P25RX Firmware Updates / Testing

[turnpike61]

What was the last version that worked well for you on the STARS system? I will try to look at the differences since then.

Further review - confirmed - multiple audio dropouts on VHF P25P1 with strong signals. I am reverting back to the earlier version I was using (0430-0922)

Edit: Confirmed - this issue is not present on the VHF P25 system using V. 430-0922.

 

[kruser]

Further review - confirmed - multiple audio dropouts on VHF P25P1 with strong signals. I am reverting back to the earlier version I was using (0430-0922)

Edit: Confirmed - this issue is not present on the VHF P25 system using V. 430-0922.

I have issues similar to your reports on the VHF sites for Missouri's Moswin system which is also a P1 non-simulcast system on the VHF sites,
The latest versions Todd has had me test seem to have helped but it could just be coincidence also as I've had other versions run fine for a day and then not so well a few days later.
I'm still testing a lot of things like various external filters as well as a VHF only bandpass filter along with notch filters to knock down the local and very strong VHF paging signals here as well as others I may find when watching the spectrum.
I've still not found a guaranteed solution though but feel I'm getting close.
I'll try the 04-30_0922 version here and see what it does although I'm pretty sure I've tried that version before!

One of my next tests is going mobile with the P25RX to one of the closer VHF P25 sites and see if dropouts go away. This little trip will put me pretty close to the sites tower and at the same time, a decent distance away from the tons of RF where I live.

I can say that almost all the recent versions Todd has released have worked very well on the 7/800 MHz simulcast P25 P1 systems I also monitor from here. I only see the audio or signal or decode issues with the VHF sites near me. And like you mentioned, the signal levels are also good here for the VHF sites.

 

[btt]

Further review - confirmed - multiple audio dropouts on VHF P25P1 with strong signals. I am reverting back to the earlier version I was using (0430-0922)

Edit: Confirmed - this issue is not present on the VHF P25 system using V. 430-0922.

Please try "alt" version 2021-05-07_1950. This has one change reverted to what it was in 0430-0922. There are 2 or 3 more changes that look relevant, but I would like to go through them one at a time and figure out what the exact issue is.

 

[goldmyne99]

Testing 0507 1950 now.

@goldmyne99 I will look into the TG priority interrupt issue a little later and see if I can figure it out.

TG Pri Int does not function as in 0430 0922.
Example console log. TG 1401 conversation not being interrupted by TG 58155 and TG 58265. TG 58155 and 58265 priority set at 20. TG 1401 Priority set a 15.
Status message area displays the interrupt info correctly. Firmware does not interrupt the conversation.

