Using radio comms 101 - Need help

[justynmagz]

So I recently bought a pair of Motorola Talkabout MJ430CR's yesterday to use my Element headset and PTT. Following the instructions, I turned off the radio, connected the single-pin adaptor into the radio and turned it on. Now turned on, the radio shows the VOX setting being ON automatically. Basically there are 2 issues/concerns...

1) When I hit the PTT on the radio itself, the VOX goes away. I set the VOX sensitivity to 1 (since it can't go any lower apparently). Does this mean that theoretically if I hit my secondary PTT it should transmit ONLY when I hit the button itself? Or is it going to continue to only transmit when I talk?

2) Unfortunately I think something is wrong with my headset + PTT because when I try to push the PTT nothing happens....also when I try to send a signal from my 2nd radio, I cant hear anything in my headset. The weird thing is that it seems as though the mic works because when I hit the PTT on the radio, it transmits my voice to the 2nd walkie. From reading around, I think maybe the headset/PTT may be for a COBRA single-pin?

Anyone out there with these same issues or know what I'm doing wrong here?

Many thanks!

[justynmagz]

Also, I just bought a TCI PTT that is in fact meant for the Motorola Talkabout single-pin so many this will help fix issue # 2?

[Curo]

Did you buy the element ones? If so they often have problems. Often they are fixed by opening them up and soddering some loose connections. I had mine crash at the recent ZWAC game and repaired it today works fine now that all the connections are up.

[justynmagz]

Originally Posted by Cobalt Caliber

Did you buy the element ones? If so they often have problems. Often they are fixed by opening them up and soddering some loose connections. I had mine crash at the recent ZWAC game and repaired it today works fine now that all the connections are up.

Yeah I got them used from someone on ASC and they should be Elements. Damn if only I could sodder them myself...

I just bought a new TCI PTT hoping that may fix the problem? What do you think?

[Curo]

No idea myself never tried the TCI PTT

[ThunderCactus]

PTTs from different companies generally aren't compatible for whatever reason. Don't know why, it just never worked out for me.

Is VOX disabled on your radio when your headset isn't plugged in?
Generally, when you plug in a headset and things turn on that shouldn't be on, it means your headset is damaged. Learned that one after burning out 1 headset and 2 radios in the rain lol

[leth1337]

try here. it shows how to turn the vox settings on and off AS WELL AS adjust the sensitivity which you've figured out.

hope this helps

[justynmagz]

Many thanks to you both...once I get the TCI PTT I'll see if both fixes work.

Thanks again!

[justynmagz]

Originally Posted by ThunderCactus

PTTs from different companies generally aren't compatible for whatever reason. Don't know why, it just never worked out for me.

Is VOX disabled on your radio when your headset isn't plugged in?
Generally, when you plug in a headset and things turn on that shouldn't be on, it means your headset is damaged. Learned that one after burning out 1 headset and 2 radios in the rain lol

Well the VOX indicator automatically turns on (even says so in the manual) when you connect the headset into the radio. But if you push the PTT on the radio it goes away. Then when I try my separate PTT nothing happens...