How do I program a VX-2200

[RedOK]

I'm new to programming and would like to program my VX-2200. What do I need? I've read most of the threads I can find here and am leery of generic cables as a result.

If the $25 software/cable packages off ebay work then great that's what I'll get, if not where should I buy it? I guess I need CE82, the only places I can find it is when it comes with a cable.

I have two laptop I could use, both windows 7, one is 32 bit and has serial and usb ports, one is 64 bit and has only usb ports. Your suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[PACNWDude]

My experience has been hit or miss on the cable and software from auction sites. CE82 software and a DB9 serial cable with WinXP is what I have had the best luck with.

I use CE52 and the same cable for VX-3200's also. If you get a USB version of programming cable, you may have to check hardware manager and select COM1 for the radio to be read.

Always read the radio first and save that initial configuration. This goes with all manufacturers. Some version of software will want you to turn the radio off and then back on for it to read/write, other versions will not require this.

When writing to the radio, you will here the radio make some chirp/beeps. Often times, it must do this twice before it is done. There should also be a status bar when reading or writing a program to the radio.

The generic cables do not always make the radio chirp/beep when programming, but you should still see a status change on the radio display itself.

Good luck on the programming. And if you have problems with narrow-band audio, the VX-2200 had some production runs with faulty filters that would only work well on wide-band 25kHz channel spacing.

 

[willdanl]

Remember too that you can get a membership with Vertex Standard's business online system where you have access to programming software, firmware updates, manuals and tech bulletins at no cost. I haven't used any of the USB only cables - I have several VS radios so I have the FIF12a (which does plug into USB) then the specific pigtail from that to each radio. They are all OEM and have always worked fine.

 

[jeatock]

Confirming...

And if you have problems with narrow-band audio, the VX-2200 had some production runs with faulty filters that would only work well on wide-band 25kHz channel spacing.

Check your radio before putting it in service. I have stacks of radios (mobiles and portables) manufactured 7 to 5 years ago suffering from the filter 'Easter Egg' hatching and failing, deafening the radio on narrow-band. This is not manufacturer-specific; changing from wide to narrow is not just a simple programming issue.

 

[RedOK]

Thanks for the info.

willdanl, I was not aware of that. Thank you.

 

[RedOK]

I received my cable today, USB. When I connected it to the computer the drivers installed automatically. Windows 7 64 bit.

When I try to read the radio the display flashes between self test and the priority channel making the power up tone. Eventually the radio briefly displays PC program the the computer says combination error. The only com port CE-82 allows me to select is com 3.

Any suggestions?

 

[sjcdjcliving4god]

I constantly had the same issue with my CE82 programming for my vx-2200. It would only read part of the time. I switched ports finally to the right side of my computer and it works everytime now. I had read that someone said to use port 1 but I couldnt find it. So I used port 7 of my computer and it has been very successful. Try all your com ports to see if any of them work correctly.

 

[RedOK]

Thanks. I tried again today and made sure I tried every USB outlet on my computer. No luck, it just keeps switching between selftest and the home channel that is programmed into it.

 

[SkyPager]

I have only programmed a couple Vertex radios. They are a bit tricky in establishing comms with the program. I would need to actually attempt it again, but there was a certain sequence to follow. Try connecting everything, start the program and then turning the radio power on.

There was a similar thread here in 2012 >>> http://forums.radioreference.com/vertex-standard/252596-vx-2200-programing-issue.html

 

[sjcdjcliving4god]

RedOK,

There was a sequence I used to program my 2200. When you go to download to radio, check ok and wait until it prompts you to turn your radio on, wait several seconds and then turn it on. See if that works. If I dont do it in that sequence, mine will not program successfully.