Icom IC-F3/F4 LMR HT Programming

[kb7rky]

Hi all:

I've recently acquired a few older Icom LMR radios; specifically, an F3 (VHF) and a set of F4 (UHF) radios, that I would like to reprogram into the MURS/FRS/GMRS bands. I have the necessary software (Icom CS-F3) to program them with, as well as the cable(s) and adapters.

The problem? None of my computers will recognize the cables/adapters, even after adding the necessary drivers. I've tried changing the ports, to no avail. I have several older computers I've tried to reprogram these radios on (all the way back to Win7), and I am still unable to do this. I'm trying to locate an even older computer, if necessary, but given how I've failed so far, I'm not even sure if it's worth the time and effort I'll likely waste on trying.

I'm rather sad that CHIRP doesn't support these radios (that I can tell; otherwise, this wouldn't be an issue). I can reprogram them with the dealer cheat, but the displays show what was previously programmed in, not to mention I can't turn on the CTCSS, nor can I turn it off (as is the case with the F4's...I'd like to use at least one of the F4's for hunting this year, but, if I can't hear the others in my hunting party, that's going to be a bit of a problem).

So...if anyone could lend a hand, or show me what I'm doing wrong, ***please*** let me know. I'm at my wit's end.

Thanks:

Doug Graham, KB7RKY

 

[mmckenna]

Are you using a computer with a real RS232 port, or are you using a USB -> RS-232 adapter?

 

[kb7rky]

Are you using a computer with a real RS232 port, or are you using a USB -> RS-232 adapter?

Both...I have an old laptop running Win7 with an RS232 port, *and* I've recently purchased an adapter cable. I also bought the required cable to reprogram the radios with (oddly enough...that's a DP-9 plug, and yes, I have an adapter for that, as well), and even that isn't working. I also have the cable that *supposedly* emulates an RS-232 cable, and...yep, you guessed it...THAT doesn't work, either.

I've also followed the software programming instructions to the letter, and I *still* get the "program error" message. I know I'm likely overlooking something really simple, but I'm just unable to figure out what it is that I'm not doing.

I also have the VHF amateur radio version of these HTs (the T2H)...that's incredibly easy to program. It would be nice if these LMR HTs were just as easy.

If all else fails (and it pretty much has so far), I'll just ask my hunting partners to avoid using GMRS/FRS channel 1, since my F4s are deaf to any other radio on that channel (except each other)...at least, until I can figure out the CTCSS code.

 

[merlin]

Yor PC with the DB9 port, the programming cable should plug directly into it. any adapters/ extender cables cannot be the nul modem sort.
Also your port should be port 1 setting in CS-F3/CS-F4.
USB to RS232 adapter cable, be sure you have the right drivers installed. Use genuine FTDI cable and drivers if possible.
The rest is setting your ports correctly.

 

[mmckenna]

Yeah, these are old radios with old software.

Needs to be a real Com port off the back of the computer, not an adapter. A DB9 to DB25 adapter is fine you need that, but usually the USB to RS232 adapters will not work.

Make sure it is the correct programming cable. I forget the part number, but Icom wasn't very good at making things standard between all their radios at the time.

Make 100% sure the plug on the radio end is going in -all- the way, or it won't talk.

Make sure the Comm port is set to 9600 8N1. These things are slow. Make sure Comm 1 is selected in the software, or whichever port you are using.

I ran the software on Windows XP the last time I touched it. I'd not trust anything newer to work.

Last version of software I had was DOS. Sometimes these programs will not run right in a DOS window from within Windoze. There's a program called "Rufus" that you can stick on a USB thumb drive. Set your computer to boot of that drive and it'll boot up in DOS. That -might- help, but ideally you may need an older/slower machine to make this work.

There could be some firmware/software compatibility issues here, also. But it's been 20 years since I worked with Icom gear, so those memories have long since been forgotten.

I'm trying to remember if there are any settings in the software. I do recall there was an option for PMR or LMR mode, if you find that setting, make sure it is set to LMR. Make sure you've selected the correct comm port in the software, and make sure some other program on the computer isn't bogarting that port. I had an old version of Windoze with some piece of software on it where I'd have to boot up the computer, shut off the comm port, reboot the computer, reactivate the comm port and only then it would work.

