General Information
For those who aren't aware the Analog MSF radios ("CLB" models) are programmed with the R-1801 Suitcase. But, this only programs the Station Control Board and Multi Coded Squelch Codeplugs. The TRC codeplugs are also programmable using a RVN4026A RSS and separate PROM Programmer.
For the digital capable stations ("CXB" models), you will need to build one of the programming cables. You will also need the MSF5000 RSS and a RIB box. You can program all the info for required for station operation with the RSS.
If you need an analog station programmed or any other modifications done to the codeplug or firmware of MSF5000 stations, contact Doug Eaton from:
Interfacing via Wildcard Option
If you are interfacing the MSF digital capable station to an external controller, and you have a Wild Card option installed, you can use the connections below:
FUNCTION MSF5000 WILDCARD TRN-9754A Ground J1303-4 COS J1303-1 Receive Audio J1301-30 Transmit Audio J1301-25 PTT J1302-22
Alternate Interfacing Option #1
If you don't have a Wild Card in your digital capable station, you can interface to the station by reading through the following Microsoft Word '97 conversion instructions or a .pdfof the same idea.
In regards to the /AC FAIL and /DPL DISABLE pins that are on the DB9 connector, they are used in the controller for the following purposes:
Alternate Interfacing Option #2
On the side of the station there is system connector J2. You would use pin 2 (RX+), pin 3 (RX-), pin 6 (TX+), pin 7 (TX-), pin 12 EXT PTT, and pin 23 RDSTAT (COR). The audio connections are differential inputs and outputs to the TTRC board. Just use a 1:1 audio matching transformer for isolation to interface to these.
By using these audio I/O connections, you will have soft-pots available to you for adjusting the audio levels.
You have to program the MSF so repeater has priority over wire line and to mute the TX wire line in upon RX qualifier. You program the station to key upon PL only not CSQ. To disable the TX, program pin 5 on J2 as TX inhibit.
You can have the station id or you can have the controller id or both. The station strips PL when it sends the id and will only id when not in use.
Other things you can also do are program a logic in to disable the RX PL by the controller and program the TX PL to turn on only when the RX qualifier is met. If there is a link radio hooked up, you must use diodes off the COR lines from the repeater and link radio and program a logic in for TX PL on. This way when using encode/decode in your radio you don't hear the beep or the id.
Alternate Interfacing Option #3
Bob, WA1MIK, has spent some time with an MSF5000 and a CAT controller trying to get the two to play nice together.
The results of his efforts can be viewed here.
If you would like to get in touch with Bob, send snail mail to the address in QRZ (WA1MIK) or use PM on the BatBoard (userid kcbooboo).
Analog Station Programming
The following parts and pieces are required if you are working on programming an analog MSF5000 station.
RTL-4826C - The software kit that goes in the R1800 (7 ROMS). You need 4K of user RAM in the R-1800 to run this software. RPX-4257 is the RAM expansion kit for the R-1800.
RTL-5817A (or B) - Adapter Module depending on version of RTL4826. An 'A' can be converted to a 'B' version.
RTK-4061 - Serial Port Cable to read code-plug without taking it out of station.
RPX-4438A (51R90002B02) - Blank code plug EPROM
51R90013B01 - Blank code plug for MCS (2816A)
6880310B31 - Manual for the RTL-4826C. This has all the instructions, and schematics of the RTL-5817B and RTK-4061.
RRX-4040 - Ultraviolet EPROM Eraser (of course any eraser will work).
An Epson Model MX-80 or RX-80 can be used in conjunction with an RTK-4041 printer interface to print labels and parameter booklets.