Pro-668: Radio Shack PRO-668 loaded with Whistler DMR firmware

[CycleSycho]

Hello,

You need to use the WS-1080 Ez-Scan software and follow the WS-1080 manual. Do not use Ez-Scan to update the CPU software, other updates are okay.

The Pro-668 firmware uses slightly different menus, with some items labeled differently.

73 Eric

Thanks Eric, I was pretty sure one or the other manual would have to be used. Just wanted to be sure I had the correct one in hand. Have not yet converted but the more I know before switching over, the better I am prepared to self-solve any problems. You have put MANY long hours into this, I'm sure many appreciate your saving them huge amounts of $ in scanner upgrade costs. If only we can motivate system operators to stop spending taxpayer $ to upgrade their systems (including encrypting channels)!

 

[Paco-Jerte]

Probably was removed from the server due to copyright issues/concerns.

I Removed it. Not one "thanks" given and 100's of downloads were done. Plus most here just complained that it was a virus LOL, not!

It served its purpose while it lasted :roll:

 

[n2rcc]

Hi guys, would someone be so kind as to PM me with 3.8. Also I'm actually based in the UK (despite the N2 call), does anyone know specifically what would be missing from a UK bandplan perspective.

Props to Eric for the slick little app.

Adam

 

[N2SCV]

After doing the mod has anyone had trouble adding a wildcard MANUALLY? I go through the steps; it saves the wildcard but I can't find it when I browse objects or download it; no matter what system I try to program. I KNOW I can just use the software and do but want to do so by hand.

 

[adcockfred]

Sounds like you may have not set scan list.

 

[Kaijudo]

After doing the mod has anyone had trouble adding a wildcard MANUALLY? I go through the steps; it saves the wildcard but I can't find it when I browse objects or download it; no matter what system I try to program. I KNOW I can just use the software and do but want to do so by hand.

I didn't tinker with that myself, I'm still teaching myself how to manually program. I think you should post this in the results thread too.

 

[trp2525]

After doing the mod has anyone had trouble adding a wildcard MANUALLY? I go through the steps; it saves the wildcard but I can't find it when I browse objects or download it; no matter what system I try to program. I KNOW I can just use the software and do but want to do so by hand.

The behavior that you describe MAY HAVE BEEN a known issue that was addressed/corrected by Whistler in their CPU firmware updates 3.9 through the current 4.4. Your CPU firmware version 3.8 is currently 6 versions behind the latest/most up-to-date version for the WS1080 so it certainly does not have all of the latest "bug" fixes. Just some food for thought...

 

[adcockfred]

I haven't seen any inverted icons yet. But I did turn off charging. I haven't had a chance to run an integrity check, but propagation bad last night and this morning here in Houston.

 

[CycleSycho]

PRO668-to-WS1080, my experiences

Last night, I took the plunge. Followed (one of the) posted instructions (Dan Kollander22Dec2016 version), and followed its instructions. Got the firmware updated with the GREFW tool, to 3.8 (immediately successful). After that, kept having problems with connecting to update the other files using the Whistler EZScan software (latest version). Redid the 3.8 firmware update a total of 3 times to make sure I did it correctly (instead of going forward to troubleshoot, I had reverted backwards in case I did something out of sequence), and finally followed the repeated prompts of the EZScan software to 'prepare the card' (some kind of error?). After I went and 'formatted/prepared' the SD card (where it was 'hanging up' in EZScan), it changed the card from the 'PRO668' card to the 'WS1080' card, and it was smooth as glass from there. Just wanted to thank everyone who facilitated this conversion (including the 100% dedication of Eric, whom which this process would never have happened). Reviewing all the posts here helped immensely!

Only questions to be asked (to date) is the weird situation where I was never (and still not) able to 'eject' either of my 2 radios in windows (7 or 10). How can I 'disconnect' the radios without 'corrupting' the data in the radio (if the 'drive' will not 'eject')? Two OS's are on 2 different systems (laptops). Win 10 on one, Win 7 Pro on other. The only way I seem to be able to eject/disconnect either radio (being seen as a drive in windows 7/10), is to completely shut down whatever system it is connected to. Is anyone else having this situation happening? I just do not want to 'corrupt' the radio (or SD card) data by just unplugging the cable from the computer USB port. I do use an adapter to update the RR database (out of the radio, it is MUCH faster AND able to be 'ejected' correctly). I had thought the iScan (RS) software was quirky, but the EZScan (Whistler) software does the same thing. The ONLY thing in common with both of these software packages, is the 2 radios. Finally, the only system the EZScan (Whistler) software is installed on, is my Win 10 laptop. Just wanted to clarify that Win 10 the only machine that has EZScan and iScan on it. I do not envision installing EZScan on the other system (which I exclusively use for the second PRO668 radio that will not be updated, for the forseeable future).

Totally happy! Too bad RS/Whistler couldn't come to some sort of agreement to do this.... Seems to me it is their loss and our gain!

 

[InlandAZ]

So hypothetically speaking, if one didn't have a need for DMR, could the newer CPU & DSP updates be applied and still receive P25 without issues?

The reception is greatly improved after the mod, but could be better - just curious.

 

[CycleSycho]

WS1080 (converted 668) bootup screen

OK, just checking to make sure everything is healthy (and reading correctly)? Screen shows this after pressing 'menu' at correct point.