P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401*
*,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 552 rfg 38, agc -37.6 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -85 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 602 rfg 38, agc -37.9 $ *********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -85 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 659 rfg 38, agc -38.4 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -85 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 721 rfg 38, agc -40.1 $ ********.......,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -85 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1309 rfg 38, agc -39.5 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1371 rfg 38, agc -41.5 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1436 rfg 38, agc -39.4 $ ********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58155, ch1 201, grp2: 58155, ch2: 201
TG PRI interrupt 58155*,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1504 rfg 38, agc -39.7 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1569 rfg 38, agc -38.8 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1638 rfg 38, agc -39.5 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1688 rfg 38, agc -38.9 $ *********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4150403 $ GRP: 1401*
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1743 rfg 38, agc -41.7 $ *******,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1801 rfg 38, agc -42.7 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1865 rfg 38, agc -39.9 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1932 rfg 38, agc -41.4 $ *******
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58155, ch1 201, grp2: 58155, ch2: 201
TG PRI interrupt 58155,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 1996 rfg 38, agc -40.7 $ ********.*
....,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2369 rfg 38, agc -38.0 $ ********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58155, ch1 201, grp2: 58155, ch2: 201
TG PRI interrupt 58155,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2453 rfg 38, agc -40.0 $ ********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2529 rfg 38, agc -41.8 $ ********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 0 $ GRP: 1401,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2585 rfg 38, agc -40.3 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2662 rfg 38, agc -38.3 $ *******
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2719 rfg 38, agc -39.6 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2780 rfg 38, agc -39.3 $ ********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2843 rfg 38, agc -39.8 $ *********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2924 rfg 38, agc -40.3 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 2980 rfg 38, agc -40.0 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3042 rfg 38, agc -39.7 $ *********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401*
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3095 rfg 38, agc -40.4 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3141 rfg 38, agc -39.7 $ *****
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58155, ch1 177, grp2: 58155, ch2: 177
TG PRI interrupt 58155**,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3201 rfg 38, agc -40.8 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3266 rfg 38, agc -40.1 $ ********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58155, ch1 177, grp2: 58155, ch2: 177
TG PRI interrupt 58155,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3329 rfg 38, agc -41.2 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3397 rfg 38, agc -40.1 $ ******************,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3531 rfg 38, agc -39.3 $ ********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3603 rfg 38, agc -39.6 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3665 rfg 38, agc -38.8 $ ********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58155, ch1 177, grp2: 58155, ch2: 177
TG PRI interrupt 58155,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -86 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3724 rfg 38, agc -40.2 $ *********
*,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3789 rfg 38, agc -39.9 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3847 rfg 38, agc -41.0 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3895 rfg 38, agc -41.9 $ ********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 3958 rfg 38, agc -40.3 $ *********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 4020 rfg 38, agc -39.6 $ ********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58155, ch1 177, grp2: 58155, ch2: 177....,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 4638 rfg 38, agc -40.5 $ *******,vql, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 4705 rfg 38, agc -41.6 $ *********
*,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 4786 rfg 38, agc -40.5 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 4847 rfg 38, agc -42.2 $ *********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58265, ch1 257, grp2: 58265, ch2: 257
TG PRI interrupt 58265,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 4904 rfg 38, agc -42.7 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 4970 rfg 38, agc -40.1 $ *********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4150403 $ GRP: 1401*
*,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5029 rfg 38, agc -41.1 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5090 rfg 38, agc -42.3 $ ********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58265, ch1 257, grp2: 58265, ch2: 257
TG PRI interrupt 58265,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5156 rfg 38, agc -41.2 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5212 rfg 38, agc -41.6 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5264 rfg 38, agc -41.6 $ ********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5338 rfg 38, agc -41.5 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5399 rfg 38, agc -41.1 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5456 rfg 38, agc -40.6 $ *********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58265, ch1 257, grp2: 58265, ch2: 257
TG PRI interrupt 58265,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5506 rfg 38, agc -40.5 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5562 rfg 38, agc -41.8 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5625 rfg 38, agc -44.0 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5679 rfg 38, agc -39.4 $ *********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 2053251 $ GRP: 1401,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -89 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5720 rfg 38, agc -39.6 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5770 rfg 38, agc -40.3 $ *********
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58265, ch1 257, grp2: 58265, ch2: 257
TG PRI interrupt 58265*
*,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 5848 rfg 38, agc -41.8 $ ********........,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -88 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6427 rfg 38, agc -38.7 $ *******
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 0 $ GRP: 1401,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6505 rfg 38, agc -41.5 $ *********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6597 rfg 38, agc -39.9 $ *******
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58265, ch1 257, grp2: 58265, ch2: 257
TG PRI interrupt 58265,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6652 rfg 38, agc -40.1 $ **********
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6714 rfg 38, agc -39.5 $ *******
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401**,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6775 rfg 38, agc -40.7 $ ********,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6831 rfg 38, agc -40.7 $ *********
P25_P1: SRC_RID: 4141273 $ GRP: 1401*
,vqb, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6890 rfg 38, agc -39.5 $ *********,vqg, $
->(VOICE), freq: 852.537500, rssi: -87 dBm, TGroup: 1401, Desc: MILW CO SHRF, Time: 6958 rfg 38, agc -38.8 $ *******
$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58916, ch1 291, grp2: 58916, ch2: 291
TG PRI interrupt 58916.*.............
link-control end call received.
>== TDULC - Return To Control Channel Frequency 853.712500, rssi -86 ==<

 

[Cheeseburgers]

Can somebody explain the TG interrupt function, what do the assigned numerical values mean

 

[btt]

Testing 0507 1950 now.

TG Pri Int does not function as in 0430 0922.
Example console log. TG 1401 conversation not being interrupted by TG 58155 and TG 58265. TG 58155 and 58265 priority set at 20. TG 1401 Priority set a 15.
Status message area displays the interrupt info correctly. Firmware does not interrupt the conversation.

Thanks. I think I found the problem, but there is not enough activity here yet to test. Added this fix to 2021-05-08_0546.

