Minitor V "pager read failed"

[MegaHertz315]

Maybe someone can help...

I am trying to program a Minitor V, and I keep getting "serial communication - pager read FAILED"

I am using the RLN5709A cradle, and the NLN3548 interface, and the V software.

Have checked the proper port, correct settings for window and font, etc.

When reading/writing to the Minitor III & IV, it works fine (using the proper software and cradle).

My new V won't read/write with the new V cradle, and I am doing everything the same I do with the III and IV.

Any suggestions?

Len

 

[SteveC0625]

These are rule-out questions, but I gotta ask:

Is the pager in programming mode? (Turn off, set switch to C, and hold reset while turning on. Long tone tells you that you're in programming mode.)

Does the programming cradle have a power supply and it is connected and turned on?

Check the pins in the cradle and make sure they are all up where they belong. It's possible that one got pushed down and isn't making contact.

Check the mating holes in the base of the pager for dust or dirt or some other object that might block a good connection.

Also, the pager should have a fair charge. Doesn't have to be 100%, but no red light either.

If you are using a PC with no serial port (USB only), the USB to serial adapter might be bad. I had that happen a couple of times.

USB adapter drivers can be a problem. Go to Prolific's website and get their latest drivers for the PL-2303 chipset. Remove any other drivers for the USB adapter that you may have installed. (The little diskette that comes with most USB cables is USELESS. Toss them all and go get the PL-2303 drivers direct from Prolific.) After I installed the Prolific drivers, I could install any programming software and use most any USB aftermarket cable or USB to serial adapter without needing additional drivers.

Last ditch: try installing everything on another PC and see what happens.

 

[MegaHertz315]

Yes, I am doing the exact same thing as I am doing for the Minitor III/IV. The only difference I am doing is using the proper cradle and software for the V. Thats the only thing I have changed. And no USB. Fresh charged on two pagers.

When I look into the cradle, I see 10 contact holes.

The 2nd hole on the top row has a contact, and the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th on the bottom row. Is that what it is suppose to be? The other holes are empty.

 

[SteveC0625]

When I look into the cradle, I see 10 contact holes.

The 2nd hole on the top row has a contact, and the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th on the bottom row. Is that what it is suppose to be? The other holes are empty.

Programming cradle is at the station so I will try to get over there and check in the AM.

Not many other issues that I can recall.

Is it just one pager or have you tried to read several with the same results?

 

[MegaHertz315]

tried two pagers.

light even comes on, on the interface. acts like its reading... then at the end, says failed.

pressing "c" while turning on, just like the older pagers too.

if you can peak at it tomorrow, i would aprreciate it. thanks for all the help you can provide.

 

[W1JJP]

I am actually having the same problem. I am using the programming cable from my HT1250 (I soldered extensions off of the board so I can program my EX500). I have placed the 3 wires in thier respective spots, and swapped them around to no avail. I have doubled checked my com-port, baud rate etc with nothing. I don't think I need to update the driver, as I can read all my other radios fine. Thoughts?

 

[njffemt08]

i am having this issue as well with the difference that its reading some pagers and not others. also has anyone used the software on windows 7 would like to be able to do at home and not on old department computer

 

[SteveC0625]

i am having this issue as well with the difference that its reading some pagers and not others. also has anyone used the software on windows 7 would like to be able to do at home and not on old department computer

I've run that PPS on both Win 7 and Win 10 with no problems. On Win 10, you might have to rollback the driver for your usb to serial adapter or usb cable. If your computer doesn't have a serial port, you may need a USB-to-Serial adapter. Get a decent one. There are previous threads on this issue, and not just about the Minitor programming. The same issues apply to many radio families that have serial programming cables. We've chewed on this a number of times.

If some pagers will read and others not, you have to ask yourself what could be different from pager to pager. First and most common will be dirty contacts, especially with the V's. Those recessed contacts are magnets for dirt and grease. Second will be battery problems. Try swapping the batteries around.

 

[njffemt08]

i tried swapping batteries but havent clean contacts yet just incase. whats best way to clean contacts. theys pagers were previously programmed with same dock. i get our desktop with xp to read but cant cant any laptop with windows 7 to read. same issue with my ht1250 software

 

[n3obl]

i sometimes have issues with read/write. Try holding the pager down firmly in the cradle while attempt to read/write.

 

[DJ11DLN]

i tried swapping batteries but havent clean contacts yet just incase. whats best way to clean contacts. theys pagers were previously programmed with same dock. i get our desktop with xp to read but cant cant any laptop with windows 7 to read. same issue with my ht1250 software

I've used a broken-off toothpick to clean the contacts with pretty good results. They can get pretty grungy sometimes; the wood fiber seems to do a good job of polishing them up. I usually follow that with some low-pressure compressed air to clear any debris out. This typically happens after somebody complains that they need another new battery because their pager still won't stay charged.:roll:

Sorry I can't help with the connectivity issue.

 

[SteveC0625]

i tried swapping batteries but havent clean contacts yet just incase. whats best way to clean contacts. theys pagers were previously programmed with same dock. i get our desktop with xp to read but cant cant any laptop with windows 7 to read. same issue with my ht1250 software

The toothpick trick is good. An old toothbrush works, too.

I use some rubbing alcohol clear out any greasy residue as well.

The pins in the programming or charging base should be cleaned periodically just to be sure.