From: military-radio-guy Full-Name: Dennis R Starks To: military radio collectors#1 Fcc: Sent Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 08:13:11 Subject: MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Mar.31/99 Message-ID: <19990331.081218.13103.5.military-radio-guy@juno.com> X-Status: Sent X-Mailer: Juno 1.49 MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Mar.31/99 Index: MOTOROLA'S MX PROGRAMMABLES; Part IV, by Jim Hopper EAT OUR HEART'S OUT; The Steve Hill Collection ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; Motorola PX-300 available. HUMOR; *********************************************** MOTOROLA'S MX PROGRAMMABLES; Part IV, by Jim Hopper Dennis, you said you wanted some programming and tuning information on the synthesized MX radios. Here is some information that I put together. I am sure some of the members will find some holes in the information but I tried my best. Vol. 1 MX300-S/MX300-R/PX300-S Frequency Programming Some of you are asking about the MX synthesized radios and how to get them programmed. Dennis has asked me to respond with some information. I am a Motorola Two Way Dealer and have always wanted to get into these units, but never had enough customers using them to get envolved. (These units were popular in the late 70’s to early 80’s when I was not allowed to be a Motorola sales dealer). I have recently been able to acquire all the right equipment to program these units(with late eproms). I thought you would like to know what is needed and how it happens. The above synthesized radios need a memory module to program the frequencies into the radio. The module is programmed with a Motorola R-1800/R1801 suitcase programmer which in turn requires a program “chip”(software) for the particular application(the programmer is used for many different radios) and a program “adapter” to connect the memory module of the radio. The memory module type determines which program adapter and program chip is necessary for programming. The following is a listing of the known memory modules(prom & eprom) to be found in Motorola MX programmable radios. Memory Module Reprogrammable? Remarks NLN5096 A, B No No Time out timer NLN7302 A, B No 30 second time out timer NLN7303 A, B No 60 second time out timer NLN5096 A, B SP04 No No Time out timer, 64 chan PLN1167 A PLN1242A No 30 second time out timer, 64 chan PLN1209 A PLN1243A No 60 second time out timer, 64 chan NLN5096 C, D Yes No Time out timer NLN7302 C, D Yes 30 second time out timer NLN7303 C, D Yes 60 second time out timer The above list is all the memory modules that I know about. It seems silly to have a different chip for each type of “time-out-timer” but then again this is Motorola. By the way, they will work with the VHF and UHF models radios alike. I am sure there are others, knowing Motorola. The only modules available for sale today from Motorola are the ones that are reprogrammable (the last 3 lines of the table). The typical module seen in a radio you might get is the NLN5096(A-D). This module in the “D” form can be purchased from Motorola under the part number REX1090A. This is a “kit” consisting of the module and screws for the top. You must use the RLN-4070B program adapter with the RLN4030C program chip in the R1800/R1801 suitcase programmer. These programmers are becoming very scarce. Most of them , if you can find one, has a blown power supply. But, if it is a power supply, they are at least repairable. The ones that are still working bring a healthy dollar. They are capable of reading and writing to several other radio proms, eproms, and eeproms. This setup with the proper chip and adapter for the MX-S will read all of the above modules but will only write the reporgrammable memory modules. You can read a non-reprogrammable(prom) module into the programmer and write to a new reprogrammable(eprom) module but you definitely cannot write to the old prom modules. This requires an old level of software program chip (there are many) and the RTL-4809C program adapter. Some of you may have this software—hold on to it because it is becoming truly obsolete. The advantage of the old programmer and software is that you can program “blank” channels in old modules—you definitely cannot program new channels into used memory locations. But, if you choose to find a programmer that will program the old “A” and “B” modules, you can add a zone switch which will give you 3 empty zones X 12 channels to add frequencies to the radio. Once you have programmed the module, take note that the new modules do not fit quite as well into the radio as did the old modules. You need to take care in installing the new module aligned and flush with the receptacle. The memory modules are available from Motorola under part number REX1090A (you will get a NLN5096D with this part number) for a cost of $45 (retail $62.75). Vol. 2 Module Compatibality The MX(xtal type), MX-R, MX-S, and PX radios all use the same modules (well, most of them are the same). Here is a list of “frequency sensitive” modules in the MX and PX radios and their factory splits: Module 136-150.8 150.8-174 U1/RF Filter NFD6011A NFD6012A U1/RF Amp NLD6561A NLD6562A U107/Filter/Det