XTL/XTS5000 XTL5000 W3 conversion / power-up issue (with correct TIB and cables!)

[KrisRM70]

Looking for some help as I've spend days searching to forums for this problem!

I have a factory W3 800mhz XTL5000 which works great.

I decided I wanted to convert this to UHF, so I bought a used UHF mid power on the 'bay.

First, I programmed the new UHF and changed the control head type to W3 in CPS.

I then removed the W3 TIB and flex from the 800 (HLN6885B), installed it on the UHF, and for the life of me I can't get anything to power on.

I'm using the same HHCH with factory W3 cable / DB15 ignition sense and speaker connections. I tried the power button on the radio, ignition sense on DB15, and ignition sense on rear accessory connector. NOTHING. Thinking I somehow bricked the radio, I moved the W3 TIB back to the 800 and the O5 back to the UHF and everything works fine. Moved it back and tried again and again, but swapping the W3 TIB and control head to the UHF just results in getting no power to the radio at all.

Could this be a firmware issue? The W3 800 which works is R11.00.01, the UHF which won't work is R15.00.08.

Any suggestions are sincerely appreciated!

 

[nhfirefighter]

Did you change the control head type before changing the TIB? With the O5 attached you could try changing the head type in CPS. Then power down and make the swap.

 

[KrisRM70]

Yes I did exactly that, read the radio with the 05, changed to W3 and then programmed it. Removed power cables, changed everything over for the W3, and can't get so much as a power LED to come, Nothing.

Did you change the control head type before changing the TIB? With the O5 attached you could try changing the head type in CPS. Then power down and make the swap.

 

[MTS2000des]

Firmware mismatch may be your problem.

 

[KrisRM70]

Firmware mismatch may be your problem.

Is it possible the UHF's firmware is "too new" for W3 support? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the TIB doesn't read the firmware in any way right?

 

[MTS2000des]

Is it possible the UHF's firmware is "too new" for W3 support? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the TIB doesn't read the firmware in any way right?

Most likely the F/W mismatch in the CH is the issue, your CH/TIB is on R11 and your UHF XCVR is on R15. Normally on Odyssey heads, the host will download the F/W in maintenance mode when it detects a mismatch and after it shoots it's load into the CH/CHIB, it reboots and all is well. BUT, the W3 is old hardware carried over from the Astro Spectra and isn't that smart.

I would try using a refresh key and F/W package for R15 and upgrade the radio and CH combo on your 800 radio, then move the W3 and TIB over to your UHF.

 

[KrisRM70]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm going to see if I can upgrade both radios Firmware and see what happens.

 

[MTS2000des]

I also recall some incompatibility with TIBs but it has been a LONG TIME since that MTN was issued and I am not sure if W series were involved. Going back 20 years now for these radios...

 

[Echo4Thirty]

How would you update a W3? Even when you flash the radio, the W heads do not get updated. I was always told that the firmware is hardcoded in them. At minimum, i would revert the UHF radio back to its original TIB/Head and firmware update them to 20.50.10. I have had no issues with real W3s at this firmware level.

Once its updated, move everything back over.

I would also check to make sure you didnt bend a pin on the flex when you put the TIB on the deck.