops in the audio and a dim display. Since there are 4 of the caps in the audio section, this is often where you first notice the damage.

 

[bl86]

Re: Fail 001

I disassembled 2 Spectras and both had leaky caps that couldn't be seen until the caps were removed too.

Here is an excellent site with lots of info about the spectra cap problem. He talks about the Fail 001 too.

http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/spectra/spectra-caps.html

 

[mfn002]

I think I might have found the culprit (leaking cap). It's a 16V 47 uF cap on the HRN6004C board. Thankfully, the damage to the board seems minor, and there is no corrosion around it, just a dark smudge (which scratches off with my fingernail).
I did notice that when I opened the radio that there was sort of a fish-like smell on the boards (top and bottom).

 

[motorolahead]

Spectra Railroad Cap Replacement

I have a "Railroad Flavored" Spectra that I very much enjoy taking on trips to west texas.

Not many features but able to put in passenger seat with a Magnetic Antenna and it is effective. I fear it has bad caps as it is exibiting the dreaded faded display, poping in audio and now the FAIL 001 despite a good code plug in it : (

How many caps are in this radio altogether and who would be a good source to replace? I am thinking Tantalum since I would like to keep the radio forever if the cost of replacement doesn't send me to the happy hunting ground.

Motorolahead

 

[motorolahead]

REEPLACE THE CAPS, It is around $40

I have revived 4 radios by doing this. There are those that leak and those about to leak. I used Tantalum when replacing.

 

[Coonassbill]

I have revived 4 radios by doing this. There are those that leak and those about to leak. I used Tantalum when replacing.

I make a habit of changing all of the "bomb-caps" in Spectras when I purchase them. Don't forget to change the 2 caps in the control head. By doing this simple repair will save so many headaches down the road.