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G.A. Heath wrote:I would advise some caution regarding the 486 on that radio. The fastest I recall an Intel 386 running was 25mhz (some amd based chips hit 40mhz) while the 486 started out at 16mhz and 25 mhz they got as fast as 133mhz IIRC. I suspect the 486DX will probably work while the DX2 and DX4 might give you heart burn due to the cpu clock being run on a multiplier off the bus clock. I am basing this off of what I remember on the 386 and 486 class processors as well as what you posted about bricking the radio. I could be, and probably am, wrong but I would be careful running the 486 machine.

Ouch! I'd better not try the 486 machine. I'm going to use it to program radios for kids joining a new youth amateur radio club and I can't risk bricking one of their GM300s. Thanks anyway Divided Attention, I really appreciate you trying to help.

Chas.

Divided Attention wrote:We have an old 486 that hasn't been used for a LONG time. We were just discussing recently needing to wipe it and dispose of it. If it would help it is yours.

ETA - as far as I know it works fine - has been in a/c in my daughter's room - was her "math game" computer when she was little. We just never moved it off her desk.

Thanks, I think the 486 machines will run the software. I'll email about picking it up

Thanks again,
Chas.

SRO1911 wrote:I do believe im in somewhat the same boat. Just bought a pair of GM300's with duplexer, controller, the whole shebang and a complete MSF500. I've got a 486 machine and the cables you are welcome to use if you ever get up near abilene - - if you have the software lol, thats our current stopping point. We have looked into a few of the aftermarket/open source programs but would really prefer the actual motorola packet.

I'll try to find a link for the RSS.

SRO1911 wrote:On a good note though - took about 7 minutes on the phone to get our frequencies.

How in the world did you do that!? It took me several weeks and some help from another ham. Is it a 70 cm pair or 2 meters? The waiting list for 2 meter pairs in the greater Houston area is longer than my remaining expected lifespan.

Chas.

jimlongley wrote:I do still have a pretty old laptop out in the garage - possibly 10 years or more.

Do you want to let it go? If so, do you have any idea what processor it's running? I'll ask around and see if anyone has experience with it.

Chas.

SATX-Scrub wrote:Charles, while you wait, try dosbox http://www.dosbox.com/download.php?main=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for a X86 emulator. It runs the old (slow) DOS programs like joe and wordstar. Doesn't hurt to try!

I was going to do that, but the danger is that a machine that is too fast can turn the Motorola radio into a door stop, or "bricked" as they say. I almost tried that several weeks ago before someone warned me. There's a program called GM300 Radio Doctor that runs on modern machines that may or may not work. If it works, great; if it doesn't you just bricked the radio.

Chas.

Piney wrote:There is a Goodwill Computer Store out west HOU off Westheimer. I've never been. Perhaps they've got an oldie out there ?

I'll call Tuesday. Thanks for the suggestion.

Chas.

I anyone has an old computer they'd like to get rid of, I'll take it. By old I mean a 286 or 386 machine and a dos-only one would be even better. Yeah, I know, no one keeps these things, but I thought I'd try.

I need it to use Motorola software to program certain radios. Faster machines using a DOS command won't work.

Thanks,
Chas.

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