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Change from O5 to O3 Head on XTL5000

JimD56

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I have an XTL5000 in Remote Config with an O5 Head.
I know my way around the CPS and I program through the front mic connection on the O5 head.
What does it take to switch over to an O3 Head?
Can I just pick up any O3 head on eBay?
Once I remove the O5 Head How am I programming?
Thanks to All.

Jim
KO9JAD
 

MTS2000des

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You have to use a serial cable to either program via the J2 connector or GCAI serial on the radio. Once you use an O3 with an XTL, you'll get the "no USB" message on the XTL if you try to use USB programming cables via the GCAI port. Also, the first time you connect an O3 that has been used on an APX or XTL with different firmware, the host firmware will have to transfer from the brick to the head- the head will sit there and ingest it for several minutes. Do NOT interrupt this process. Once it's loaded, you should be good to go. Configure your menus and soft keys as you wish in Astro 25 Mobile CPS.
 

N4DES

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I have a VHF XTL5K with an O3 head and mine requires programming from the rear accessory port using the serial RS232 HKN6160A cable. Trying to use a USB cable throws an error.
 

n3obl

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I use a FTDI USB to Serial dongle and have had great success with programming my fleet of XTLs.
Cause per the software you are using a serial cable. The usb setting in software is for Motorola OEM programming cables.
 

a417

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Cause per the software you are using a serial cable. The usb setting in software is for Motorola OEM programming cables.
Right, didn't say anything to the contrary.



I don't have any PCs with a R232 Serial Port connection.
Not having an onboard RS232 port doesn't prevent @JimD56 from using serial to program his XTL5k/O3 combo, provided he gets a USB/serial adaptor.
 

redbeard

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Rear USB via J2 works fine too, and is easy to add to a rear accy connector to roll your own if you don't have one.
 

n3obl

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Right, didn't say anything to the contrary.




Not having an onboard RS232 port doesn't prevent @JimD56 from using serial to program his XTL5k/O3 combo, provided he gets a USB/serial adaptor.
I was just making a mention as a lot of people think the usb to serial adapter means to use the usb setting in cps.
 

a417

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Rear USB via J2 works fine too, and is easy to add to a rear accy connector to roll your own if you don't have one.
This is excellent advice. My bench J2 breaks everything available, it's good practice.
 

APX8000

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I've used a USB cable to program 5000s via the brick with success. However, the last time it threw the "No USB detected" error code. Now the cable is giving me issues on everything else. Tried programming an XPR5550e and gave USB error. Then on an APX6500....it initially detected it and I was able to update the firmware and blow a codeplug in, and now it just keeps giving me the error. Tried different laptops, USB ports, update drivers etc. Almost like the cable is fried. Have a new one coming, but if anyone has a fix to "reset" the cable let me know.

Needless to say, I'll stick with the rear accessory port on the XTLs
 
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