NFD6021A NFD6022A U105/Amp 10 W NLD7161A-SP1 NLD7011A-SP1 Module 136-162 162-174 U14/VCO NLD6020A NLD6021A L4/VCO Coil RED BLUE Module 136-150.8 150.8-162 162-174 U103/VCO+Gate NLD6601A NLD6602B NLD6603A U104/Amp 1,6 W NLD6621A NLD6622A NLD6623 U104/Amp 2.5 W NLD6610A NLD6611A NLD6612B U105/Amp 2.5 W NLD6631A NLD6632B NLD6633B U105/Amp 6.0 W NLD6641A NLD6642A NLD6643A As you can see from the above complex chart, Motorola divides its frequency splits in a different manner between modules. For further clarification, if you have a “high” split radio from the Government, you will have all modules from the right hand column. This seems to be the most prevalent in the PX-300-S and many of the MX’s. I was able to get all RX and TX parameters from 144 to 158 mhz, using all the “high split” modules, except for one—the VCO+Gate module. I had to change this module from the high split to the mid split, NLD6602B. This allowed me 14 mhz operation between 144 to 158 mhz. I was, however, able to get 146 to 158 with the high split VCO+Gate module. I/E, if you have the more common "high split" radio, fear not, it can be retuned to cover 146-158mc without modification. If reliable operation below 146 is desired, the VCO+Gate module must be replaced. Also, The top two modules—RF Filter and RF Amp—your radio may have either, but not both. The RF Amp is most wanted for more sensitivity, but the RF Filter will do better in high intermod areas. Below, I have a chart of modules in the radio that are not frequency sensitive—you can see these modules in a VHF or UHF radio regardless of their freqeuncy split. Use this information when you need a spare module for your radio. If the needed module is a “generic” module from this chart, you can buy a “junker” at a flea market and use that module in your radio. A complete “junker” radio might be priced at $15 or less, and any one of the below modules from Motorola will cost you $100 or more. NLN8917A U4/First IF Amp NLN8773A U5/Second IF Amp NLN5925A U6/Discriminator NLN8777B U7/Audio Filter+Regulator NLN8946 U7/Audio Filter+Regulator (alternate) NLN8775B U8/Audio Power Amp NLN8776A U9/Squelch (carrier) KXN1106AA U10/Reference Oscillator (3.6mhz std.) NLN5832A U101/ IDC NLN8779A U108/Automatiac Level Control NFN6010A U121/Tone Filter (PL Radio) NLN4052B U122/PL Processor (PL Radio) NFN6009A U123/Lo-Pass Filter(reed) (PL Radio) NFN6011B U131/Encode Filter (DPL Radio) NLN8921B U132/DPL Processor (DPL Radio) NFN6012B U133/Code Conditioner (DPL Radio) NLN8922A U134/Code Plug (DPL Radio) The above modules will work in ANY MX or PX300-S radio. There is only one exception: A2/Controller/Phase Detector U11,U13. Use a NLD7350A in a VHF radio and a NLE8680A in a UHF radio. I have tried a few experiments with my MX/PX radios. I first thought that the TX output module in a MX (6 watt VHF) would be the same as the 10 watt module in the PX. Wrong! They look identical, except for a removable heatsink on the PX, but they are definitely different. The 6 watt power rating followed the 6 watt module into the 10 watt PX. By the way the PX will put out about 15 watts if you maximize the power control. Of course, the current input is much greater and the output module gets pretty hot but it is amazing to see a portable radio with 15 watts out that is smaller than a child's lunch box. One place where I had great success is in the “zone” switch. The PX300-S has a place on the interior circuit board for a 4 position switch. I checked it out and found out that the radio is pre-wired for the zone switch. I drilled a hole (there was already a pilot hole in the PX inside) and mounted an old 4 freq switch from a MX and , without any other work, I have a 4 zone radio—48 channels from 12 channel radio. I have considered finding an old MX with a multiple PL deck and I could possibly move this deck (the bottom of any MX or PX is for options and they can be installed in the field) the the PX. There is another pilot hole next to the function switch that could be used for this purpose. Just a thought. If you find a battery box for the PX with a rechargeable battery in it, don’t throw it out. It could still be good. I am using 3 battery boxes from the old PT400 (yes, it uses the same battery and box for the PX) and the batteries are from 1988, and still good. I guess they were made better than some of the small portable batteries. I had to send off to a catalog house (Mouser) for the connector, but the connector is still available in the "Jones" line. The 2 pin "Jones" connector used for only charging the battery box is available from Radio Shack.12 pin Jones Plug on the side of the charging module and wire up the plug for 110VAC or 12 VDC. It’s all there in the charging module—you just have to wire it. The large round Amphenal mic connector used on the PT/PX is the same as all the others used on Motorola portables. The whip antenna for the PX is usually not with the radio. Our Government probably thought they would fall into the hand of a foreign government. Anyway, they are still available from Motorola(as well as other sourses) at about $15 dollars each (I will check if anyone is interested). It wouldn’t be very hard to build one with a