Icom Software Compatibility Question

[linkinpark9812]

Hello, I had a question about the Software versus the Firmware on the Radio.

I plan on getting an Icom F-5061 mobile Radio. The Software, which all that comes up on a Google search, is a revision 1.0, and I am unsure if this is the latest or not. Now I have heard that there is a newer version of this software, though I am unsure of the version number.

I have also heard that there was a firmware update for the Icom F-5061. My question is is that if the Radio has a Firmware too new for the Old revision software to read/write from, would this pose a problem?

The reason I ask is because I will probably not be able to get the Firmware version of the radio until I receive it. Also the websites selling the software do not state the Software version. I am curious as to who has the F-5061 (VHF Mobile) or F-6061 (UHF Mobile) using the Software CS-F5060. I would like to know what software revision you are using and what the firmware of your radio is, if possible, and your experience with the two interfacing with each other.

Even if you don't have this specific radio, I am sure that if you own an Icom Commercial Grade Radio, you may be able to shed some light.

NOTE: I am NOT asking for Software, and I have NOT downloaded the Software, only searched for the Revisions on it, just fyi for the mods.

Thanks in advance!

--linkinpark9812

[N2DLX]

When the F3161 portable radios came out the F5061 was upgraded to 2.x firmware which makes the portables and mobiles more or less cross-compatible. You can use the same firmware and software on 2.x F5061's and F3161's. 1.x firmware is very outdated and requires separate 1.x software that only works with the F5061.

Long story short, you should upgrade the firmware to 2.x if necessary. You'll get a ton of new features, better performance, and you can share programming between F5061's and F3161's with 2.x firmware/software. Firmware can be obtained from dealers for free. Software can be purchased from dealers, but some dealers may let you upgrade from older software to a newer version for no charge -- but that's up to each dealer.

Latest 1.x firmware: 1.3
Latest 1.x software: 1.1

Latest 2.x firmware: 2.6
Latest 2.x software: 2.4

[fireandems13669]

If you but the radio new from a dealer they should come with the latest version firmware on the radio

[fineshot1]

Originally Posted by fireandems13669

If you but the radio new from a dealer they should come with the latest version firmware on the radio

Not always - this depends on how long the radio has been in stock and or been in storage at the dealer and when / how often firmware updates are released. Too many variables to nail that down to an absolute.

[linkinpark9812]

Thanks for the Information!

I plan on buying the Radio from a reputible eBay dealer. I heard that the shops sometimes do not sell the LM Radios to "normal folk" because of the wide TX range. I want it because I need it for the Ham band and I would like commercial quality equipment. I heard Icom is somewhat restrictive on selling Software to consumers, but I may be wrong. Chinese telephone can mess up good information nowadays....

So you are saying that if I do buy the Radio online, and lets say I get it and it has outdated firmware, I can go to an Icom dealer, and THEY will update it for free? Or will they give me the file and I install it myself by plugging the radio into the computer (like channel programming). Also they will let me buy the Latest Software from them as well? Online, I have seen the software between $40-$70, so is it up to the dealer for the price or is there a set price?

Thanks for all the information so far.

By the way, how would you check the Firmware of the Radio (Button Combo)?

Thanks in Advance!

--linkinpark9812

[fireandems13669]

Yes pres P0 and P3 ans turn the radio on it will tell you all the information.

Icom is not that restrictive on their software.Any dealer should be able to sell you a cop of the software and make sure your radio has the latest firmware

[linkinpark9812]

Originally Posted by fireandems13669

Yes pres P0 and P3 ans turn the radio on it will tell you all the information.

Icom is not that restrictive on their software.Any dealer should be able to sell you a cop of the software and make sure your radio has the latest firmware

Ok Thanks a lot. I will probably talk to an Icom Dealer (one is about 10 miles from my house!) before I buy the radio just to see what there prices are and maybe i could even get the radio there for around the same price as online! That would be nice.

So basically I would want to get the 2.6 Firmware for the Radio as well as the 2.4 Revision Software. As N2DLX was saying, i think, that the F-5060 Software and Firmware will work with the portable version of the radio (3160), which I plan on getting in the future, which is nice considering I would only have to buy the software and get the firmware and they can be used with both radios.

If anyone else has any more information or insight, please post!

Thanks to everyone so far for the Information. It is helping out a lot, as I have searched Google and these forums and could not find it discussed very much.

--linkinpark9812

[EDIT] To fireandems13669: I was looking at your website and your price for that Radio seems pretty reasonable, I was wondering if you sell the Software and have the Radio Firmware as well, and if you can ship the Radio, Software and Firmware. Note that I am probably NOT going to buy the radio for a little while (depending on funds), but I was just wondering. You can PM if you would rather not discuss prices or what you sell atm on the public forums. Thanks!

[RADIOGUY2002]

Your going to need two different cables for programing, where are you at and whats your profession, pm me.

You can get the mobile radio as cheap as 369.00 if you do some good seraching. Also, be adivised their offering rebates right as well until March 31st.

And please get firmware version 2.2 and make sure that is what your getting. You may need to flash your radio for the upgrade as well, depending on stock of the dealer.

[N2DLX]

2.2 is old firmware. 2.6 is the latest and fixes some problems, like MDC1200 not working during or after entering scan mode. 2.6 is very stable.

[fireandems13669]

2.6 is the latest firmware correct

[N2DLX]

Originally Posted by fireandems13669

2.6 is the latest firmware correct

I see you originally posted 2.4 and corrected yourself.

Version 2.6 was released to remove non-functional menu items when you enter the Digital menu (like Talkgroup Radio Check [not possible]) and fixed the problem introduced with 2.4 where MDC1200 stopped decoding when scan was used.

I identified the MDC problem and brought it to Icom's attention, prompting that update.

[RADIOGUY2002]

check your pm, I never ran into the scanning prolbem as the radio's had the older version flashed in.

[N2DLX]

It just takes 5 seconds to read thoroughly. You have 2.2 and 2.3 firmware in your radios (as per your PM), which is why you never saw the MDC problem which was introduced in version 2.4. 2.6 fixed the problem, if it even applies to you.

[RADIOGUY2002]

Yea, I gather that much. So, I take the software is up to date. I deal with it on Monday and get the most update stuff from my connections since you don't want to share. My customers are number one.....

[N2DLX]

Latest software is 2.4, also stated earlier in this thread. Not 2.2, as per your PM.

[fireandems13669]

I had to edit it because I did not see it at first in the B2B.I am glad u had pointed that out to them I had noticed that issue also