I have a 2000 E55 that I bought new with the old StarTac handset and cradle. I also have the voice recognition lever and everything worked back when. Of course now the StarTac is obsolete and I need to make some changes. In Cali, law says I need to be hands free by June!

So I've done a bit of research on this and I'm hoping you guys can help me fill in some of the blanks. It looks like if I'm willing to forgo bluetooth, all I need is a new PSE compatible with a V60s handset, a V60s handset with MB firmware (Ebay??), and a new V60s Cradle that has the correct cord length for a W210. I'm thinking that if I'm changing out the PSE, I should upgrade to at least a 2002 unit to allow for bluetooth upgrade later?? Can I use a 2002 or newer PSE in the 2000 car? Also, there seems to be a lot of different part numbers for various cradles and PSE's. Will any V60s with a MB logo on it work with the cars integrated system? Any things I should look out for in buying one off of Ebay? Is the stealer the only game in town for the PSE?

Any help/suggestions and applicable part numbers you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a Lot

 

1. You are correct, you need a PSE that is V60 capable (an "autosense," sometimes called a "dual sense;" or a straight V60 PSE), a V60S cradle, and a V60S phone. By the way, the V60s is a CDMA phone, with firmware only for Verizon.

2. Yes, you can use a newer PSE in your car, as long it is an autosense or straight V60. They were used through '02. You can get part numbers and so forth in the string at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...bluetooth.html - plus info on the V60s cradle you'll need. Sorry to send you to another forum - the info used to be on this one too, but was accidentally deleted. I'll update and re-post it when I am able.

You cannot use a PSE designed for the MHI system ('05 and later); and frankly, I don't know if you can use a CP-211 communications platform from an '03 or '04 successfully; they were combined with the Tele-Aid module (which can no longer be used). I haven't heard of anyone doing it.

3. If you buy an ebay or other source V60s phone, even if it has an MB logo, be very certain that it has the proper MB firmware. Only the phones with the MB logo had the firmware you need, but some folks had their service providers "update" the firmware, wiping out the proprietary MB portion. Such phones will not work with your car, although they will function when not plugged in. Unfortunately, the AWS site only lists the firmware version as "MB proprietary" -perhaps a contributor who has one can give you the actual firmware number. The V60s phone is very expensive through AWS, around $550.

4. Which brings us to another point - the V60 Bluetooth puck is less expensive than a V60s phone. You may be able to get the puck and a compatible phone for less than the V60s (at least, one through AWS). AWS does list compatible phones and firmware at http://www.wireless4mb.com/MB.pdf and as long as you have a compatible firmware version, your phone will work with the puck. And that includes the iPhone, although it is not certified with the V60 puck (it is approved for the MHI puck - but contributors have reported success with the V60 puck).

5. You will want a V60s cradle that has the adapter kit for your car's connections in the console. The V60s cradle is made with a FAKRA connector; MB sells them now with the proper adapters, but when they first came out, they did not have them. Whether you buy on ebay or a dealer, be sure you get them. The part number for the cradle that has the adapters was BQ 682 0925.

6. Contributors report fewer connection problems with the bluetooth puck if they use a V60s cradle; it is slightly larger than the one for other models. The puck fits better.

7. ebay is a good source for PSEs. Also http://www.mbdoctor.com/ or http://www.customcellular.com/Blueto.../untitled.html, but there are others as well.

If you are going straight to Bluetooth, you could also consider the Argos system - some like it, but I have no experience with it. See http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...os#post2735418. The unit replaces the PSE you have.

While you're at it, if your voice control only controls the phone, you can update that too, for control over the rest of your audio. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...2000-s500.html

Good luck.

 

Thanks Skylaw. Very helpfull. So I removed the left trunk liner (2000 E55) last night to see what components I have. It looks like I definetely need a new PSE as I currently have a white label PN Q6820460. I'm still not exactly clear on whether I need to relace the compensator. Can you shed any light on its significance? I wasn't able to see a part number on the compensator without unmounting it. Is there any obvious signs such as connector types or number of connections that would tell me if it is dual band or single? Do I need dual band?

I also noticed in your post that you listed a cradle assembly kit (with adapters) as Q6820925. Could there be typo in that because in the following link to a Star Bulletin on page 13 it shows Q6820725. Is your 9 versus the bulletin's 7 for the V60s instead of the V60 cradle?

http://phdwebsite.powerpulse.cc/Phon...an%2002-01.pdf

So after everything you've helped me with so far and looking at that July 2002 Star Bulletin, it looks like I need PSE PN Q6820754, Cradle Kit (V60s) PN
Q6820725 or Q6820925, a V60s phone with verified MB firmware, and possibly a dual band compensator.

