MCS-2000 Programming

[flame05154]

My department purchased a bunch of MCS-2000's from Sunny Communications (usedradios.com).

They came with everything needed to install, just needed programming.
I have a Windows XP Pro SP3 laptop, MCS2000 02.08.00 CPS, BlueMax49rs MCS2000 FTDI Programming Cable RKN4063, Cable Driver FTDI20824
Port Settings were initially default but didnt work, so I changed the port settings to: 600 bits per second, 8 data bits, USB Transfer sizes (receive and transmit) 64, latency timer to 1, serial enumerator is checked. Both the COM in device settings and in the software were at COM5, but i changed them to COM2 when it didnt work.

Software loads fine, Driver is showing no issues.
I have the remote base connected thru the remote head cable into the remote head. Speaker is plugged into the remote cable. 12v is being applied to the power connection + and - at the back of the radio base. Both ends of the remote cable are fully seated and locked into place.
I have the USB plugged into the computer and the RJ45 style plugged into the mic port of the remote head.
When I power on the radio it completes its self-test without issues and goes to channel 1 (must be pre-programmed with that).
When I try reading the radio it says connection failed. No fail codes, radio doesn't reset or flash, nothing.
There is no other programming port on the base of the radio, No ignition sense wire.

Any idea's on what could be going on? I have tried the same setup with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 7 and now the Windows XP with no change. I have also tried other cables I have with the Rj45 style connector also with no luck.

 

[N4KVE]

When I had a remote head MCS2000, I could not program it through the mike jack. I had to program it through the acc connector on the brick. I had no problem programming my front mount 2000’s through the mike connector.

 

[FFPM571]

If these are remotes You have to program through the brick. The remote cable is too long to work with the front programming cable

 

[KE4ZNR]

My department purchased a bunch of MCS-2000's from Sunny Communications (usedradios.com).

It always boggles my mind when 30+ year old radios are purchased and the new owners wonder why they
are having problems getting them programmed & working. Might as well purchase HT-200s.
Radios made in the last 10-15 years are affordable and can be programmed easily.

 

[MTS2000des]

Legacy radios require legacy computers, operating systems, software, and proper legacy cables to have a good chance of working. Even then, a 30 year old radio with out of tolerance and failing components like electrolytic caps may all contribute to the PITA factor.

 

[N4KVL]

When I had a remote head MCS2000, I could not program it through the mike jack. I had to program it through the acc connector on the brick. I had no problem programming my front mount 2000’s through the mike connector.

With a real SmartRib and moto DB25 - RJ45 adapter, they will absolutely program through a remote head. I had a 100 foot programming cable I'd use for trucks in the bays from the radio shop PC.

Firmware is another story. MUST go to the brick. *Triggers rebanding flashbacks*

 

[FFPM571]

With a real SmartRib and moto DB25 - RJ45 adapter, they will absolutely program through a remote head. I had a 100 foot programming cable I'd use for trucks in the bays from the radio shop PC.

Firmware is another story. MUST go to the brick. *Triggers rebanding flashbacks*

Well now days a Smart Rib DB25-RJ45 30 years later is not exactly an easy thing to obtain...

 

[jeepsandradios]

It works fine thru head with a standard RIB as well. I stil lprogram all my stuff with a RIB, and serial cable. Especially old stuff. We still have many HP MCS for SAR.

 

[Echo4Thirty]

It works fine thru head with a standard RIB as well. I stil lprogram all my stuff with a RIB, and serial cable. Especially old stuff. We still have many HP MCS for SAR.

Seconded. I maintain a fleet of 110W VHF MCS2000s in fire trucks. I have had no issue programming through the remote head. I do not use a ribless cable, but do use a standard rib and moto cable.

As stated, I would not risk a FW update but they are all on final FW anyway.

 

[azsmitty67]

Bought Five MCS2000 from the same place. Bluemax49 programming cable and software, they work like a champ. In fact 4 of them are used as repeater radios,and one standalone for my 2 meter VHF also work great. Programming all with Windows 32-bit.64 bit will not work.

 

[azsmitty67]

I can't find much information about the W3 remote head . What cable, etc

 

[nikronzo]

My department purchased a bunch of MCS-2000's from Sunny Communications (usedradios.com).

Are you using a 20+ y/o mobile for public safety communications? I am sorry that is just so wrong, even in the most budget constrained depts in the country, the price point for Astro25 series radios or Harris XGs is the same for what Sunny is selling botched up MCS mobiles for.

 

[azsmitty67]

I gotta interject on that comment about Sunny Communication. First off I have bought (6) MCS2000, (5)110 watt and (1) 50 watt. (4) are being used in
Repeater systems, and the other (2) are stand-alone. UHF and VHF. Programmed them right out of the box with not any problems whatsoever. Been using them
Now for a year with no issues at all.

Second, Sunny Communications offers a 90 day warranty,and I've dealt with them for 2 years now. they've never given me any reason or proof that would suggest they are a shady operation. They also program up to 16 channels with one zone for free.

I do know these radios can be stubborn and difficult to learn at first, but I gotta say it's gotta be something your doing wrong with the Programming. I'm curious what CPS software version your using,because it sounds like it could be a version compatibility problem. I can program a MCS2000, full tilt,ready to boogie in a half hour or less.
Good Luck,hope you figure it out.

 

[mmckenna]

I don't think he was questioning Sunny. Many of us have used them in the past and they are a good company.

The statement was similar to one I had, but didn't post. Using a 30+ year old radio in a public safety application is not common. We know some agencies have limited budgets, but that's pretty extreme.

Using a mobile as a repeater transmitter can be risky as they are not designed for high transmit cycles and will often overheat unless the transmitter is turned way down. Hopefully you've done that.

If they work for you, then great. We retired all of ours almost 15 years ago, except for one in the Captain's take home car, which I was finally able to get rid of last year.

 

[n3obl]

My one part time EMS job has mcs2000 in the rigs. At least sunny probably checked them on a service monitor.

 

[nokones]

I have totally been satisfied with the product and services provided by Sunny Communications for several years.

I still have a dashmount MCS2000 and it has been servicing me very well for many years. It's been my portable base station setup.

I have been programming the remote setups with a RIB and cable through the head with no problem.

 

[N4KVE]

My one part time EMS job has mcs2000 in the rigs. At least sunny probably checked them on a service monitor.

I wouldn’t count on it. Twice I purchased a 900 MHz XTS2500 from them. Everything was smooth, great price, & radios looked totally mint. But when I called about the second one not being shipped, I was told it’s waiting to be auto tuned. It arrived a few days later, but had a problem on P25 TX. Analog was fine. Brought it to a buddy for an auto tune, & the “dev bal” setting was off. After that, the radio was fine. I’d still buy from them again.

 

[mancow]

The MCS uses 74HC4052 analog multiplexers to toggle the mic lines to serial bus lines. I think some cables just don't provide enough drive to make the signal through those and then on through all the cabling. A factory RIB probably compensates more.