M7100 Programming Question

[firefightergreg]

So I'm a complete n00b here on the Harris MA/COM stuff. I've programmed Motorola stuff in the past without problems.

I picked up a VHF M7100 on eBay for Ham bands and such. Auction included a 15 pin to DB9 connection. I am trying to use that to program the radio or atleast query the radio.

When I use either programmer or maintenance it error says it can not initialize the radio. The radio does go blank screen but nothing else happens. How do I know if it's a problem in the radio, software, cable etc? Where do I go from here? Is there any hope?

Thanks everyone for help!

 

[DisasterGuy]

Many things could be going on here. To start you say you are using programmer. Programmer is pretty obsolete (we use it only for a few legacy Orion's). First step should be to read it with the current version of RPM.

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[firefightergreg]

Many things could be going on here. To start you say you are using programmer. Programmer is pretty obsolete (we use it only for a few legacy Orion's). First step should be to read it with the current version of RPM.

So I'm kinda hosed then without purchasing a super expensive license right?

 

[DisasterGuy]

It depends on what you consider super expensive.

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[rescue161]

If, and that is a big if, you can verify the features from the radios menu and if you have access to RPM, you can revert the radio to be able to use Programmer. I did this with our RPM software at work. I saved the tuning data (took pictures while in Maintenance) and then followed the revert procedures. Radio was a basic radio until I put back in the feature string that was in the radio. In the end, all was fine, but if you miss a step or forget to the get the feature string out of the radio prior, then you will have a worthless brick.

 

[kb4cvn]

Programming Instructions

Programming Instructions for every radio covered by the software:

HELP > CONTENTS > Programming The Radio > select radio model...



Been in ever revision of Radio Programmer (aka: Programmer) since 2000, and all revisions of Radio Personality Manager (RPM) software applications.

 

[firefightergreg]

Programming Instructions for every radio covered by the software:

HELP > CONTENTS > Programming The Radio > select radio model...



Been in ever revision of Radio Programmer (aka: Programmer) since 2000, and all revisions of Radio Personality Manager (RPM) software applications.

So that's not the cable I have.. my cable goes from a DB15 to a DB9 (serial) connection. Does that seem right?

 

[snoopyII]

No, sounds like you have the programming cable designed for the newer control cables with the DB15 programming/keyloading port built in. (CA101288V2, V4 and V10)

 

[radioman2001]

There are 2 ways of programming the Orion or M7100 radio. Either with the factory RIB box and the correct in line DB56 pin cable, or there is out there (I don't have it handy) someone made up one that plugs into the DB56 only without the head. I use the latter, you do have to turn the radio on with the special cable connected or the radio won't go into programming mode. Now as far as software, when you read it you will know whether you can use Programmer or forced into RPM. As stated you can revert it back to programmer, and instructions for that are located elsewhere.

Either way you will be able to read and save tuning and feature code using the Programmer utility program.

 

[Forts]

So that's not the cable I have.. my cable goes from a DB15 to a DB9 (serial) connection. Does that seem right?

That's what I use with my M7100. Works just fine....

 

[kb4cvn]

The original (and much older) Orion programming cable (PN TQ3377) will not work on a Jaguar 725m or M7100 mobile radios.

However, the newer J725m/M7100 programming cables are backwards compatible with the Orion.


Also, a lesser known tidbit of knowledge is the older TQ3377 can be rewired to work on the newer radios! (not in any manual !!!)

 

[burner50]

Is your radio a remote head or dash mount?

 

[k8qg]

K8QG here, I am interested in building the m7100 cable out of a orion prg. cable.
any pin out info ?
Thanks, Terry in ohio

 

[snoopyII]

Should be the same cable. I've had a programming that somebody made for me many years ago, I know for sure I've used it on both Orions and M7100's

 

[kb4cvn]

The original TQ-3377 Orion cable and the newer TQ-3409 "shop" cable are a tad different.

1-The 3409 cable does not require an interface box.
2-The 3409 cable uses a DB-9 to connect to the computer's serial port (or USB to serial adapter).
3-The older 3377 Orion cable can be converted into a 3409.

Cut the cable off a a few inches from the male/female DB-37. Get a DB-9 and several feet of multi-conductor cable. Simply copy the diagram for the 3409 cable contained in the HOW TO PROGRAM THE RADIO help screens, which is part of every revision of programming software since the early 2000's.