PRO-96 firmware

[Trooper926]

can anyone advise what is the latest firmware for the pro-96 and where can it be obtained. Can the PRO-96 be rebanded.

 

[W8RMH]

The PRO-96 does support rebanding via a custom table.

See Section 7.2 of the Rebanding article for the software links.

More information available on the Pro-96 Wiki Page: http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Pro-96

Here is a Wiki page on the firmware: http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php?title=Pro-96&diff=35985&oldid=26884

http://forums.radioreference.com/ra...0439-pro-2096-firmware-use-1-2-1-3-1-4-a.html

 

[Voyager]

To answer the other question, the PRO-96 firmware cannot be obtained anywhere since the firmware cannot be upgraded unless you replace the CPU chip. Only the DSP can be upgraded.

 

[GeneseeCoMI]

can anyone advise what is the latest firmware for the pro-96 and where can it be obtained. Can the PRO-96 be rebanded.

RS doesn't have DSP U1.4 on their website any more since the Pro 96 has been discontinued but here's a download link for it Download DSP 1.4

To make custom tables for VHF/UHF trunked systems, you'll need Win96 or ARC96. Win96 is free for a month but costs $20 after that, and ARC96 is free for a month and costs $30 after that. You'll need a data cable to use both programs with your radio.

For 800 MHz systems no update or software is required, just change the control channel frequencies.

 

[Voyager]

Not sure what that firmware is for, but it cannot be for the PRO-96, as the firmware is not updatable. Maybe that's the DSP version 1.4, or perhaps firmware 1.4 for another model.

 

[GeneseeCoMI]

Not sure what that firmware is for, but it cannot be for the PRO-96, as the firmware is not updatable. Maybe that's the DSP version 1.4, or perhaps firmware 1.4 for another model.

Yeah that's what I meant. I fixed my mistake. The link was from one of the wiki articles on here that W8RMH posted btw. I haven't downloaded the file myself though since my Pro 96 was updated years ago.

 

[Swipesy]

Not sure what that firmware is for, but it cannot be for the PRO-96, as the firmware is not updatable. Maybe that's the DSP version 1.4, or perhaps firmware 1.4 for another model.

DSP Version 1.4 most certainly is a firmware update. Where do you get such bad information about replacing chips etc?

http://forums.radioreference.com/at...-load-pc-if-port-flash-mem-2000526_upg_14.pdf

 

[Ronaldski]

Additionally at a link that w8rmh listed is a link to the 1.4, firmware.
Pro-96 - The RadioReference Wiki

I know its there as I put the file available months ago, hehe.

 

[Voyager]

DSP Version 1.4 most certainly is a firmware update. Where do you get such bad information about replacing chips etc?

http://forums.radioreference.com/at...-load-pc-if-port-flash-mem-2000526_upg_14.pdf

no - the DSP and the firmware are two different things. When you power on your scanner, hit the '3' button. It will show the version of each. Not sure where you are getting information that says they are one in the same, but that information is not correct. The fact is, and this has been known for over 10 years, is that the firmware in the 96/2096 cannot be updated. Only the DSP can be updated (as I said in post #3).

BTW, the link you provided is an instruction sheet on how to update the DSP.

 

[GeneseeCoMI]

no - the DSP and the firmware are two different things. When you power on your scanner, hit the '3' button. It will show the version of each. Not sure where you are getting information that says they are one in the same, but that information is not correct. The fact is, and this has been known for over 10 years, is that the firmware in the 96/2096 cannot be updated. Only the DSP can be updated (as I said in post #3).

BTW, the link you provided is an instruction sheet on how to update the DSP.

Well it actually says "DSP APP Firmware Version U1.4 provides the following enhancement to your PRO-96/2096 Digital Trunking Scanner:"

Probably a mistake by RS, but that's why there's confusion.

 

[Ronaldski]

Far as the confusion, the O.P. did just only mention about a firmware update, didn't specify which one and yes we know there is just the one 1.4 update that actually was a fix for the 1.3 update.

I've update a couple dozen Pro 96's with that same 1.4 update by the way.
Either way you call it, the DSP update works, end of story.

 

[Voyager]

That's why I addressed both firmware and DSP in my reply (post #3).

The firmware cannot be updated in the 96 without replacing the CPU chip - end of story.
This info came from GRE about 10 years ago when the 96 was in production.

 

[Swipesy]

By the way, if you read the Radio Shack release it says - FIRMWARE - period. It also says Firmware and DSP are included in the releases. The Pro-96 had two Firmware/DSP updates in its lifetime. But if that is your story and your sticking to it so be it. It is hard for some people to admit error and I understand that. Your initial post would have the OP scrambling for a new chip which is totally false. I am done.

 

[troymail]

But if that is your story and your sticking to it so be it. It is hard for some people to admit error and I understand that. Your initial post would have the OP scrambling for a new chip which is totally false. I am done.

+1 - yes - what he said..... Some people just can't admit when they are wrong (even after proof is provided). Not the first time - won't be the last...

