Code Plugs

[W7JMG]

I am new to LMR. I have a job which is going to require me to program Motorola codeplugs. This is new territory for me. Can someone point me to some detailed information so I can get up to speed on what is involved, what all the settings are and such. My supervisor was asking me questions regarding things like side-band settings and such. I know what side-bands and the like but had no clue as to how or why they would be set on a LMR.

I am doing research on P25 based radio and getting smart on that. I have an extra class amateur radio licence as well as a Network engineer so I understand digital communications. I just am looking for some detailed reading material on the Motorola configurations.

Thanks in advance.

David Gower
Amateur Extra, Commercial Novice

 

[cmdrwill]

" Motorola codeplugs. " a name given to programmable memory chips, IC's. That plugged into the radio providing frequency/channel information for the radio to operate.

Motorola codeplugs.and side-bands, now we ARE in trouble..........

 

[jim202]

I hate to ask this question, as it can really cause a problem. But by any chance do you even know what model family the radio is?

There is also a model number for the radio that can be found on the name tag on the radio. If it is a portable, the tag will be located under the battery. If it is a mobile, normally the tag will be located on the side or maybe even on the bottom of the radio.

It is important to know if this is a conventional radio or is this radio used on a trunking system.

If it is a trunking radio, you will need a systems key before you can program the radio. Who ever the radio systems manager is for the trunking system, is the person that controls the release of the software systems key.

A word of caution here. If you have never programmed a Motorola trunking radio, your in for a major and rude awaking. If the radio is not programed correctly, that radio could cause problems for the radio trunking system. Plus you need a whole bunch of information that has to be programmed into the radio. This is not something a first time programmer should even try alone. You need help from a person that can sit with your for a number of hours and walk you through all the steps.

You will also need the program cable to go between the radio and the computer. This is radio model dependent. So you need to have the correct cable to match the radio.

You can't program the radio without the programming software. The software will dictate what you will need for a computer. The software can only be obtained directly from Motorola. Normally when you purchase the software, it comes with a 3 year subscription. Motorola will sell you their current version of the software. But an older version may be used in the radio system. You will need to make sure the version of the software you obtain, matches what is being used for the other radios in the system.

 

[IAmSixNine]

Must be nice getting a job programming LMR radios with no knowledge of how to program Motorola radios.
Im about to look for a new job due to downsizing in the company i work for and have plenty of bench and programming experience, having worked at a 2-way shop for 8 years. Need an assistant?

 

[W7JMG]

Thanks for all the replies. They have been very helpful.

73

David
W7JMG