Quick-jump to:       RC-85       RC-96       RC-850       CIB       FC-1       FC-900       AD-2
DVR       ITC-32       SM-100 ShackMaster       "ACC Notes" (the periodic ACC newsletter)
ACC Miscellaneous       Non-ACC Miscellaneous       Media Files (Demonstrations in MP3 format)

Contact Info:
	ACC folded in July of 1995 but some support is available from the folks that bought the remains:
	Link Communications, Inc. 1407 4th Ave N Billings, Montana 59101	Main Phone: 406-245-5002 Email: info //at// link-comm //dot// com Web: http://www.link-comm.com

The ACC file archive is located on Link's server at http://www.link-comm.com. Look for the ACC page, and then go to the "File Archives" page. There you will find a download directory which contains a zip file for each ACC product.
Each zip file is a comprehensive upgrade kit to the last software revision for that product.

Last we heard, Link also offered the following:

• The older ACC Manuals - $20 for the RC-85 or RC-96 manual, $40 for RC-850 (two binders).
• RC-85 and RC-96 Firmware Updates - Complete upgrade kit to the last ACC version (5.2) $125.   Includes 27C011 emulator board, DS1216E clock module, 28C64A EEPROM and manual.  Parts are available separately as well.
• 27C011 Emulator Board - Makes a 27C010 eprom (included) work like a 27C011 (which is no longer available).   $65.
• DS1216E Clock Module - $36.50.   Must be enabled after installation by entering "9213528835". This "secret" code sets the tens year inside the clock chip to 5. The controller should respond to the code by saying "OK". If the DS1216E is not initialized properly, the following features in V5 will not work: female vocabulary, time, date, HF remote base. These are side effects of an effort to prevent software (firmware) piracy.
• 28C64A EEPROM - $15.   Needed for later software versions. This is a common chip, you may be able to do better locally, or by checking your compatriot's junk boxes.
• RC-96 PAL - $15.
• TMS5220 Speech Synthesizer - $15.   This part has been discontinued, and there is no drop-in substitute, but Link still has a few.   You may want one for a spare.
• RC-850 Firmware Upgrades - A complete upgrade kit is NOT available.   If you do not have the Computer Interface Board (CIB), you will not be able to upgrade past V3.42.  V3.5, 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8 all require the computer interface board which is not available.  If you already have 27C011 eproms, they can be reprogrammed for $10 each.  If you do not have them but have everything else you need for V3.8, two of the 27C011 eprom emulator boards can be used. If you have 3.7 and are running links or remote bases, you should probably not upgrade to 3.8 as it is rumored that it has a bug that mutes link/remote audio when a voice ID runs on the repeater channel and the CWINT does not work if the link/remote COS becomes active.

Shipping on any of the above is additional. Prices listed are are vintage 2001 and at that time were approximate. No guarantees as to availability now.

Back to ACC related items:

BACKUPS !!!!
Backed up your memory chips lately???
If you don't have backups of the EPROMs in your ACCs, and of the EEPROM in those that have them you need to do it ASAP - they do start to drop bits eventually. The EEPROM contains all of your IDs, Timers, Autodial numbers, etc. I am willing to bet that most repeater tech folks DO NOT have a complete list of every Courtesy Beep, ID string, Timer value and Autodial locations...
If you don't have a Computer Interface Board on your RC-850, pull the EEPROM chip and the EPROMs and read it using a PROM burner and a laptop. If you do have a Computer Interface Board just log in and download an e2prom.hex file (that will get the EEPROM contents, you will have to pop the lid and get the EPROM images on your own). Paul Kindell WB8ZVL, "The ACC Repair Guy can create a replacement EEPROM chip from the e2prom.hex file.

Courtesy Tones / Beeps:
While not ACC-specific, there is separate tech info web page at this web site that is a collection of manufacturer default and user-created courtesy beeps   (trust me - the "Nextel Beep" is cute, but becomes annoying after a while).

