TRX-2: My Little Shop Of Horrors

[MStep]

Well the radio arrived early this morning. Turned it on this afternoon, pressed the weather button, and it sounded good. First issue was that certificate problem that was corrected by loading the newer version of the software. But there seems to be issues with the connection of the unit to my Windows 10 laptop. Tried reformatting the card, tried a new card, tried a new cable, but keep getting connection issues or card formatting warnings. I reformatted the card outside of the radio. Ran into some error codes and now unit is not turning on at all and displaying the "Waiting For Main Unit" message. Tried some of the suggested fixes but no joy.

I realize that I have been a Uniden guy and that this is my first Whistler, so I expected a learning curve. But the setup program on the included card not working with my computer and the unit and my having to download a newer version of the software was a bad omen. Will call Whistler tomorrow for their input, otherwise it will be going back to the retailer. Most likely for an refund, and not an exchange. But let's see what Whistler comes up with tomorrow.

 

[RaleighGuy]

@MStep first, you should always use the most current software, so you can't blame Whistler for that, they recommend updating and/or checking for updates on a regular basis. Also don't forget to run check for updates in EZ Scan for firmware and library updates.

As for the error message, while not the way it should respond, it is fairly common and has been talked about (including a fix) in the forum for years.

I will add most issues can be found by searching the forums, with a lot of good advice.

TRX-2: - TRX-2 says 'waiting for main unit'. Power is unplugged

Trying to start again using my trx 2. started an overll database update and PC was really low on power. PC rebooted during update process , now scanner has this same message, and doesnt connect to PC. I tried the firmware update before posting here, but scanner and PC aren't "talking". All help...

forums.radioreference.com

 

[K9DAK]

Patience sir... patience. Although I've never had issues like yours with any of my RS or Whistler scanners, I can tell you that with the later Whistlers', I've found that when I plug them in to my PC, I go grab a coffee or a homebrew (depending on time of day) and just wait 'till they connect. Send the time to the scanner... then you'll know if it's connected. Patience is key.

 

[tvengr]

Try downloading and installing the TRX-2_Scanner_Driver TRX-2 Scanner Downloads | Whistler Group

 

[RaleighGuy]

To add to @K9DAK about how slow it is, it is much much much faster if you use a card reader and pull the SD card out of the unit to do programming.

 

[MStep]

I managed to get it to "Power Off, Shutting Down". But in terms of having the most current software, all I did was follow the instructions in manual that said to extract the program from the setup file on the included card. Which I did. And that's when I started having the certificate issues. I will let it stay in it's current mode and see if anything else develops.

 

[MStep]

Try downloading and installing the TRX-2_Scanner_Driver TRX-2 Scanner Downloads | Whistler Group

Will do (again). Perhaps something got corrupted.

 

[buddrousa]

Mstep the Whistler way is quirky compared to what you are used to. It will work just ignore the SD warnings I have got them with my TRX's it started when Whistler took over GRE.
Just get the update and driver off the Whistler site.

 

[trentbob]

So we are all gathered here together, real time, forgive me, we are talking about the Whistler TRX 2? Good Heavens, I waited for that radio to come out 12 years ago as the PSR900.

Kudos to Don Starr, for working with Whistler radios to add the keyboard which should have been added in the first place. What a mistake. The Phase 2 upgrade was a total failure. Back whenever.

Why are people still buying these radios?

 

[MStep]

Making some progress after a lot of hair pulling. At least got it back on by using the USB connector from my desktop--- apparently it zapped that "backup battery" enough to bring it back to life. Have a lot more reading to do. One of the reasons that I opted to try the TRX-2 it seems to have extremely good digital decoding, but more on that in future posts.

 

[trentbob]

I always loved that generation of radio. It started with the PSR800 made by GRE around 2011. Very susceptible to front end overload and could not be used in an inner city setting. Excellent decoding of type ll smartzone systems. When the first digital scanner came out in 2003 with the pro 96 made for Radio Shack by GRE and the Uniden BC 250d the GRE radio blew the doors off of Uniden for clarity and decoding. That is basically your Whistler 1040 LOL.

You're talking about the same technology now with Whistler who inherited all of GRE technology. They can't deal with Phase 2 tdma simulcast distortion. No one contests that that anymore even though they did for a number of years lol.

As old as the technology is with the TRX 2 and not worth the money, if it serves your needs with the detachable head, go for it... In the right application, it's a great radio. I always loved the bright display.

If Whistler was ever able to gather the talent to produce a simulcast capable radio which they never came close to other than verbiage, they would have put Uniden out of business.

GRE radios were always better than Uniden.

