More APX Radio Management questions

[N0BDW]

Hey folks,

So the background is that I'm trying to set up Radio Management to help speed up firmware updates and programming changes for our fleet of <100 APX radios. Being that we're under the 100 radio threshold, I'm using the free version of Radio Management, so I'm not sure Motorola would be keen on providing a lot of support.

What is working:
* RM Server, Client (CPS), Job Processor, and Device Monitor all deployed on a singular machine
* Updating/programming one radio at a time with that machine

What is not working:
* Adding Job Processor and/or Device Monitor to a second machine on the same network as the RM Server
* Updating/programming multiple radios simultaneously by connecting multiple programming cables to the machine that is working

How do you make it such that a second machine can connect to the RM Server to run Job Processor and/or Device Monitor? I've tried connecting via the DNS hostname and the IP of the RM Server. It always fails to connect. Note that these are standalone workstations, so we don't have an Active Directory domain or anything like that, so maybe that is part of the problem? I feel like none of the authentication options in Job Processor/Device Monitor match what I'm able to set up in RM Server. Certificate or One-time Password are the only available choices in the clients, and RM Server doesn't appear to have a way to either generate certificates or one-time passwords.

Additionally when trying to program/update two radios via USB at once (2 cables) on the working machine only one radio will be recognized by Device Monitor at a time. I get the chime from Windows indicating the second device has connected, but Device Monitor doesn't "see" it until I disconnect the first device, disconnect the second device, and then re-connect the second device. Doesn't seem to be a cable issue -- both cables work on their own. I was under the impression that Device Monitor would be able to handle multiple radios simultaneously, which is why I bought multiple cables. Tried USB ports directly on the machine, tried a USB hub, no difference.

Any help is much appreciated.

Ben N0BDW

 

[Firebuff880]

@N0BDW

For issue one add the IP and Server Host name (This is not always the DNS name) to the hosts file on the client --- Then look at the Security and Systems tab in the RM Utility tool.

For issue two, NOPE, since the cable connecting to the radio to the Workstation is using an NDIS IP connection and the Radio IP / Accessory IP is the same in every radio you can only do one at a time without a lot of extra planning and work.

 

[N0BDW]

@N0BDW

For issue two, NOPE, since the cable connecting to the radio to the Workstation is using an NDIS IP connection and the Radio IP / Accessory IP is the same in every radio you can only do one at a time without a lot of extra planning and work.

Thanks for the reply, @Firebuff880. Okay, that makes sense. But if I assign each radio a unique IP within the same subnet it should work then? I can do that... it would make life a lot easier to be able to do multiple radios simultaneously, even if the initial setup is time consuming.

@N0BDW

For issue one add the IP and Server Host name (This is not always the DNS name) to the hosts file on the client --- Then look at the Security and Systems tab in the RM Utility tool.

I'm afraid there are no Security or System tabs in the RM Utility tool. I've attached what I see. This is with the latest APX CPS (31.00.01). Note the screenshot showing the connection being successful is from the RM Server machine. On other computers it fails to connect.

 

[Firebuff880]

Thanks for the reply, @Firebuff880. Okay, that makes sense. But if I assign each radio a unique IP within the same subnet it should work then? I can do that... it would make life a lot easier to be able to do multiple radios simultaneously, even if the initial setup is time consuming.


I'm afraid there are no Security or System tabs in the RM Utility tool. I've attached what I see. This is with the latest APX CPS (31.00.01). Note the screenshot showing the connection being successful is from the RM Server machine. On other computers it fails to connect.

If you really want to do that you can give each Radio its own IP but remember it uses two, one for the Radio and one for the PC. Usually odd IPs for the device and Even IPs for the PC. An Murphy applies here, so be careful about the IP and Subneting. If it's speed and throughput you want for this process you should be using the WiFi programming option, and a restrictive DHCP server behind a Unquie (Not Motorola's Default) SSID, assuming your subscribers support it.

On the "Server" use the RM Server Utility and set up the User Authorization and Machine Authorization based on how you want clients connecting - Then in the Client be sure to use the Server Name (System Name) you used in the Hosts file as the "Host".

