Can’t connect to Quantar

[hkmeehan]

I purchased a Motorola Quantar 800mhz repeater, installed the rss, created the modem, put in the 193.0.0.5 address and when I try to connect I get “ unable to make physical connection” I have tried on 2 different computers, 2 different cables and am ready to throw the thing in the dump. I have no one to ask for help other than you guys on here. When I attempt to do a swdl it gets started the repeater restarts and then I get must have active ftp connection. The RSS manual is useless when it comes to errors and I haven’t been able to find anything about either of my errors anywhere..

Hope someone can help.

 

[MSS-Dave]

Try using a null modem DB9 cable to the front panel connector for a Serial Port connection

 

[hkmeehan]

I have tried 2 separate null modems and serial port and still get same result

 

[redbeard]

Last time I remember not being able to connect it's because I forgot to 'dial' the repeater first. It's been awhile so details aren't too fresh in my memory.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Make sure you are using a null-modem cable (looks like you are) and don't for get to select the correct COM port and dial the repeater.

 

[hkmeehan]

Thanks guys, I have tried dialing using the only com port but the speed is only 9600 and no other speeds available, when I hit dial it gives me the can not make physical connection error. I even purchased a new control board thinking that might of been bad and get the same result, just on the new control board it doesn’t startup like the other, the original has good lights on system, pa etc, the replacement all lights just flash which is meaning there is no firmware or code plug loaded from what I have read but still no connection when trying to dial from rss.

 

[rescue161]

Why can't you just plug the null-modem serial cable and select "read?" I never "connect" and have no problem programming my Quantars.

 

[mikewazowski]

Why can't you just plug the null-modem serial cable and select "read?" I never "connect" and have no problem programming my Quantars.

Same here. Plug cable in, hit read.

 

[KevinC]

Why can't you just plug the null-modem serial cable and select "read?" I never "connect" and have no problem programming my Quantars.

Same here. Plug cable in, hit read.

I'm glad you two guys said that. I thought I'd been doing something wrong all these years.

 

[redbeard]

From the Quantar RSS manual:

5. Ensure that the device is turned on and click Connect/Dial.

http://www.repeater-builder.com/motorola/quantar/pdfs/quantar-rss-manual.pdf

 

[rescue161]

That is for programming remotely, i.e., having to program a Quantar that is up on a 1500 foot tower and you are 100 miles away. If the repeater is sitting right beside you, then you need to use the null-modem cable and connect directly to the repeater and select "read."

 

[RKG]

It has been a while for me also, but I recall you will need a null modem cable and a gender changer. Plug in and press the read button.

 

[hkmeehan]

Thanks everyone, it is local serial using null modem, when I get home tonight I will try not dialing and just reading and let you know what I get. Thanks again.

 

[hkmeehan]

So when I connect to the front port and my serial port using a null modem I get “unable to connect to the device” on 2 different laptops one win xp pro and one win 7 I can read my portables on both with their cps, with the same ports etc, I have tested both cables otherwise and don’t now what else to do. My tx lock is green, station on is green, WL is on and green and v.24/modem is flashing.

 

[KevinC]

So when I connect to the front port and my serial port using a null modem I get “unable to connect to the device” on 2 different laptops one win xp pro and one win 7 I can read my portables on both with their cps, with the same ports etc, I have tested both cables otherwise and don’t now what else to do. My tx lock is green, station on is green, WL is on and green and v.24/modem is flashing.

Not doubting you, but are you sure you're using a null modem cable and not just a gender changer? it's a common mistake.

 

[hkmeehan]

I purchased it from eBay for quantar cable, and purchased one on amazon and can use both with an adtran router though Telnet and both work fine. I don’t know what else to do.

 

[rescue161]

Are you using a serial port or a USB adapter?

Click on Tools, then select Connection Configuration and then select "Serial" and then select the com port that you are using.

Close out of that window and plug in the cable to the front of the Quantar and then the other end needs to be on the serial port of your computer. Next, select File and then Read from Device.

 

[hkmeehan]

Are you using a serial port or a USB adapter?

Click on Tools, then select Connection Configuration and then select "Serial" and then select the com port that you are using.

Close out of that window and plug in the cable to the front of the Quantar and then the other end needs to be on the serial port of your computer. Next, select File and then Read from Device.

I followed that exactly and still get “Unable to connect to device”

 

[mikewazowski]

Have you tried connecting to another Quantar?

 

[rescue161]

Also, I'd Ohm out and verify the pin for pin configuration of that cable. All null modem cables are not created equal.