 

[MStep]

I always loved that generation of radio. It started with the PSR800 made by GRE around 2011. Very susceptible to front end overload and could not be used in an inner city setting. Excellent decoding of type ll smartzone systems. When the first digital scanner came out in 2003 with the pro 96 made for Radio Shack by GRE and the Uniden BC 250d the GRE radio blew the doors off of Uniden for clarity and decoding. That is basically your Whistler 1040 LOL.

You're talking about the same technology now with Whistler who inherited all of GRE technology. They can't deal with Phase 2 tdma simulcast distortion. No one contests that that anymore even though they did for a number of years lol.

As old as the technology is with the TRX 2 and not worth the money, if it serves your needs with the detachable head, go for it... In the right application, it's a great radio. I always loved the bright display.

If Whistler was ever able to gather the talent to produce a simulcast capable radio which they never came close to other than verbiage, they would have put Uniden out of business.

GRE radios were always better than Uniden.

Aaah to consider all the "what ifs" that sailed due to unforeseen circumstances; Pauls early demise, Covid, parts shortages, increasing production costs--- those "ifs" could have made huge differences in the world--- as my dad used to remind me, "If your aunt had b*lls, she'd be your uncle.".

 

[buddrousa]

Morning like I said do not give up to quick my TRX's have a place.

 

[CycleSycho]

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Surprising (it seems) how product review/self-help is slowly gone by the wayside. I totally agree the manual is poorly written in regards to 'starting up out of the box' given all the posts about the same thing. Suffice to say it takes an effort on Whistlers side, to 'review' and or re-write the manual since win10 (and now win11). Maybe (?) Whistler counted on encryption as having an effect in the long run, so the manual wouldn't have to be 'updated' (?), maybe not, I would tend to believe it is corporate apathy or what, money (as in it would cost a huge pile of $ to re-write??? So, what does the membership think?


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[trentbob]

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Surprising (it seems) how product review/self-help is slowly gone by the wayside. I totally agree the manual is poorly written in regards to 'starting up out of the box' given all the posts about the same thing. Suffice to say it takes an effort on Whistlers side, to 'review' and or re-write the manual since win10 (and now win11). Maybe (?) Whistler counted on encryption as having an effect in the long run, so the manual wouldn't have to be 'updated' (?), maybe not, I would tend to believe it is corporate apathy or what, money (as in it would cost a huge pile of $ to re-write??? So, what does the membership think?


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This Thread is a perfect example of why manuals may not be updated as they should. Experienced people respond on RadioReference and come back with accurate and knowledgeable answers every time. They will link you with other threads that have the answers also.

The trx-2 as a Whistler radio has been around now for what? 7 years? That's a lot of time for people to get very familiar with it and have knowledge of all the ins and outs that can be shared here.

Also if you think about it, Whistler is not the only one that doesn't update manuel's as radios get long in the tooth.

 

[MStep]

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Surprising (it seems) how product review/self-help is slowly gone by the wayside. I totally agree the manual is poorly written in regards to 'starting up out of the box' given all the posts about the same thing. Suffice to say it takes an effort on Whistlers side, to 'review' and or re-write the manual since win10 (and now win11). Maybe (?) Whistler counted on encryption as having an effect in the long run, so the manual wouldn't have to be 'updated' (?), maybe not, I would tend to believe it is corporate apathy or what, money (as in it would cost a huge pile of $ to re-write??? So, what does the membership think?

Making a little progress thanks to the folks here on RR. Like I really needed another scanner in my life. But I was impressed with the few videos I saw on YouTube and I do feel that the audio quality on the TRX-2 is quite a cut above some of the even more "popular" units.

Of course I had to download the Startup sheet and Manual since the copies provided by Whistler practically need a microfiche reader. And I agree that companies can skimp on the resources they need to allocate to documentation as long as the can count on the good will of others to help out fellow scanner enthusiasts in this forum.

I have to tend to agree with you that with that big "E" always lurking in the shadows, Uniden and Whistler have taken a more conservative approach to propagating new products . I think any advancement will likely first come from folks like Todd at Blue Tail Technologies.

Thanks again for all the have gotten me back on track.

 

[MStep]

I always loved that generation of radio. It started with the PSR800 made by GRE around 2011. Very susceptible to front end overload and could not be used in an inner city setting. Excellent decoding of type ll smartzone systems. When the first digital scanner came out in 2003 with the pro 96 made for Radio Shack by GRE and the Uniden BC 250d the GRE radio blew the doors off of Uniden for clarity and decoding. That is basically your Whistler 1040 LOL.

You're talking about the same technology now with Whistler who inherited all of GRE technology. They can't deal with Phase 2 tdma simulcast distortion. No one contests that that anymore even though they did for a number of years lol.

As old as the technology is with the TRX 2 and not worth the money, if it serves your needs with the detachable head, go for it... In the right application, it's a great radio. I always loved the bright display.