 

[Voyager]

When a manufacturer tells you something, and it's confirmed by several engineers, I do tend to not want to admit I'm wrong when passing along what they say about their products. It is a fact that the firmware is contained in the CPU and is cannot be updated. ONLY the DSP, which is not the same thing, can be updated - PERIOD. Again, press '3' when you power on your scanner, and you will see they are different things. The proof is on my side. The fact that Radio Shack put a confusing term in their docs don't mean that both the DSP and firmware are both updatable. You've never seen a firmware update for the PRO-96/2096 and you never will. All you will see are DSP updates. Go ahead and prove me wrong if you want because I know you will never do it. The only people who have updated firmware in their 96 are those who purchased later units that have newer firmware in the chip. EVERY firmware version you will see in a 96 starts with "F" which means FACTORY. You will never see a U for the firmware which means UPDATED. You will only see the U next to the DSP version.

Maybe Don Starr will chime in, as he's said the same thing in the past, too, and he should know.

There are a lot of people who think the DSP update is a firmware update, but it is not. They are two separate things. That's why they are listed separately in the scanner.

 

[Bucko]

I have updated my 2096's and 96 in the past and it was DSP only, not CPU firmware. At one time (long time ago)you had an option to send the scanner in for a CPU upgrade.

 

[GeneseeCoMI]

When a manufacturer tells you something, and it's confirmed by several engineers, I do tend to not want to admit I'm wrong when passing along what they say about their products. It is a fact that the firmware is contained in the CPU and is cannot be updated. ONLY the DSP, which is not the same thing, can be updated - PERIOD. Again, press '3' when you power on your scanner, and you will see they are different things. The proof is on my side. The fact that Radio Shack put a confusing term in their docs don't mean that both the DSP and firmware are both updatable. You've never seen a firmware update for the PRO-96/2096 and you never will. All you will see are DSP updates. Go ahead and prove me wrong if you want because I know you will never do it. The only people who have updated firmware in their 96 are those who purchased later units that have newer firmware in the chip. EVERY firmware version you will see in a 96 starts with "F" which means FACTORY. You will never see a U for the firmware which means UPDATED. You will only see the U next to the DSP version.

Maybe Don Starr will chime in, as he's said the same thing in the past, too, and he should know.

There are a lot of people who think the DSP update is a firmware update, but it is not. They are two separate things. That's why they are listed separately in the scanner.

So you've never actually sent a Pro 96/2096 in yourself and had a chip upgraded? You're just going on something a bunch of people told you? In a court of law that's called hearsay which is of course inadmissible.

 

[troymail]

can anyone advise what is the latest firmware for the pro-96 and where can it be obtained. Can the PRO-96 be rebanded.

The original question is shown above... I don't see anything asking about CPU vs. DSP.

When a manufacturer tells you something, and it's confirmed by several engineers, I do tend to not want to admit I'm wrong when passing along what they say about their products. It is a fact that the firmware is contained in the CPU and is cannot be updated. ONLY the DSP, which is not the same thing, can be updated - PERIOD. Again, press '3' when you power on your scanner, and you will see they are different things. The proof is on my side. The fact that Radio Shack put a confusing term in their docs don't mean that both the DSP and firmware are both updatable. You've never seen a firmware update for the PRO-96/2096 and you never will. All you will see are DSP updates. Go ahead and prove me wrong if you want because I know you will never do it. The only people who have updated firmware in their 96 are those who purchased later units that have newer firmware in the chip. EVERY firmware version you will see in a 96 starts with "F" which means FACTORY. You will never see a U for the firmware which means UPDATED. You will only see the U next to the DSP version.

Maybe Don Starr will chime in, as he's said the same thing in the past, too, and he should know.

There are a lot of people who think the DSP update is a firmware update, but it is not. They are two separate things. That's why they are listed separately in the scanner.

Where do you get the idea that only CPU is the only things that is firmware?

Perhaps you should read the documentation that comes with the firmware - it clear states that the update is for "DSP firmware" - and the user asked for info about firmware - not CPU.

Just admit it.... wrong again.

 

[GeneseeCoMI]

I have updated my 2096's and 96 in the past and it was DSP only, not CPU firmware. At one time (long time ago)you had an option to send the scanner in for a CPU upgrade.

I've had my Pro 96 for 10 years (plus another one for 2-3 years before that whose antenna jack broke) and I've never heard of this CPU chip upgrade. Is there anybody here who has actually had one installed? If so, what is it supposed to do? I'm just wondering, I know I'll probably never find one, since it's discontinued and RS is bankrupt and closed their labs. My screen says "CPU F1.4", DSP-App U1.4, DSP-Voc F1.0" when I press 3 after turning it on.

 

[kb8rvp]

Quote from an old post on RR: CPU v 1.5 also resolved some issues in S.E. Michigan. Using a PRO-96, running in "Closed Mode", you would often hear some Talk-Groups that you did not have programmed. CPU v 1.5 fixed this.
http://forums.radioreference.com/ra...my-pro-96-has-cpu-v-1-1-should-i-upgrade.html

I remember reading all of the posts back in 2008-2009 about the option to ship your Pro-96 to RS for a $100 upgrade to fix and issue that the Pro-96 wouldn't pick up a few talk groups in one area of the country and others having issues picking up TG's they didn't have programmed when in closed mode that you would hear anyway. I have a friend in Holly Michigan with CPU1.3 and some state police coms I think on TG 2008 comes in on TG 2000 which is a local police TG so if you have 2000 programmed in you get both and the CPU 1.5 upgrade fixed this issue. If you want to find more examples just google Radio Shack Pro-96 CPU upgrade.

Mike