Radio Shack Pro-164 Firmware

jgriffter

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Hello, I recently picked up an RS Pro-164 scanner and have been playing with it. I did notice that the firmware is V1.02 which is the oldest version according to the RR wiki. I did a pretty extensive search for newer firmware with no results - not too surprising given the age of the radio. Does anyone have a later firmware version for the Pro-164 that they would share with me? The later ones (1.10 for example) would be great since it would address some of the rebanding but any version would be great.

My radio is a Boot 1.0 version.

I know there are limitations with this radio (my main scanner is the SDS100) but i was hoping to use the Pro-164 for some analogue monitoring. Appreciate anyone that might be able to help with firmware.
 

tvengr

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Here is version 1.10. Check to use the right one. There are versions for Boot 1.00 and Boot 1.01

Verifying the firmware version Pro-164 Screen​

You can verify the version of firmware currently active in the Pro-164 by pressing the 3 key during the “Welcome” screen.

Firmware upgrades can be installed by downloading and running an upgrade programs.

Notes: Turn the scanner off, Press and Hold the PGM button while turning the scanner on.

You should see a screen with the top line saying either:

Boot Ver:F1.00 or Boot Ver:F1.01

For F1.00, use the 20-163_164_v106_BOOT100.EXE File
For F1.01, use the 20-163_164_v106_BOOT101.EXE File

Radio Shack Pro-164 PWR ON & Press PRG Key mode
 

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jgriffter

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Tvenger

Thank you! I will give this a try. I had found a few GRE firmware files but read that they were not compatible with the RS models. I really appreciate it!
 

jgriffter

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Will do. I bought a cable for the update but it does not work - scanner does not recognize it (com ports are set correctly). Old RS firmware documentation notes a 20-047 cable. The one I bought was listed as a 20-546 cable clone (with adapter). Computer sees it as a Prolific USB to serial but no luck with the scanner. Are there two cables for this scanner - one for firmware and a different one for programming?
 

tvengr

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Download and install ARC500 for the free trial period and go to the Scanner tab. There is a USB cable driver installer which will probably work with your cable. You don't need the mono adapter for the PRO-164.
 

gmclam

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Will do. I bought a cable for the update but it does not work - scanner does not recognize it (com ports are set correctly). Old RS firmware documentation notes a 20-047 cable. The one I bought was listed as a 20-546 cable clone (with adapter). Computer sees it as a Prolific USB to serial but no luck with the scanner. Are there two cables for this scanner - one for firmware and a different one for programming?
Both of those cables work. You don't need the pigtail. Note that plugging the cable into the scanner, even without plugging the USB end into a computer, should cause the scanner to display "Clone Mode". The same cable works for each programming and f/w updates, but the procedure is different. Regardless you need the correct FTDI driver on your computer for the OS you are running under. Note: make sure you plug into the PC/IF jack and not the headphone jack.
 

jgriffter

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Gentlemen thank you for your help on this.
I downloaded ARC500 and installed the USB driver but still no luck. COM ports are correct, driver profile correct but scanner just says CPU SW Upgrade “waiting for PC/IF”. Think it is the cable at this point. I will order another one and give it a try.

Thank you for the clarification on the two types and the clone mode. I walked thru each but still could not get the scanner to recognize the firmware upgrade TEST. It does switch to clone when I simply plug the cable as gmclam noted.

I am traveling but will report back once I have the new (and different supplier ) cable. Thanks again for the help.
 

tvengr

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Not ARC500, as it's not designed for the 164. Try ARC300 instead...
Download and install ARC500 for the free trial period and go to the Scanner tab. There is a USB cable driver installer which will probably work with your cable. You don't need the mono adapter for the PRO-164.
Be sure to read my previous post. The USB driver installer in ARC500 works with my Radio Shack 20-546 cables.
I suggested installing ARC500 because it has the driver installer to work with his 20-546 cable. It is not being used to program the scanner.
 

tvengr

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I downloaded ARC500 and installed the USB driver but still no luck. COM ports are correct, driver profile correct but scanner just says CPU SW Upgrade “waiting for PC/IF”. Think it is the cable at this point. I will order another one and give it a try.
Did you try running the firmware updater after installing the driver? The scanner is waiting for you to run the updater to install the firmware. When you extract the zipped file, you will find 2 apps, one for boot 1.00 and one for boot 1.01. Use the one for boot 1.00.
 