If Whistler was ever able to gather the talent to produce a simulcast capable radio which they never came close to other than verbiage, they would have put Uniden out of business.

GRE radios were always better than Uniden.

Thanks for the insight and info Bob. I know what you mean about "that generation of radio". So I will put this through it paces for a week or two. And I am definitely in the "inner city" environment. In fact, almost halfway between the Empire State Building and the World Trade Tower. But alas, because of HOA regulations, no outdoor antennas.

I am interested in how it works on a P25 Phase 2 system. I am not quite at the point where I have to use a paperclip to eliminate simulcast--- the fact that I am on the ground floor with the indoor telescopic antenna does cut down on the signal paths hitting the radio.

The detachable head is one of the main reasons I am looking at the radio. So I am wondering from other users here how well the current versions of the TRX-2's P25-Phase 2 decoding is doing in areas where simulcast is not an issue?

Thanks all in advance.

 

[trentbob]

Thanks for the insight and info Bob. I know what you mean about "that generation of radio". So I will put this through it paces for a week or two. And I am definitely in the "inner city" environment. In fact, almost halfway between the Empire State Building and the World Trade Tower. But alas, because of HOA regulations, no outdoor antennas.

I am interested in how it works on a P25 Phase 2 system. I am not quite at the point where I have to use a paperclip to eliminate simulcast--- the fact that I am on the ground floor with the indoor telescopic antenna does cut down on the signal paths hitting the radio.

The detachable head is one of the main reasons I am looking at the radio. So I am wondering from other users here how well the current versions of the TRX-2's P25-Phase 2 decoding is doing in areas where simulcast is not an issue?

Thanks all in advance.

So my first radio of this generation was the PSR 800, the PSR 900 was in the works but was delayed for years. After GRE had their domestic domain issues or whatever it was and was shut down in China, Whistler bought the company and had some good talent.

They released the WS1095 which was the 900 and one of the precursors to the trx-2. I got one of the very first ones. Even though it didn't have a keyboard the 1095 was a pretty cool radio.

My county and everything around me was type ll Smart Zone digital and the 800 and 1095 worked great. The remote head fit in my car perfectly. My difficulties were encountered in the city of Philadelphia which is a phase 1 simulcast system very susceptible to distortion while in parts of the city. Especially downtown Center City. Unfortunately, the radios did not work well there.

My County went tdma Phase ll right around the time the firmware update was introduced by Whistler for P2 and I had acquired a trx-1 by then. Unfortunately, the PSR 800, 1095 and trx-1 did not work on my particular phase ll system. There was no difference between the three radios.

It should be interesting to see how the radio works in New York City. I look forward to seeing your reports.

 

[MStep]

I made my first call the Whistler today, just to put out the "feelers" on how they would respond to a few questions about the TRX-2. As "ancient" as the technology is, I continue to be intrigued by this little device. The audio on P25 and digital stations seems much more solid than the SDS series. And the SDS are great radios. So that says something for Whistler.

In terms of the telephone support, I called about an hour after their support line opened, but was greeted with an invitation to "leave a message at the tone", to which I did. Not having heard anything back within a few hours, I called again and this time did get quickly (within 90 seconds and one or two menu options), got connected to an actual person.

The female rep was very courteous and friendly, but I could tell that her knowledge about the product was likely very rudimentary. I suspected that when I mentioned I wanted to talk about "settings" and she replied, "Oh there are not many settings in this radio". At that point, I knew I was dead in the water. What was of particular interest is when she mentioned that she would "ask the guy" about some of my questions and she took my callback information. Sadly, no one called back, but we'll see if I get a call within the next day or two.

I will continue to experiment, as time permits. I don't know who "the guy" is--- some of you folks who have had more experience with Whistler may know him by name. He is likely a person on the Whistler team who is the equivalent of someone between a Joe Bearcat and a Paul Opitz at the Uniden end.

As buddrousa mentioned above, there is "a place" in scheme of things for the current TRX products. I have accepted the fact the Phase II simulcast is somewhere between cumbersome and not possible, but I will try a few control channels on those systems and see how the radio responds.

I would agree with most that the current price of the TRX-1 and TRX-2 is somewhat excessive from a technology point of view, but if you need (or want) a detachable head, it is what it is. An interesting dichotomy (I may not be using that word exactly right) is that in the past six months my only two scanner/receiver purchases have been the TRX-2 and the Blue Tail P25RX-II. Essentially going from a blast from the past to a look into the future.

 

[CycleSycho]

I made my first call the Whistler today,... ...An interesting dichotomy (I may not be using that word exactly right) is that in the past six months my only two scanner/receiver purchases have been the TRX-2 and the Blue Tail P25RX-II. Essentially going from a blast from the past to a look into the future.

Spot on IMHO (Definition of DICHOTOMY). Your prose is well written, as well.


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