GE/Ericsson M-RK and Orion

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radio230
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GE/Ericsson M-RK and Orion

Post by radio230 »

Is there some kind of special relationship to the Orion mobile and the M-RK portable? I ask only because I looking to buy both of these radios, and in looking discovered they both use the same (old DOS)Programming software. I thought it strange that one program would work with a specific mobile and prtable radio, making me think they had some kind of special relation ship. If you know let me know.

I am also looking for any technical information about these radios, since I am trying to buy them, such as channel capacity, fetures, etc. I would be using them in an analog-conventional radio system. Any info you might have would be great. Thanks
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Meatball
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Post by Meatball »

The Orion and MRK radio share similar microprocessors. I suspect they are identical, but I have never actually checked. However, yes, you are correct in that the programming for the Orion and the MRK shares a common relationship. In fact, you can easily convert an MRK personality to an Orion one and vice versa.

Hall Electronics has a pretty comprehensive database for Orions and MRKs. I can never keep track of all the various combinations that were made, since they made multiple versions over the years (128,256, and 512K logic boards, w/n switchable, etc.) Also, even if the radios all have identical hardware, some radios may also be feature encrypted for additional options.

(For example, narrow band operation on an MRK not only requires a w/n switchable IF board, but also a feature encryption option).

If you are looking at purchasing MRKs or Orions, keep in mind that the earlier logic boards (128K and 256K) will only work up to a certain revision flash code and have a more limited channel and talkgroup capacity. The earlier radios will not do narrow-band operation, so if you need that capability, you will need to know the combination numbers of the radios before you buy them so that you can verify that they have the correct hardware to do that.

http://www.hallelectronics.com
radio230
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Post by radio230 »

Thanks for the info!

I am actually looking to buy one of each and will need them to do a few narrowband channels. You, or anyone, would not by chance know what the correct combination number would be would you. I looked at the Hall Electronics page and it is a bit confusing to me. What I need for both the Orion and the M-RK is analog conventional operation, including some narrow band channels, in the high VHF band split (150-174 Mhz). I really don't need more than maybe 60 channels, and that is a high estimate.

Also, is the feature encryption hackable like on alot of Motorola stuff, or does it HAVE to be redone by a GE tech?
Dan Collins - Telecommunicator
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Meatball
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Post by Meatball »

I don't know the correct combination number offhand, but both the MRK and Orion need to have a 512K n/w switchable logic/IF board. I've never tried to hack feature encryption string, nor have I ever heard of it being done..but since I work on Orions and MRK's commerically, it's never came up.

I'm only familiar with the issue because we had customers with earlier MRKs and Orions who wanted to switch over to narrow band...and while the radio took the programming for narrow band channels, the radio was still operating in wide-band mode.

Somewhere at work I have the info that I received from TAC about whether the hardware is narrow-band capable..I'll take a look for this week.
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Post by n_zero_ndp »

WIDE/NARROW CAPABLE ORIONS:

136- 153 50W D2GMG7 Conventional
150- 174 50W D2HMG7 Conventional
136- 153 50W D2GMG8 Conventional
150- 174 50W D2HMG8 Conventional
136- 153 50W D2GMCX Conventional
150- 174 50W D2HMCX Conventional
136- 153 110W D2GHG7 Conventional
150- 174 110W D2HHG7 Conventional
136- 153 110W D2GHG8 Conventional
150- 174 110W D2HHG8 Conventional
136- 153 110W D2GHCX Conventional
150- 174 110W D2HHCX Conventional

WIDE/NARROW CAPABLE MRK

MRK I 136-160 344A3937P221 Analog 512K Switchable
MRK II 136-160 344A3937P231 Analog 512K Switchable
MRK II Scan 136-160 344A3937P261 Analog 512K Switchable
MRK I 136-160 344A3937P241 Aegis 512K Switchable
MRK II 136-160 344A3937P251 Aegis 512K Switchable
MRK II Scan 136-160 344A3937P271 Aegis 512K Switchable
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Meatball
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Post by Meatball »

n_zero_ndp: Thanks! :0)
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Post by Pj »

Hey Meatball...

Wouldn't happen to have the flash? files so that I can get a lowband and UHF radio to dual radio?

I forget off hand what the actual name of the file(s) is.
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