EFJ 4-series / issues
Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2017 8:59 am
Good morning all. I've been lurking here for a number of years, but, finally decided to come out of the shadows. I've messed around with various flavors of P25 gear for the last ~15 year; mostly XTS, but also includes the EFJ 5100 series.
I just recently acquired another 5100, and it is displaying some weird behaviors. Seeing as how this seems to be where the best and brightest EFJ minds hang out, I thought I'd open up a discussion, and see if anyone has any thoughts. I don't have much in the radio, but would love it make it play. It's absolutely gorgeous - in GREAT shape.
Radio Specifics:
EFJ 5100
242-5122-410KA4
Arrived with 4.8.10, I upgraded it to 4.14.05, using Express Updater.
Was using PCC 2.8.2, now using 2.10.2 since the update.
The issues I'll describe here were present before the firmware upgrade. I was hopeful that it may have helped. It's an interesting project, and I have always loved these radios. I apologize in advance if I am duplicating any parts of this topic. I did a reasonable amount of searching, and didn't find anything with the same issues.
Issue #1: The radio, on 442.000 and 443.000 range repeaters, goes "microphonic" on receive. However, on a repeater in the mid 444.000 range or simplex in the 446 range (or GMRS channels), it does not. After the volume is turned up about 1/3 of the way, this starts. It becomes an echo, then a howl, then a really loud howl, then starts clipping and cutting itself out. One interesting note, attaching a speaker mic eliminates the issue. It does almost sound, both with and without the speaker mic attached, that I can hear my fingers moving on the radio.
Issue #2: A couple of times, the radio went "dumb". Wouldn't receive or transmit, though the red light came (and stayed on) when the PTT was pressed. I seem to recall this being an issue somewhere along the line. And the UI board possibly being bad. But, I figured I'd add this to the discussion, since, not sure if it is somehow related to the other issue.
If all this unit becomes is a parts source, that's ok too. But, I figured I'd open some discussion, as I am planning on doing some playing with this platform. Thank you in advance, if anyone has any ideas!
I just recently acquired another 5100, and it is displaying some weird behaviors. Seeing as how this seems to be where the best and brightest EFJ minds hang out, I thought I'd open up a discussion, and see if anyone has any thoughts. I don't have much in the radio, but would love it make it play. It's absolutely gorgeous - in GREAT shape.
Radio Specifics:
EFJ 5100
242-5122-410KA4
Arrived with 4.8.10, I upgraded it to 4.14.05, using Express Updater.
Was using PCC 2.8.2, now using 2.10.2 since the update.
The issues I'll describe here were present before the firmware upgrade. I was hopeful that it may have helped. It's an interesting project, and I have always loved these radios. I apologize in advance if I am duplicating any parts of this topic. I did a reasonable amount of searching, and didn't find anything with the same issues.
Issue #1: The radio, on 442.000 and 443.000 range repeaters, goes "microphonic" on receive. However, on a repeater in the mid 444.000 range or simplex in the 446 range (or GMRS channels), it does not. After the volume is turned up about 1/3 of the way, this starts. It becomes an echo, then a howl, then a really loud howl, then starts clipping and cutting itself out. One interesting note, attaching a speaker mic eliminates the issue. It does almost sound, both with and without the speaker mic attached, that I can hear my fingers moving on the radio.
Issue #2: A couple of times, the radio went "dumb". Wouldn't receive or transmit, though the red light came (and stayed on) when the PTT was pressed. I seem to recall this being an issue somewhere along the line. And the UI board possibly being bad. But, I figured I'd add this to the discussion, since, not sure if it is somehow related to the other issue.
If all this unit becomes is a parts source, that's ok too. But, I figured I'd open some discussion, as I am planning on doing some playing with this platform. Thank you in advance, if anyone has any ideas!