MOTOROLA MAXTRAC QUESTIONS

[Colin9690]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at buying a CONVENTIONAL Maxtrac off ebay. Can anyone who is very familiar with conventional Maxtracs tell me what the all the buttons do, or preferably how to get an owner's manual? Also, some of the guys on ebay offer free programming. Can i just send them a list of channels like.....

CHANNEL 1: 152.405
CHANNEL 2: 155.82

.... or is there more to it than that?

Thanks,
Colin

 

[45-70-405]

Maxtrac Info...

Hi there,

The Maxtrac is a good radio. The buttons functions are basically fixed. Channel UP and down, monitor, scan/scan program, and horn-light/signalling.

The basic info needed to program the radio is:
Receive frequency
Receive PL/DPL
Transmit Frequency
Transmit PL/DPL
Some options include MDC1200, Quick Call, and other signalling modes. Also the scan mode neesto be setup. I would get it programmed for user programmable with dual priority scan. THis will let you add and delete channeld from scan using the front panel. Note that not all radios do all functions, depending on what logic board it has.

Josh

 

[Colin9690]

thank you!

 

[Colin9690]

Another Question. If I want channel 1 set up to communicate with Worthington Schools Transportation, see http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=RR&ctid=2064

(Under Local Government)
Are the Tx and Rx freqs the same? I think we use a repeater. Which is Tx and which is Rx? And I see we use a tone? Do I NEED to program the tone? When I send the seller on Ebay my list to get programmed into my radio, is the INPUT freq the Tx freq?

Thanks again,
Colin[/url]

 

[45-70-405]

Details

Without knowing if the repeater transmits the DPL of 223, I cannot advise you on how to proceed with programming the RX on your radio. You should transmit DPL223 on 157.665 for the repeater input. Most likely you can program your radio to decode DPL223 on 152.405.

I would have to make the assumption that if you desire to transmit on this system, that you are authorized to do so. In that event, you should be able to get exact system info from whoever maintains the system.

FCC rules prohibit the programming of radios on frequencies that a person is not authorized to transmit on. The seller might require proof that you are authorized. (Before someone starts a flame war over this, read part 90 rules on the FCC web site. You may possess a radio, but it is a violation to progam for an customer that is not authorized).

Josh

 

[Colin9690]

And yes, I am an authorized user by the way, need a radio for a school bus . So what happens if I don't program the DPL223 into the radio?

So what you're saying is I should program 157.665 for TX and 152.405 for RX?

Also, do you know of any good web sites that explain repeater operations or any sites that tell how to program something like this? You can probably tell that I need some repeater knowledge. :wink:

Thanks,
Colin

 

[45-70-405]

The DPL

Colin,

YES, you MUST have the DPL or you will not be able to key up the repeater. You have it right for the frequency part. A repeater is basically a transmitter that rebroadcasts the audio from an associated receiver. There are filters that allow the transmitter and receiver to share one antenna. This is why you must transmit to the repeater on a different frequency than you lsiten to it on. By locating the repeater in a high place, it reatly extends the distance in which 2 radios can communicate. The PL is a subaudiable tone (67 to 250 cycles) that is added to the transmitted audio. A DPL is a digital code that is added to the signal in the same way. For the receiver to be activated, it must have not only the signal from your transmitter present, but that signal must have the proper digital code or audio tone on it for the receiver to unsquelch. On the repeater input, it protects the receiver from bursts of noise and distant signals that might cause interference. The repeater most likely transmits PL of DPL to prevent mobiles and HT's on the frequency from hearing other users and or noise on the frequency.

There are probably some ham radio sites that explain repeaters in more detail. You can PM me for more info or details. I work in the 2 way business, so I can answer most questions.

Hope this helps!

Josh

 

[Colin9690]

Does anyone know if Maxtracs support Motorola's Selective Radio Inhibit feature, and how does this feature work?

Thanks,
Colin

 

[wattiam]

no

it is just a radio

 

[Colin9690]

Well, does it support the above feature????

 

[wattiam]

the maxtrac does not have the feature of radio inhibit, this is a feature usually for the higher tiered radios from motorola. Radio inhibit is part of their MDC1200 protocol where on certain systems the radio can be turned off by a central station and can not be turned back on again unless the central station tells it so.