Firmware bugs and patches:
No firmware is perfect, and ACC certainly had a few bugs in theirs. ACC is no more, and Link owns the remains, and provides NO support, and probably doesn't care.   Undoubtedly there are repeater groups or even individuals that have reverse engineered / disassembled the firmware in the various ACC boxen (yes, that is an accepted plural of boxes) to fix bugs or to add features.   If anyone would like to write up their patches, even anonymously, feel free to do so.   Just contact article-ideas //at// repeater-builder //dot// com address.

RC-85: (the last version was 5.2)
RC-85 Manual in PDF format   1.4mb PDF file  Provided by Dan Ratzlaff - WWØF
This is the missing Appendix I from the above manual.    447kb PDF file
A construction article on adding a talking clock to your RC-85 is on pages 5 and 6 of the April 1986 ACC Notes
Interfacing a GE MASTR II radio to an ACC controller.    36kb PDF file
Interfacing a MICOR radio to an ACC controller.    63kb PDF file
New features of Version 3.0 firmware.    268kb PDF file
New features of Version 4.0 firmware.    67kb PDF file
Installing a TS32P in an RC85 controller.    60kb PDF file
The PAL chip in your RC-85 blown?   See the "PAL Faker" notes below.

RC-85 & RC-96:
Everything you ever wanted to know about your Access modes.    620kb PDF file
Almost everything you ever wanted to know about your repeater's autodialer.    184kb PDF file
Firmware version 4.2 release notes.    26kb PDF file

RC-96: (the last version was 5.2)
The entire RC-96 manual CAUTION - this is a 28mb ZIP file download containing 160 files.   After you download this file you will want to place it in a new, empty directory then unzip it.
Ver 5.2 EPROM known patch locations (21kb pdf file)
Tone panel manual.    116kb PDF file

RC-850: (the last version was 3.8)

RC-850 Manual   120kb in PDF format
RC-850 and other ACC info at WA8DBW's web site (offsite link)
ACC RC-850 Courtesy Tone Programming    How to reset the courtesy tones (or reset beeps) back to the factory defaults - originally from the November 1985 issue of ACC Notes page 5
ACC RC-850 Interfacing to a GE Mastr II station    314kb pdf file   While oriented towards a GE Mastr-II repeater there is good information on connecting to any manufacturers equipment.
ACC RC-850 Interfacing to a Motorola MSF-5000 station    265kb MS Word file   While oriented towards an MSF-5000 there is good information on connecting to any manufacturers equipment.
ACC RC-850 to FC-900 interfacing manual    1.1mb pdf file
ACC RC-850 Schematics     Donated by Matt, KC7GSA         (VRT="Voice Response Telemetry")
        Page 1     Page 2     Page 3     Page 4     VRT Schematic     VRT Layout
ACC RC-850 version 3.42 EEPROM image     This is a zip file - right click on the link and select "Save As".
      This is the 28C64 EEPROM in socket U10 default EEprom settings.
      If anyone has EEPROM images for other revisions please send them in!
ACC RC-850 MX2 Memory Expansion board     a 45k gif file
RC-850 "Nspector" program     This is a zip file - right click on the link and select "Save As".
      Originally written by Bill Strack, WA6ZTJ, now a silent key.   See the July 1991 ACC Notes below.
Photo Gallery: Internal photo       Audio Delay board       Telephone Interface board
Remotely control the TS-32 tone board from your RC-850.    68kb PDF file
HSC Paging applications manual.    409kb PDF file
A freebie tech note from Paul Kindell WB8ZVL, "The ACC Repair Guy":
Own a front panel display? I LOVE LEDS, isn't anything cooler than to open the cabinet on an 850 in the dark and watch all the LEDS blink. The problem with that is that moment of coolness could cost you a boat load. The engineers at ACC tied the ICs that run the front panel display directly to the 12 volt power coming into the controller. Want to know what happens the first time you get a spike on the DC power line ?? Zap, the front panel goes. Turn the front panel switch OFF before you leave the site. This will protect your valuable front panel and keep the repeater on the air longer - maybe when you need it most, during the storm!

