Firmware changes needed in next Pro-97 update

[Gilligan]

Well, having just got a Pro-97, there are several annoyances that should be correctable or optional in the next version of firmware. So I'm starting this thread with the hope that GRE pays some attention to the desires of the customers and considers these and other suggestions. I'll start it off -- Everyone chip in as desired.

1) Power Saver feature should be optional. This is especially annoying when sitting on an LTR channel in manual mode waiting for someone to talk. It seems reasonable to assume this can be made optional.

2) More mode options when searching and using Signal Stalker II. Only CT/DC are available in search mode (while it doesn't seem difficult to add LTR or Moto in the lineup -- even if it must "search" in FM mode, it should be able to check for LTR/Moto once a freq is found). And for Signal Stalker II, tone decode is a must. The same LTR/Moto option shouldn't be hard to add.

3) Optional frequency increments for searching and tuning. The preset increments are too small for casual searching. Hardly anyone is on 0.00625 increments now so half the search speed is wasted (and 2/3 of lockout memory as well, due to the proximity in frequency).

4) Copy & paste functions for programming by hand.

5) Easy saving of found frequencies. On my Uniden, you simply press enter twice. On the 97, it's Func + enter. Seems like it would be easier w/ just one key.

6) More lockout memory. While this may not be possible for firmware, it sure would be nice. In my area, there are quite a few strong repeaters in the UHF range and it would be nice to be able to lock them out and then other freqs while I'm searching/stalking.

 

[seamusg]

Well, having just got a Pro-97, there are several annoyances that should be correctable or optional in the next version of firmware. So I'm starting this thread with the hope that GRE pays some attention to the desires of the customers and considers these and other suggestions. I'll start it off -- Everyone chip in as desired.

1) Power Saver feature should be optional. This is especially annoying when sitting on an LTR channel in manual mode waiting for someone to talk. It seems reasonable to assume this can be made optional.

2) More mode options when searching and using Signal Stalker II. Only CT/DC are available in search mode (while it doesn't seem difficult to add LTR or Moto in the lineup -- even if it must "search" in FM mode, it should be able to check for LTR/Moto once a freq is found). And for Signal Stalker II, tone decode is a must. The same LTR/Moto option shouldn't be hard to add.

3) Optional frequency increments for searching and tuning. The preset increments are too small for casual searching. Hardly anyone is on 0.00625 increments now so half the search speed is wasted (and 2/3 of lockout memory as well, due to the proximity in frequency).

4) Copy & paste functions for programming by hand.

5) Easy saving of found frequencies. On my Uniden, you simply press enter twice. On the 97, it's Func + enter. Seems like it would be easier w/ just one key.

6) More lockout memory. While this may not be possible for firmware, it sure would be nice. In my area, there are quite a few strong repeaters in the UHF range and it would be nice to be able to lock them out and then other freqs while I'm searching/stalking.

The PRO97 cannot be upgraded by a download firmware upgrade. All upgrades to the firmware require a CPU change- they must be sent in to repair for an upgrade. ie new scanner

 

[John_M]

Is the Pro-97 firmware upgradeable?

 

[seamusg]

Is the Pro-97 firmware upgradeable?

From my understanding it is part of the CPU ROM- replace only.

 

[Gilligan]

I think you are referring to the Motorola trunking tables. The firmware itself should be upgradeable -- why else would they display the firmware version?

 

[rdale]

Firmware is not upgradable in RS radios. Only DSP processing firmware on their digital scanners.

To update firmware on the Pro97 you'd have to get a new chip which involves returning to RS.

 

[gmclam]

Pro-97 Cpu

Yup, the firmware for the PRO-97 is in the CPU and not separate memory.

It seems that this thread is more of a wish list of things for the '97. I've read and started other threads about the '97 which are bugs, goofiness and inconsistencies from earlier similar models. As I've written before, too bad they added the bigger display, great backlighting (which also backlights the keypad) and SSII, and then took away stuff found on the '92 or '95.