Can somebody explain the TG interrupt function, what do the assigned numerical values mean

The numerical value is the talk group id (group address). When you see:

$P25_GRP_UP grp1: 58916, ch1 291, grp2: 58916, ch2: 291

The value 58916 indicates that talk group is active on another voice traffic channel than the one you are listening to. If you have <TG priority interrupts enabled> on the advanced tab and the newly active talk group has a higher programmed priority than the current talk group you are listening to, then the receiver will immediately switch to newly active conversation.

 

[goldmyne99]

Thanks. I think I found the problem, but there is not enough activity here yet to test. Added this fix to 2021-05-08_0546.

Plenty of activity here this morning. 0508 0546 looks like a fix. I will continue to monitor for any issues. Thanks!

 

[turnpike61]

Please try "alt" version 2021-05-07_1950. This has one change reverted to what it was in 0430-0922. There are 2 or 3 more changes that look relevant, but I would like to go through them one at a time and figure out what the exact issue is.

Just loaded and trying now. Thanks.

Edit: 10 minutes in, I don't see much change. Still some clipped or broken calls on VHF.

 

[turnpike61]

Two things - running on the latest experimental at this time - 0508-05:46. Seems pretty clear thus far, even on VHF.

Also - feature request: It would be nice to have selected audio recordings for only certain TGs. It would be cool if the MP3 file could only be made for a certain set of TGs, and only those TGs. It would allow me to say, only record when a TAC channel came into use, and normal dispatch conversation would be ignored and not part of the recording. Sounds easy, I recognize it may not be at all, because that code may be implemented as one continuous MP3 recording stream unconnected to the digital traffic, but a thought.

2nd - also would be nice if there was a selectable delay in the time between calls on the mp3 - say a value of from 100-1000 ms so that there is a pause between calls on the mp3 file. I have other software that does this when I record, and it is much more natural sounding and easier to understand.

Thanks.

 

[btt]

Just loaded and trying now. Thanks.

Edit: 10 minutes in, I don't see much change. Still some clipped or broken calls on VHF.

05-08_1130 has another change to test on VHF.

 

[wmlovell]

Using 05-08_05:46 ...working great with priority.

Noticed, however, that the Radio Alias Log doesn't save changes when I exit out even though that is enabled. ...and even when I try a write config after changes. It logs appropriately but the changes do not save or remain when I exit out.

 

[btt]

Noticed, however, that the Radio Alias Log doesn't save changes when I exit out even though that is enabled. ...and even when I try a write config after changes. It logs appropriately but the changes do not save or remain when I exit out.

Thanks. Version 05-08_1735 saves any alias edits when exiting the software.

 

[turnpike61]

05-08_1130 has another change to test on VHF.

Sorry, been a busy day. Will give it a try.

 

[wmlovell]

Thanks. Version 05-08_1735 saves any alias edits when exiting the software

Still not saving RID Alias edits. Even tried importing a whole new CSV and then exited after. When I open it up again, it reverts to the original.

 

[turnpike61]

05-08_1130 is far superior on VHF than the previous test you provided. VA STARS is significantly clearer and calls are crisp.

 

[btt]

Still not saving RID Alias edits. Even tried importing a whole new CSV and then exited after. When I open it up again, it reverts to the original.

Try doing an import with 05-08_1939. I think it is fixed now. It was working here, but I think I know what has been happening.

05-08_1130 is far superior on VHF than the previous test you provided. VA STARS is significantly clearer and calls are crisp.

Great! The change in 05-08_1130 is now also in 05-08_1939.

 

[wmlovell]

Try doing an import with 05-08_1939. I think it is fixed now. It was working here, but I think I know what has been happening.

Sorry, No change. I can see the file it is pulling the .CSV from and it has not updated there, also.

Could it be that I have too many?

 

[btt]

Sorry, No change. I can see the file it is pulling the .CSV from and it has not updated there, also.

Could it be that I have too many?

If you email the file to me, I'll see if I can reproduce the issue here.

 

[wmlovell]

If you email the file to me, I'll see if I can reproduce the issue here.

-edit: currently, there is a limit of 8000. Maybe that is the issue?
-edit2: Increased the max alias records to 16000 in version 05-08_2043

Nah, I don't have that many.

I'll email you the file. I'll also try 05-08_2043. ...and rebooting everything. -lol

 

[wmlovell]

Noticed, however, that the Radio Alias Log doesn't save changes when I exit out even though that is enabled. ...and even when I try a write config after changes. It logs appropriately but the changes do not save or remain when I exit out.

This has been corrected.

Thank you Todd!