PL259, Piano wire and—the most important thing—a red plastic top. Wake up, are you asleep yet? Vol. 3 Tuning the VHF MX Radio Tuning of the MX is a three step process. After you have installed the eeprom you will have to tune the VCO coil for the correct VCO voltage. It is important that you use the HIGHEST frequency receive channel to first set the voltage to 4.8 volts. You measure the voltage at pin 12 of U14 (the 16 pin module just above the 3.6 mhz reference oscillator module). Pin 12 is 5 down for the last pin, pin 16, above the middle of the reference oscillator. Set the HIGHEST frequency for 4.8 volts and then check the LOWEST frequency for 1.4 volts. If you keep your high and low frequency spread less than 9 mhz, this will work out fine. If you want to maximize the spread, you can get about 14 mhz if you put a on-frequency signal generator on the input, HIGHESTreceive frequency and tune the VCO to a higher voltage that 4.8—high enough for the receiver to die (out of lock). Lower the voltage until the unit starts receiving again (in lock). Go to the lowest channel and see if it will lock. If you go back and forth with this procedure you can get the maximum lock spread. You will have to take into account that temperature may affect the lock width if you are at the extreme ends. After you have “locked” or set the VCO voltage appropriately, you can now tune for max receive sensitivity. The procedure is fairly simple, except when you want to have a broad spread of frequencies. I was able to get respectable sensitivity over the 14 mhz of spread from above (maximum amount of lock spread). To do this you must tune the highest frequency for best performance using the seven adjustments under the preselector (A1). This is the big module with the seven adjustments. Preset the adjustments “into” the module and then tune for maximum sensitivity by screwing the adjustments out of the module for maximum sensitivity. Do not adjust any further out that necessary for good sensitivity. Now, go to the lowest channel and carefully tune the screws into the module for “good” sensitivity, maybe not maximum. Using this procedure a few times will allow you to get about .5uv of sensitivity over the entire 14 mhz spread. The radio will get .15 uv on a narrow spread of frequencies. I tried using 144 thru 158 since I thought most of you would want the ham bands and some commercial. The truth is that you will probably want 146 thru 160. This doesn’t quite make it to the weather channels, but maybe you will get more spread than I did. The last hurdle is to set the power. The MX VHF radio is set for 1, 2.5, or 6 watts, depending on the module configuration you have. The PX300-S is set for 10 watts. The pot on the very top of the unit (R107) should be set for the specified output power on the highest power output frequency. In other words, the specified power should be the highest power of any of the channels in the spread. There is typically a 20% variance in output power using a 14 mhz spread. This concludes the tuning of the radio. Jim Hopper Megahertz Technologies Corp. ed) I am most impressed that a high split radio can be simply re-tuned to work a 14mc split between 146-158mc with full performance, or little detriment. And 144mc(and below)coverage with little changes needed. As Jim noted above, the 'D' version eprom is still available from Motorola at a cost of $45.00, and he has all the equipment needed to deal with this critter. He is willing to supply, and program this module for a nominal fee(an attempt to recoup the well over $300 cost of the new software for his programmer) or will trade this service for items of interest to his collection(preferred). He does not have the software needed for the older prom type modules. Truly, the hardest part of all this, is deciding what all frequencies you want programmed into your radio. Both Jim and I have been working on this selection for more than two weeks now. *********************************************** EAT OUR HEART'S OUT; The Steve Hill Collection Code: nhi (need historical info), nss (need second set), nm (need manuals), nom (need original manuals), na (need accessories), np (need parts), opl (operational), ert (extra radio to trade), eat (extra accessories to trade) p/o (part of system), hcs (have complete set) 62B, Murphy. Admiralty CW/AM amenities rx, similar to B40. 50s vintage Code: np,opl B40, Murphy. Admiralty CW/AM rx. 1946 vintage. Code: opl PRC-F1, AWA HF back-pack CW/SSB, 1969. code: opl FS-6, AWA HF ground receiver transmitter, WW2. AM/CW Code: ert AT5/AR8, AWA WW2 MF/HF AM/CW reciever transmitter. Air/Ground/Ship. Code: opl, np ASB-100A, Sunair HF SSB/CW receiver transmitter. Air. Code: np CPRC-26 Roger Majestic. VHF portable. Code: RT-221AE-28 Air VHF receiver transmitter AM. Code: np PRC-64A, Delco, AM/CW man-pack transceiver. code: ert GRA-6, Garod, remote control & telephone unit. A510, AWA, 1950s body-worn AM/CW transmitter & receiver. code: opl 618T-3, Collins, airborne HF transceiver, AM/CW/SSB code: np 678P-1, Collins, test unit & dummy load for 618T-3. code: np TT-4A, NCR teleprinter code: np RC-8, Radio Corp, WW2 navy receiver transmitter for TBS code: np, nss GRC-106, General Dynamics HF tranceiver, AM/CW/SSB/FSK code: opl,na C42, Plessy 1950s tank transmitter reciever. VHF. code: na C45, Plessy 1950s tank transmitter reciever. VHF. code: na PRC-47, Collins. Man-pack, CW/SSB. code: opl PRR-9, Delco receiver, helmit worn. code: PRC-6, Walkie Talkie. VHF. code: ----------------------- Steve Hill VK4CZT visit my military radio page Brisbane. Australia. ed) you can include whatever data you wish for each radio that can be contained on two lines. Show us what you have, or what you need. