Motorola MTX8000 Question

Hi Undrae,

Here's what to do: join yahoo group specific to your radio Make/Model, the team there will assist you find a solution, plus you can download goodies for your radio, all this is free.

I hope I have been of help.

Cheers,
Peter

You need software for this radio and programming scan mode

Both the MTX8000 B5 & B7 models are Type II Trunking. If you are (un)lucky enough you might find an F3 modem that does Type II.
If it is an MTX8000 and has a front mounted display with either a 6 button or full keypad, you have a radio that will do Type II.
There were a few B3's that were Type II produced by Motorola. However, you can clone a Type II code plug into a B3 radio and it will work just fine.
You can run system watch using a MTS2000 handheld. Firmware version has to be above 5.44 (which has a 512k controller in it). Most MTS2000/MTX8000's only have a 256k controller, which will not work. You can put the radio into RF modem mode from the F4-F4-F4 (Trunking Config).
NOTE: When the radio is in the RF MODEM mode, it will do a self test and then the screen will go blank. The radio DOES NOT have to be programed to the system you want to watch. You set SYSTEMWATCH to the Spectra with RIB mode (works best). Even watches Type I systems.
If you have the accessory adapter for the side connector on the radio, the typical schematic of the speaker mic looks like this.
If you are using a Public Safety speaker mic with the radio, you might want to order part number 3205514W01 to cover the antenna connector on the radio.
If you are trying to program a MTX-838, from what we've heard, you need to use the MTSX software. The RVN4097F ver R02.10.01 RSS package specifically shows it programs the following radios: MT/MTS2000 MTX838/8000/9000. Now, the update for this software is RVN4097M R06.00.00 05 Sept 97, which should mean that it should program the radio as well. The cable you need is the standard MTSX programming cable.
Do you want to build your own programming cable? If you don't want to use an old speaker mic cable, see the individual part numbers of the parts for the Service Cable, below.
You may want to look at the schematic for the RKN4035D Service Cable. This is the actual Motorola cable used for programming and servicing these radios.
The individual part numbers for the components of this cable are listed below.
Reference Part Number Description C1 21-84008H06 Capacitor, 33nF 1 09-84538E03 Receptacle, 25pos 2 15-80349B36 Housing, Connector 3 30-05118W01 Cable, 13 Conductor 4 01-80754A26 Plug Assembly 5 42-10217A24 Strap, Tie 6 38-80373B24 Protective Cap 7 04-10058B12 Washer, Nylon 8 42-05184R05 Strain Relief 9 22-05541V01 Pin, Latch 10 41-05538V01 Spring, Latch 11 55-05536V01 Latch 12 15-05691W08 Housing, Connector 13 32-05533V01 Seal, Baseplate 14 32-05472P11 Gasket, "o" Ring 15 64-05241X01 Baseplate 16 39-05895V04 Contact, (13)

The MTX8000 is not a crystal radio, it is a programmable radio. The current programming usually can be wiped clean and reprogrammed by Motorola's factory depot and/or some repair centers. The cost for this is generally around $165 (US dollars) and up.

Best regards.

The MTX9000 is dealer programmable using Motorola proprietary software. Generally you can have an MTX programmed for between $25-$40 US. You will need to provide the frequencies you are needing in the radio to the dealer, or bring a radio you are wanting to match with you.

The MTX8000 radio is programmable using a the appropriate cable, RIB (radio interface box), and Motorola RSS (radio service software). The hardware you can purchase through a Motorola dealer or an online auction site. The software is by subscription, and is owned by Motorola. (There are a few pirated versions around, but not necessarily stable.) They are pretty tight about who has access to it. You might check with your employer to see how they had the units programmed previously. The frequency which is currently them is most-likely licensed to them through the FCC.

Yes. That is a strong possiblity. Many models of Motorola will emit a tone when not programmed, or by placing the channel selector on an unprogrammed channel.

You can tell by the Model number. Look at the 8th character.

F = Type 1
G = Type 2
D = Dual Mode

Original poster never replied.

Only from Motorola or a Motorola Service Center. The radio requires all programming to be either programmed by a motorola dealer or by the owner of the the trunking system if they own the software for thier system.