Spectra Programming Problems

[mfn002]

I recently acquired a Spectra Low-Power VHF from eBay. I have the software to program it, and built a cable following the schematics on BatLabs. However, when I connect it, I get either a "BUSY LINE LOCKED" or "POWER FAULT" error on the RSS. The DATA light on the RIB will flash briefly before the power error appears. In addition, the display on the radio will say "PROGRAM" when I try to connect. I've quadruple-checked all of the wires in the cable and made sure they were going to the right places. Everything seems OK.

 

[jhooten]

What speed is the computer you are running the RSS on?
Are you running in a DOS window on a Windows PC?

RSS needs to run in true DOS on a slow machine.

 

[ElroyJetson]

Use nothing faster than an original Pentium class machine. A Pentium II is probably too fast.

And you must run in TRUE DOS mode. DOS in a window will NOT cut it! Restart in MS-DOS.


Elroy

 

[Zack08]

Believe it or not, I use a Pentium III with no problems (in true DOS, of course).

 

[mfn002]

I was able to program (successfully, several times) my GP300s in the DOS window mode. I do not think it has much to do with that (if it helps, the computer I'm using to do this is a 2000 Sony Vaio PCG-F610). The guy who programmed my XTS uses a much-newer laptop to program all of the radios he services (including Motorola Visars). I had no real problems installing the program, and the only errors that seem to appear have to do with the serial bus connection.

 

[RKG]

A dollar to a doughnut says your problem involves the use of non-Motorola RIB or cables. Spectras are finicky radios.

Are you aware of the necessity for supplying B+ to pin 5 of the DB-9 programming cable, in order to allow the Spectra to power up when attached to a RIB?

 

[mfn002]

A dollar to a doughnut says your problem involves the use of non-Motorola RIB or cables. Spectras are finicky radios.

Are you aware of the necessity for supplying B+ to pin 5 of the DB-9 programming cable, in order to allow the Spectra to power up when attached to a RIB?

I think that might be the problem...because I noted that it was not powering up solely on the RIB, and I have to use my power supply. I don't know much about these radios, so, at the risk of sounding insanely stupid, what is B+? If its for the ignition sense, I have that in the cable I made (I used the schematics from BatLabs). I forgot to mention it is a low-power VHF model with the head built in.

 

[RKG]

I think that might be the problem...because I noted that it was not powering up solely on the RIB, and I have to use my power supply. I don't know much about these radios, so, at the risk of sounding insanely stupid, what is B+? If its for the ignition sense, I have that in the cable I made (I used the schematics from BatLabs). I forgot to mention it is a low-power VHF model with the head built in.

B+ (in this context) is switchable 12VDC (nominal), which has to be supplied to the ignition sense pin (Pin 5 of the DB-9) in order for the Spectra to power up. You also have to have chassis power (the double plug/jack thing) hot.

 

[mfn002]

B+ (in this context) is switchable 12VDC (nominal), which has to be supplied to the ignition sense pin (Pin 5 of the DB-9) in order for the Spectra to power up. You also have to have chassis power (the double plug/jack thing) hot.

Got both of those hooked up every time I attempt to program it.

By the way, it is model number and ID number D43KMA7JA5BK.

I am bidding on an old 386 laptop. Should this work for programming?