HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:27 am

For whatever reason, when I updated ym HT1250 from R2.00.03 to the latest firmware 5.09.06, I got a 'synth unlock' error on the screen, beeping on all channels and otherwise lack of functionality of the radio.

I haven't got a clue why aside from the radio saying "this model not upgradable" when I hooked it up, but used a different HT1250 to trick the software past that screen, threw the supposedly 'non upgradable' radio to the computer and let the program work its magic. Is this HT a non-American model? Would a PROxxxx whatever series upgrade possibly fix the radio?

I'm kinda upset that I can't use my radio, as I'm sure anyone would be.

Thanks
-Josh

Post by **wavetar** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:38 am

Ah, you didn't tell me the radio reported "not upgradeable" during the procedure. Now knowing you forced it in makes perfect sense as to why it suddenly doesn't work. It's possible a PRO series firmware upgrade could fix it, though you'd likely need another of the same type of radio to help 'trick' it into accepting it. Good luck finding the upgrade package.

Todd

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 7:19 am

well that just figures.

This was sold to me as a legit HT1250, but I knew better after getting it. I don't think it'll have a problem getting upgraded if I have the right firmware package for it, however; odds of that are so small that it may be worth selling off and trying again.... which is what I had to do with my previous HT1250................ durrrr this stuff gets me pissed.

-Josh

tvsjr · Post by **tvsjr** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:45 am

I hate to say this, but the computer told you that it wouldn't work. You only have yourself to be pissed at.

If memory serves, old radios like that have to have two firmware upgrades done to get to the latest. I can't remember where the version split is, but I think yours is old enough to require it.

Post by **alex** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:33 am

There are a lot of people selling 1250's and such on ebay with 0123456789 serial numbers, or something like that - which all seem to have v2 or v3 firmware in them. With that in mind, I would be wary.

Honestly, if you think about it, if you are willing to pay $250 for one of these radios if not more, and you work for a department, you can probably pay state bid or something along those lines for a new portable... which is probably around $500-$600 for a 1250.

After $250 + a $250-350 depot repair = what you could have paid for a new radio.

Only waris radios that I'll EVEN consider - are ones whose serial number are still under the 2 year warrenty period. If I pay extra for the blessing, so be it.

-Alex

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 10:08 am

Nope, no department. I get stuck with what I get stuck with.

Don't the firmware upgrade packages work with ALL radios? that's what the main screen says. Maybe my radio's model just wasn't supported in this revision and therefore shouldn't have been done because of the adverse reaction- as displayed for me.

-Josh

wx4cbh · Post by **wx4cbh** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 1:44 pm

The upgrade software works with all radios and mine have been upgraded, BUT there are progressive steps of upgrade. The way I understand it, the older radios need to be upgraded to a version that can then take the next step of upgrade until you get to the latest. If you skip a step, there could be "bricking" complications according to the Waris gurus at the local MSS. Don't know how many steps are required for any particular unit, sorry.

jim · Post by **jim** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:44 pm

SYNTH UNLOCK was a common error on early lowband CDMs. It was usually found on those where the main B+ shut down- as with a firetruck with a master battery switch. They also would do this when cranking the engine during the volatege drop. I have had this on severl lowband only CDMs when they came out (v 2.0 and lower).

I've found that if these certain radios get pissed and unlock if the supply voltage is low. Check your voltage. Make sure you're at least 12.6 or more during powerup. Be sure to have the B+ lead hot at all times and switch pin 10 to control radio power.

Motorola DID have a correction for this in an early firmware upgrade, but I cannot recall which version. The firmware has fixed all but one that I've installed...it still does this maybe once or so a month.

I love the Waris. The Waris is your friend.

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:12 pm

jim wrote:SYNTH UNLOCK was a common error on early lowband CDMs. It was usually found on those where the main B+ shut down- as with a firetruck with a master battery switch. They also would do this when cranking the engine during the volatege drop. I have had this on severl lowband only CDMs when they came out (v 2.0 and lower).

I've found that if these certain radios get pissed and unlock if the supply voltage is low. Check your voltage. Make sure you're at least 12.6 or more during powerup. Be sure to have the B+ lead hot at all times and switch pin 10 to control radio power.

