TheWarlock
Member
What is the difference/Positives vs. Negatives of using a programming cable that connects from a radio to a rib to a serial port vs radio direct to serial port?
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To RIB or Not to RIB
- Thread starter TheWarlock
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Ok, there are only a few radios I'm aware of that can go direct from PC Serial port to unit, and the only one I can guarentee is a MTR2000 repeater. Got a minute for the rest? Other vendors, brands do it...but not many Moto ones.
The motorola RIB (Radio Interface Box) is an interface box that allows modern (sic) computers to speak the logic levels and speed that most older motorola radios use for data transfer. The older the radio, as long as it doesn't require eproms, the higher the need for a motorola compatible RIB goes. The newer radios (that were in development during the active lifecycle of windows XP IIRC) are the ones that are more tolerant of USB interfaces. I believe the newest product lines Moto is carrying is completely USB dependent, and do not have any RIB compatibility.
The motorola RIB (or a polaris box, or a Sandy-rib) are required to connect the computer's RS232 levels and data from the com port, to the individual radios. You cannot skip this step. If the radio you are trying to program did not have (at least at some point) a motorola produced / designed USB Rib-less cable somewhere in its product cycle, you need a RIB. If there was a USB option for programming cables produced by moto for your product, you are in luck, you are not completely dependent on the RIB.
There's another site out there Batwing Laboratories which is a veritable cornucopia of information about this, i'd suggest browsing it...i'm giving you a 10 second primer.
Depending on what radios you are trying to program, the older the radio, the more RIB dependent you will be.
I'm not even going to delve into the computer processor requirements that come with older vintage motorola radios, many of us have 286 & 386 laptops and desktops being kept running with hopes and dreams, as modern computers are just too damn fast for some of the older RSS packages produced many years ago.
(sigh) this is a huge topic. You need to research it extensively if you are going to get into programming some of the older radios, the nuances are mindblowing.
What kind of radios are you looking at in particular? Are you talking about the MTS2k and Astro's listed in your sig?
(there are some absolute Moto programming / service deities amongst us on this board, who have forgotten more than I can possibly ever have known - they're an invaluable resource, and can probably steer you right)
The motorola RIB (Radio Interface Box) is an interface box that allows modern (sic) computers to speak the logic levels and speed that most older motorola radios use for data transfer. The older the radio, as long as it doesn't require eproms, the higher the need for a motorola compatible RIB goes. The newer radios (that were in development during the active lifecycle of windows XP IIRC) are the ones that are more tolerant of USB interfaces. I believe the newest product lines Moto is carrying is completely USB dependent, and do not have any RIB compatibility.
The motorola RIB (or a polaris box, or a Sandy-rib) are required to connect the computer's RS232 levels and data from the com port, to the individual radios. You cannot skip this step. If the radio you are trying to program did not have (at least at some point) a motorola produced / designed USB Rib-less cable somewhere in its product cycle, you need a RIB. If there was a USB option for programming cables produced by moto for your product, you are in luck, you are not completely dependent on the RIB.
There's another site out there Batwing Laboratories which is a veritable cornucopia of information about this, i'd suggest browsing it...i'm giving you a 10 second primer.
Depending on what radios you are trying to program, the older the radio, the more RIB dependent you will be.
I'm not even going to delve into the computer processor requirements that come with older vintage motorola radios, many of us have 286 & 386 laptops and desktops being kept running with hopes and dreams, as modern computers are just too damn fast for some of the older RSS packages produced many years ago.
(sigh) this is a huge topic. You need to research it extensively if you are going to get into programming some of the older radios, the nuances are mindblowing.
What kind of radios are you looking at in particular? Are you talking about the MTS2k and Astro's listed in your sig?
(there are some absolute Moto programming / service deities amongst us on this board, who have forgotten more than I can possibly ever have known - they're an invaluable resource, and can probably steer you right)
N4KVE
Member
I am using the same Maxton ribless cable for my MTS2000, & XTS3000 radios. The rib components are in the serial plug where it attaches to the laptop. Of course, all USB cables have no rib.
For Motorola radio that need DOS for programming, I always use a RIB. I also use them with older computers with DB9 serial port connectors.
I have had good luck with RIBless generic cables from online auction sites. The only radio that has been an issue was a Radius / Maxtrac interim model.
If you are programming a lot of older Motorola gear, get a RIB and an older computer, Windows XP or older with a serial port. For newer radios and computers, the RIBless cables tend to work fine.
I have had good luck with RIBless generic cables from online auction sites. The only radio that has been an issue was a Radius / Maxtrac interim model.
If you are programming a lot of older Motorola gear, get a RIB and an older computer, Windows XP or older with a serial port. For newer radios and computers, the RIBless cables tend to work fine.
TheWarlock
Member
Thanks everyone for the info
Yes, I am looking to program an MTS 2000. From what I have learned I can use the same cable to program an XTS 3000 as well. I have both cps for the respected radios.
Are the ribless cables connecting to the computer via serial port or usb? I have a RIB for my astro saber and it works fine. just trying to decide what I should order. its hard to find rib cables for the MTS 2000.
Yes, I am looking to program an MTS 2000. From what I have learned I can use the same cable to program an XTS 3000 as well. I have both cps for the respected radios.
Are the ribless cables connecting to the computer via serial port or usb? I have a RIB for my astro saber and it works fine. just trying to decide what I should order. its hard to find rib cables for the MTS 2000.
N4KVE
Member
The ribless cables are serial because the rib is in the serial connector. Newer radios, XPR, & XTL can use USB, where no rib is needed. I've been looking for 3 years for a serial ribless cable for my Astro Saber.
http://kawamall.com/pd_1_piece_ribless_programming.cfm
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TheWarlock
Member
Would you recommend any of these cables from amazon https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_n...aps&field-keywords=MTS+2000+programming+Cable or do you recommend another company?
The RIB Box fixed alot of my programming head aches
Sent from my XT1097
Sent from my XT1097
And the RIB Box is known for problems as it does NOT follow the RS232 Standard for serial ports.
TheWarlock
Member
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