Setting up laptop for programming multiple generations of BK radios

[sdwarwick]

I've been asked to configure a laptop to have multiple versions of the BK programming software. This is to support programming of all current (KNG/BKR) and legacy generations of the BK P25 radios.

I've been told that the latest version of RES does not actually support past generations well, and that people typically have multiple (older) laptops with either an older version of RES or the NEOVISION software to ensure they can do programming on all the radios in a deployment. This apparently comes up in rapid response scenarios, such as wildfire teams that come together from many parts of the country.

I've been told that updating the firmware of the radios, although an option in some cases, is not always allowed ( to avoid potential issues when the radio is returned to its home territory )

In other work I do, the typical approach is to either load multiple versions of the software into different "virtual machines" running under the the main operating system with an appropriate version of windows, or under the main operating system in different directories, if that is supported by the software.

I'm looking to see if others have run across this problem, and have come up with a workable method of supporting this, or if simply having multiple laptops with the different software is the current best approach.

I look forward to your thoughts!

 

[Onelick]

You're only going to need RES and DPH edit. DPH edit will do the old "brick", and RES will do everything else. What are your qualifications? That will determine if you need to even worry about this at all. If someone's radio doesn't accept our programming, we just issue them a kit radio. You don't need to get all excited about multiple computers and multiple versions of software. As for firmware, we never touch another person's radio like that. It's rare that we hook someone's radio up to our computers. I might do it 3 times in 14 days.
Hope this helps,
Onelick

 

[sdwarwick]

Thanks for this info. I use RES for current firmware radios, however I've spoken with a few dealers who have confirmed the need for multiple older versions on older laptops due to read/write issues. I look forward to getting more input!
Steven

 

[rsmith7799]

Along with RES and the DPH edit , you'll need the P150 S software (King Editor 1.2.0) for the Forest Service radios. I do have 2 laptops I use, one is Windows 7 and the other one is Windows 11.

Only in an emergency will I update someones radio and only with that Dept's tech's permission. There was an issue a few years ago with the FS using 5.60 software that was built just for the FS and it was a mess. They have since moved on to a better update.
And just yesterday, I programmed the KNG S, P150, KNG CMD and a KNG 2 CMD, all from my Windows 11 Panasonic Toughbook CF 20.

 

[WRTL350]

I've been asked to configure a laptop to have multiple versions of the BK programming software. This is to support programming of all current (KNG/BKR) and legacy generations of the BK P25 radios.

I've been told that the latest version of RES does not actually support past generations well, and that people typically have multiple (older) laptops with either an older version of RES or the NEOVISION software to ensure they can do programming on all the radios in a deployment. This apparently comes up in rapid response scenarios, such as wildfire teams that come together from many parts of the country.

I've been told that updating the firmware of the radios, although an option in some cases, is not always allowed ( to avoid potential issues when the radio is returned to its home territory )

In other work I do, the typical approach is to either load multiple versions of the software into different "virtual machines" running under the the main operating system with an appropriate version of windows, or under the main operating system in different directories, if that is supported by the software.

I'm looking to see if others have run across this problem, and have come up with a workable method of supporting this, or if simply having multiple laptops with the different software is the current best approach.

I look forward to your thoughts!

In my experience, you'll want to have as far back as RES 5.5.3 for driver support, but once installed, you should be able to run the most recent version without issue.

On fires, I've interacted with all manner of classic portables and utilize GPH Editor 2.5.0, DPHEdit 3.1, GPH Commander Editor 1.0.5, DPH Commander Editor 1.0.3, and KNG 1.2.0.

The biggest issue I run into is 64-bit driver support for what were originally 32-bit programs that use a serial connection for programming. This can be super finicky on modern laptops with virtual com ports.

Definitely don't upgrade anyone's firmware, even if they ask. I have updated some users' firmware, but only as a troubleshooting step when they come in with a radio that isn't functioning and other methods do not work,. I'd rather them have a functioning radio than a non-functioning one.

 

[rsmith7799]

I am total agreement with WRTL350 on the bit software. It's the little things that can put you in a tailspin with the older and then the new radios.