Last question is: If my system is currently installed and was working with the Star-Tac when it was activated, will I need to have any Star system activation done by the dealer when I slap the new PSE (and possibly the compensator) in?

Thanks Again for taking the time to be so thorough. You da man.

 

First, thank you for doing your research and using the results to ask good questions.

It's not a typo. The number with "7" is for the earlier V60 models - the older, smaller cradle. It has the proper connectors and will work in your car, but only with a V60 bluetooth puck. The V60s phone literally will not fit into it. The one with "9" is for the V60s phone - it is larger, was manufactured with the FAKRA connector that requires an adapter before it will fit the connections in your console. However, it will work with either the V60s phone or the V60 bluetooth puck. It was used in the '03 and '04 models, but will work fine with your car with the adapters.

If you are going direct to bluetooth, you need not replace the linear compensator. You will need to upgrade to a dual band compensator, however, if you are going to use the V60s phone. I do not believe your E-Class has an antenna switch - but for cars that do, one would also need to bypass the single-band antenna switch completely (you need not replace it). The single band equipment used only the frequency spectrum set aside for analog signals; that entire system was taken out of service nationwide this past February. The dual band equipment also included the digital bands that are of course still operating. The linear compensator connects to your external antenna, and is needed for a plug-in phone. However, an antenna switch (in cars so equipped) was used to switch the external antenna between the cell phone and the Tele-Aid equipment - and Tele-Aid was analog only until the '05 model year, so it can no longer be used (there is a digital replacement available).

Identifying the linear compensators is tough if there is no label. The ones used with the StarTac were single band (it is possible some late-production models had switched to dual band). I am not aware of external identifying features. The compensator is a low-power (3 watt) amplifier that makes up for line loss in your antenna wiring. However, it will fail to amplify frequencies for which it was not designed.

As to the PSE, you do need Q 682 0754, SYN 9266A or B (sometimes sellers only list the SYN).

You are correct about the compensator - which, by the way, were identical in most models in a given year, so one from an S-Class or a C-Class will also work in the E-Class. The difference would be the mounting bracket. You can use the one from your old compensator.

No matter what any dealer may tell you, you do NOT have to replace your external antenna. I went through the analysis some years ago with some electrical engineers on the forums, and practice verified the theory - the antenna itself is just fine as is, as long as you have dual band equipment connected to it. No range problems, and no standing wave problem overloading the electronics (you EEs know what I'm talking about).

By the way - the principal advantages of going to a plug-in phone are 1) better connectivity to the network (because of connecting to the external antenna - especially if more metallic tint has been added to your windows); 2) Often, better COMAND integration; and 3) if you use 2 lines and no-answer call forwarding, you can leave the plug-in in the car, carry whatever phone you want, change it out whenever you want, and not worry about compatibility with your car.

However, if you want bluetooth and also need a signal boost, you can often find cradles for some bluetooth phones that will connect to the car's external antenna and also charge the phone. SmoothTalker puts different ones out (referenced in the How-To Guide).

Finally, if your fiber optics bus was version coded for StarTac (i.e., StarTac was installed and operating in the past), no further version coding is necessary. Just swap the equipment out, you'll be ready to go. Same is true for voice control.

 

Thanks again Skylaw,

I do infact intend on dedicating a V60s phone to the car. I really found this very convenient when the StarTac used to be setup. I already have two lines, so it's as simple as transferring one of my numbers to the new V60s.

In all likelyhood I have a single-band compensator since I bought the car in October, 1999 and ordered it with the StarTac system. In light of the fact that I need to replace both the PSE and the compensator would it make sense to buy the "Vehicle core installation kit" PN Q6820707 listed on page 13 of the bulletin above? I'm thinking this kit might be cheaper than buying the two components separetely. However, there seems to be one issue convoluting this solution as well.

In one of Paulhdick's posts (can't remember where) he mentions reliability issues with PSE PN Q6820754 (that comes in that Q6820707 kit) and he recommends using Q6820845, 0885, or 0886 instead. Do you have any updates or clarification on this? Maybe the Q6820707 kit now comes with one of these other PSE's????

No further questions regarding cradle stuff. Thanks that is all crystal now.

