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How do FLASHcodes work?

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bezking

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Can anybody point me to a guide that explains how flashcodes are put together and en/decoded?

Thanks!
 

W2NJS

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The OP asked what flashcodes are and how they work, not how to decode them.

A flashcode description and writeup is available on Batlabs, written by one named Batdude, but you'll have to dig for it; either that or send him a Batlabs PM asking for the location.

In a nutshell a flashcode is a 13-digit number that describes via code the exact capabilities that have been programmed into a Motorola flashcode radio, such as an XTS 5000 to name just one common model. Each digit is a sum of several flash features, and the first digit of flashcode is often used an a good example. Let's say your radio's flashcode begins with the number 5. That number is a combination of a 1 and a 4. The 1 is for P25 digital operation and the 4 is for enhanced digital display. The second number in the string will be the same thing, but for additional features. If you code is something like 100000-00000-1 then you have a basic P25-capable radio that won't do trunking (trunking code is in another position) but it will also do analog FM, because ALL of the radios, whatever their flashcode, will do analog FM. The last digit is, I think, a checksum or something of that type. Find the writeup by Batdude and you'll be up to your ears in flashcode stuff forever.
 

K8TEK

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The flashcode document certainly needs updated. Several features aren't listed on there. FPP for example.
 

gary123

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flash codes list the options programmed into a Motorola radio. there are several series but the 2 main ones are Pre P25 era radios and Post P25 era radios.

This is kind of like addons or "apps' on a cell phone the flash code is just a short hand referance of the 'apps' loaded. you still need the 'app' installed for the feature to run. Although I have seen some radios with all the 'apps" loaded but just the flash code not listing the 'app' but this is rare.
 

N4KVE

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Consider the flashcode the same as the list of options on a car window sticker. While it's good to have a full flashcode, it's just as important to have the matching host/dsp to support that flashcode. So many times on E-bay I see an AS3, listed with a 4F1E00-9 flashcode, but with real old 3/5 firmware. That radio won't be happy for sure. That radio needs 7/8 firmware to use that "NICK" flashcode. GARY N4KVE
 

PJH

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A little more into it...

The FLASHcode, or FLASHport radios work hand in hand with the firmware release in the radio. The flashcode as stated tells the radio what options have been purchased and available to be used. A certain level of firmware needs to be in the radio for certain options to work as well. This happens during the course of the model line life.

For instance in the ASTRO line (Sabers, spectras) IMBE wasn't an option when released. If one had a way to force a flashcode into said radio, you could read it in the programming software and tell the radio to talk IMBE (or whatever option) all day long. You could write it to the radio and it won't complain. Try to use the option and you'll get an error or failcode because the firmware itself doesn't know how to speak IMBE or use the selected option.

When a radio is properly flash upgraded, it will rewrite the radios firmware to support the purchased options as well as write the new flashcode. The "4F1E" and "1CE" whore codes were famous for this.

Also beyond that, with the newer radios and firmware you need current programming software to enable features that are not nessesarly radio options, but enhanced radio features. With each major software release these days, you need the same revision (or greater) firmware in the radio to use it.

Kind of simplified, but its also 140am and I am getting tired!
 

XTS3000

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The OP asked what flashcodes are and how they work, not how to decode them.

A flashcode description and writeup is available on Batlabs, written by one named Batdude, but you'll have to dig for it; either that or send him a Batlabs PM asking for the location.

In a nutshell a flashcode is a 13-digit number that describes via code the exact capabilities that have been programmed into a Motorola flashcode radio, such as an XTS 5000 to name just one common model. Each digit is a sum of several flash features, and the first digit of flashcode is often used an a good example. Let's say your radio's flashcode begins with the number 5. That number is a combination of a 1 and a 4. The 1 is for P25 digital operation and the 4 is for enhanced digital display. The second number in the string will be the same thing, but for additional features. If you code is something like 100000-00000-1 then you have a basic P25-capable radio that won't do trunking (trunking code is in another position) but it will also do analog FM, because ALL of the radios, whatever their flashcode, will do analog FM. The last digit is, I think, a checksum or something of that type. Find the writeup by Batdude and you'll be up to your ears in flashcode stuff forever.

The last digit (13th digit) is the flashcode checksum.

Good correct info W2NJS
 
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