CDM1550, HT1250, CPS software, and 3 different computers. Help

[KC8QVO]

So here's the scoop - I am trying to program my CDM1550. I have an HT1250 I have been using for a while and I program it with a Windows Vista and Windows 7 computer through a USB to serial port adapter (one I got at Radio Shack, gigaware if I remember right is the company). I got the same kind of serial cable for my CDM radio - has an 8 pin RJ-45, only 4 of the pins are used.

Neither the Vista or 7 computer will read the CDM.

Next I tried a Win98 computer that has a real serial port on it. After working out the software that wouldn't read the CDM either. I tried my HT1250 to verify that the set up would work and no problems there - it read the HT1250 just fine.

Every time I try the CDM I get an error message about not being able to open the port.

Another note is the CDM has a remote kit on it, the faceplate isn't on the body.

CPS version is R06.12.05_AA.

There is one zone and one channel on the CDM. I verified the functionality of the radio through my service monitor and it checks out great. So that part works. It is just the communication between the radio and computer.

My only two thoughts are the version of CPS on the rig is newer or the cable isn't correct. The cable is new, Kawamall for the CDM radios. A friend of mine says if the CPS version won't work there would be another message than the port availability I am receiving. Can anyone verify this?

Any other ideas?

 

[SteveC0625]

So here's the scoop - I am trying to program my CDM1550. I have an HT1250 I have been using for a while and I program it with a Windows Vista and Windows 7 computer through a USB to serial port adapter (one I got at Radio Shack, gigaware if I remember right is the company). I got the same kind of serial cable for my CDM radio - has an 8 pin RJ-45, only 4 of the pins are used.

Neither the Vista or 7 computer will read the CDM.

Next I tried a Win98 computer that has a real serial port on it. After working out the software that wouldn't read the CDM either. I tried my HT1250 to verify that the set up would work and no problems there - it read the HT1250 just fine.

Every time I try the CDM I get an error message about not being able to open the port.

Another note is the CDM has a remote kit on it, the faceplate isn't on the body.

CPS version is R06.12.05_AA.

There is one zone and one channel on the CDM. I verified the functionality of the radio through my service monitor and it checks out great. So that part works. It is just the communication between the radio and computer.

My only two thoughts are the version of CPS on the rig is newer or the cable isn't correct. The cable is new, Kawamall for the CDM radios. A friend of mine says if the CPS version won't work there would be another message than the port availability I am receiving. Can anyone verify this?

Any other ideas?

Install the cable on the PC, and fire up the CPS. Then open up Devices and Printers on the PC and make sure that the cable is on the right port.

Then, in the CPS, click on File and then Read Device. You will get a little window with a single drop down that lets you assign the port in the software. Assign the proper port and click on OK.

Now, that sequence is the only way you can properly assign the port within the CPS. If you click on the Read Device icon, you will get a message that starts out, "Couldn't Open Port..."

Hear this well: A lot of people try to short cut the information that I just offered you by pressing the Read Device icon thinking they know better, and then they complain when it doesn't work. File --> Read Device --> Select the port in the drop down --> Click OK

I've had good luck reading and writing through the mic connector on remote installs. Some have reported problems but still others have the same results that I do.

If the CDM was programmed with a newer CPS than what you have, you'd still have no trouble reading the radio. You would get the appropriate error message when you attempt to write to the radio.

If you're having no issues reading and writing to the HT on any of your 3 pc's, then the CDM should be fine as well. The only difference is the cable. Fix the port and have at it.

 

[CommJunkie]

I'm thinking out loud here:

If the HT1250 cable works on the same USB adapter, then the drivers for the adapter should work fine. When I plug my adapter in without a serial cable attached, it recognizes a device has been attached. Then I leave the adapter plugged in, and change the serial cable to whichever I need. This way it doesn't change the COM port number. Also, when I plug my adapter in to a different USB port, it assigns a different COM port number. For example the top USB port is COM3 and the bottom one is COM4. Check to verify the COM port is correct in the device manager. (Start>Run>"devmgmt.msc">Click OK)

There is no reason why the HT1250 would work and the CDM would not unless the cable is bad. If you were trying to read a radio with a newer codeplug it would give you a "Codeplug too new for this configuration" error.

 

[KC8QVO]

I got the port settings right. That took a little digging, but I've been trying that - as well as re-assigning the port the USB converter is on by going back in Advanced Settings. I've tried COM3, COM1, and COM10. No luck. COM3 works fine with the HT1250.

I did follow your directions to plug in the cable first (USB converter), then open CPS. The cable defaults to COM3 and so does CPS.

My friend has a cable I can try. I suppose that is the only other option at this point. I am not sure how the cable I have is wired and how they are supposed to be wired.

 

[com501]

Is this the FIRST time you have tried to program the CDM?? Is it the newest firmware? Is it a FACTORY remote kit? Aftermarket programming cable + aftermarket remote kit = bad juju.

Try putting the control head back on the radio and doing your programming again. Early firmware versions didn't like the remote kit for some reason. You CAN program the CDM from the rear accessory port also. A FACTORY serial programming cable should work fine if you can borrow one to verify your setup.

