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Icom F50V Questions...

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Forts

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Hi folks,

I just picked up an F50V from the big auction site to use with my local FD. I'm waiting to hear from the seller what FW is in the radio. From what I understand 3.6.2 and the MM 3.1.1 software are most desired? My department has 3 stations, 2 use A-B and one uses single long tone which I'm wanting to program into the radio. Is it possible to upgrade the FW myself or must it be sent out if needed?

Thanks!
 

12dbsinad

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Yes, the "MM" version is the most desired. They "copied" the Minitor alert tones and vibration settings pretty much exactly. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Firmware can be upgraded with just a cloning cable if you can get a copy of the flash loader software. It's a dealer only item but since the radio is discontinued it's possible a dealer or even ICOM could provide a copy. Wouldn't hurt to ask!

Otherwise, sending it to ICOM directly or a dealer is a option.
 

Forts

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So from further reading it appears 3.6.2 forces narrowband on all channels, which is ridiculous. I'm thinking I may need to use 3.6 then as I believe it was the last version to support WB, unless Icom has a workaround for us Canadians. I'd really like to use the Minitor like features of 3.6.2 but all our fire channels are still WB with the exception of one.
 

12dbsinad

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Correct, you'll want version 3.6.1 MM firmware. 3.6.2 locked down the radio to narrowband to conform with FCC regs here in the states.
 

Forts

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Great, thanks for the info. I've got FW 3.6 and 3.6.2... I'll go on the hunt for 3.6.1.

Appreciate the info!
 

Forts

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Can anyone confirm that there is a 3.6.1 MM firmware version? The Icom dealer portal only shows 3.6 and 3.6.2. (Perhaps you meant 3.6 when you mentioned 3.6.1?)

Thanks! (And apologies for all the questions.. this is my 1st go-round with an Icom radio).
 

12dbsinad

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You're right. The only firmware showing is 3.6 (for non MM versions) and 3.6.2 for MM firmware which is locked to narrow. It seems Icom has recently updated this and got rid of all the firmware except the current version and current software version. They used to have all versions of firmware available.

I can however confirm for you, there is (or was) a version 3.6.1 MM wideband/narrowband that you need. I have this exact firmware version in my units and somewhere I may have the flash loader software. I'll see if I can find out more info on Monday as the purging of firmware in the portal affects all models.

In the mean time I'll dig to see if I can find it... it's on a thumb drive somewhere in my mess..
 

Forts

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You're right. The only firmware showing is 3.6 (for non MM versions) and 3.6.2 for MM firmware which is locked to narrow. It seems Icom has recently updated this and got rid of all the firmware except the current version and current software version. They used to have all versions of firmware available.

I can however confirm for you, there is (or was) a version 3.6.1 MM wideband/narrowband that you need. I have this exact firmware version in my units and somewhere I may have the flash loader software. I'll see if I can find out more info on Monday as the purging of firmware in the portal affects all models.

In the mean time I'll dig to see if I can find it... it's on a thumb drive somewhere in my mess..
Thank you sir! Much appreciated...
 

Forts

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So I finally got my radio and programming cable and some free time to tinker. Nice little radios! Got the 2Tone working for our 3 stations fairly easily... just such a shame there isn't a wideband version of the MM firmware. Does anyone know if you can downgrade the firmware in these things? I'd love to play the with 3.6.2 firmware just to check it out, but then be able to revert back to 3.6 when I'm done.
 

12dbsinad

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So I finally got my radio and programming cable and some free time to tinker. Nice little radios! Got the 2Tone working for our 3 stations fairly easily... just such a shame there isn't a wideband version of the MM firmware. Does anyone know if you can downgrade the firmware in these things? I'd love to play the with 3.6.2 firmware just to check it out, but then be able to revert back to 3.6 when I'm done.

Once you lock down the radio to narrow there is not turning back! Check your PM.
 
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