XPR 7550e - Updating firmware - FPP - Bluetooth/WiFi programming

[human8472]

I have an XPR 7550e with the option board, and I have some questions I was hoping folks might be able to help with.

1) Updating the firmware - The current firmware version shows as R02.07.01.0000. How do I go about locating the latest firmware for the device and updating it? I have MotoTRBO CPS 2.0, and I am able to connect to the XPR 7550e using the programming cable. I am just not sure where to find the latest firmware for the XPR 7550e. Is the CPS software used to update the firmware?

2) Is there an adoption to allow Front Pad Programming? I have read about the Option board solution sold by North Georgia Communications, but it honestly looks like a "hack" and not worth the $200 asking price. I have seen YouTube videos of others creating and editing channels using FPP, but no details were given on how it is enabled.

3) WiFi - When I look at the Feature Sets under WiFi, I see the status as "Available for Purchase“; however, I see no way to actually make the purchase. Does anyone know if WiFi allows programming over WiFi? Same question applies to Bluetooth. It is available for purchase but I see no way to purchase the feature. Does it also allow programming over Bluetooth?

 

[K2NEC]

Latest firmware can be located by creating an online account with Motorola. Instructions can be found here. CPS is used to upgrade the firmware once you install the firmware file on your PC. Please know that CPS2 and any firmware past 2.09 does not allow for any sort of Bluetooth programming, this is strictly a feature for CPS16. Since you are using CPS2, you've already crossed that bridge.

No, the 7550e does not support any kind of FPP natively

Entitlements are purchased from vendors. If you do some research online, there's some vendors that offer them for reasonable prices. North Georgia Communications has a good reference chart so you know what part number(s) to order. Not saying you should or shouldn't purchase from them, but they have some helpful resources online. The only WiFi programming is done with RM, not CPS2

 

[FFPM571]

2.10.001 is the highest firmware version you can get for free. Unless your radio is less than 5 years old. Then you can get up to 5 years from the date of manufacture in firmware upgrades

 

[human8472]

Since you are using CPS2, you've already crossed that bridge.

Does the fact that I have installed CPS2 do something to the radio? The radio still shows firmware R02.07.01.0000 and the radio shows CP version as 11.00.17 (I am not sure what this is referring to). Could I uninstall CPS2 and just install an earlier version of CPS16?. Does CPS16 refer to CPS 1.6?

 

[human8472]

2.10.001 is the highest firmware version you can get for free. Unless your radio is less than 5 years old. Then you can get up to 5 years from the date of manufacture in firmware upgrades

Any idea where I could find v2.10.001?

 

[K2NEC]

Does the fact that I have installed CPS2 do something to the radio? The radio still shows firmware R02.07.01.0000 and the radio shows CP version as 11.00.17 (I am not sure what this is referring to). Could I uninstall CPS2 and just install an earlier version of CPS16?. Does CPS16 refer to CPS 1.6?

Once you write the radio with CPS2, you can't un-write the radio. You must use an equivalent or later version of CPS than previously written.

If by some chance you get CPS 16, maybe you could try a Recovery. However you would need the firmware file for R02.07.01 which is pretty near unobtanium and I'm not sure if that will even work.

 

[nokones]

Is there really a operational advantage in upgrading the firmware to today's latest firmware? I believe my firmware versions for my XPR5550e & XPR7550e radios are the next to the latest or two next to versions.

My radios work just fine for wideband, analog, and DMR, and with encryption.

 

[K2NEC]

Is there really a operational advantage in upgrading the firmware to today's latest firmware? I believe my firmware versions for my XPR5550e & XPR7550e radios are the next to the latest or two next to versions.

My radios work just fine for wideband, analog, and DMR, and with encryption.

Eh, not really. I keep my stuff at 2.09 because of Bluetooth programming

 

[K9KLC]

Eh, not really. I keep my stuff at 2.09 because of Bluetooth programming

I don't use bluetooth but I try and keep most my stuff (at least 2 meter and 70cm) where it works on CPS 16, just easier to get in and out of most of them. The other stuff for 33cm we use 2.0 on. Plus the radios we're currently getting for that are newer and have the newer firmware on them anyway for the most part. (XPR 7580 and 5580s)

 

[kk6rq]

I don't use bluetooth but I try and keep most my stuff (at least 2 meter and 70cm) where it works on CPS 16, just easier to get in and out of most of them. The other stuff for 33cm we use 2.0 on. Plus the radios we're currently getting for that are newer and have the newer firmware on them anyway for the most part. (XPR 7580 and 5580s)

If it's an E model w/wifi enabled, you should use wifi programming instead. It's faster than BT and still works w/CPS2 (but still stay away from 2.0, unless you've already jumped out of the plane, you're SOL).

 

[K9KLC]

If it's an E model w/wifi enabled, you should use wifi programming instead. It's faster than BT and still works w/CPS2 (but still stay away from 2.0, unless you've already jumped out of the plane, you're SOL).

I'll have to look and see if I have that in the radios I have that I use 2.0 on. Frankly I've just always had good luck with the cable for programming so never looked at alternative methods. Thanks.