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Glossary: Man-pack, a radio set normally carrier on the back but must be set up for operation. Back-pack, a radio set that operational while being carried. Hand-held, a radio set that can be carried and operated with one hand. Hand-carried, a lunch box type radio, normally carried with, but not operable, one hand. Body-worn, a radio set worn and operable from the user's body, though not normally on his back. Special Forces, might also include any non-main stream military contingent, I/E Mountain troops, Long range patrols(LRP), forward raiding parties etc. Clandestine, a radio intended for use my Military Intelligence, OSS, SOE, CIA etc. Usually either disguised or designed to be easily hidden. *********************************************** ON THE COMMERCIAL FRONT; Motorola PX-300 available. We have a chance to purchase at a very reasonable price, the following equipment. There is only about 30 sets available so don't put it off. We had first planned to make this into a group project, but as the vendor has agreed to handle the sales and shipping, there's no need. He offers this package in such an unusual arrangement because he has a very limited supply of audio accessories, and battery boxes, combined with a large supply of the radios. All the accessories are interchangeable so you will in effect be getting an extra crystal control radio(some modules also interchange) for nothing. Note, these are the luchbox type portable radios of the same family as the MX-'S' & 'R' featured in a currently running series. You get 1ea Motorola VHF PX-300 crystal control(less channel elements) radio , battery box('D' cell type), and handset. Along with 1ea VHF PX-300S 12 channel (48 if you add a zone switch) programmable, multi tone squelch, 10 watt, radio, with prom intact, but less accessories. (this is exactly the same radio that Jim Hopper is now conducting all his set with) All for $40.00 These radios where surplused from the US Secret Service/White House Communications Agency and many are marked to that effect(WHCA). They are the very same radio that Jim used as test bead in his above article. Contact: Ron Baublitz, U.S. Surplus Phone: 410-685-7700 Fax: 410-685-7701 email: ussurplu@clark.net Tom Bryan has agreed to make copies of the PX-300-S manuals for us. Contact him at: *********************************************** HUMOR; What's the difference between a porcupine and a BMW? The porcupine has the pricks on the outside. Why did God create alcohol? So ugly people have a chance to have sex. What did the blonde say when she found out she was pregnant? Are you sure it's mine? ------------------------------------------------------------------ Possible Titles for Lewinsky's New Book I Suck At My Job What Really Goes Down In The White House How I Blew It In Washington You Have to Work Hard to Find the Softer Side of the President Testing the Limits of the Gag Rule Going Back for Gore Podium Girl Secret Services to the President Harass is Not Two Words: The Story of Bill Clinton Deep Inside The Oval Office The Congressional Study on White House Intern Positions She's Chief of MY Staff! Al Gore Is In Command For The Next 30 Minutes How To Beat Off the Government Going Down and Moving Up Members of the Presidential Cabinet Me and My Big Mouth ------------------------------------------------------------------ WISHES This lady wanted bigger breasts, so she went to her doctor to get a referral to a plastic surgeon. Her doctor says he would like her to try an exercise before surgery or drugs, and see how it works first. He stands up to demonstrate, holds his arms straight out to the side, rotates them counterclockwise, and says, 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if I do this enough, I'll have a big bust.' The doctor has her try it, and tells her to do it as often as she can, and to come back in a week. One week later, she's back at the doctor, and tells him that it didn't work. The doctor asks her how often she did the exercise, she says four to five times a day. The doctor tells her to do it more, 30 times a day at least, and asks her to come back in one week. She tries this, performing the exercise whenever she can. One day, as she waited to check out at the Supermarket, she started her exercise. 'Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if I do this enough, I'll have a big bust.' The man in front of her turns around and asks her if she sees Dr. Johnson. 'Yes, how did you know?' she queries. The man faces her, places both hands on his hips, moves his hips in a circular motion, and says...... 'Hickory dickory dock.......'