Question about upgrading XTS3K Model 1->3 (Updated)

Post by **akardam** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 7:54 am

Just looking for confirmation of a few things here.

I've got a XTS3000 VHF Model 1 that I would like to upgrade to a Model 3. Here's the stats on the unit:

MD: H09KDC9PW5BN
FW: R07.08.00 / DSPN08.02.02
FC: 100001-000000-7
SP: H35

Now, the current flashcode/system package in there is fine - I don't need anything beside conventional and IMBE. However, my understanding is that if you want to change the model #, even if you want to leave everything else alone, you have to drop in a donor s-record, and then your radio assumes not only the donor's model number, but flashcode and serial number as well. So, as I see it, I have three options:

1. Try and do this myself

Ordering the physical parts is no problem (about $215 from Moto, as far as I can tell). However, since I don't have MTSX Lab R03, and I'm not stupid enough to go begging for it on the board, then this is looking less and less like a viable option.

2. Buy the parts and have someone else do it

This works great except for the whole adopting of the flashcode and serial number, which could make things iffy if I ever did have to send the thing to Moto.

3. Send it to Moto and have them do the upgrade.

Pro's here are it's legit from start to finish. Cons are, would it be worth it? Would Moto even consent to do it, or would they either send it back saying no way Jose or just keep the damned thing in a fit of anal-retentive suspiciousness?

Anyway, best advice on how to proceed here would be appreciated.

K8TEK · Post by **K8TEK** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 1:40 pm

$215? The display module alone is $90 You also need the keypad module and various clips.

Plus, add the cost of the case from Motorola.

Anyways, if you have a MOL, here is what you need to get.

NTN8753E - Model III Cover/Case
5105385Y19 - LCD Display Module
7505336Z01 - Display Locator Pad
0705330Z01 - Display Flex Bracket
0705368Z01 - Keypad Flex Bracket
7505293Z02 - Keypad, Model III
NTN8311B - Keypad Flex Assembly Model III
4205631Z01 - Control Locking Clip (4)

Post by **akardam** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 2:11 pm

I beg to differ on that list, as I already went through the service manual and made a list of the parts I need. Here's what I came up with, if anyone's interested:

Code: Select all

1585506D07      (2)  Model III Housing  $67
7505293Z03      (15) Keypad, Model III  $8
NTN8311B        (37) Keypad, Flex Assy  $43
5105385Y19      (38) LCD Display Module $97
7505336Z01      (39) LCD Locator Pad    $2
                                        ----
                                        $218

All the brackets and clips are already used regardless of what model the radio is, and I intend to reuse the control flex/speaker assembly electronics if possible, thus I should only need the actual plastic housing. Numbers in parenthesis are the exploded parts list numbers from the service manual.

However, my question was more along the lines of the necessary software work than the hardware side of the house.

Post by **akardam** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 3:07 pm

Here's some pictures I took of the fully disassembled front housing of my XTS (yes, I can see some of you having a heart attack at me pulling apart my new radio):

An overview:
http://www.akardam.net/temp/xtsguts01.jpg

Closeup of the actual housing plastic:
http://www.akardam.net/temp/xtsguts02.jpg

Closeup of the control flex assembly, knobs, etc:
(Annotated w/ the exploded list numbers from the service manual)
http://www.akardam.net/temp/xtsguts03annotated.jpg

Closeup of the body of the radio:
(Annotated w/ the exploded list numbers from the service manual)
http://www.akardam.net/temp/xtsguts04annotated.jpg

Post by **akardam** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 12:32 pm

So... anybody out there that can give me a hand? Even if to offer up a VHF Model 3 srecord?

Post by **wavetar** » Mon Dec 26, 2005 12:55 pm

The depot won't do it for you. Changing models is not even a legit FLASHport upgrade option. I've heard of agencies getting it done, but it involved a lot of paperwork through a regional sales rep & sending all units in to the Motorola factory, not the depot.

Forcing a codeplug with LAB & then adding the necessary housings, etc will work. Unfortunately, I don't have a VHF codeplug for you. Give me a shout if you need 800MHz.

Todd

Post by **akardam** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 8:43 pm

So, I was poking around the batlabs site this afternoon looking for information on SRecords, and I came across the info on the MTSX page about toolproofing, which from what I understand doesn't apply to Astro radios. However, it lists very clearly the format of a SRecord file. Intriuged, I threw together a perl script that would parse out each record in the file, and convert to ascii characters the hex in the data portion of each record. Lo and behold, on the first line is the serial and model number.

Excellent! I thought. I read up a bit more and coded up a section of the scrip that would check the checksum bit at the end of each record and let me know if it was bad. After experimenting sufficiently with a couple SRecord files I had sitting around, I read a SRecord from my VHF and saved it. I know that you can't do the actual dump into the radio with Astro Lab without making a nice brick, but I figured for the purpose of saving a SRecord to disk I'd probably be OK.

After I saved it, I ran it through my decoder, changed the model number, and corrected the checksum at the end of the record. It worked like a peach.

Now, the questions arise. It has occured to me that the checksum at the end of the SRecord line is probably not the only checksum that is embedded in the file that might pertain to model data. Also, I'm not sure if just changing the model in the SRecord would be enough, i.e. supposing I changed it, and dumped it back into the radio, and then read the radio with CPS, would the CPS give me access to program Model 3 features?

I suspect that what I'm getting at may have already been tried before to no avail, so if anyone has any ideas or experiences along these lines, I'd love to hear them.

Post by **Mfire39** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 5:20 pm

PM Sent.

-Marc

Post by **akardam** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 9:50 pm

Got what I needed. Thanks to those that replied.

Alex663 · Post by **Alex663** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 2:43 pm

So has anyone put together a final guide on how to convert to a model III? Ive read about the hardware side, but cant find anything after doing a search on the board for the software side. Any info would be appreciated.

K8TEK · Post by **K8TEK** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 4:20 am

Cough!

S-record

Alex663 · Post by **Alex663** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 3:18 pm

What software would be used to edit an S-Record? Obviously my CPS05.00.02 wont. Which version of Lab software???THanks No I dont want it from anyone, just want to know for my own perverted reasons.

TWL911 · Post by **TWL911** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:24 am

Well, thanks to the wonderful tutorial, I now have what I am refering to as an XTS3000 Model 1.25. Model III case, with the functionality of a model I.

Hardware upgrade complete !!!! only fatality was the main rubber seal

$3.90 and two days from now all will be well again !

My problem now is my DOS laptop is not cooperating, as in the Floppy drive decided it no longer wishes to work. Come on, the computer is only 14 years old! so even if I could locate the "files" required it looks like I'm stuck with the "Self test" screen for a while until I can get someone to due the rest of the "upgrade" for me.

But at least now I have a sexy yellow radio!