MOTOTRBO CPS COMMON ISSUES THREAD - LOOK HERE FIRST.

[Tech21]

Since we see a lot of repeat questions regarding the same issues, I think it's time a sticky thread be started for common issues.

The latest version of CPS 2.0 is required to read any radio with the latest firmware. CPS build 16.0 is outdated and cannot be used to read anything 2.10 or later for XPR series radios.

Make sure your CPS is up to date if you can't talk to a new radio or one that came back from repair.

Feel free to add on.

 

[N4KVE]

If you work for an entity that has a fleet, & that’s what you get, then yeah, there’s nothing you can do. But if you use these things for your hobby as I do, then do not buy a preowned radio that has seen 2.0. Everything I own, & I have way too much is programmed with 16, & FW is at 2.09 on everything. Most pre owned radios for sale out there have not been cursed by 2.0.

 

[n2nov]

If you work for an entity that has a fleet, & that’s what you get, then yeah, there’s nothing you can do. But if you use these things for your hobby as I do, then do not buy a preowned radio that has seen 2.0. Everything I own, & I have way too much is programmed with 16, & FW is at 2.09 on everything. Most pre owned radios for sale out there have not been cursed by 2.0.

For those who purchase a used radio for use on a ham channel, how can they tell if it has fallen victim to 2.0? By knowing the clues ahead of time, this will avoid headaches and questions down the road.

 

[Tech21]

For those who purchase a used radio for use on a ham channel, how can they tell if it has fallen victim to 2.0? By knowing the clues ahead of time, this will avoid headaches and questions down the road.

Depends on the model radio. An XPR series display radio, look in the settings for the firmware version if you can access the settings. A non-display radio, there is no way to really tell before hand. Read it in 16.0 and if it pulls up the codeplug, you are good. If it tells you something about not being supported, either the radio firmware is way too old or it has more current firmware and you need 2.0.

 

[Thunderknight]

What are the ham related downfalls to having a radio with the latest firmware? (Assuming access to the newest CPS too).

 

[N4KVE]

For those who purchase a used radio for use on a ham channel, how can they tell if it has fallen victim to 2.0? By knowing the clues ahead of time, this will avoid headaches and questions down the road.

Just this week I purchased two different radios from two different sellers. Before agreeing to buy, I asked for FW version, & feature set, & both showed photos with the required info. When I saw they were what I wanted, I made the purchases. If a seller can’t provide the info, I walk.

 

[natedawg1604]

One of the biggest downsides with 2.0 is they killed Bluetooth programming (which is still available for the latest Kenwood NX 3k & 5k lines). Of course, it was only offered for the XPR 5000 and 7000 series

With 2.0 you need a separate Radio Management software.

 

[hakwye8518]

Mototrbo radio management is free just like cps

 

[natedawg1604]

Mototrbo radio management is free just like cps

Ohhh wow I was not aware of this. I thought it required a ongoing subscription fee of some kind. Good to know.

 

[Tech21]

What are the ham related downfalls to having a radio with the latest firmware? (Assuming access to the newest CPS too).

Nothing really, except paying for a SUM license if you choose to keep it updated. Otherwise you get 3 years of firmware updates for free, 5 if you get the extended warranty. CPS 2.0 really isn't as bad as people make it out to be, Your typical HAM guy just hates change. Change and sun light are the devil to some HAM operators.

 

[PACNWDude]

I use both XPR6550 and XPR7550/e radios for both work and hobby use. CPS 2.0 gets easier to use if you have to do so, but is very slow, and as mentioned before, lacks Bluetooth programming within the program itself. However, what gets me in my work use, is that MDC 1200 signaling is also messed up in several different ways.

Some version of CPS 2.0 requires me to put HEX values in the decimal location and decimal in HEX location for the signals to show up correctly on the screen. I currently use CPS 2.126.157.0. Each version of CPS 2.0 for Trbo radios has some sort of decimal/HEX issue if you use MDC 1200. I also tie Trbo and Astro radio networks together, which means constructive aliasing within CPS 2.0. Trbo radios can alias radio to radio while Astro radios need to be ran through Provisioning Manager, which means I have to have a unique alias for every radio within the network. CPS 2.0 sometimes does not like preceding zeros and spaces for Radio ID or aliases.....something I can do in Astro series CPS.

 

[Tech21]

I use both XPR6550 and XPR7550/e radios for both work and hobby use. CPS 2.0 gets easier to use if you have to do so, but is very slow, and as mentioned before, lacks Bluetooth programming within the program itself. However, what gets me in my work use, is that MDC 1200 signaling is also messed up in several different ways.

Some version of CPS 2.0 requires me to put HEX values in the decimal location and decimal in HEX location for the signals to show up correctly on the screen. I currently use CPS 2.126.157.0. Each version of CPS 2.0 for Trbo radios has some sort of decimal/HEX issue if you use MDC 1200. I also tie Trbo and Astro radio networks together, which means constructive aliasing within CPS 2.0. Trbo radios can alias radio to radio while Astro radios need to be ran through Provisioning Manager, which means I have to have a unique alias for every radio within the network. CPS 2.0 sometimes does not like preceding zeros and spaces for Radio ID or aliases.....something I can do in Astro series CPS.

How complicated are you making your MDC ID's?

 

[YL3IM]

There is still a bug in CPS2 for LKP radios: the Day/Night mode function can only be assigned to a button on the radio itself via dealer menu, not in CPS. When a radio with this setting is later read by CPS, a warning appears. Not a big deal, but still a bug. Same with DP4601e and DP3661e, got confirmations from other people as well. For FKP radios this issue doesn't exist.

 

[PACNWDude]

How complicated are you making your MDC ID's?

Usually only four digits. However, there is one version of CPS2.0/firmware combination that does not allow for the letter F. so, I have to skip an ID at times.

 

[JimD56]

I just bought an XPR7550e from another RR Member. Love it. Easy programming, but I had to make sure the Firmware was 2.09 because I'm using CPS 16.

 

[PACNWDude]

I just bought an XPR7550e from another RR Member. Love it. Easy programming, but I had to make sure the Firmware was 2.09 because I'm using CPS 16.

Yes, checked two of mine here, one is 2.10.10.0001 and another is 2.10.00.0001. CPS 16 was much easier to use.