Mototrbo SL- and XPR-Series Radios + CPS Versions + Firmware Versions

[repeaterepeater]

Hi Everyone! I've seen various threads on each of the topics in my subject line, but I haven't seen them all synthesized into one conversation in a way that I understand how they relate to one another. Hopefully I can try to get there with this discussion!

For starters, I've had a decent number (10 to 12) of older generation Motorola SL300 radios (UHF/99ch), along with two older XPR7550e radios (VHF, one "enabled", another "capable") that I use for recreation, land management, and other backcountry activities. I have been programming these with CPS 16.0 / Build 828 (let's call this "Old CPS") for a few years now, and I'm pretty comfortable with the software.

I recently bought two new XPR7550e's, which I think has opened a bit of a can of worms. I have not yet had time to try to program these new radios, but the label within the case indicates "VER: R02.21.01.0000", which I believe are too new to be programmed with Old CPS. Is that correct? Assuming so, earlier this year I set up an account with Motorola to obtain the current version of CPS, although I haven't gotten around to downloading and installing the software (I'll probably do so this weekend).

For years now, I've seen much debate about the use of Old CPS versus what I usually see referred to as "CPS 2.0". However, when I log into the Motorola Customer Hub, the CPS that they have for download (confirmed with customer service) is actually "R14.0 GLOBAL". Is "CPS 2.0" just a simplified way of describing the newer CPS, with 14.0 being the true technical name of the most current version? Either way, let's call the newest CPS "New CPS".

I'm also still fuzzy on the primary reason(s) why people here recommend avoiding New CPS and sticking with Old CPS. Can someone just give me the very basic reasons? Some degree of use of New CPS is probably unavoidable for me, given the few new XPRs on my roster. But is it true that if I merely read my older radios using New CPS (even if by accident), I will no longer be able to use Old CPS on that radio thereafter?

Then there's the question of upgrading Firmware. I've seen conversations about firmware in threads, but often the original poster is asked "why exactly do you want to upgrade your firmware" and I think I've yet to see a clear answer to that question! Could someone shed light on why you would ever want to proactively update your firmware? For example, if I wanted to simplify my life and only run New CPS, perhaps I would have to upgrade the firmware on all of my current older radios so that New CPS can read them (just hazarding a guess here)? Also, how do you actually go about upgrading firmware? Is there a thread or video that anyone can recommend that provides step-by-step directions?

I'll leave this discussion here. Thank you to anyone who can share insights on the many questions sprinkled above!!!

 

[K2NEC]

I recently bought two new XPR7550e's, which I think has opened a bit of a can of worms. I have not yet had time to try to program these new radios, but the label within the case indicates "VER: R02.21.01.0000", which I believe are too new to be programmed with Old CPS. Is that correct?

That is correct, you need CPS2

For years now, I've seen much debate about the use of Old CPS versus what I usually see referred to as "CPS 2.0". However, when I log into the Motorola Customer Hub, the CPS that they have for download (confirmed with customer service) is actually "R14.0 GLOBAL". Is "CPS 2.0" just a simplified way of describing the newer CPS, with 14.0 being the true technical name of the most current version? Either way, let's call the newest CPS "New CPS".

No you need MotoTRBO CPS, latest version on MyView is 2.151.292.0

I'm also still fuzzy on the primary reason(s) why people here recommend avoiding New CPS and sticking with Old CPS. Can someone just give me the very basic reasons? But is it true that if I merely read my older radios using New CPS (even if by accident), I will no longer be able to use Old CPS on that radio thereafter?

CPS2 is considerably slower and has a more complicated layout than CPS 16. You also lose features such as bluetooth programming. Stick with 16 if you can

Then there's the question of upgrading Firmware. I've seen conversations about firmware in threads, but often the original poster is asked "why exactly do you want to upgrade your firmware" and I think I've yet to see a clear answer to that question! Could someone shed light on why you would ever want to proactively update your firmware? For example, if I wanted to simplify my life and only run New CPS, perhaps I would have to upgrade the firmware on all of my current older radios so that New CPS can read them (just hazarding a guess here)?

Really depends on what you are looking to get out of your radio. If all you use it for is a few basic analog channels then there really is no need to upgrade anything. The newer firmware versions have some neat features (I'm not too familiar, someone else could probably explain them better) for digital. CPS2 will read and program radios that have firmware before 2.10. So you can keep your radios below 2.10 but won't get any of the features that came out afterwards.

Also, how do you actually go about upgrading firmware? Is there a thread or video that anyone can recommend that provides step-by-step directions?

You install the .exe firmware file then select "Upgrade" in the CPS and CPS does all the work. You just have to tell it which package version to upgrade to

 

[repeaterepeater]

@K2NEC Thanks for the responses. I spoke with Motorola and they confirmed that the thing listed as R14.0 Global for purchase was in fact exactly what you said (MotoTRBO CPS 2.151.292.0). CPS 2.0 being slower and more complicated...cool... I already thought doing some of the self-taught CPS 16.0/828 functions were hard enough for me to remember, given that I play with these things for a few weeks and then not again for a year or so when I want to try something new!