And good news on the not needing to have the D2B Bus activated from the steeler.

So now I'm down to resolving the PSE question, buying the parts (or kits), installing it and hopefully not getting too confused on wiring differences (I'm a Mechanical Engineer, but I know enough electrically to be dangerous )

Thanks again for you VERY thorough replies.

 

You have chosen a good way to go, Vrodman. I used the 2-line approach for several years when I had to carry a cell phone constantly. Be aware, though, that SMS may not transfer if forwarded (it's a limitation of forwarding, not the car). That may or may not be important to you.

If you can buy the completer kit it would be a good way to go; however, you may find that Mercedes announced "end-of-life" for many kits last year. All that means is that they are not sold as a kit any more, under the kit's part numbers. However, the individual components of the kits are still available under their individual part numbers. Some dealers are not aware and may tell you you cannot get them any more if the kit shows "end-of-life" or"discontinued." Wrong!

I am not aware of electronics problems with the 0754 PSE, although there were some firmware modifications necessary. That may be what Paul was referring to. The ones that were in stock at the time, and many installed in cars, underwent a firmware update and were marked with a blue-dot sticker; and the one I had also had a handwritten annotation on the label changing the SYN number from "A" to "B". I never knew for certain if the letter change was related to the firmware update, but I have read that the blue dot sticker indicated that the update had been done. I never had a problem with the one I installed in my '00.

If you can get the kit, it should have a PSE with updated firmware.

However, if you come across the other PSEs that Paul suggests, they should work with your car. By the way, Paul is VP of an engineering firm, and has done wonderful work modding ML electronics. He has been very helpful to me and to others, and he provides excellent advice and a superb information resource on his site.

Non-engineers, please skip what follows.

Because you have some electrical engineering knowledge, you'll understand this summary: The reason your single-band external antenna does not have to be replaced is because with respect to the analog bands (roughly, between 800-900 MHz), the original had been designed as a quarter-wave antenna. When you take a look at the digital band (roughly 1800 to 1900 MHz, having a wave length half that of the analog band), you will see that with respect to the digital frequency band, the single-band antenna functions as a half-wave antenna (it is extremely close to being just that); and it did not develop a standing wave sufficient to overload the amps in the system, despite being slightly off the ideal length. There were very minor changes in the antennas later used for dual band use, to improve their range just a little - but the single-band antenna works just fine. Discussion with several EEs on the forum had confirmed my speculation that this should be the case, and it was.

The single band compensator would pass a signal in the digital frequency band, but not amplify it. In addition, the single-band antenna switch effectively filtered them out, for some reason. MIK, who developed the (now lamented) MikBox, had experimented and determined that if the single band compensator was left in place and the antenna switch removed, there was considerable (but not complete) signal loss in the digital frequencies of dual-band phones; and if the antenna switch was left in place, there was no reception on the digital bands. With the antenna switch wired around (or replaced with a dual band switch), and a dual band compensator in place, signal strength was great on all of the bands. MIK had done this with an older single-band external antenna, and I verified it when I installed a MikBox (also replacing the PSE, antenna switch, and compensator - and voice control module) in my '00 S500. Replacing the PSE wasn't necessary with the MikBox, but doing so gave me caller ID, which the StarTac PSE wouldn't.

Good luck, and thanks again for doing your research and asking focused questions. Sorry if I diverge too much in the responses.

 

Thanks a lot Skylaw. I guess it's time to visit the steeler and see what hardware I can get from them. If I'm lucky enough to get all the components I need, I'll try slapping it together and I'll be sure and follow up on this thread with how it all turns out. It definetely sounds like you're more electrically competent than myself (although, I did understand most of what you discussed) so I may end up with a follow up question or two once I start doing the wiring if that's cool with you.

Until then, Cheers

 

Ok, so I went to the dealer this morning and actually got to work with a guy that could do more than fog a mirror. He really spent some time looking up the various part numbers for kits and individual components. The bad news is that, as you mentioned (Skylaw), the kits have reached end of life and are no longer available. There was some chance of getting the cradle kit still (Q6820925) but the list was $395!! And, it wasn't available through their computer network. He would have had to have it sent from some Chicago wherehouse. Turns out there was another solution that I'll get to in a moment.

The linear compensator is no longer available even as a single component. I asked the question that what if I had this in my car currently and it crapped out, how would the dealer fix it? He said they would have to convert the customer car to the BT solution. There may be another solution for this that I'll get to in a moment as well.

