Mike's Miscellaneous Motorola Minutia

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Motorola Minutia
Thoughts and Comments (and Maintained) by Mike Morris WA6ILQ

All of this used to be on the main Motorola Index page. It was split off in 2012 during a major overhaul of the web site and moved to this page because it contains useful information, plus it forms a repository for unrelated comments and thoughts.

Here is a part number for the Quantar power supply fan: ADDA Fans AD0912HB-A73GL-LF. This is a 92 mm x 92 mm X 20 mm fan with the tachometer leads.

The Quantar uses an Onan power supply number 3-70506-0000 or Motorola number 0184906T04. The integrated circuit thermistor in this supply is a Honeywell TD5, Digi-Key Part Number 480-2017-ND. It's about 2100 ohms with 1.55 volts across it at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Quantar programming cable (3080369E31 or E32 depending on which parts catalog you read) is $68 from Motorola, but it's a simple DE-9 cable that you can build yourself.
DE-9F (computer) to DE-9M (quantar station)

1 no connection
2 <=> 3
3 <=> 2
4 no connection
5 <=> 5
6 no connection
7 <=> 8
8 <=> 7
9 no connection
You can minimize the number of cables you have to keep in your radio programming laptop computer bag... Just find a tiny 4PDT toggle switch that fits inside the 9-pin cable shell. Just wire it so that in one position it's a 2-3-5 straight through extension cable and the other position 2-3 and 7-8 are swapped. Label the switch as "Normal 2-3-5" and "Quantar".

Software is RVN5002 for both Quantar and ASTRO-TAC 3000. I'm mentioning this because the ASTRO-TAC isn't mentioned on the R-B Quantar page. It's basically the receiver module of the Quantar configured as a stand-alone receiver, like the old MICOR-based rack mount Aux receiver / Spectra TAC receiver.

Motorola has a Rework and Repair Technical Reference manual, part number 6680309B53. If you can find one it's interesting reading. I had one, loaned it out and it evaporated. I tried to order a replacement but it's no longer available. If anyone as a PDF please send it to me and I'll post it on repeater-builder. If someone has a paper copy please consider loaning it to us for scanning. Just contact the page maintainer above.

The 450-512 MHz XTL5000 does NOT need any modifying or retuning to work on 440-450 amateur channels. Just hack the CPS, power it up, program it and you are done.

If you have a transistor or other part with a Moto logo and a 4-digit number and the book doesn't show a part number try putting "48-86" in front of the four digit part number, then Google it (i.e. an M9102 becomes part number 48869102; you just might get a hit.

The replacement microphone coiled cord for the Mitrek, MICOR, Syntor and several others (not the Spectra) is part number 083731M01.

Bubble-Pack radio "Privacy Codes": Motorola makes several "bubble pack" models in the MURS, GMRS and FRS lines that have "privacy codes". Here is a translation table that works on most of the "Talkabout" line, it may be valid for others (please let Mike WA6ILQ know at (his-callsign@repeater-builder.com). Of course we all know that PL, DPL ("CTCSS", "DCS") doesn't really "fix" anything, nor does it give you any privacy. And that the tone or code numbers are different between manufacturers, and sometimes between different product lines in the same manufacturer.

Motorola microphone manual number 6880309C84: This manual covers the DTMF microphones with the following part numbers: TDN8305A/B, TDN8306A/B, TDN8307A/BSP, TDN8309A/B, TDN8310A/B (DTMF Maxtrac). As of April 2011 this manual was still available for about US$2.10.

Motorola microphone manual number 6881085E15: This manual covers the Auto-Dial Touch Code Encoder Palm Microphones with Backlit Keypad with the following part numbers: TMN6169A (DTMF Maxtrac Conventional), TMN6170A (DTMF Maxtrac Trunked), TMN6171A (DTMF MaraTrac with the A2 and A3 heads), TMN6172A (DTMF MaraTrac with the A7 head), TMN6173A (DTMF Spectra Conventional), TMN6174A (DTMF Spectra Trunked), TMN6175A (DTMF Mostar Conventional), TMN6176A (DTMF Mostar Trunked). As of the time of this writing (April 2011) this manual was still available for about US$3.66.

Speaking of microphones, Motorola made a rather unique one for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) MICOR radios that had a two-position rocker-style PTT button with the letters "C" and "S" on it to select transmit frequency. They used the headset pin in the microphone connector for the second PTT lead. Click here for a photo. It is documented in a CHP radio manual addendum. Click here for the manual section. According to a reader, "The CHP MICOR mikes with the C/S PTT switch were used on the CHP duplex low-band system. The C/S PTT switch allows the radio to be keyed on either the Mobile frequency (S) to talk to dispatch, or on the Base frequency (C) for car-to-car. I believe that C/S stands for Car/Station. The current CHP fleet of GE radios uses the same scheme."

