Pro-668: Radio Shack PRO-668 loaded with Whistler DMR firmware
- Thread starter trp2525
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See 1st Post Here:
See 1st Post Here: https://forums.radioreference.com/whistler-scanners/350107-scanner-update-3-17-17-a.html
See 1st Post Here: https://forums.radioreference.com/whistler-scanners/350107-scanner-update-3-17-17-a.html
Do you have the 4.6 FW already downloaded to your computer? I ask because you won't be able to download it through the GREFWTOOL.
Just FYI to all. Another great source of help:
Just ask to join the group:
Facebook: Radio Shack PRO-668 Handheld iScan Digital Trunking Scanner
https://www.facebook.com/groups/809759642433559/
Just ask to join the group:
Facebook: Radio Shack PRO-668 Handheld iScan Digital Trunking Scanner
https://www.facebook.com/groups/809759642433559/
Should one download the new EZ Scan version as well and use it with this?
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Why not? lots of fixes and added function in ezscan 2.19
EZ SCAN RELEASE NOTES
WS-108x/WS109x:
Version 2.19 - March 17, 2017
•Corrected issue when adding an analog conventional channel from the scanlist tab where the settings for NXDN would be displayed when attempting to set the CTCSS/DCS/NAC values.
•Added filters to disable importing of frequencies that are outside of the scanner's frequency range.
•Corrected an issue with creating a new system during the import from the library process where encrypted channels were not being imported when the option to do so was enabled. This required changing how the app handled these settings internally which means that anytime the import options are changed and the OK button is selected on that screen, the selected options will be saved and used until changed.
•Updated all supported bandplans.
•Changed how the app handles entry of frequencies. Previously the app would verify a frequency to make sure it fit the scanner's bandplan and step size within that range. The app now will verify that the frequency is in the scanner's frequency range and then round off the entered frequency to the nearest frequency that matches the bandplan if necessary.
•Added the ability to sort the system listing on the Trunked Systems tab. This feature will sort the list by clicking on the column header. This action only changes the order that systems are displayed, it will not actually change the order of systems on disk.
•Updated informational message when checking for all updates.
•Corrected tab order and tab stops in the library import areas.
•Moved the Import and Clear buttons to the middle of the screens in the library import area.
Thanks Wacky will update that too.
Once again thank you to all who continue to make these updates work for the 668 and other scanners.
Once again thank you to all who continue to make these updates work for the 668 and other scanners.
Hamradiostuffing
Member
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- Apr 7, 2005
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- 320
Just loaded 4.6 on my pro 668 with latest GRE tool everything is working fine including digital. Thanks Eric and to the person who fixed the firmware file.
I too wish to thank everyone who continues to help. I've updated my PRO-668 to V4.6 thanks to your efforts and it's working fine.
Up and running on 4.6, thanks to n3617400 and Eric for all the hard work!
scannerjunkie
Member
Originally Posted by ka1air View Post
Tried the tool in Windows Vista. Was able to get to the point to click on FW 4.6. Clicked open but nothing happened. Any suggestions. Thanks all and Thank you Eric
jack
Having same issue here. where do you get the correct 4.6 fw? noticed the settings tab is blacked out as well.
Tried the tool in Windows Vista. Was able to get to the point to click on FW 4.6. Clicked open but nothing happened. Any suggestions. Thanks all and Thank you Eric
jack
Having same issue here. where do you get the correct 4.6 fw? noticed the settings tab is blacked out as well.
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That's what happens when you use the official firmware instead of downloading the one on page 44, post 878 of this thread. MAKE SURE YOU DELETE ver 4.6 on you computer BEFORE you download the one that works.
scannerjunkie
Member
Got it. Thank you. 668 is alive and scanning.
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3/23/2017
The latest instruction to install firmware ver 4.5 or 4.6 Read these, then source everything needed and install all software and drivers for the version of firmware you're installing. THEN RE-READ these instructions a second and/or third time BEFORE you attempt to install the firmware as most issues are caused by people NOT following these instructions step by step. DO not skip over a step, as they should be done in order.
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If you have trouble when asking for help list what Operating system your using, if your scanner is on Radio Shack firmware or Whistler and whether or not you tried a new usb cable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note that this is a work in progress and with each firmware update the procedure and tools used can change.
The current procedure to change firmware....
The following assumes you already have installed either the pro-668/psr-800/pro-18 drivers and HAVE THEM WORKING. You can check by trying to set the clock via iscan. If you can't set the clock then the driver is either not installed or corrupt. YOU cannot proceed to do the upgrade until this is fixed. To fix it uninstall and delete then reinstall the comport driver.
NEXT: You MUST have sourced the following: firmware ws1080 ver 4.5 (ask someone to send it to you), The GREFWTOOL ver 0.2.0.3 (google GREFWtool) downloaded and installed. The latest version of ezscan software for the WS1080 (FREE from whistler via whistlergroup.com) on your computer and you have archived your data and have the ws1080 driver.
If you want to update to firmware version 4.6, you must FIRST source (do not download via grefwtool or ezscan) firmware WS1080e_U4.6 bin with a file size of (368340 bytes). DO NOT use the file that is (524292 bytes) as it will not install. Both files have the same name so pay attention to the size of the file.
