Change Flash Code by swapping hardware?

[KK4LQX]

Hello All,

I have an ASTRO Spectra UHF that I need to change the flash code on. I have several VHF radios that I don't care about that have the proper flash code. Is it possible to change the flash code by swapping hardware WITHOUT changing the band of the radio?

I don't imagine it is but if it is I know someone here will know.

Thanks in advance!

 

[gatekeep]

No. You'd need to change the programmed band in the codeplug for the swap to work. And if you have the tools to do that, you wouldn't be swapping controllers in the first place.

 

[KK4LQX]

Why thank you for your amazing response! If I had the tools to change the flash code I wouldn't have asked the question. Just hoping for some back door thing that that one guy knows

 

[kayfox]

On a different forum, you may find the tools, but not here as flashcodes = features = things you pay Motorola for. A few words of note, depending on what your changing in the flashcode you might need to upgrade the radio, for example if you have Analog Only and want to use P25 digital, you need to change the flashcode, then upgrade the firmware, as by default Analog Only radios have the analog only DSP code.

Swapping boards gets you into the realm where finding the tool alluded to above would just be easier.

 

[KK4LQX]

Does the same hold true for encryption modules? Are they hot swapable or are they also tied to the FLASH code?

 

[gatekeep]

Encryption modules should be swappable, assuming they are compatible with the target radio (i.e. I don't think you can put a MCS encryption module in a XTL or Spectra, etc). However IIRC, the keys will have to be reloaded after you swap the module.

 

[KK4LQX]

Ok that's awesome! Thanks for the info. It'll be no issue at all to load the codes. Right now I have a UHF radio that's missing one form of encryption and 2 VHF radios that are spares that have all of them. Both are ASTRO Spectras so it should literally be a quick swap.

 

[KK4LQX]

Do you guys know what version on Firmware started support for OTAR?

Currently the radio i'm working on has Firmware 11.13.00.00 and DSP Software: N08.02.08

Also what is the latest (or last since I think they've been End-of-Lifed) Version on Firmware released for the ASTRO Spectras?