Motorola XPR 8300 Repeater

[WSEX939]

Hi everyone,
I have a Motorola XPR8300(40 watt 450mhz-512mhz). It was listed as parts or not working( a lot of corrosion) and I bought it on a whim. Believe it or not, after jumping past some broken traces and wires, it does boot! I was wondering if anyone happened to know what firmware was ideal for this repeater? I believe it is running whatever the original one was. I can't seem to find the firmware listed for it within my Motorola portal. Any warnings or things to lookout for are also appreciated! Thank you for all of the help!

 

[nokones]

I'm running R02.08.05.03

 

[RadioGuy7268]

8300's are 1st generation DMR repeaters. They had limited functionality, multiple issues, and were quickly replaced by the upgraded XPR8400 models which also had more built in memory and were able to be upgraded for more advanced functions like RAS.

Can you upgrade the firmware? Yes, but is there a specific function you are trying to get that the radio currently does not do? There's little advantage (and a ton of trouble) to upgrading a really old repeater like that if you're not looking to gain added functionality. There is also a bunch of limits you run up against due to the restrictive 8MB memory limitation of the 8300 version.

Like most of these "2 mobiles in a box" repeater, they're really not up to the duty cycles claimed in the sales brochures. Turn down the power if you want them to live, and fix the fans. There's a few articles out there on the web about how to do all that.

If it was me, I'd sell that 8300 off in a hurry, and use the proceeds towards buying an XPR8400, or the Vertex label cousin VXD-R70 repeater. Unless you like projects, headaches, and struggle. If that's the case, stick with your XPR8300.

 

[prcguy]

Or get an MTR3000.