Codeplug, ASK and whatever else questions.

[chrismol1]

That was my first thought given the dummy load, but a minimal nonconventional non trunking codeplug does the same. The battery icon shows and beeps. Hope the battery isn't failing, these ruggedized batteries are not cheap.
On charge now, I will know more later.

This is what I was talking about with the default settings, can sometimes have data options enabled under the ASTRO System which must be unchecked. Whats the flashcode? All my NAS radios are built for mininum flash needed for trunking, no packet data options or anything of the sorts that can "phone home"

 

[redbeard]

Hope the battery isn't failing, these ruggedized batteries are not cheap.

You can use regular batteries on those, there is no requirement to use the IS/FM batts unless you still go into HAZLOC environments.

 

[ElroyJetson]

I really need to fire up my old computer and go through the RSS and all my notes I have stored on it. I'm sure there's information there that will be helpful.

What you need is a total wipe and reset, starting over from scratch with a radio that has no trace of ever having been used with an ASK. What I can't remember at the moment is if enabling ASK is a flashcode feature or not. I'd be embarrassed to admit that I don't remember, if it weren't for the fact that I personally have only encountered an ASK issue on an XTS3000 and there's a super simple way to completely eliminate THAT problem. But on an XTS5000, that's outside my personal experience. Never had an ASK issue on a 5000.

If ASK requires a flashcode feature in a 5000, that, too, can be dealt with. That much, I am sure of.

 

[KevinC]

I've combined the 3 threads discussing the OP's programming questions into a single thread.

 

[merlin]

OK, I am getting plenty of practice building codeplugs, no problems there.
I found a few bugs in CPS including Depot. the one throne in my side is the want to include 700Mhz to my channels/ scan list. IT WONT DO THAT. The lowest frequency that wont cause errors is 801.00165.
First step building a codeplug is radio model, that is in there but shows 800Mhz bandsplit and that you can't change.
A radio with dual band 700/800 Mhz I would think coders would include the full range of the radio.
In my stockpile, I came across a few range extender fixes, wondering if that will make CPS accept these 700 Mhz freqs, or fix the codeplug.
Alternative is finding the equivalent to CPS/DEPOT that will do the job.

 

[KevinC]

And of course we all know we aren't going to be discussing depot CPS here as it's a tool internal to MSI (yeah I know it's out there, but that doesn't make it right).

 

[chrismol1]

OK, I am getting plenty of practice building codeplugs, no problems there.
I found a few bugs in CPS including Depot. the one throne in my side is the want to include 700Mhz to my channels/ scan list. IT WONT DO THAT. The lowest frequency that wont cause errors is 801.00165.
First step building a codeplug is radio model, that is in there but shows 800Mhz bandsplit and that you can't change.
A radio with dual band 700/800 Mhz I would think coders would include the full range of the radio.
In my stockpile, I came across a few range extender fixes, wondering if that will make CPS accept these 700 Mhz freqs, or fix the codeplug.
Alternative is finding the equivalent to CPS/DEPOT that will do the job.

Your Tx Opt Transmit Dev in zone channel assignment is 2.5khz right? To change this you wll need to temporarily uncheck Recieve Only Personaility on Conventional Personality for the change

 

[merlin]

This is what I was talking about with the default settings, can sometimes have data options enabled under the ASTRO System which must be unchecked. Whats the flashcode? All my NAS radios are built for mininum flash needed for trunking, no packet data options or anything of the sorts that can "phone home"

Well, this may be a flash problem, one of my next steps is upgrading. I have what I need, going from 15.00.05 to 20.01.00 (big step) Just ding all the reading I can, knowing the wrong switch can permanently brick the radio.
I have been using the vast number of tutorials plus the help here for NAS, triple checking everything, so can't find human error.
73s

 

[merlin]

Your Tx Opt Transmit Dev in zone channel assignment is 2.5khz right? To change this you wll need to temporarily uncheck Recieve Only Personaility on Conventional Personality for the change

I will double check that. I think it is 4.5 though. Trying to keep within the rebanding thing.
Right now, the best I can do is 800Mhz, and just none of that around here.

 

[merlin]

You can use regular batteries on those, there is no requirement to use the IS/FM batts unless you still go into HAZLOC environments.

This is a ruggedized radio, the one good to 6' deep water, and matching battery. I will stay with the same, just pricy.
The HAZLOC type even more expensive.
I do use those clamshell battery packs, but generally fixed for bench test. Over time those alkaline batteries would far outprice the NiMH ultra capacity.
73s

 

[merlin]

I've combined the 3 threads discussing the OP's programming questions into a single thread.

Thanks Kevin, and the talk of CPS is no longer needed, just some how to's perhaps.
73s

 

[redbeard]

This is a ruggedized radio, the one good to 6' deep water, and matching battery. I will stay with the same, just pricy.
The HAZLOC type even more expensive.
I do use those clamshell battery packs, but generally fixed for bench test. Over time those alkaline batteries would far outprice the NiMH ultra capacity.
73s

There is nothing special in that battery that you need. It’s probably just potted to prevent sparks in the event of failure. A normal xts 5000 LI-ion is all you need and neither will affect the operation of the radio good or bad or affect the radios immersion depth. You’ll be paying extra for nothing, and arguably be paying more for less if you get a NiMH instead of LI-ion which is cheaper and lasts longer. The alkaline packs are for emergencies when you don’t have access to a charger.

