updating firmware is it worth it? if it aint broke...

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 9:56 am

Hello,
I wonder.. i have cdm's and ht1550's(15550's new as of christmas) and (cdm's2-3 years old) I have never had any MAJOR issues with either model of radio. Does anyone reccomend updating firmware if everything works ok? I'm a believer in the latest and greastest but sometimes the lastest aint the greatest and can actually cause problems that i never had before... one issue i have with my UHF ham split cdm 1550 is when i'm done with a programming session the radio squawks telling me it's done, then i get the "powering up sound" then nothing- blank screen - until i unplug the programming cable then it comes back to life and all is good again... Is this a reason to update firmware? or shall i just live with it? I dont have the firmware version of the radio , but i can tell you that it is the version that came with the radio.My VHF version works as it should.
thanks.

Bruce1807 · Post by **Bruce1807** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:54 pm

It is worth it if you want any of the new features but for analog its probably not worth the effort.
With Digital the compession algorithms usually have an improvement so it becomes worthwhile. Also for public safety there are usually errors repaired making the radio more reliable.
Just my opinion.

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:52 pm

Hello,
thanks for the reply... I had an idea that it might be a waste of time. I was hoping that it might fix the issue i'm having... with the programming session...
thanks for the reply!

Bruce1807 · Post by **Bruce1807** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:56 pm

Maybe it will fix the issue but is it that big an issue?

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 2:25 pm

Actually no. it is't. considering it could possibly screw up the entire radio. I think i might as well leave it alone. I have heard of horror stories whenscrewing around with firmware.
thanks.

d119 · Post by **d119** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:37 pm

I bet you're programming through the rear connector on the mobiles, etc. arent you.

When the radio reboots, its coming up in bootstrap mode, hence the reason you need to disconnect the cable and restart the radio to get it to power up.

I've seen this before.

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 8:32 pm

Hello,
Thanks for the reply! actually no. i'm unsing the Mic Connector(i just got a MOTO ribless cable.) it actually did the same thing when using the old fashioned MOTO rib THANKS MONTY!! andthe Mic plug..
Bootstrap mode? did i fat finger something before to make it do this? my VHF one works just fine... where do i change it back to UN bootstrap mode?the radios are remote mounted.
thanks.

HLA · Post by **HLA** » Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:44 pm

if any of your radios are within the three years the firmware updates should be free if you take it to your local dealer and have them do it. but if you have any you have to pay for it't not worth it to get it done every time something new comes out. but on the other hand if you have any older than 4.00 you might want to get them done soon.

giguchan · Post by **giguchan** » Wed Mar 14, 2007 8:26 pm

Hello,
thanks for the reply.I still have about 1.5 years left , So i still have time left on the software. I just thought i'd ask to see if it's worth it or not. I think it really isn't , so they will stay the same -till either i get something newer or i re locate them to another vehicle.
thanks for the tip.