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XTS3000 Programming vs Flashport cable

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K9RPL

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Is there a different between a straight programming cable and one used for Flashport and firmware upgrades other than than say the round connector for testing? I have a RIB cable I use for programming my HT1000's, MT2000's and my XTS3000 and was wondering if that same cable can be used for Flashport upgrades and Firmware upgrades on the XTS3000. It has a bare minimum pin. Essentially Data, Busy and ground. Would a Flashport cable need additional pins?
 

ElroyJetson

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DO NOT ASK ME FOR HELP PROGRAMMING YOUR RADIO. NO.
Flashport is security through obscurity. Editing S-records is all you need to change the radio's features. But that's not the question.

The Flashport specified cables simply establish another data path to the SmartRib, allowing flash upgrades to be performed if you also have valid flash keys.

Absolutely features can be changed and firmware can be loaded with a standard programming cable.

But not with the regular RSS....

Doing it the "approved" way, yes you would require the flashport ready version programming cable along with the SmartRib and suitable flash keys.

I don't even know if Motorola even supports flash upgrades of the XTS3000 and Astro Saber anymore.
 

MTS2000des

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Maybe for a 3000. Not sure. I've only done firmware upgrades on 5Ks and have done them via the dirty method. I don't actually remember if I used a smartrib or a regular one. To my surprise?
Yes, a SmartRIB is REQUIRED for updating firmware on 3000s and Astro Sabers.
Also, you do realize that the hackjob or "dirty" method of forcing F/W into an XTS/XTL doesn't update the codeplug version if you don't actually have an iButton refresh key, right? Yes, you get the advantage of a DSP update but it does nothing but shove the old codeplug back in with it's out of date C/P version.
 

K9RPL

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OK, obviously not worth the effort, especially since the SRIBs are so expensive anyway if you can find them.

Thanks for the advice. My XTS300 is just fine the way it. is...
 

Skypilot007

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You can add and remove features from an XTS3000 with the FDB tool and a standard programming cable so long as the firmware in the radio supports the features you may be adding.
 
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