Connect Systems CS120D Import Issues

[RaleighGuy]

Just purchased a new CS120D handheld, I already had a CS750. In the programming software for the new radio I exported the frequencies and copied the information from the CS750 into the proper fields, filling ion all the proper information. Every time I try to import the frequencies the import fails. Also when I try to import zones it imports something else (Contacts?). I have looked online and can not find any code plugs for the 120D and haven't been able to import the 750 frequencies, I'd hate to have to start from scratch.

Does anyone know of any way to import into this radio, code plugs (RDBX file) for this radio, or anyway to convert my existing code plug (RDB file) to the RDBX version?

 

[bharvey2]

I have a number of CS radios but have no experience with the CS120. In the programming software for the CS DMR capable radios I have, there is a CPS Data Translate option in the Tools drop down menu. Does such a tool exist in the CS120 CPS? (This is all assuming that the codeplugs are remotely compatible.)

 

[RaleighGuy]

Yes there is that option, but it will only allow you to select the 120D file format of RDBX, not the CS750 RDB file. The fields are basically the same but the 120D has some columns for the trunking option and a few columns are in different places.

I don't understand why when I exported it and tried importing using the same format it would not work.

 

[bharvey2]

Well, I get the file dissimilarity issue between the CS750 and the CS120 but as far as your export/import problem, that seems strange. I've had that problem with CS700/800 series of radios after a firmware update but the CPS data tools resolve the problem. It sounds like a phone call to Jerry at Connect Systems may be in your future. Other than that, how do you like the radio? I looked at it briefly but there isn't much on the CS website and I couldn't even find a copy of the CPS to download to study.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Spoke to Jerry and he wasn't sure, looking at a few things and if needed he'll get back to the distributor and ask them to correct issues. Funny thing is if I export the channels (only the channels according to the CPS) from the 120D and then import them to a blank (new) configuration, it works okay importing the channels back in, but wipes out all my zones and fills it in with contacts. Have to spend some time playing with the CPS and figure out all my issues before going back to Jerry.

The CPS along with the service manual are on the website now. As for the radio, it's nice, a little learning curve with how to use the buttons (that aren't real sturdy or responsive).

 

[bharvey2]

It sounds like you wound up on the CS120 shakedown cruise. Maybe I'll head over to the CS website this evening and download the CPS. I spoke to Jerry a bit about this radio wondering if it was a planned replacement for the CS100 which I order for employees at work. They're decent enough for our application and although I have run over my bench for repairs, they're cheaper than Moto/Kenwood, None of which can withstand someone running over one with a forklift. (It happens more than you'd think around here.)

 

[RaleighGuy]

Appreciate you looking at it for me. Be interested in what you think.

 

[bharvey2]

Appreciate you looking at it for me. Be interested in what you think.

I downloaded the CPS and built up a small codeplug with a few analog and digital channels. I tried the export/import and sure enough, the import fails. I'm still using Office 2007 so I don't know if that is part of the problem. But having tried several times, i couldn't get a new codeplug to import the channels successfully. I didn't try working with contacts or zones so I can't say whether the same issue occurs with them.

I have to say, I'm not sure what's going on with many parts of the codeplug. I've worked with LTR trunking but never DMR trunking so a lot is "Greek to me". I also notice that analog channels are 12.5k only so this doesn't lend itself to ham use.

 

[RaleighGuy]

I downloaded the CPS and built up a small codeplug with a few analog and digital channels. I tried the export/import and sure enough, the import fails. I'm still using Office 2007 so I don't know if that is part of the problem. But having tried several times, i couldn't get a new codeplug to import the channels successfully. I didn't try working with contacts or zones so I can't say whether the same issue occurs with them.

I have to say, I'm not sure what's going on with many parts of the codeplug. I've worked with LTR trunking but never DMR trunking so a lot is "Greek to me". I also notice that analog channels are 12.5k only so this doesn't lend itself to ham use.

If you don't mind, try entering/adding a few contacts and zones, then export/import CHANNELS only. Afterwards see if your contacts or zones were changed with the channel only import.

 

[bharvey2]

I added a few contacts and zones and tried the Channel Export. The export occurred successfully and I went back to check my newly created contacts and zones. They seemed fine to me. Keep in mind I auto created the new contacts (contact1, contact2, contact3, etc) and same with the zones. FOr the zone channel contact, I just varied the few channels I had in each one (Zone1 all channels, zone2 digital channels, zone3 analog channels, etc.)

 

[RaleighGuy]

Thanks for trying, that was another issue I had where it was putting contacts in the zone column when I tried importing channels only.

 

[bharvey2]

Well, sorry I couldn't help get your problem resolved. If applicable: Happy Father's Day.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Well, sorry I couldn't help get your problem resolved. If applicable: Happy Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day to you also

 

[bharvey2]

Thanks. BTW, I see you have a CS750. I have a couple and just performed the latest firmware update. After doing so, I get "bonked" and get a "Call Failed!" error message when trying to key up a DMR repeater. Analog repeaters are fine. However, if a double tap the PTT button, I get a confirmation tone. I didn't notice the problem until I read of another user on on the CSIDMR groups.io noted it. I've sent an e-mail to Jerry at Connect Systems regarding the problem. Hopefully Jerry can get it corrected quickly. I don't know if this affects other radios but I'm glad I haven't updated my CS800 mobile yet.

 

[RaleighGuy]

haven't updated firmware in a while as it is working great. Like it a lot better than the 120D