>> ------------------------------------------------------------------ Four Catholic ladies were having coffee... The first Catholic woman tells her friends "My son is a priest. When he walks into a room, everyone calls him 'Father'. The second Catholic woman chirps, "My son is a bishop. Whenever he walks into a room, people call him 'Your Grace'." The third Catholic crone says "My son is a cardinal. Whenever he walks into a room, people say 'Your Eminence'." Since the fourth Catholic woman sips her coffee in silence, the first three women give her this subtle "Well...?" So she replies, "My son is a gorgeous, 6' 2," hard-bodied stripper. When he walks into a room, people say, 'Oh, my God... ------------------------------------------------------------------ Fabric Softener: My wife uses fabric softener. I never knew what that stuff was for. Then I noticed women were coming up to me (sniff) 'Married!' (walk off). That's how they mark their territory! You can take off that ring, but it's hard to get that April fresh scent out of your clothes. Cripes!: My wife's from the Mid-west. Very nice people there. Very wholesome. They use words like 'Cripes!' 'For Cripe's sake! Who would that be, Jesus Cripes? The son of 'Gosh?' of the church of 'Holy Moly'! I'm not making fun of it. You think I wanna burn in 'Heck'? Morning Differences: Men and women are different in the morning. The men wake up aroused in the morning. We can't help it! We just wake up and we want you! And the women are thinking, 'how can he want me the way I look in the morning?' It's because we can't see you! We have no blood anywhere near our optic nerve! Mysteries of Women: I'm out with my wife the other day. She says, 'My feet hurt.' I say, 'Well, why did you wear those shoes?' She says, 'I didn't know we were going to be walking!'... 'Hello? Keep up with evolution! We're walking now! Feel free to slither!' She was wearing high heels, that's why. They are the worst invention. Aren't they, ladies? I've heard that women wear those shoes because they make your butt and your breasts stick out. Jeez. Why not just shove some shoes in your underwear, you'd be a lot more comfortable. Pregnancy: It's weird when pregnant women feel the baby kicking. They say, 'Oh my god! He's kicking. Do you wanna feel it?' I always feel awkward reaching over there. Come on! It's weird to ask someone to feel your stomach. I don't do that when I have gas. "Oh my god!...give me your hand!.......It won't be long now..." Grandma: My grandmother has a bumper sticker on her car that says, 'Sexy Senior Citizen'. You don't want to think of your grandmother that way, do you? Out entering wet shawl contests! Makes you wonder where she got that dollar she gave you for your birthday! Reverse Life Cycle: The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A death. What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch when you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement! You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school! You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating...you finish off as a gleam. Prisons: Did you know that it costs forty thousand dollars a year to house each prisoner? Jeez, for forty thousand bucks a piece I'll take a few prisoners into my house! I live in Los Angeles. I already have bars on the windows. I don't think we should give free room and board to criminals. I think they should have to run twelve hours a day on a treadmill and generate electricity. And if they don't want to run, they can rest in the electric chair that's hooked up to the generator. Award Shows: Can you believe how many award shows they have now? They have awards for commercials! The Cleo Awards. A whole show full of commercials. I taped it, and then I fast-forwarded through the whole thing. Phone-in Polls: You know those shows where people call in and vote on different issues? Did you ever notice there's always like 18% "I don't know"! It costs 90 cents to call up and vote...They're voting "I don't know!" "Honey, I feel very strongly about this. Give me the phone." (Into phone) "I DON'T KNOW!" (hangs up, looking proud) "Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe you are not sure about!" This guy probably calls up phone sex girls at $2.95 a minute. (into phone) "I'm not in the mood!" Answering Machine: Did you ever hear one of those corny, positive messages on someone's answering machine? "Hi, It's a great day and I'm out enjoying it right now. I hope you are too. The thought for the day is 'Share the love!' Leave a message after the beep." "Uh, yeah...this is the VD clinic calling... Speaking of being positive, your test is back. Stop sharing the love!" *********************************************** (The preceding was a product of the"Military Collector Group Post", an international email magazine dedicated to the preservation of history and the equipment that made it. Unlimited circulation of this material is authorized so long as the proper credits to the original authors, and publisher or this group are included. For more information conserning this group contact Dennis Starks at, military-radio-guy@juno.com) ***********************************************