Can you believe Motorola actually makes a small tool they call a "mini-UHF Connector Wrench"? Well, they do. It's a small piece of spring metal bent in an Omega shape that fits around mini-UHF male connectors so you can tighten and loosen them in tight spaces. Click here for a photo of one in a package. They don't want you to use a pair of pliers. To use it, tighten the mini-UHF connector onto the antenna jack as much as possible by hand, then put this tool over the knurled part, squeeze it until the ends touch, and tighten the connector until the tool slips. The part number is HLN6695A and it only costs $6.00US in the middle of 2012. They include them free with some equipment. Such a deal.
Update: As of 2023 they are NLA (No Longer Available). If anyone has an alternate source (or even a few extra) please contact the page maintainer.

The M1225 mobile radio has a problem with the 4 ohm speakers that were used on the earlier Maxtracs and GM300s... I ran into this with a tow truck service that retired their older radios but left them in the tow trucks and just plugged them into the M1225s (the 16 pin Maxtrac speaker plugs right into the M1225s). This causes the M1225 speaker audio to have random popping noises. You have to use at least 8 ohm speakers on an M1225. In my case the tow trucks had a mix of speakers... some were 4 ohms, some were 8 ohms, the Maxtracs and GM300s didn't care. I ended up having to check part numbers on the speakers, finding all the 4 ohm ones and replacing them with 8 ohms.

Here's the power that one reader's MSF5000 "CXB" repeater draws from the AC line:
VHF: Idle: 57w; 30w: 330w; 50w: 510w; 100w: 700w. As you can see, these stations are rather inefficient (RF power out vs AC power in).

Anybody want to do an article on the Waris series? (which includes the GP320, GP328, GP338, GP338-LS, GP329, GP339, GP340, GP360, GP380, HT750, HT1250, HT1250LS, HT1550, HT1550XLS, GP140, GP320, GP330, GP328, GP329, GP338, GP339, GP340, GP360, GP380, GP640, GP650, GP680, GP1280, PTX700, PTX760, PTX780, ATS2500, MTX850, MTX850LS, MTX8250, MTX8250LS, MTX900, MTX950, MTX960, MTX9250, PRO5150, PRO5350, PRO5450, PRO5550, PRO5750, PRO7150, PRO7350, PRO7450, PRO7550, PRO7750, and the PRO9150)
Note that Moto marketing screwed up and has a MTX900 model in BOTH the Jedi and Waris product lines. If you are buying a MTX900 make sure which one you are getting. They are VERY different.

Contact Information:

The author can be contacted at: his-callsign // at // repeater-builder // dot // com.

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This page originally created on Sunday 22-Jul-2012.

This web page, this web site, the information presented in and on its pages and in these modifications and conversions is © Copyrighted 1995 and (date of last update) by Kevin Custer W3KKC and multiple originating authors. All Rights Reserved, including that of paper and web publication elsewhere.