 

[KC8QVO]

Yes, first time I've tried to program the CDM. As best I can tell the remote kit is factory. That is how I got it. I don't have the adapter hood to put the faceplate back on the body otherwise I would try that.

I did find in utilities on the CDM there is a software version. It shows R05.10.02. If that is the CPS version I shouldn't have any trouble with it - that is earlier than what I have.

 

[KG4INW]

I've had the same problem as you and was able to successfully read/write a remote mount CDM by turning the radio on, unplugging the head from the transceiver, inserting the programming cable into the front of it then hooking it all back up. That was with a factory cable and RIB.

Or, you could just hook the head up to program, you don't need the bridge if it's just sitting there.

 

[KC8QVO]

WOHOO! Got it. I tried plugging the cable in to the body directly yesterday but I did not try turning it on with the control head first. Just did that and I got the codeplug off without a problem. Weird.

Now the question is - does programming through that method present any issues?

 

[KC8QVO]

I decided to try programming. I backed up the original codeplug and built mine. When I sent it over it said something to the affect of "programming failed".

Now when I power on the rig it says "EEPROM CS ERROR"

Edit: looks like I may be OK. Have to put the faceplate right on the rig. I don't know if my buddy's cable is RIB or not. Mine isn't, Kawamall ribless.
http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=102350

 

[KG4INW]

Oops, I've not had problems doing it that way but I suppose it's not exactly stable. Yes, just put the head on (even if you don't have a bridge, the head can sit on your bench with the flex plugged in) and use the CPS to recover the radio. Then dump your good codeplug back in.

 

[KC8QVO]

Got the codeplug repaired. I had to go through the faceplate direclty on the radio with my serial port cable on a computer with a real serial port (runs windows 98).

The drawback is now my display is all pixelated and I can't read it. I noticed that immediately after taking it off the remote kit (which is another issue, my other thread going).

Radio works though - I put a repeater in and was able to get in to it fine.

 

[N1SQB]

Been there!

Steve!

I went through something similar with my USB/DB9 adapter! I have 2 CDM 1550LS radios (VHF/UHF).
I picked up one of these:USB Programming Program Cable Motorola Mobile Radio CDM750 CDM1250 CDM 1550 LS | eBay,
and my problem was solved. I have been problem free running Moto-CPS on Windows 7 Pro for months now. The adapters just are not the same. Hope this helps. This particular seller is the one I got mine from. For the price, with free shipping, you can't go wrong! Hope this helps

Manny

 

[KC8QVO]

Manny - what version of CPS are you programming with?

I am working on getting things migrated over to the win98 computer for now - it has a real serial port on it and I've been told that is a much better route than going through a usb drive period (USB cable or USB-serial adapter).

If I can figure out the pixelated display I will be in OK shape, but still need to get the remote kit board fixed (in my other thread here).

 

[KC8QVO]

Here is a before and after of the display:




And the pixels:




Any ideas?

 

[SD70MAC]

Here is a before and after of the display:




And the pixels:




Any ideas?

The LCD and the board are not properly mated together. There are 4 places that the board snaps into the faceplate . The speaker must be seated into its place too or the board will be slightly loose and not make proper contact. This may take a couple tries to get right. I know it seem minor but it happens a lot ,even I don't do it right every time.

 

[N1SQB]

Manny - what version of CPS are you programming with?

I am working on getting things migrated over to the win98 computer for now - it has a real serial port on it and I've been told that is a much better route than going through a usb drive period (USB cable or USB-serial adapter).

If I can figure out the pixelated display I will be in OK shape, but still need to get the remote kit board fixed (in my other thread here).

Steve!

I am using the latest CPS version which is R06.12.08 I don't know about that advise against using USB directly. I tried the serial connector on an older PC using Windows XP pro. It worked ok but with the latest CPS running great on Windows 7 Pro using a direct USB cable, I can't recommend anything else as being better or working better. I suppose with older CPS versions, things may be different. It's not a CDM thing either because I also have a UHF HT1250 portable and it too programs well using a USB direct cable.

Manny

 

[KC8QVO]

The LCD and the board are not properly mated together. There are 4 places that the board snaps into the faceplate . The speaker must be seated into its place too or the board will be slightly loose and not make proper contact. This may take a couple tries to get right. I know it seem minor but it happens a lot ,even I don't do it right every time.

That sounds exactly like what happened. The pixels showed up directly after removing the remote kit, and i dont have the adapter to put the front panel on the body yet so nothing is seated well. I have a friend that has a front panel i can try over the weekend too. I should have my adapter next week, went out in the mail today i do believe.

I cant wait to use the radio. Now i just need to find one on unf too so i can cover both bands.

 

[KC8QVO]

Got the display working - none of the parts were popped in to place. It is working just fine now, I just need the adapter thing to make the rig one again and I'll be ready to move it around easier. I'll work on the remote kit fix as I get time.

 

[SteveC0625]

Got the display working - none of the parts were popped in to place. It is working just fine now, I just need the adapter thing to make the rig one again and I'll be ready to move it around easier. I'll work on the remote kit fix as I get time

Dropped the adapter in the mail earlier today. You should have it on Tuesday.

 

[firefive76]

I had the same problem with my remote head CDM1550LS+ also. The Kawamall serial "ribless" cable won't program it but a Motorola rib/cable programs it without any problem.