 

[ElroyJetson]

Refer to this thread:

XTS5000 800/700 Radio

I have a XTS5000 radio that is set up with 700 Mhz segment of the band but doesn't cover an area around it that I want to use P25 with. Is there a know Motorola radio program or software that will open the radio up a little further? Anyone had this issue?

forums.radioreference.com

 

[wa8pyr]

Yea, I have it, used it, and even though it completed with success, much of the codeplug you still can't edit.
What I learned is there is a serial number and owner ID number that goes with the key.
You can extract it, look at it, but if you are not the owner and enter the serial number, it is about worthless beyond that.
A large system admin gets software and a hard key(USB dongle) then uses that for the system keys.

I think you're maybe missing the point about system keys. The Advanced System Key (ASK) requirement simply means that an ASK must be used to program the radio; removing that requirement won't help you program or make changes to the trunked system in the radio. All you've done is remove the requirement to use an ASK, but you still need a system key for the system in question; without it you will not be able to create or edit trunked systems or trunked system data.

I just coined my first working DIY codeplug, not locked with any key but 'married' to my radio.
Try writing to a different radio, it won't work.
I am still learning this whole key thing, but I will get there.

That goes back to the earlier mention about Motorola radios. If the flashcode and the feature set and the radio model aren't exactly identical, you won't be able to write or clone to a different radio; you'll just get the feature set mismatch warning. Apart from the outrageous pricing, that's pretty much my biggest gripe about Moneyrola.

 

[clbsquared]

I think you're maybe missing the point about system keys. The Advanced System Key (ASK) requirement simply means that an ASK must be used to program the radio; removing that requirement won't help you program or make changes to the trunked system in the radio. All you've done is remove the requirement to use an ASK, but you still need a system key for the system in question; without it you will not be able to create or edit trunked systems or trunked system data.



That goes back to the earlier mention about Motorola radios. If the flashcode and the feature set and the radio model aren't exactly identical, you won't be able to write or clone to a different radio; you'll just get the feature set mismatch warning. Apart from the outrageous pricing, that's pretty much my biggest gripe about Moneyrola.

Reading through his other comments, it appears he is using the “train station” to do all of his programming. Hence, him not understanding that a system key is needed for regular CPS.

 

[merlin]

There is nothing special in that battery that you need. It’s probably just potted to prevent sparks in the event of failure. A normal xts 5000 LI-ion is all you need and neither will affect the operation of the radio good or bad or affect the radios immersion depth. You’ll be paying extra for nothing, and arguably be paying more for less if you get a NiMH instead of LI-ion which is cheaper and lasts longer. The alkaline packs are for emergencies when you don’t have access to a charger.

You are correct and there are several batteries for this radio recommended.
I cycle charged the battery and load tested it meets the requirements for the radio, so the battery checks good.
That narrows the problem to radio hardware or firmware, confirmed that with my bench supply.
If I have to replace the battery, a Li-Ion would be my choice anyway.
73s

 

[merlin]

Refer to this thread:

XTS5000 800/700 Radio

I have a XTS5000 radio that is set up with 700 Mhz segment of the band but doesn't cover an area around it that I want to use P25 with. Is there a know Motorola radio program or software that will open the radio up a little further? Anyone had this issue?

forums.radioreference.com

That is very much like the system and sites I am trying to program, actually, the first time I have seen 700Mhz in one of these radios. I have walked through the codeplug countless times making sure every entry, tic box, setting is correct (per what I have read) My problem is in any of the CPC I have, entering any frequency below 801.00165
causes an error. I was just thinking of hex editing, that I can do, but still have to load the file in CPS to program the radio. CPS WILL NOT program a radio with any errors. Coffey time and I will go through this again and see what happens. Really appreciate all the help here, Thanks
73s

 

[chrismol1]

I'm confused, are you trying to program this 700mhz freq in question as a conventional channel or a trunked system control channel? It might be an idea to .zip the file and upload the codeplug for another set of eyes. I'd also recommend upgrading the firmware to R20 as soon as possible

 

[merlin]

Yes, I will be upgrading the flash to R20.01.00
Working down the tree, all looks good to this point. (Just the first pass mind you.)
A we step the right way in the codeplug, don't ask me what button I pushed to get this far.
I was able to enter my 700Mhz RX control channels with no error but hit a block wall with the TX.
See the screenshots:
I goofed with the offset, changed to - and still the TX error. I thought P25 control channels were simplex ?
I guess I am not beyond needing help with this

 

[GTR8000]

Good grief...do you not know that 700 MHz channels are +30 offset? No wonder you can't get anything working right. 🤦‍♂️

Anyone know a sysadmin for 18B? Might want to have them keep an eye on sites 1 and 4 for unusual activity.