For windows 7 and above you MUST get GREFWtool 0.3.0.4. (google it),
For windows xp you MUST USE Grefwtool ver Version 0.3.1.5 When the tool installs you can rename it to GREFWTOOL Ver 3 otherwise you must delete the earlier version making more work if you want fall back to firmware ver 4,5 . By renaming, both tools will be on your computer.
1) Start the appropriate GREFwTool for your firmware version.
2) Take the batteries out of your scanner and unplug it.
3) Press and hold the Menu button while inserting the USB cable (one end already plugged into the computer).
4) Once plugged in, let go of the Menu button. Wait for the beep from your computer. It could take 60 seconds.
5) In GREFwTool go to Settings and press Rescan. The COM port should be filled in.
5a) Also under settings: For Scanner Type use the pull down to select the scanner you are using (i.e. Pro-668).
5b) For Firmware use the pull down to select what you want the scanner to become (WS1080)
DO NOT Download the most current firmware via the tool as it won’t install.
6) Select the Connect To Scanner icon
7) Select the Update Firmware in Scanner icon in GREFwtool. Then locate and Select firmware version you want. It will install and you should see a percentage of completion bar. The scanner will shut down when done.
8) Install the ws1080 driver.
9) Go into EZScan (not iScan) do the DSP Update, library updates and/or restore from archive or transfer database if needed. via the cable or card reader
10) Turn your scanner on, if it shows the Whistler logo, loads fine and works, put the batteries in and enjoy the fruit of Eric's and others work!!!
The latest instruction to install firmware ver 4.5 or 4.6 Read these, then source everything needed and install all software and drivers for the version of firmware you're installing. THEN RE-READ these instructions a second and/or third time BEFORE you attempt to install the firmware as most issues are caused by people NOT following these instructions step by step. DO not skip over a step, as they should be done in order.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have trouble when asking for help list what Operating system your using, if your scanner is on Radio Shack firmware or Whistler and whether or not you tried a new usb cable.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note that this is a work in progress and with each firmware update the procedure and tools used can change.
The current procedure to change firmware....
The following assumes you already have installed either the pro-668/psr-800/pro-18 drivers and HAVE THEM WORKING. You can check by trying to set the clock via iscan. If you can't set the clock then the driver is either not installed or corrupt. YOU cannot proceed to do the upgrade until this is fixed. To fix it uninstall and delete then reinstall the comport driver.
NEXT: You MUST have sourced the following: firmware ws1080 ver 4.5 (ask someone to send it to you), The GREFWTOOL ver 0.2.0.3 (google GREFWtool) downloaded and installed. The latest version of ezscan software for the WS1080 (FREE from whistler via whistlergroup.com) on your computer and you have archived your data and have the ws1080 driver.
If you want to update to firmware version 4.6, you must FIRST source (do not download via grefwtool or ezscan) firmware WS1080e_U4.6 bin with a file size of (368340 bytes). DO NOT use the file that is (524292 bytes) as it will not install. Both files have the same name so pay attention to the size of the file.
For windows 7 and above you MUST get GREFWtool 0.3.0.4. (google it),
For windows xp you MUST USE Grefwtool ver Version 0.3.1.5 When the tool installs you can rename it to GREFWTOOL Ver 3 otherwise you must delete the earlier version making more work if you want fall back to firmware ver 4,5 . By renaming, both tools will be on your computer.
1) Start the appropriate GREFwTool for your firmware version.
2) Take the batteries out of your scanner and unplug it.
3) Press and hold the Menu button while inserting the USB cable (one end already plugged into the computer).
4) Once plugged in, let go of the Menu button. Wait for the beep from your computer. It could take 60 seconds.
5) In GREFwTool go to Settings and press Rescan. The COM port should be filled in.
5a) Also under settings: For Scanner Type use the pull down to select the scanner you are using (i.e. Pro-668).
5b) For Firmware use the pull down to select what you want the scanner to become (WS1080)
DO NOT Download the most current firmware via the tool as it won’t install.
6) Select the Connect To Scanner icon
7) Select the Update Firmware in Scanner icon in GREFwtool. Then locate and Select firmware version you want. It will install and you should see a percentage of completion bar. The scanner will shut down when done.
8) Install the ws1080 driver.
9) Go into EZScan (not iScan) do the DSP Update, library updates and/or restore from archive or transfer database if needed. via the cable or card reader
10) Turn your scanner on, if it shows the Whistler logo, loads fine and works, put the batteries in and enjoy the fruit of Eric's and others work!!!
Last edited:
CycleSycho
Member
TYVM MR Anonymous! (Big Evil Grins) 
Great work by everyone but I don't see any real benefit by upgrading to 4.6FW I'm staying with 4.5.
When Whistler realizes that all P2 transmissions are nearly double the volume of P1 and offer a fix for that
problem then i would be anxious to upgrade.
When Whistler realizes that all P2 transmissions are nearly double the volume of P1 and offer a fix for that
problem then i would be anxious to upgrade.
Hello,
A couple of clarifications.
I would recommend Version 0.3.1.5 as the release to get. If the user has Version 0.3.0.4 already on Windows 7, or later, then no upgrade to 0.3.1.5 is needed at this time.
Versions 0.3.0.4 and 0.3.1.5 will handle earlier versions of firmware, so going back to earlier versions of the tool for earlier versions of firmware is not necessary.
73 Eric
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