Astro Lab and the xts3000

FMROB · Post by **FMROB** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 1:48 pm

Lets hypothetically say one did have access to astro lab, and one had a vhf model I xts3000.

Lets also say that one had the availability to a model II or III xts3000.

Could one read the s-record of the IIor III unit and dump it into the I and put the new housing on it?

Does it work sorta like the MTSX series? Again, This is out of curiosity?

wb4bsd · Post by **wb4bsd** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 2:41 pm

RADIO43 · Post by **RADIO43** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 3:14 pm

Can't you use MTSX Lab Software to read and write to a XTS3000? I thought using the read without unpacking & write without unpacking mode this can be accomblished.

Kyle

ExKa|iBuR · Post by **ExKa|iBuR** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 3:27 pm

That's correct.

Rumour has it, MTSX lab can be used to force in a codeplug into an XTS. So, if you had a codeplug for a Model II or III, even if it's a different flashcode, you could force it into your Model I, and you'll become a Model II with the new flashcode.

I've never tried this myself, but it should work in theory.

-M

Post by **wavetar** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 3:32 pm

wb4bsd wrote:yes

This answer could be very wrong, depending on what version of Astro LAB we're talking about. The 'commonly available' version of Astro LAB is 3.04.00. This is a very old version which was used for VSELP radios. It does not understand IMBE at all. Reading an IMBE codeplug will produce an error stating "unrecoverable block error, processing cannot continue". Trying to read an IMBE radio with 'no pack/unpack' and writing it into anther IMBE radio will give 'error 01/92' in the radio display afterwards. There are rumours of later IMBE compatible Astro LAB versions which obviously wouldn't have these issues.

For whatever reason, MTSX LAB 3.00.02 does not have these issues with IMBE radios & codeplugs, and can be used for read/write codeplug forcing purposes, with 'no pack/unpack'.

Post by **/\/\y 2 cents** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 7:16 pm

If I were you I'd listen to Todd, he pretty much knows what the hell he's talking about when it comes to this subject

wb4bsd · Post by **wb4bsd** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 2:12 pm

I said Yes only because the process can be done. The logistics of it are a completely different issue.

But yes, you can force a Model 3 s-record into a model 2 or 1 to make it a model 3. But, your radio will then become a clone of the radio's s-record used to make it a model 3 (i.e. serial number).

So be sure to back up your current radio's s-record before you do this if you plan on sending it back to the factory for repairs.

Post by **wavetar** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:34 pm

wb4bsd wrote:I said Yes only because the process can be done. The logistics of it are a completely different issue..

This is why it helps to elaborate sometimes. I'd hate to be responsible for someone bricking their radio based on my incomplete information.

Todd

MattSR · Post by **MattSR** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 3:55 pm

ExKa|iBuR has hinted at it, but there is an exploit that enables you to change the serial number using LAB.

VEERRYYY ILLEGAL though....

n9upc · Post by **n9upc** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:43 pm

Is the MTSXLAB good for any XTS or just to work on a 3000. I guess does it work on a XTS5000?

10-95 · Post by **10-95** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:27 am

n9upc wrote:Is the MTSXLAB good for any XTS or just to work on a 3000. I guess does it work on a XTS5000?

No it will not work on the 5000 series.

Frank

Post by **xmo** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:10 am

"...I guess does it work on a XTS5000?..."
____________________________________

I think that's what Shaun used to point out. There are some 'procedures' that are sort-of available in the field that can work magic on the XTS3000 / Astro Saber / Astro Spectra generation of radios but nothing is available yet for the newer products - and there may never be!

Of course, this issue only affects those who want to 'experiment' with changing their radio's configuration as a learning process. The average end user buys a radio to talk on. Assuming it is purchased to match the application - he's good to go. If needs change - Motorola is always there to flash new features in to solve the problem.

ExKa|iBuR · Post by **ExKa|iBuR** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 4:04 pm

MattSR wrote:ExKa|iBuR has hinted at it, but there is an exploit that enables you to change the serial number using LAB.

VEERRYYY ILLEGAL though....

Actually, to get technical, it's not illegal.

Posessing LAB RSS is no more illegal than having regular RSS. It's still just a copyright infringement. Now, if you're a Motorola Dealer or employee, they can probably come after you in other ways (firing you, loosing your dealer license, etc...)

Even still...bad idea to get caught with it.

MattSR · Post by **MattSR** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 4:53 pm

I was referring to changing the ESN... Changing serial numbers is fraud regardless of the method used - be it using LAB to change a radio, a welder and punch to change serial number on a firearm, or rebirthing a car...

ExKa|iBuR · Post by **ExKa|iBuR** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 6:09 pm

How is it fraud?

Let's say I have a radio who's serial number is 123ABC456. I drop that radio and the controller breaks. I pick up a replacement controller which has the serial number 654CBA321. Obviously, that's not the same s/n that I paid for, and what is on the back of the radio. I don't see how it could be considered fraud to put your legit s/n into this other controller.

Obviously, you could change a s/n to cool a radio off abit, in which case it would definatly be commiting fraud, but I suspect that's the least of your concerns if you're going to get into doing that.

-M

MattSR · Post by **MattSR** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 6:28 pm

Hi dude,

I think we're basically saying the ame thing two different ways - I agree with both your points above... when I said that changing an serial was fraud, I was referring to your second situation - obvisouly, your first situation
is a legitimate use for such a tool...

Cheers,
Matt

FMROB · Post by **FMROB** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:44 pm

Here is the bigger question that I have.

My mcs2000 I want to go into the hamland.
I read the directions for the mtsx out of band conversion for the software and I am still alittle confused.

Do you change the odb file and then resave it to the software file on the computer.

Or do you have to read the radio, change the band in the file image, and then re write the radio.

If someone could claify this, I would be appreciative. Thanks, Rob

Post by **xmo** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 7:59 pm

Start by making a copy of the MTSX.ODB file so you can put the RSS back the way it started if you mess up.

e.g. COPY MTSX.ODB MTSXODB.BAK [just choose an obvious name so you know what it is]

Then hex-edit the band limit changes into the MTSX.ODB file as described on Batlabs.

Now the RSS will use the new band limits. Read your radio - save the current codeplug to disk - then enter your modes & frequencies - then write the radio.