Motorola DID have a correction for this in an early firmware upgrade, but I cannot recall which version. The firmware has fixed all but one that I've installed...it still does this maybe once or so a month.

I love the Waris. The Waris is your friend.

This is an HT1250, not a CDM1250, but I do have both.... the battery on my HT1250 is just fine.

I figure I need to backstep and somehow locate the low # firmware to 'upgrade' to first... I think there was a 1.15 ~ 3.xx.xx upgrade kit, I think that's what I need to find.

-Josh

Post by **wavetar** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 4:45 am

All firmware upgrade packages up to 5.00.03 supported upgrading from 1.xx.xx firmware. All packages above that required 2.xx.xx before it would upgrade.

***edit*** Actually, I should've been clearer on that...all packages up to 5.00.03 came in two flavours...one that would upgrade from 1.xx.xx radios, and one that upgraded from 2.xx.xx radios. Above 5.00.03, they only came in the upgrade from 2.xx.xx flavour. ***edit***

Did you check the firmware level in the CPS before attempting the upgrade? Is it possible it was 1.xx.xx inside, while the label indicated 2.xx.xx? It would explain the error message.

Either that, or maybe Motorola dropped some support for some of the earlier "tanapa's" (PMUD/PMUE board revisions) in the later upgrade packages...I would think the readme file would indicate that though...

Todd

jim · Post by **jim** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 8:33 am

Ooops...my bad!
Thought it said CDM

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 2:52 pm

jim wrote:Ooops...my bad!
Thought it said CDM

LOL, it's fine

Ummm... the radio showed 2.00.03 or something low like that, I don't know what the CPS showed since the codeplug doesn't reveal it, it shows 'unknown' because I haven't read the radio direct.

It reads/writes just fine, transmits fine on the known channels... no RX though- just a continuous beep. I tried going from 2.00.03 to 5.09.06 in one bang, thus my problem. I can guess the solution.

-Josh

pctek_1957 · Post by **pctek_1957** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 5:14 pm

I sure hope that if you decide to resell the "bricked" radio, you'll state in your add the current unusable condition of the radio (error codes), as well your discovery that it's not a standard HT1250. I've seen my add's from people that have purchased radios, discovered problems then resell them without passing on the info they discovered.. They use terms like: "As-Is", or "unable to test, but believed to be working" or "am selling for a friend".. Sorta like when you purchased this radio, you we not told everything up front....

Post by **timyee** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 12:19 pm

I know that this subject is old, but I just got the 'Synth Unlock' on my HT1250 and don't really know what is wrong with it.
The CPS program doesn't recognize the radio when its plugged in either, so i'm literally stuck. I was programing another HT1250 403-470 UHF, and mine is a 450-527 so i'm wondering if that screwed it up, but i'm not an expert...

It's an older radio, originally with R01.00.03, i can't remember if i had updated it thought.
Is it better to have it sent out or is there anything that can be done with out sending it out?
any help would greatly appreciated,

thanks.

Hightower · Post by **Hightower** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 1:15 pm

It's already a brick, so why not try to reflash it again and see what happens.

gatekeep · Post by **gatekeep** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:49 pm

Just food for thought, but, a friend of mine had his HT1250 flashed and it displayed 'Synth Unlock' directly afterwards ... similar R2.00.03 -> R5.09.06 ... however, I discovered that for some reason during the flashing process the tuning data got trashed ... blew in the tuning data, made sure it was tuned properly ... and 'Synth Unlock' went away...

Vercomm · Post by **Vercomm** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:20 pm

Reflashing new firmware probably won't help, you'll need the Waris lab and you'll have to load it as if it were a new radio. Not to hard to do, I use it when I buy a 1250 that is 16channels, I just load the correct model number for 128 and bingo, works like a charm!!

Wouldn't hurt to try and tune/align it, like was previouslty suggested.

HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'

HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'

Re: HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'

Reselling

Re: HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'

Re: HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'

Re: HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'

Re: HT1250 and 'Synth Unlock'