 

[N0BDW]

Got it. Thanks! I figured out the issue with the connectivity between secondary Job Processors and Device Monitors. Windows Firewall was enabled and blocking connections on the RM Server. I had to manually make a rule to allow communication on the ports RM Server uses (attached, in case it helps anyone else)

Unfortunately most of our subscribers do not support WiFi. We're running a lot of APX 4000s, 1500s, and 4500s. We have one APX 8500 and maybe one 6500 that support it. But now that problem #1 is solved, and I only have two cables anyway, it probably isn't worth figuring out multiple simultaneous USB connections to a single computer. I'll just do one connection on each computer.

Thanks again!

Edit: to add, you don't have to set up any authentication or modify your hosts file. It works out of the box once you allow connections through the firewall. The default settings (as in the screenshots above) are correct. Just plug in the IP address of the server.

 

[jeepsandradios]

No need for a JP on any but the server. Only the DP needs setup on the client.

 

[N0BDW]

No need for a JP on any but the server. Only the DP needs setup on the client.

Understood. The logic was to spread the job processing load since the server is my laptop which is potentially under powered for the task.

 

[TampaTyron]

I have programmed 16 radios with same DP laptop. It required 2ea 8 piet USB hubs, 16 programming cables, and each radio have a unique Radio IP subnet. Stay away from 10.x, 172.x, and 192.x subnets. Start at 1.0.0.1 and do a fill up. Increment the first 2 octets each 250ish radios. Each radio MUST have a unique Radio IP subnet in order to program/update at same time on same DP laptop. TT

 

[jeepsandradios]

With the size of your fleet I'd just do one radio at a time per DP. Its not worth the effort change IP in the radios and all that for once a year or so programming. Add a second DP on another laptop. Firm ware takes a bit more time but still in the end I think you'd be better.

My system has one JP and never had issues with it. I think the planner shows 5000 radios per JP so your probably good.

 

[MatRat80109]

@N0BDW

For issue one add the IP and Server Host name (This is not always the DNS name) to the hosts file on the client --- Then look at the Security and Systems tab in the RM Utility tool.

For issue two, NOPE, since the cable connecting to the radio to the Workstation is using an NDIS IP connection and the Radio IP / Accessory IP is the same in every radio you can only do one at a time without a lot of extra planning and work.

Issue two, I set 2 laptops next to each other with a USB programming cable on each.

R/MR

 

[N0BDW]

Really appreciate all of the suggestions folks. For now, will plan to use multiple computers with 1 cable each. Good to know how to enable multiple per computer if desired in the future, though.

 

[KelzClive]

The firmware can take a bit, specially on the mobiles. Once the initial programming is done, future slight modifications to the codeplug can easily be applied via "clone express". As long as you are not adding new trunking or conventional systems, clone express is a breeze, while retaining the radio's ID's and alias.

 

[NNJIPScan]

Has anyone seen this error before? I cant seem to find much about it. Only seems to pop up when doing a firmware update, other updates seems to be working fine.

Codeplug: 31.00.01
Firmware: 30.04

 

[TampaTyron]

I am much more versed on the Trbo side. Is the radio new FW and RM older? TT

 

[TonyP155]

I am having a problem with Mrola RM management and I installed the Motorola suite CPS 34 very and and downloaded all 3 item
Update enblem
Server
Devices
I can't connect to and anyone can help me with

 

[NNJIPScan]

I am having a problem with Mrola RM management and I installed the Motorola suite CPS 34 very and and downloaded all 3 item
Update enblem
Server
Devices
I can't connect to and anyone can help me with

Are you trying to run jobs on the host radio management is installed on, or are you trying to connect from another host?

 

[TonyP155]

Yes I am trying to job with my unit and upgrade flashcode etc

Thank you for replying back to me 🙏

Yes I would like to help me if you could 🙏 👍

 

[TonyP155]

Got it. Thanks! I figured out the issue with the connectivity between secondary Job Processors and Device Monitors. Windows Firewall was enabled and blocking connections on the RM Server. I had to manually make a rule to allow communication on the ports RM Server uses (attached, in case it helps anyone else)

Unfortunately most of our subscribers do not support WiFi. We're running a lot of APX 4000s, 1500s, and 4500s. We have one APX 8500 and maybe one 6500 that support it. But now that problem #1 is solved, and I only have two cables anyway, it probably isn't worth figuring out multiple simultaneous USB connections to a single computer. I'll just do one connection on each computer.

Thanks again!

Edit: to add, you don't have to set up any authentication or modify your hosts file. It works out of the box once you allow connections through the firewall. The default settings (as in the screenshots above) are correct. Just plug in the IP address of the server.

i would like to know if you willing help me 1&1on cel or email