Motorola MTR2000 Repeater Station Information
This page provides a comprehensive index of information regarding the Motorola MTR2000 repeater station, maintained by Robert Meister WA1MIK. The MTR2000 has been succeeded by the MTR3000, with conversion kits available for upgrading.
Model Numbering: Motorola sometimes uses multiple model numbers for the same station (e.g., T5544 and T5766 for VHF stations). These variations typically denote differences in ordering channels (dealer vs. direct Motorola sales) but the stations themselves are identical.
CW Identification: The MTR2000 features a "polite" CW ID that transmits when the station is idle and without PL/DPL. If the station is keyed during the CW ID transmission, it will restart the ID process once idle. The CW ID interval is the only parameter adjustable via RSS; tone frequency and speed are not accessible.
Articles and Other Information
- Notes on the MTR2000 by Eric Lemmon WB6FLY: Essential reading before purchasing an MTR2000, offering crucial information and cautions, particularly regarding interfacing with external repeaters, D-STAR, DMR, or DVM controllers. Ensure the station is configured to 'BASE' mode for independent receiver/transmitter operation. If a Wireline board is present, set it to '4-wire' to prevent receiver audio muting during transmission. For MRTI connector interfacing, set External PTT Mapping to 'Microphone'.
- Interfacing the MTR2000 to External Controllers:
- Arcom RC210 by Reno Ham Radio Club W7RHC.
- A preferred method by Matthew Littleton KN4SWB, allowing the MTR2000 to manage PL/DPL while the controller handles other functions.
- CAT250 (originally by Robert Shepard, recovered and modified by Robert Meister WA1MIK).
- CAT200B by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK, utilizing the MRTI connector to circumvent PL/DPL issues.
- External Controller Interfacing Summary by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK: A compilation of connection points and signals for interfacing any external repeater controller.
- Programming Cable: Making a MaxTrac and MTR2000 Dual-Purpose Programming Cable by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK: Instructions for modifying an existing cable for dual functionality.
- Physical Tours and Modifications:
- A Photo Tour of a 100w UHF MTR2000 Repeater by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK: Details on cleaning and inspecting a salvaged unit.
- The MTR2000's Modular Connectors by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK: Pin descriptions and images of front panel modular jacks.
- The MTR2000's Backplane Connectors by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK: Pin descriptions and images of rear panel connectors.
- Making the MTR2000 Operate in the 900 MHz Amateur Band by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK: Instructions for extending TX range via hex-edits.
- Making the 403-435 MHz MTR2000 Operate up to 440 MHz by Robert W. Meister WA1MIK: Instructions for extending TX and RX range via hex-edits.
- Making the 100w VHF 150-174 MHz MTR2000 Station Work in the 132-154 MHz Amateur Range: A collaborative effort to modify the PA for lower frequency operation.
- Power Amplification: 40w VHF stations can drive external PAs (e.g., MSF5000, Mirage, Henry, TPL) by reducing the MTR2000's output power. Note the absence of SWR protection on external PAs and the potential need for external filters.
- Module Identification: A List of Module Numbers in the MTR2000 by Eric Lemmon WB6FLY: A compilation to help inventory Field Replaceable Units (FRUs).
- Programming: Programming the transmitter idle frequency on the MTR by Eric Lemmon WB6FLY: Addresses issues with exciter/transmitter local oscillator leakage.
- Battery Backup: Setting up the MTR2000 for Battery Backup by Eric Lemmon WB6FLY: Cost-effective solutions for battery backup.
- Interfacing Adapters and Power Supplies:
- ICS Controls adapter board for connecting to ICS Linker II repeater controllers via a DB-9 interface.
- Samlex SEC2450BRM power supply as an alternative to Argus chargers, providing ample power and battery charging capabilities.
- DC power cable (Motorola part #3082009X02) details for AC-powered MTR2000 units with battery backup.
- MRTI Connector Quirks: The MTR's internal controller handles most amateur system needs. Interfacing via the MRTI unit requires attention to the power-on self-test. The transmitter PL encoder inhibit line (pin 24 of the MRTI connector) must not be grounded during the self-test. A timer in the controller's start-up macro is recommended to delay assertion of this line.
Manuals, Data Sheets, and Other Documentation
- Original MTR2000 VHF and UHF catalog sheet (73kB PDF).
- Original MTR2000 800 and 900 catalog sheet (148kB PDF).
- MTR2000 Product Planner and Ordering Guide (300kB PDF): Details available options for new station orders.
- MTR2000 Installation and Operation Manual (2.4MB PDF).
- MTR3000 Product Planner and Ordering Guide (1.9MB PDF): Contains relevant information for MTR2000 upgrades.
- Original MTR3000 Specification / Sales sheet (208kB PDF).
- Comparison of MTR2000 and MTR3000 differences (185kB PDF).
- Duplexer Options:
- VHF duplexer options (1MB PDF): Details Motorola's in-cabinet duplexers, including part numbers and frequency ranges (e.g., Celwave model PD5042-1).
- UHF duplexer options (1MB PDF): Details Motorola's in-cabinet duplexers, including part numbers and frequency ranges (e.g., Celwave model PD526-4-2).
- Motorola Field Service Bulletin FSB10174 (100kB PDF): Addresses station lock-ups and audio issues, with firmware fix information.
- The Argus Switched Mode Charger (1.43MB PDF): Details the L1883 Battery Reverting Charger for MTR2000 stations, including connection requirements (CDN6226A, CDN6227, TDN9879).
- Argus 14 Volt, 20 Amp battery charger (750kB PDF): For 40-watt stations.
- Argus 28 Volt, 10 Amp battery charger (750kB PDF): For 100-watt stations.
- Motorola HSN1000A Amplified Speaker Instruction Manual (410kB PDF, scanned by Eric Lemmon WB6FLY; 2.9MB PDF, scanned by Robert Meister WA1MIK).
- Motorola HSN1006A Amplified Speaker Instruction Manual (280kB PDF).
- Motorola 0185180U01 Speaker Adapter Cable Diagram (66kB PDF): Connects speakers to MTR2000/MTR3000 stations.
- Motorola GMN6147B Service Microphone Instructions (110kB PDF): Explains the use of microphone buttons for squelch and volume control.
This page was last modified on 17-Feb-2019. MTR2000 is a registered trademark of Motorola Inc. Copyright © 1995 - [current year] by Kevin Custer W3KKC and contributing authors. All Rights Reserved.