RC-850 CIB (Computer Interface Board):      Computer Interface board photo
Computer Interface Board Schematic courtesy Rick Franz VE4RF    Page 1  (83kb)       Page 2  (66kb)
RC-850 CIB Complete Manual in PDF format (5.1mb)     courtesy of Micheal Salem N5MS
Over the years there have been several discussions on the ACC lists about doing a run of CIBs for those that do not have them. It's never happened.

FC-1:
FC-1 schematic   Horizontal     Vertical (for printing)
FC-1 Tech Note   A comprehensive writeup with printable pictures and a schematic of the FC-1 interface and the Icom IC-2AT - the thumbwheel radio, not the IC-02AT keyboard radio (applicable to the IC-3AT and IC-4AT as well).
ACC's original FC-1 manual   1.0mb - a usable scan in pdf format
Installing a TS32P in an FC-1 controller.    108kb PDF file

FC-900:
FC-900 Interface Schematic   Page 1  312kb jpg file   Page 2   302kb jpg file
FC-900 Band and Offset Firmware addresses   Locations to patch in the firmware
See above in the RC-850 section for the interfacing manual

AD-2:
AD-2 audio delay schematic  By Kevin Custer
Eliminating Clipping Distortion, and Increasing Audio level in the AD-2   By Jeff DePolo WN3A
Audio Delay Line Distortion when on Battery Backup  by Wayne Zehner  K9WZ
Audio Delay Board Retro #1   Replacing the AD2 with the Panasonic/Matsushita MN3101-MN3008 chip set   By Rick Franz VE4RF
Audio Delay Board Retro #2   Replacing the AD2 with the Arcom digital audio delay board   By Darrin Stanley KB6WAS
Audio Delay Board kit manual for RC-85 and 96.    216kb PDF file

ShackMaster SM-100 (the last version was 1.7)

Manual  A 3.16mb PDF file containing 128 pages...     courtesy KB6ZOP
Schematic  A PDF file containing four pages of schematics     courtesy Michael Salem N5MS
Firmware images:   sm100u15.152  sm100u8.152   sm100u15.1v7
       Right click on the firmware image links above and select "Save As".   No other information on these files is available.

DVR: (the last version was 2.0)
Anybody have the schematic ?
Digital Voice Recorder manual   For firmware version 2   1.9mb

ITC-32:
ITC-32 schematic     .jpg file, 243kb
ITC-32 schematic     noted as "corrected" by Mark Christensen WB9TBX, donated by Chris Boone WB5ITT     .pdf file, 171kb
The ITC-32 manual     Version from 1983 / 1984
The ITC-32 manual     Version from 1987, including the obscure 1986 update   Courtesy of Skipp May WV6F
ITC-32 firmware     Revision unknown. Right click on the link and select "Save As".   No other information on this file is available.

ACC Notes (in PDF format):
May-Jun 1983 partial  200kB
September-October 1983  270kB
May-June 1984  300kB
January-February 1985  380kB
March-April 1985  350kB
May-July 1985  190kB
August-October 1985  2.3mb
November 1985 - March 1986  1.9mb
November 1985 - March 1986  600kB
April-June 1986  1.9mb
April-June 1986  340kB
July-August 1986  320kB
September-December 1986  330kB
October-December 1987  190kB
April-August 1988  2.9mb
January-April 1989  330kB
March-May 1990  330kB
March-June 1991  1.32mb
March-June 1991  320kB
July-October 1991  1.36mb
July-October 1991  410kB
October 1993 - February 1994  430kB
We're still missing several issues - if anybody has any that will fill in the gaps, please send them to: article-ideas /at/ repeater-builder /dot/ com

ACC Misc:

Front panel display board.   For ACC controller users. 82kB PDF file.
Control operator command reference card    For ACC controller users. 147kB PDF file.
Message Editing reference card    For ACC controller users. 266kB PDF file.
Programming reference card    For ACC controller users. 114kB PDF file.
User Command reference card    For ACC controller users. 123kB PDF file.
Lightning Protection of ACC controller interface lines   While written by ACC the information on this writeup is relevant to ANY manufacturers equipment (even your home-brew items) ;  173kB PDF file.
Battery backup and other miscellaneous topics    For ACC controller users. 48kB PDF file.
Interfacing the Drake UV-3 transceiver to any ACC controller    For ACC controller and ShackMaster 100 users. 417kB PDF file.
Interfacing the Icom IC-RPxx20 transceiver to any ACC controller    For ACC controller users. 72kB PDF file.
Push To Talk Delay Circuit    For ACC controller users, eliminate the link PTT courtesy tone.
A Phone Line Busy Detection Circuit      By Monte Smith, WDØDIR, from ACC Notes, April, 1986
Curing Digital Noise in ACC Controllers    By Jeff DePolo WN3A
Y2K Compliance for the RC-85, 850, & 96 Controllers    By Kevin Custer  W3KKC & Rich Reese  WA8DBW
AH6LE's serial protocol converter for the ACC controllers   Allows using a modern radio as a remote base.     (offsite link)
RC-85 and RC-96 PC Control Program manual    By Andy Kadvan KA8R

Considering replacing your old ACC Controller or want a new one that works and programs similarly to your friends ACC?
Take a look at the FF Systems FF-800 controller

Need your ACC product repaired?   Here's the place:   (Paul repairs the RC-85's, 96's, 850's, DVR's and FC900's)

Advanced Computer Control Repair, owned by Paul Kindell, WB8ZVL
810 W. Pekin Road
Lebanon, Ohio 45036-9785
http://www.accrepairs.com
email: paul /at/ accrepairs /dot/ com

Paul provided the following information:

The RC-85 PAL "Faker"
When upgrading an RC-85 from something prior to V3.xx to V3.xx or later, the 74LS138 must be replaced with something else.  ACC used a $150 PAL board to do the job, but you can do it by rewiring the 74LS138.

Years ago,  I took a good pal from an RC-85 and hooked a dip switch to the inputs.   By running all the bit patterns into the PAL and watching the outputs I came up with this design for the 74LS138.  It is my opinion the PAL was just a way to try and copy protect the EPROM and/or get $150.00 from everyone.

I take two 16 pin machine pin IC sockets and plug them together.  Take 4 short pieces of wire wrap wire and strip the ends back.  Solder one wire into the socket pin 7, then another into socket pin 9, 10, & 11.  You should now have 4 wires sticking up into the air from the socket.  Take the 74LS138 and bend up in the air pins 7, 9, 10, & 11.  Now solder the wire from the ic socket pin 7 to ic pin 9.  Socket wire pin 9 to ic pin 7.  Socket wire pin 10 to ic pin 11.  Socket wire 11 to ic pin 10.

This has worked for me in the past.  I have the 2 pals I got from ACC back on 4/11/95. They are GAL16V8B, my blown PAL shows the number PAL10L8NC (I think it's blown, my RC-85 is still not working yet).

I doubt they can be read, but I don't really think we need to. I think we can use the Faker or design our own PAL to do the same thing ACC's did.

Non ACC Misc:

S-meter circuits:

Media Files:

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Some of this information obtained from Link Communications, Inc. and used with permission.   All rights to that material is reserved by Link Communications, Inc.

Hand-coded HTML Copyright © 05-Sept-2003 and date of last update by Mike Morris WA6ILQ

This web page, this web site, the information presented in and on its pages and in these modifications and conversions is © Copyrighted 1995 and (date of last update) by Kevin Custer W3KKC and multiple originating authors. All Rights Reserved, including that of paper and web publication elsewhere.