Questions about Basic & Detailed Service Manuals?

One of the most common questions we get around here is about service manuals. "What is the difference between Basic and Advanced Motorola Service Manuals"?

First of all we advise most of our customers who operate any kind of fleet of a particular model of radio to invest in the "Basic Service Manual (BSM)", The BSM includes information about the various sub-models to your radio with clear model numbers, they also include step-by-step descriptions on how to disassemble, repair most common problems and reassemble the radio. The BSM also provides a parts listing of most non-electrical components, this is crucial when trying to reorder parts. Along with the parts listing it also includes a comprehensive list of batteries and accessories for your specific model radio.

The "Detailed Service Manual (DSM)" features the electrical breakdowns and technical service procedures for servicing your Motorola radio. These manuals are usually quite large in size (some weighing upwards of 10 pounds) and unless you are a certified technician likely over your head, plus with the complexity and relatively low cost of Depot repairs the information you can gleen from the DSM will still not likely help the process. We rarely need to reference the DSM manuals on a regular basis.

So our rule of thumb is if you have more then a handful of radios in your business and agency you should really invest the $20-$50 in the Basic Service Manual.

We carry most of the manuals for current and slightly older Motorola radios in our store. If you are looking for a manual not list, simply drop us a note and we will see what is available.