Problems with AStro Saber Software

123 · Post by **123** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 10:16 pm

I am trying to read two astros. Both astros come up with the same problem "Communication with radio failed" I have used this same software with no problem in ths past on the same PC with the same programming cable.

I have checked cables,all see to be good,working,& connected

Checked my rib,it has A/C current running no problems there,the rib also reads & writes to other radios with no problem,so I have ruled out the rib being a problem.

Checked correct serial comport

These two astro sabers read & wrote with no problem on another computer & software {same software date}

what Im I missing for troubleshooting?

I am stumped,I am sure its something simple i am overlooking

Zero dbm · Post by **Zero dbm** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 3:33 am

Does it even make the radio say 1 CSQ when you try to program?

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 6:30 am

123, you tested continuity on all leads on the cable? I've found just looking at it doesn't tell you if it'll work. You could have a bad solder connection or crimp job.

123 · Post by **123** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 9:21 am

no it does not say "1 CSQ"

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:17 am

You're not talking to the radio then. Check the cable. Check the RIB battery.

Zero dbm · Post by **Zero dbm** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:53 am

You may also want to make sure that nothing else is using that comm port. Double check see that you are using the proper comm port aswell.

123 · Post by **123** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:18 am

I think my serial port is hung up & in use by the computer somehow,anyone know how to check if the serial port is in use by another application?

123 · Post by **123** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 12:19 am

I have figured out its not the software or the cables,its the serial port.

RKG · Post by **RKG** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 4:46 am

If you are using the DOS-based Astro RSS (AstroM), remember that it will not run in a DOS "window" under windows, but only under native DOS.

123 · Post by **123** » Wed Jun 15, 2005 10:11 am

I am using CPS

123 · Post by **123** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 12:14 pm

well I figured out my serial port is not communcating,so my next step is to replace it since this serial port is connected to the mother board I cant do that . SO I was thinking USB to serial convert, hs anyone ever tryed using USB to serial converters? Do they work on CPS Motorola software?

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:24 pm

If the PC in question is not a laptop then just get a PCI serial card. They gotta be dirt cheap these days. I'd go with that over any USB-serial converter.

RESCUE161 · Post by **RESCUE161** » Sat Jun 18, 2005 10:52 pm

That's what I did on my new pc (no serial ports). It was like $5.00 on Ebay and it works like a champ.

On the other hand, my newly acquired laptop doesn't have serial ports either, so I'm either gonna have to get a PCMCIA card with a serial port or go with a USB to serial adapter...

motorola_otaku · Post by **motorola_otaku** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 12:26 am

Astro CPS will play with a USB-COM port adapter. Depending on which OS you use (I run 98SE), you'll want to have it plugged in prior to bootup, or the computer may not recognize it as a valid COM port.

If you are on 98SE, you can go into Device Manager under System, and verify that your COM port drivers are installed correctly. If your comp has a built-in DB9 COM port, there's no reason why it shouldn't work with CPS.

SCANdal · Post by **SCANdal** » Sat Jun 25, 2005 2:18 pm

Zero dbm wrote:Does it even make the radio say 1 CSQ when you try to program?

dbm,

The portable I'm trying to update a few channels on (some PL changes) does say " 1 CSQ " on the screen after a press the Write to Device button. The pop-up box then comes up saying " Communication with Radio has Failed " shortly thereafter. Oddly enough, I unscrew the cable from the back of the portable and " 1 CSQ " remains its screen. I have to shut the portable off, then turn it back on to get it to work again. Any ideas what could be causing such a condition? All connections and hardware appear functional

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

SCANdal

Splat · Post by **Splat** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 4:40 pm

That doesn't sound too good. Is the radio operational now? If so, I think you lucked out that you didn't create a paper weight. I say get rid of the USB/serial converter.

SCANdal · Post by **SCANdal** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:13 am

Splat,

Negative on that, using a serial port directly (the computer isn't all that new - the shop I'm friendly with is letting me use it's PC because they don't deal too much with Sabers and I wanted too much put in to make it worth their while to do it themselves. So they sat me down at a terminal and said...have at it.)

SCANdal

Problems with AStro Saber Software

Problems with AStro Saber Software

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