The PSE PN Q682 0754 has rolled its PN a few times apparently and now there is a single "Universal PSE" PN Q682 0971 and it was only $208!! I bought it.

It turns out that the dealer now has a "V60 Cradle Eliminator Cable" PN Q682 0976. It goes for $160 and I bought this too. This cable requires no adapters or anything else. It is actually marketed to be used for the BT puck solution. But the guy at the parts counter told me that he's heard you can actually plug a V60s directly into it, instead of the BT puck, and it will work. Of course there would be no antenna hook up, but since I can't get the correct dual-band linear compensator anyway I'll have to make due. I imagine that if I just lay the phone outside the console armrest box that the phone's antenna should be adequate. Worst case is that I'll need to pull the trigger on the BT puck if the V60 doesn't work.

I actually found a new in-the-box (never been activated) V60s MB phone on Ebay and got it for only $75. I should get it in a couple of days. I will give further updates on all of this after I activate the new phone and install the new PSE and cradle eliminator cable. If all goes well I'll have this phone system upgraded and working for roughly $475.

 

Skylaw, regarding your input above about updating the phone's firmware, can you offer anymore input or advice? Basically I should be getting the new V60s in the next day or two and I was planning on simply activating it online. I have another cell phone that I was planning on switching the activation from. As I recall there are two options when activating the phone and I can't remember which one is safe (that won't overwrite any firmware). I think I read somewhere (and forgot to bookmark) that one of the activation options is safe and one isn't. Does this ring any bells with you?

Thanks

 

Thank you for that information on the new components and part numbers. It's the kind of feedback we need.


The V60S phone has firmware only for Verizon, so I hope they are your service provider. if you load another service provider's firmware, it will wipe the proprietary MB firmware from your phone. If you allow Verizon to overwrite the basic firmware with newer, it will do the same.

It is safe to update the "roaming profile" - the software that provides the phone information about tower locations, etc. It is also OK to transfer your phone book and your number (from your old phone). I'm sorry I cannot give you more detailed information, because I do not have a V60S to reference.

My Verizon V710 provides the information in the "Phone Info" menu, "Other Information>S/W version." Although labeled as S/W (software) version, it is in fact the firmware version, and that is what cannot be changed. Your phone's menus may be different, but should let you determine its firmware version somehow.

I suggest you have the updates done at a full-service store. You can do some of the updates over the air, but you're presented a choice that could overwrite your firmware, and a choice that updates tower locations. With Verizon's *228 Option 1 programming feature, your firmware would be overwritten (BAD), but using *228 Option 2 updates roaming information, and does not have any ill effects on an MB branded phone. At least, that's how it was last time I did it - but double-check with Verizon!!


If the store tech (where you'd probably have to go anyway to program the phone number and transfer your phone book) sounds like they're hesitant, get another tech.

 

Skylaw, first of all thanks for the reference in your big upgrade post. Things have gotten a bit interesting in the last couple of days.

I have one urgent question for you, before I get into the updates. Will a MHI dual band compensator work with the V60s setup? I'm guessing it will, but I need some confirmation before I buy it. I found a guy that has one Q6820829. I looked this up and it is for a MHI system. It appears to have the same two connections (to phone, and to antenna) as the Q6820657 for the V60s system. The dealer won't sell the 0657 anymore and I can't find one anywhere on the internet. After calling a second dealer in the area, I found that the core kit PN Q6820707 that was discontinued is actually available as PN Q6820885. Now that I have a new PSE (that I can't return), I don't want a full core kit. Also this new core kit goes for $700! Both dealers state that the compensator is not offered as a stand-alone part.

Updates:

I went to install the Cradle eliminator cable and found it to be on the short side for my e-class. It pulls taught when the upper armrest compartment is opened all the way. I called back the dealer and asked if they had a long and a short version similar to the long and short cradle coil cords. He said that there was only the one version. He spoke with installers for me regarding how they use this cable with the BT solution and they said because of its length (short) they often place the BT puck in the lower compartment. Interestingly the same guy that said I couldn't get the coil cord cradle kit anymore was now able to find one. Apparently the short cord version ($395)was discontinued, but the long cord version for the V60s (for my car) is available at $168. (yeah, pricing doesn't make much sense!) So he offered to swap the cradle eliminator cable for the coil cord cradle assembly that I was originally after. This was good news! I don't have the long coil cord cradle kit PN at the moment. After I pick it up I will update with the new PN.

