BPR40 - get black screen or communication error programming

[todd_stanu]

Hello - I have tried multiple methods to read a few different BPR40 radios. I always get one of two results.
1. "communication error. check programming mode"
2. just sits there with a black screen after pressing the "read button"

I am using a usb to serial programming cable (bought on ebay. It is the cable with multiple adapters for multiple brands/models of radios). The driver is installed correctly and assigns a com port fine. I have all the different regions of software. I am mostly trying to use R02.05 AA. It was a legitimately purchased (not a shared/public download). The radio is a model AA north american region. I have tried multiple operating systems, XP, 7, 10, 11. I am putting the radio in programming mode by turning it on while holding the top button. Radio beeps and has steady orange light.

I tried a AZ model radio with the R02.05 AA software and get the "region" error....so I think the cable is actually working and trying to read the radio.

Any suggestions?

PS I am a cisco engineer so I am pretty familiar technology and have programmed other stuff before.

Thanks.

 

[todd_stanu]

Any suggestions for anybody? Any help is appreciated.

 

[com501]

Did you put the radio in programming mode?

 

[todd_stanu]

Yes. I hold down the top button while turning it on. Release and get a steady amber light.

 

[AM909]

You have to release the button fairly quickly after it beeps once or it will beep twice, then three, then four times, which have different functions (cloning, etc.), though it looks like those should show different LED colors. Are you releasing the button immediately after it beeps once? Is this happening with more than one radio? Have you tried a radio factory reset (hold down PTT and button 2 while turning on and wait for tone), assuming you don't mind losing the current programming?

 

[todd_stanu]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, release button quickly. One beep, steady amber light, so it seems I am in programming mode. It happen with multiple radios. I don't want to factory reset any of them until I know I can reprogram them LOL. Also, it happens with a brand new, out of the box radio. So, I am definitely doing something wrong.

 

[KG4INW]

I am using a usb to serial programming cable (bought on ebay. It is the cable with multiple adapters for multiple brands/models of radios).

I vaguely recall that the wiring for a BPR40 cable was different than that for a CP200 even though they use the same connector. Those multi radio cables are most likely for most every radio other than the BPR40. Might need to find the specific cable.

 

[todd_stanu]

Yes I have though that, and it might be the case. Weird though, the cable has a connector labeled "magone, bpr40" LOL. Maybe I need to try a specific cable.

Anybody have a specific store/site they have purchase a cable for this radio and been successful? Link or part number?

Thanks!

 

[todd_stanu]

Solved! I bought a different programming cable and it works fine. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[KG4INW]

Sorry I haven't replied sooner, meant to. I'm glad that's all it took! Aftermarket cables can be real hit or miss (mostly miss it seems) but I see that eBay seller BlueMax49ers offers one. My experience is that his cables work well and he makes many different ones for multiple brands, should you need any others in the future (I've no connection, just a satisfied customer).