CommandStar Lite
CommandStar Lite
The CommandStar Lite is a standalone version of the CommandStar dispatch console that does not require an external rack of components to interface with radios. All connections are made from the rear panel of the console.
Hardware
Power Supply
The CommandStar Lite requires a unique, impossible to obtain power supply. It provides the following voltages per the service manual (linked below)
| Voltage | Ampacity (max) |
|---|---|
| +5VDC | 10 A |
| -5VDC | 1 A |
| +12VDC | 5 A |
| -12VDC | 1 A |
WARNING: the pinout listed in the service manual for the power connector is NOT referring to the blue 8-pin connector on the rear of the console. It is referring to the internal power connector footprint on the motherboard. Below is a verified working pinout reference for the CommandStar power connector:
The connector is a Positronic PLB-08 series connector, with the male end on the console and the female end on the power supply cable.
Using this info, I have successfully homebrewed a power supply that can power the console properly.
Manuals
Installation and Troubleshooting Manual
Installation and Troubleshooting Manual Revision
System Database Manager Manual
Software
The below ZIP contains the installer for CSDM-Lite, the Windows configuration tool for the CommandStar Lite. This program will install on the latest Windows 11, however you will have to enable Windows XP compatibility mode on the installer to run it.
CSDM-Lite will allow you to program the console, and will also provide printouts and cutsheets for wiring of your configured radios. Which is good, because the above service manuals only briefly touch on the console's pinouts and do not explain how various radios are interfaced.
To use CSDM-Lite, you must first "login." The default login is SUPERUSER/SUPERUSER