Because I am now going down this route I might not be able to test if the phone will work directly plugged into the cradle eliminator cable. If I were a betting man, I would bet that it will work. The cradle eliminator cable appears to have exactly the same connectors as the coil cord. The only cabling difference appears to be no breakout for the antenna connection at the end opposite to the phone. If I get the new V60s phone activated before I have to exchange the cable, I will test it and post the results in a follow up.

I should be getting the V60s today and will activate it asap. If I can get a compensator (hopefully the one mentioned above) I should be all set.

I look forward to your response and thanks again for all your help.

 

Vrodman,

Because the linear compensator is simply a low-powered amplifier (3 watts or less), as long as its connections fit, it should work. There are no fiber optics to be concerned about, and no elaborate interfaces. It simply increases signal strength in the antenna lines. You may or may not get a bracket that precisely fits your car, but that is surmountable.

Thank you for your continued updates. I certainly do not know everything about MB phone systems; while I read as much as I can, and have some engineering background that aids comprehension, I have only my '00 S-Class (now sold) and my '05 to experiment with - much of what I have been able to pass on comes from folks who provide feedback such as yours. Your contribution, and that of others who take the time, helps us all.

 

Vrodman,

Looking at several phone bulletins, I see that the reason the dealer probably said the Universal PSE and linear compensator are "not compatible" is because the new PSE may not have the 14-pin connector that plugs into the compensator. I have not seen the new Universal PSE, so cannot tell what connections it has. Because it is marketed as a "Bluetooth solution" it may indeed lack that connector.

However, if one can identify the pinouts on the PSE that supply power, it should still be possible to feed the antenna leads through it and get amplification. Unfortunately, I do not know what those pinouts are.

In addition, several companies sell "3-watt amplifiers" for cell use; some are inline, and others are repeaters with a transceiver in the passenger compartment. I don't have any links, unfortunately, but I have seen them advertised. They may provide a good alternative.

 

I have 2001 W210.


About 2 1/2 (November 2005) years ago with your help I bought the PSE, Compensator, Y cable, Bracket, VRM module, PTT lever and fiber cables and connectors from Ebay (roadrunning@earthlink.net).

PSE MB P/N Q6820648 (SYN8738A)

COMPENSATOR (DUAL BAND) MB P/N Q6820657 (SYN8486A)

CABLE, PSE/COMPENSATOR Y CABLE MB P/N Q6820468 (SKN4979A)

BRACKET [PSE/COMPENSATOR/VRM] MB P/N Q6820475 (SYN7983A)

VRM MODULE [SBS] MB P/N Q6820650 (01000131)

PTT LEVER MB P/N Q6820479 (SYN8014A)


Then I bought the MIK BOX like you had in your MY2001 W220.

I bought from MIK cradle for V557 (Cingular).

This set up has been working great. the VRM with PTT lever work with phone and radio/CD/Tape.

All is working good. Thank you SKYLAW, you are good.

Now MIK is out of business and I want to update my phone to newer phone like BlackBerry pearl or curve.

Do you know what I need to go Bluetooth BT?

I know I will remove the MIK box that is between PSE on Y cable. I kept all the original OEM hardware/connectors.

I know I will remove MIK cradle for MOTO V55X phones.

Is my PSE and Compensator are good to go to MB BT puck solution?


SKYLAW please reply.

(PS: In my 1997 W210, I installed the Parrot Kit and it works great, of course there is no stearing wheel function on it. Is it possible on 2001 W210 with D2B network?)

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...887&highlight=

After I installed my phone stuff in November 2005, I was able to use phone only from head unit. I took it to dealer and he coded my phone system for $33 and then I was able to use stearing wheel function and display caller ID and phone number on instrument cluster.

SKYLAW, please reply on my BT upgrade if possible. Thanks.

 

Sorry. That should have read "if one can identify the pins on the linear compensator that accept power, it should still be possible to feed the antenna leads through it...."

 

hadam,

Your system has a TimePort PSE. You will need to go one of two ways, discussed at post (permalink) #3 at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...bluetooth.html.

Please note that I have done considerable revision to the "How-To Guide" on cell phone upgrades recently. It's worth looking at again.

The simplest and probably most satisfactory way would be for you to locate and install an Autosense PSE and the newest V60S cradle. Be sure you get the cradle version that has adapters that will allow the FAKRA connectors to be plugged into the type of connectors in your car, as discussed. Then, add a V60 Bluetooth puck and compatible phone, and you're in business.