1. uP Appl Ver: U3.8
2. DSP App Ver: 3.0 (&) Voc Ver: 1.6 (both alternate on same line)
3. DSP build#: 101
4. RR Lib Ver: 5xx (changes with updates)
Press MENU Key

So, is this the expected result? Scanner is working as far as I can tell, like before. Playing with it some more using the WS1080 'marksscanners' guide (and also comparing it with the downloaded owners manual and user manual).

Will there be an 'addendum' to the 'marksscanners' WS1080 guide anytime soon? The page says it is (been) under construction.

 

[trp2525]

...How can I 'disconnect' the radios without 'corrupting' the data in the radio (if the 'drive' will not 'eject')?...

Because the USB cable to the computer also powers the scanner when it is connected, I ALWAYS make sure the scanner is turned off first before disconnecting the USB cable or turning off the computer (which in my case turns off the power feed to all of my computer's USB ports). I have read that the abrupt disconnection of external power by disconnecting the USB cable with the scanner powered on COULD corrupt the SD card in the scanner. YMMV

 

[rbn_rr]

I Removed it. Not one "thanks" given and 100's of downloads were done. Plus most here just complained that it was a virus LOL, not!

It served its purpose while it lasted :roll:

Paco-Jerte, if I were to thank you in advance for sending me a link to the files, will you send me a link to the files?

Let's give it a try...Paco-Jerte, thank you SO much for helping me out with the Pro-668 firmware files. You're the best! ;-)

-rbn

 

[milcom_chaser]

Last night, I took the plunge. Followed (one of the) posted instructions (Dan Kollander22Dec2016 version), and followed its instructions. Got the firmware updated with the GREFW tool, to 3.8 (immediately successful). After that, kept having problems with connecting to update the other files using the Whistler EZScan software (latest version). Redid the 3.8 firmware update a total of 3 times to make sure I did it correctly (instead of going forward to troubleshoot, I had reverted backwards in case I did something out of sequence), and finally followed the repeated prompts of the EZScan software to 'prepare the card' (some kind of error?). After I went and 'formatted/prepared' the SD card (where it was 'hanging up' in EZScan), it changed the card from the 'PRO668' card to the 'WS1080' card, and it was smooth as glass from there. Just wanted to thank everyone who facilitated this conversion (including the 100% dedication of Eric, whom which this process would never have happened). Reviewing all the posts here helped immensely!

Only questions to be asked (to date) is the weird situation where I was never (and still not) able to 'eject' either of my 2 radios in windows (7 or 10). How can I 'disconnect' the radios without 'corrupting' the data in the radio (if the 'drive' will not 'eject')? Two OS's are on 2 different systems (laptops). Win 10 on one, Win 7 Pro on other. The only way I seem to be able to eject/disconnect either radio (being seen as a drive in windows 7/10), is to completely shut down whatever system it is connected to. Is anyone else having this situation happening? I just do not want to 'corrupt' the radio (or SD card) data by just unplugging the cable from the computer USB port. I do use an adapter to update the RR database (out of the radio, it is MUCH faster AND able to be 'ejected' correctly). I had thought the iScan (RS) software was quirky, but the EZScan (Whistler) software does the same thing. The ONLY thing in common with both of these software packages, is the 2 radios. Finally, the only system the EZScan (Whistler) software is installed on, is my Win 10 laptop. Just wanted to clarify that Win 10 the only machine that has EZScan and iScan on it. I do not envision installing EZScan on the other system (which I exclusively use for the second PRO668 radio that will not be updated, for the forseeable future).

Totally happy! Too bad RS/Whistler couldn't come to some sort of agreement to do this.... Seems to me it is their loss and our gain!

I have no issues with removing the USB from the radio no corruption of the card

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

I do not have a problem disconnecting the scanner with the radio on.

When the radio is off, and the radio's SD card is detected as a drive, then you should eject it or "safely remove" the card like other USB drives. Usually Windows Explorer will put a notification icon on the taskbar, where you can right click and select the SD Card. I noticed sometimes the notification does not appear on the taskbar. You can also right click on the drive icon in Windows Explorer and select eject. You should always properly eject the SD Card to prevent data loss.

73 Eric

 

[CycleSycho]

Hello,

I do not have a problem disconnecting the scanner with the radio on.

When the radio is off, and the radio's SD card is detected as a drive, then you should eject it or "safely remove" the card like other USB drives. Usually Windows Explorer will put a notification icon on the taskbar, where you can right click and select the SD Card. I noticed sometimes the notification does not appear on the taskbar. You can also right click on the drive icon in Windows Explorer and select eject. You should always properly eject the SD Card to prevent data loss.

73 Eric

:wink: Hi Eric, mentioned I could not 'eject' the 'drive', note I should have mentioned how I tried both methods before already (explorer & taskbar icons) but neither would eject it. I also turn the radio off before trying to eject it, should I try ejecting it while the scanner is still on? :wink:

It does eject by either method when the micro SD is in my adapter, just doesn't respond when in the radio with the mini USB cable hooked up.

 

[AOD999]

Could someone please be so kind to PM me a link to this 3.8 Firmware? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Got it.

 

[milcom_chaser]

Nothing To Scan

Has anyone tried to import via Set Location or Browse Library, choose your categories, then assign it to
a single scanlist? Even though I've assigned a scanlist, and it's enabled, when I go to scan it, radio tells me
there's nothing to scan...

Do you have to have a single scanlist assigned to a scanset in order to be able to scan objects?

 

[n2rcc]

Could someone please be so kind to PM me a link to this 3.8 Firmware? Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Got it.

Can you share pls? I need 3.8 as well


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[milcom_chaser]

Can you share pls? I need 3.8 as well


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