	Here is a part number for the Quantar power supply fan: ADDA Fans AD0912HB-A73GL-LF. This is a 92 mm x 92 mm X 20 mm fan with the tachometer leads.
	The Quantar uses an Onan power supply number 3-70506-0000 or Motorola number 0184906T04. The integrated circuit thermistor in this supply is a Honeywell TD5, Digi-Key Part Number 480-2017-ND. It's about 2100 ohms with 1.55 volts across it at 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
	The Quantar programming cable (3080369E31 or E32 depending on which parts catalog you read) is $68 from Motorola, but it's a simple DE-9 cable that you can build yourself. DE-9F (computer) to DE-9M (quantar station)
	1 no connection 2 <=> 3 3 <=> 2 4 no connection 5 <=> 5 6 no connection 7 <=> 8 8 <=> 7 9 no connection	You can minimize the number of cables you have to keep in your radio programming laptop computer bag... Just find a tiny 4PDT toggle switch that fits inside the 9-pin cable shell. Just wire it so that in one position it's a 2-3-5 straight through extension cable and the other position 2-3 and 7-8 are swapped. Label the switch as "Normal 2-3-5" and "Quantar".
	Software is RVN5002 for both Quantar and ASTRO-TAC 3000. I'm mentioning this because the ASTRO-TAC isn't mentioned on the R-B Quantar page. It's basically the receiver module of the Quantar configured as a stand-alone receiver, like the old MICOR-based rack mount Aux receiver / Spectra TAC receiver.
	Motorola has a Rework and Repair Technical Reference manual, part number 6680309B53. If you can find one it's interesting reading. I had one, loaned it out and it evaporated. I tried to order a replacement but it's no longer available. If anyone as a PDF please send it to me and I'll post it on repeater-builder. If someone has a paper copy please consider loaning it to us for scanning. Just contact the page maintainer above.
	The 450-512 MHz XTL5000 does NOT need any modifying or retuning to work on 440-450 amateur channels. Just hack the CPS, power it up, program it and you are done.
	If you have a transistor or other part with a Moto logo and a 4-digit number and the book doesn't show a part number try putting "48-86" in front of the four digit part number, then Google it (i.e. an M9102 becomes part number 48869102; you just might get a hit.
	The replacement microphone coiled cord for the Mitrek, MICOR, Syntor and several others (not the Spectra) is part number 083731M01.
	Bubble-Pack radio "Privacy Codes": Motorola makes several "bubble pack" models in the MURS, GMRS and FRS lines that have "privacy codes". Here is a translation table that works on most of the "Talkabout" line, it may be valid for others (please let Mike WA6ILQ know at (his-callsign@repeater-builder.com). Of course we all know that PL, DPL ("CTCSS", "DCS") doesn't really "fix" anything, nor does it give you any privacy. And that the tone or code numbers are different between manufacturers, and sometimes between different product lines in the same manufacturer.
	Motorola microphone manual number 6880309C84: This manual covers the DTMF microphones with the following part numbers: TDN8305A/B, TDN8306A/B, TDN8307A/BSP, TDN8309A/B, TDN8310A/B (DTMF Maxtrac). As of April 2011 this manual was still available for about US$2.10.
	Motorola microphone manual number 6881085E15: This manual covers the Auto-Dial Touch Code Encoder Palm Microphones with Backlit Keypad with the following part numbers: TMN6169A (DTMF Maxtrac Conventional), TMN6170A (DTMF Maxtrac Trunked), TMN6171A (DTMF MaraTrac with the A2 and A3 heads), TMN6172A (DTMF MaraTrac with the A7 head), TMN6173A (DTMF Spectra Conventional), TMN6174A (DTMF Spectra Trunked), TMN6175A (DTMF Mostar Conventional), TMN6176A (DTMF Mostar Trunked). As of the time of this writing (April 2011) this manual was still available for about US$3.66.
	Speaking of microphones, Motorola made a rather unique one for the California Highway Patrol (CHP) MICOR radios that had a two-position rocker-style PTT button with the letters "C" and "S" on it to select transmit frequency. They used the headset pin in the microphone connector for the second PTT lead. Click here for a photo. It is documented in a CHP radio manual addendum. Click here for the manual section. According to a reader, "The CHP MICOR mikes with the C/S PTT switch were used on the CHP duplex low-band system. The C/S PTT switch allows the radio to be keyed on either the Mobile frequency (S) to talk to dispatch, or on the Base frequency (C) for car-to-car. I believe that C/S stands for Car/Station. The current CHP fleet of GE radios uses the same scheme."
	Can you believe Motorola actually makes a small tool they call a "mini-UHF Connector Wrench"? Well, they do. It's a small piece of spring metal bent in an Omega shape that fits around mini-UHF male connectors so you can tighten and loosen them in tight spaces. Click here for a photo of one in a package. They don't want you to use a pair of pliers. To use it, tighten the mini-UHF connector onto the antenna jack as much as possible by hand, then put this tool over the knurled part, squeeze it until the ends touch, and tighten the connector until the tool slips. The part number is HLN6695A and it only costs $6.00US in the middle of 2012. They include them free with some equipment. Such a deal. Update: As of 2023 they are NLA (No Longer Available). If anyone has an alternate source (or even a few extra) please contact the page maintainer.
	The M1225 mobile radio has a problem with the 4 ohm speakers that were used on the earlier Maxtracs and GM300s... I ran into this with a tow truck service that retired their older radios but left them in the tow trucks and just plugged them into the M1225s (the 16 pin Maxtrac speaker plugs right into the M1225s). This causes the M1225 speaker audio to have random popping noises. You have to use at least 8 ohm speakers on an M1225. In my case the tow trucks had a mix of speakers... some were 4 ohms, some were 8 ohms, the Maxtracs and GM300s didn't care. I ended up having to check part numbers on the speakers, finding all the 4 ohm ones and replacing them with 8 ohms.
	Here's the power that one reader's MSF5000 "CXB" repeater draws from the AC line: VHF: Idle: 57w; 30w: 330w; 50w: 510w; 100w: 700w. As you can see, these stations are rather inefficient (RF power out vs AC power in).
	Anybody want to do an article on the Waris series? (which includes the GP320, GP328, GP338, GP338-LS, GP329, GP339, GP340, GP360, GP380, HT750, HT1250, HT1250LS, HT1550, HT1550XLS, GP140, GP320, GP330, GP328, GP329, GP338, GP339, GP340, GP360, GP380, GP640, GP650, GP680, GP1280, PTX700, PTX760, PTX780, ATS2500, MTX850, MTX850LS, MTX8250, MTX8250LS, MTX900, MTX950, MTX960, MTX9250, PRO5150, PRO5350, PRO5450, PRO5550, PRO5750, PRO7150, PRO7350, PRO7450, PRO7550, PRO7750, and the PRO9150) Note that Moto marketing screwed up and has a MTX900 model in BOTH the Jedi and Waris product lines. If you are buying a MTX900 make sure which one you are getting. They are VERY different.