George

 

[jambo]

Good luck gettng anything done to your RS scanner without spending more, if not as much as what you paid for it. They have got a scam (in my opinion) giong with any repair you have done through their repair center. I just recently sent my PRO 96 in to get the CPU upgraded, and by the time they tracked down my scanner I was told two different stories. 1st they told me that my Logic PC board was out and it was going to cost me $249.99 to replace it (remember when I sent it in it was working fine all I wanted done was to upgrade the CPU upgraded because I was having mishaps with certain talk groups and they advised me they could upgrade the CPU and that would fix the problem and the cost for that would be $49.00). So I get on the phone with the RS person I took it to to have them send it in and she also advises me the cost was $49.00. Then I get another phone call from the service center telling me that, although my scanner was working correctly, in order to do the upgrade I would have to purchase the new PC board for $249.99 which would basically be like getting a new scanner. At this point I was PRETTY angry after being lied to numerous times. So before you send your radio out to have them crooks do anything to it, give it some serious thought. Because when it comes down to it, all RS and their service center care about is your money. They could care less about you as a customer.

 

[davidd2957]

Hey Jambo...is there an end to this story? What did you wind up having done, if anything?

David D.

 

[jambo]

Hey Jambo...is there an end to this story? What did you wind up having done, if anything?

David D.

Still haven't heard back from them, nor have I gotten my radio back. So as far as "is there an end to this story". NO there's not. It will end when I get my radio back in good working condition like it was when I left it with them (with the Upgarded CPU). After a guy spends $600.00 dollars on a radio, I expect them to treat this issue with some sort of respect instead of trying to screw me out of more money. I guess if you have $600.00 + $249.99 to throw away it wouldn't be such a big deal, but for me I don't have that kinda money to just donate to RS.

 

[gmclam]

Report your experience

I'd give it about 45 days total and then start making noise with the BBB, FTC or other agencies & companies that would usually care about this type of thing.

IMO it sounds like they damaged your PC board getting the old CPU out, then wanted to charge you for a new one. But there is obviously a lot more to it than that; which they do not want to share.

Good luck!

 

[Eng74]

I got the 96 when it first came out. I did get the extra warnety on it and it was getting ready to go ou. So at the end of November I sent it in to get the CPU upgrade. I had to fight with them to get that done they said it was not covered, it did cover it. Then they were on back order for the parts. I didn't get it back tell after Christmas.

 

[DaveNF2G]

From the above list, the one thing that I find to be the biggest annoyance with my '97 is the power save feature. Maybe it can be disabled (completely and permanently) by a physical modification of some sort. Has anyone done any experimentation in this area?

 

[pro92b]

From the above list, the one thing that I find to be the biggest annoyance with my '97 is the power save feature. Maybe it can be disabled (completely and permanently) by a physical modification of some sort. Has anyone done any experimentation in this area?

It can't be disabled completely since it also turns off the backlight if you have it set to always on. By cutting a trace and adding a jumper it is possible to keep the receiver from going to sleep but the "power save on" display will persist and the backlight will turn off.

Power save only acivates in manual mode so the easiest thing to do is put the radio in program mode if you want to hold on a channel without power save activating.

 

[jambo]

I'd give it about 45 days total and then start making noise with the BBB, FTC or other agencies & companies that would usually care about this type of thing.

IMO it sounds like they damaged your PC board getting the old CPU out, then wanted to charge you for a new one. But there is obviously a lot more to it than that; which they do not want to share.

Good luck!

TY for your input gmclam. I have contacted the BBB, and Attorney Generals office, and they told me to give it 30-45 days, and if nothing gets done about it, one of the 2 angencies, if not both, would take care of it after that. Of course ya gotta go through all the paper work and stuff, but if thats what it going to take, you can bet thats what I'll end up doing. Pretty sad that a guy has to go this far because of a bunch of crooks.

 

[dosboot]

What is the lateist Firmware version my is 1.01

 

[gmclam]

1.01

I think you placed the . incorrectly.
My PRO-97s are version 1.01

 

[dosboot]

Yes sorry

 

[DaveNF2G]

Power save only acivates in manual mode so the easiest thing to do is put the radio in program mode if you want to hold on a channel without power save activating.

That works, but the scanner can't search for PL/DPL/LTR when in program mode.

 

[Dubbin]

So I'm starting this thread with the hope that GRE pays some attention to the desires of the customers and considers these and other suggestions.

Good luck with that one :lol: If they cared about what we wanted then they would be here like Paul is here for Uniden.