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jgriffter

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Did you try running the firmware updater after installing the driver? The scanner is waiting for you to run the updater to install the firmware. When you extract the zipped file, you will find 2 apps, one for boot 1.00 and one for boot 1.01. Use the one for boot 1.00.
Tvenger, thanks for the followup. Yes, I did try to run the firmware updater but I could not get past the "test" step on the updater. The radio would not move past the "waiting for PC/IF" screen on the scanner screen and the updater comes back with a screen saying it cannot communicate with the scanner. I believe it is the cable. I found that I could read the frequencies from the scanner with the cable but I could not run the updater (firmware requires a PGM/Power on sequence). I have ordered an original Radio Shack 20-047 cable (the old orange block cable) and I am waiting to receive it. The old RS directions specifically mention that cable in the directions so I am hoping that will get the job done.

And kajjz, you are correct ARC300 is for the Pro-164. I understood what tvenger was referring to with ARC500. I downloaded both. ARC500 has a USB driver section in the software. ARC300 does not (at least the version I have). The ARC500 let me get the right Prolific driver loaded but I still think it is a cable issue.

I am traveling so won't be able to test the new cable for a bit. Thank you all for your help.
 

tvengr

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If you can read the frequencies from the scanner, you have communication. If you have a mono plug on the end of the cable, remove the adapter. The PRO-164 requires a stereo plug.
 

jgriffter

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Yup, no adapter on cable - 3.5mm stereo plug. The scanner requires firmware upgrade mode which is PGM + Power on vs. just reading from scanner which is simply plugging in the cable to the scanner and off you go. The firmware upgrade mode does not see the scanner and reports back "no communication with scanner" when you try to use the update software tool. In addition, you cannot even try to update the firmware because the option is grayed out in the app until you successfully complete the "TEST" for communication. I haven't gotten past the TEST step - the app keeps reporting back that there is no communication. I think my cable is a cheapie - does not have the red/green LEDs but it said it was for Pro-163/164. Will see when I get the different cable. Thanks.
 

tvengr

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I seem to remember someone else having a cable that would not update firmware. It's strange that it can happen when you have communication. Are you able to upload programming to the radio?
 

FCVPI99

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Tvenger

Thank you! I will give this a try. I had found a few GRE firmware files but read that they were not compatible with the RS models. I really appreciate it!
i have the 164/163 updates if you need them
 

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jgriffter

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Tvenger, yes, I can upload freqs to the Pro-164 and it works fine with the cable I have. Only seems to be a problem if I put the scanner in firmware upgrade mode that it does not communicate via the cable. I am traveling for a bit so won't get the new cable I ordered until I return. In the meantime though I can at least put some frequencies in the Pro-164.

FCVPI99, thank you for offering to provide the firmware files if needed. I have the firmware I believe I need from Tvenger. Once I sort out my cable issue I will circle back if I need different firmware.

Again, thanks all for the great assistance!
 

FCVPI99

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Tvenger, yes, I can upload freqs to the Pro-164 and it works fine with the cable I have. Only seems to be a problem if I put the scanner in firmware upgrade mode that it does not communicate via the cable. I am traveling for a bit so won't get the new cable I ordered until I return. In the meantime though I can at least put some frequencies in the Pro-164.

FCVPI99, thank you for offering to provide the firmware files if needed. I have the firmware I believe I need from Tvenger. Once I sort out my cable issue I will circle back if I need different firmware.

Again, thanks all for the great assistance!
check your PM i 2nd you 2 links for cables
 
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