Motorola Mostar Radios

FAQ


What are the different Mostar models?

The conventional Mostar (UHF or VHF) was offered in at least 4 different models:

  1. Single channel with no display or channel knob
  2. Two channel model that utilized a pushbutton switch to select channel 1 or 2.
  3. NVR (Non-Volatile Ram) series with a rotary channel select switch, 1 - 8 channels
  4. Display series that utilized an LED readout, 1 - 32 channels 

    The part number for the 1 through 8 channel microprocessor is 51-97003C11 
    The part number for the 16 and 32 channel microprocessor is 51-97003C09 

 


 

How many channels can my Mostar have?

The number of channels depends on the model of the radio, the microprocessor and the method to select channels: 

  • A single channel radio can be converted to 2 channel radio by adding a push button switch. 
  • A single channel radio can be converted to 8 channels by adding either a rotary switch or an LED readout, depending on the model. 
  • A rotary channel radio can have a maximum of 8 channels
  • A display model radios can do either 8, 16 or 32 channels depending on the microprocessor.


Can you increase the number of channels in a Mostar?

Yes, we offer several enhancements to the Mostar.  Please visit our Mostar Enhancement PageEnhancement Page for more details. 




Why is it so hard to get a Mostar programmed?

The Mostar was one of Motorola's earliest synthesized (programmable) radios. They can be programmed by:

  • A Motorola R-1801 suitcase programmer with the appropriate software and programming adapter. 
  • Motorola (Epson) laptop with the appropriate software and cables.
  • An IBM compatible PC using RSS software and a Mostar Interface Box (MIB) 

There are very few shops that still have the equipment to program a Mostar.


Can you program the Mostar with ham frequencies?

Yes.  



Can you program the Mostar with GMRS frequencies?

To some extent.  The Mostar can be programmed on the following GMRS frequencies:

         
  462.5500 mhz  462.575 mhz 462.600 mhz 462.625 mhz  
  462.6500 mhz 462.675 mhz 462.700 mhz 462.725 mhz
  467.5500 mhz  467.575 mhz 467.600 mhz 467.625 mhz 
  467.6500 mhz  467.675 mhz  467.700 mhz 467.725 mhz 

The Mostar will not accept any of the 12.5 khz splinter channels such as 462.5625 mhz, 
462.5875 mhz, 462.6125 mhz, 462.6375 mhz, etc.



Can you program the Mostar with FRS frequencies?

No.  The Mostar is not type accepted for FRS.



Will the Mostar do Splinter Frequencies?

The VHF can be programmed with splinter frequencies.  The UHF radio will
not do splinter frequencies.


Is the Mostar capable of narrow band operation?

No, the Mostars are wide band only.

 


Can the Mostar do different PL tones on transmit and receive?

 Yes, you can do different PL or DPL tones on transmit and recieve.


What is the maximum frequency spread for a Mostar?

The maximum frequency spread for a Mostar is 6 mhz for receive and 10 mhz on transmit without degradation.


 

What are the pin outs for the 15 pin accessory plug?

The pin out for the rear connector is:

Pin 1 Int speaker high / speaker B / Pl / DPL 
Pin 2 Mute
Pin 3 Volume High / DPTT
Pin 4 GND
Pin 5 Switched A+
Pin 6 Carrier
Pin 7 Filtered A+
Pin 8 GND
Pin 9 Buffered Detector Output
Pin 10 Ext PA Speaker / ID data (selectable)
Pin 11 Mike PTT
Pin 12 Monitor
Pin 13 Mike Audio
Pin 14 Int PA speaker / Mike Mute (selectable)
Pin 15 Receiver Audio

(connect the speaker to pins 8 and 15)
Pins 1, 3, 10 & 14 functions are determined by the jumpers on the command board.