Using the Autosense/V60S cradle approach will allow you to continue to use the voice control you installed. In addition, through use of a cradle such as one sold by SmoothTalker, you could plug your phone into the external antenna if you require better signal strength that straight Bluetooth gives you. Whether signal strength is a factor depends on your locale as well as the capabilties of the particular phone you use.

An alternative is to install the new Universal PSE and if you wish, a "cradle eliminator" cord. Then plug in a V60 Bluetooth puck, add a compatible phone, and again you're in business.

The Universal PSE is intended to bypass the linear compensator and external antenna, and use only your phone's antenna. It does not have the connectors for the linear compensator. If you live in an area of good coverage and have not put metallic tint on your windows, this may be satisfactory.

The cradle eliminator is just a cord that the puck can be plugged into. Prices for the cradle eliminator and Universal PSE are much less than buying a new Autosense PSE and a V60S puck, but may be comparable to ebay prices for those.

Last- while I am happy to reply to requests, there are many folks who can answer such questions at least as well as I can - and probably some who can provide better responses (especially since I have never seen or installed the Universal PSE or cradle eliminator, and they have).

 

Hi Skylaw, Minor correction to your last post. The Universal PSE will work with or without using a linear compensator. All of the connections on the Universal PSE are exactly the same as the old timeport, StarTac, or Autosense PSE's. It is the Cradle Eliminator cable that has no connector for the linear compensator. Coil-cord cradle assemblies have this extra antenna connector. Of course if one is using BT, this connector is meaningless.

I just returned the Cradle Eliminator cable that I wanted to try. It's just too short to conveniently hook things up and I was able to get the cradle assembly that I originally wanted. The new cradle assembly PN is Q682-0896. I installed this kit over the weekend and it fits nicely and works great so far. This new kit comes with an adapter plate so that if you use one of the V60 models that are less deep, you can place the insert in the cradle and everything fits securely. If you use the thicker (deeper) V60s, you simply don't use the adapter plate. This new cradle kit was only $167 from the stealer. Another interesting result from my setup is that it seems to work quite well even though I still have the old StarTac-single-band linear compensator. I have a new compensator on the way that is for a 2005 MHI system. I will update after I get it and try it out. Also, I don't think there is a separate power connector on the linear compensator as mentioned above (although, I haven't actually pulled it all the way out yet to look). I think it is powered by a dc signal on the back of the rf antenna line. This same approach is used to power LNB's on sattelite dishes if that makes any sense.

I'll post another update in a week or so after I check out the new Linear Compensator. I'm not getting it until Friday unfortunately (they must have shipped it the LONGEST ROUTE).

Until then, Cheers

 

Thanks, Vrodman. I had misunderstood your meaning. Glad to hear the linear compensator works with the Universal PSE.

 

SKYLAW thank you so much for your reply. I have been out and busy and did not reply to you. After your post I have bougt 3 V557 in brand new conditioned (for $35 each). I will keep my set up as is and just keep extra phone in my 2001 W210. Any way I will keep my W210 for 1 more years then going to 2006 W220. 3 V557 should last at least 1-2 years.

It will cost me in arm and leg to go to BT with my current set up. I know my current set up is working great for last 3 years.

 

So I have finished this project. I swapped out the StarTac PSE for the universal PSE (PN above). I swapped the StarTac coil-cord cradle assembly for the long coil-cord assembly (Q682-0896). And finally I purchased a V60 with MB firmware for $75. And That's It!!!

Interestingly, I didn't need to swap the linear compensator and I'm pretty sure that it is the single band compensator. Reception strength seems more than adequate both ways. Overall, the system works as good or better than it did with the StarTac.

Note: the MHI (2005 & up) linear compensator will not work in the older models. All connectors (both rf and DC) are different. So now I have a linear compensator for a MHI system as a paperweight. If anyone needs one let me know. I bought it before I had all the other components and discovered that I didn't need it.

Note2: I did have the antenna replaced about a year ago (wife sheared it off with garage door). The shop may have put a newer model antenna on the car that is somehow allowing the the single band compensator to work?? Skylaw would know better than I on this one probably.

In conclusion, I converted the entire system from StarTac to V60 with a dedicated V60 phone (no BT) for less than $475! The conversion installation is clean. It worked out well. Thanks Skylaw and everyone else who contributed info toward this. Cheers