The front panel programming mode on these radios was always very limited in options. It was OK for making a few changes on the fly, but you really do need the software/cable to do it right.


Other than that, I recall the RS232 communications with these radios was super reliable. Back at some point, I only had a desktop computer at home. I had an Icom F2020 mobile and I didn't want to have to take the computer outside every time, and dind't want to remove the radio every time. I made a 40 foot long RS232 cable using old telephone cross connect wire that I could run out the door to the truck. Never had an issue with it.

 

[kb7rky]

I've used Rufus...I'll give that a shot. DOSBox seems to work okay...just need to remember to mount [drive letter] first. I'll also see if I can find my old XP disk...hell, I'll try anything at this point. One thing I have found that doesn't work too well with CS-F3 is Linux. You'd think that versatile program would run that without problems. Nope. I've also got a bunch of old laptops...one of those is bound to work.

I want to say the Icom cable is OPC-48-something...I'll have to check to be certain. I bought it from a reputable seller on Ebay. The cables I have for my other radios I've purchased from him work beautifully (correction - it's an Icom OPC-i478)

Also, the radios work fine...it's just the displays, and the CTCSS tones, that I'd like to change.

 

[mmckenna]

I went digging through my box of programming cables/software, and I know I had the correct cable and software, but I think I tossed it out a few years back along with the 3.5" floppy disks.

Pretty sure it's the OPC-478 you need. I had the Icom branded one, and it did have some electronics under the DB-9 hood. If yours is really old, could be a leaky capacitor or something that failed. I also had the female 1/8 stereo plug to RJ-45 adapter that made it work with the Icom F-420 UHF mobile and Icom F-2020 UHF mobile I used on GMRS back then.

 

[kb7rky]

Yeah, I bought the OPC-i478 (it's the USB cable that supposedly emulates the original), *and* an all-new DP-9 cable (that required an adapter). Both didn't work as intended, despite being all-new.

Pretty sure I've narrowed it to the laptop(s) I'm using as being too fast. I'll be digging through my older machines, to see if I have anything older and slower. I may still have my old HP Mini 1000...might just need a new battery (I think it still has XP on it )

 

[merlin]

I have been successful on an older Dell, Win XP, 1.2 GHz. I have used both, DB9 RS232 and USB FTDI USB to RS232 cable.
Both ways work fine. The cable came from RF Guys.
Trying to install CS_F3G on my Win 10 machine, I get wrong product ID so can't test it.

 

[jeepsandradios]

These radios only like true DOS. If your trying virtual box and a USB cable forget it. Serial cable and DOS and they program just fine. I still have some F3's that I repurposed for ham stuff and are a solid little radio.

Dont listen to Merlin as the F3G is not a F3. The F3G was a newer radio and had the windows software. F3 never came with anything but DOS. Sold hundreds back then.

 

[merlin]

These radios only like true DOS. If your trying virtual box and a USB cable forget it. Serial cable and DOS and they program just fine. I still have some F3's that I repurposed for ham stuff and are a solid little radio.

Dont listen to Merlin as the F3G is not a F3. The F3G was a newer radio and had the windows software. F3 never came with anything but DOS. Sold hundreds back then.

You are half way correct, I don't recall where I said the F3G and F3 would be the same.
I have both the DOS software and the slightly newer windows software, both work exactly the same running the DOS in DOSBOX.
I have 2, IC-F4GS and 1 IC-4TR. Both softwares program these just fine. They are decent radios, not a powerhouse but do fine through a repeater.

 

[merlin]

have been successful on an older Dell, Win XP, 1.2 GHz. I have used both, DB9 RS232 and USB FTDI USB to RS232 cable.
Both ways work fine. The cable came from RF Guys.
Trying to install CS_F3G on my Win 10 machine, I get wrong product ID so can't test it.

OK, problem solved with product ID, you must type it in, copy/paste doesnt work. Now thi issue with USB is all my ports 4 and down ar on the back of the PC. CS-F3 in dosbox, your choice is port 1 or 2.