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Motorola Astro Consolette L99DX+259L "7C1" message

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opel

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Hello!

I picked up a Motorola Astro Consolette model L99DX+259L from ebay, seller claimed it was tested and in good working order.

When I plug in the power cord, it immediately turns on (don't need to hit PWR button), shows "SELF CHK" briefly and then displays "7C1" on the display.

The volume up and down buttons work, and the #8 Mon button cycles between "MON ON" and "MON OFF".
Holding down the "HOME" button for 2 seconds causes the "C1" part of "7C1" to start rapidly flashing. Pressing home again causes it to stop flashing.

No other buttons do anything.

Anyone have any ideas on this? Know what the "7C1" could mean?

I've tried googling to no avail.

Thank you for any assistance on this!
 
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opel

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Well after finding the manuals for this, the immediate turn on is normal. Cannot find any reference to 7C1.

Is it true that programming this unit would require a Smart RIB RLN1015D? I have read some conflicting information where the RIB might only be needed for flashing firmware and it would be possible to program without. I did find the pinout for the DB-25 on the back to get serial port.
 
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opel

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What version of the CPS software can I use with this radio? I have 20.01.00 is that too new? I have found I also have version R05.03 - any use?
 
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opel

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opel said:
What version of the CPS software can I use with this radio? I have 20.01.00 is that too new? I have found I also have version R05.03 - any use?
Click to expand...
OK just located Astro RSS V08.50 and 09.05 for DOS! Time to dig out my old 386
 
mmckenna

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opel said:
Like it's completely locked down and only serves that one function? Most of the buttons do nothing.
Click to expand...


Likely the previous owner programmed it that way. Not uncommon when you don't want the radio user messing with functions they don't need.

When you program it, you can set it up the way you want.
 
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opel

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mmckenna said:
Likely the previous owner programmed it that way. Not uncommon when you don't want the radio user messing with functions they don't need.

When you program it, you can set it up the way you want.
Click to expand...
Thank you - I am installing Astro RSS 9.05 on my old 386 right now, would you happen to know if I should install "Astro Mobile" or "Astro Portable" ? I am assuming it's Mobile, correct?
1693707070782.png
 
merlin

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The consolette is just a case with power supply. The radios are most often Astro 25.
The one I got had the DB programming port on the back of the case.
I swapped out the radio with one I already programmed for NAS on the local PS site.
Works just fine.
My case lacks the power button and clock so I use the power button on the control head.
You want the astro mobile software. If you don't have the "J2" extension on the case, you have to open it to plug in your cable. You might keep a rubber dead blow hammer handy getting the case back together.
 
mmckenna

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opel said:
Thank you - I am installing Astro RSS 9.05 on my old 386 right now, would you happen to know if I should install "Astro Mobile" or "Astro Portable" ? I am assuming it's Mobile, correct?
Click to expand...

Astro Mobile.

merlin said:
You want the astro mobile software. If you don't have the "J2" extension on the case, you have to open it to plug in your cable.
Click to expand...

That's the way all mine are set up. Pain the arse, but they are pretty well set and connected to our dispatch consoles, so they don't need frequent programming.

merlin said:
You might keep a rubber dead blow hammer handy getting the case back together.
Click to expand...

Ain't that the truth. I gotta wonder what they were smoking when they designed that case. Biggest pain the butt I deal with.
 
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opel

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Thank you all for the assistance on this! Found lots of fun software to play with for these older units. (Spectra CPS Depot version, RSS Astro Lab version, FlashZap)
 
mmckenna

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opel said:
Thank you all for the assistance on this! Found lots of fun software to play with for these older units. (Spectra CPS Depot version, RSS Astro Lab version, FlashZap)
Click to expand...

Don't screw around with Lab software. That can get you into trouble pretty quick. Put it away and use the Astro Mobile only.
 
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opel

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mmckenna said:
Don't screw around with Lab software. That can get you into trouble pretty quick. Put it away and use the Astro Mobile only.
Click to expand...
Aww, whats the fun in that?? ;)

I'll try to resist the urge, however I do love tinkering with things.
 
merlin

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mmckenna said:
Ain't that the truth. I gotta wonder what they were smoking when they designed that case. Biggest pain the butt I deal with.
Click to expand...
Actually, my case was so well moulded it is a tight fit. Toung and groove have to match well.
Then getting the latches fastened/unfastened. A helping tool goes far.
 
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