I currently have a Vx-4000v with remote head single deck and I would like to have a single head dual deck to add UHF. Can you mix a Vx-4000v deck and a Vx-5500u deck with a remote head or do you need to keep it all vx-4000's?
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VX-4000 / VX-5500 / VX-6000 dual deck
- Thread starter ufdemt15
- Start date
express315
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- Oct 22, 2020
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Yes, you can mix them in any combination of models as long as both decks belong to a different band - L, V or U.
If I remember correctly lower band deck must be set as slave (or vice versa).
Correct ports for interconnection described in a manuals that come with remote adapter kits. In the Common/Hardware you have to set Dual Deck/Single Head and select a slave deck and proper bands and models before you start. The programming must only be done via connector at the remote head after everything is connected. Do not use deck side connectors. Read the Help files in CE49. The whole process is very confusing but it can be done. I did it last year, took me a while.
In the end you will not only have a dual band radio but also a two way cross-band repeater.
If I remember correctly lower band deck must be set as slave (or vice versa).
Correct ports for interconnection described in a manuals that come with remote adapter kits. In the Common/Hardware you have to set Dual Deck/Single Head and select a slave deck and proper bands and models before you start. The programming must only be done via connector at the remote head after everything is connected. Do not use deck side connectors. Read the Help files in CE49. The whole process is very confusing but it can be done. I did it last year, took me a while.
In the end you will not only have a dual band radio but also a two way cross-band repeater.
express315
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- Oct 22, 2020
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- 37
Im looking to do the same but need to know how to determine a vx5000u is the A or D version. I need coverage 430-450
Which split will work for ham ?
Which split will work for ham ?
express315
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I don't think you will ever find the A version in North America. I only see D version radios 450-490 mhz.
When you read from a radio with CE49 software, then go to "Hardware" tab and you will see the frequency split along with the model.
I suspect the A model would have "VX-5500U A" printed on the label, but again I have only seen how A models for Low Band are marked.
On the other hand D model is easily hex edit opened down to 440 mhz and will work if you used CE49 v4.0.6
Other sw versions make radios to behave erratically on out of band frequencies.
I don't know why you need 430 mhz, there are no HAM repeaters below 442 mhz in my country.
The A version would be ideal, but they were probably only available in other parts of the world.
Let me know if you ever find one.
When you read from a radio with CE49 software, then go to "Hardware" tab and you will see the frequency split along with the model.
I suspect the A model would have "VX-5500U A" printed on the label, but again I have only seen how A models for Low Band are marked.
On the other hand D model is easily hex edit opened down to 440 mhz and will work if you used CE49 v4.0.6
Other sw versions make radios to behave erratically on out of band frequencies.
I don't know why you need 430 mhz, there are no HAM repeaters below 442 mhz in my country.
The A version would be ideal, but they were probably only available in other parts of the world.
Let me know if you ever find one.
I just need the layout for connecting the cables.
express315
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- Oct 22, 2020
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Plug cable into Socket #1 on the Control Head.
Plug the other end into Socket #D on the Master Deck.
Plug the second cable into Socket #A on the Master Deck.
Plug the other end into Socket #B on the Slave Deck.
Master Deck is the lower band always.
Start CE49 and open a blank default file.
Go to CE49 Common/Hardware tab and set your configuration such as Single Head Dual Deck.
Make sure you set correct model and band for each deck.
Type in at least one channel for each band.
Connect PC cable to a mike connector on the Control Head.
Wright it to the radio.
Power off. Power on. See if it worked.
Tell me about those control cables. Are those custom made, or off the shelf? They look very fancy
express315
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- Oct 22, 2020
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- 37
Vertex CT-83 cables are hard to find and also are expensive. When they were still available I could never make myself to pay the ridiculous price. So I set on the way to make my own. JST PH2.0 15 pin plug is available on Aliexpress along with matching pins. You also need PH2.0 crimping tool. 13 wires 26 awg plus a shielded wire for audio all wrapped in outer shield. Both shields are connected.
Eventually I got my hands on original cable and replicated it with supplies I got.
I do have now original cables but they are very long (17ft) so I chop them up to the needed length and crimp the connectors.
Kenwood uses similar cables but connectors are different type and size.
Eventually I got my hands on original cable and replicated it with supplies I got.
I do have now original cables but they are very long (17ft) so I chop them up to the needed length and crimp the connectors.
Kenwood uses similar cables but connectors are different type and size.
radiotweester
Member
Very nice! Would be willing to post the pin connections? Is it a straight 1 to 1?
radiotweester
Member
Disregard my question. It is 1 to 1
This is a CT-93 30' ends
(CT-81 = 20', CT-83 = 8')
There's also the CT-156, CT-157 & CT-158 for the VX-4500/4600, but I've not found any close-up or specs to see pin info. The current prices I'm seeing are $60ish. Buying the JST parts is FAR cheaper.
This is a CT-93 30' ends
(CT-81 = 20', CT-83 = 8')
There's also the CT-156, CT-157 & CT-158 for the VX-4500/4600, but I've not found any close-up or specs to see pin info. The current prices I'm seeing are $60ish. Buying the JST parts is FAR cheaper.
radiotweester
Member
Yet ANOTHER correction... CT-156, CT-157 & CT-158 for the VX-4500/4600 are RJ-45 connectors and NOT compatible. The image on the site I was on was wrong.
