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.