MCS2000 Model I to Model II or III

[ayaresr]

I have seen mention to the ability to change a model I radio to model II or III. Never really been able to find any details about what is involved or what you will gain. Do you gain all of the abilities of the newer style head? What is necessary to make said change?

[n7maq]

I have seen mention to the ability to change a model I radio to model II or III. Never really been able to find any details about what is involved or what you will gain. Do you gain all of the abilities of the newer style head? What is necessary to make said change?

You need the correct head you want, and a radio to pull a codeplug out of. You need MTSX Depot, or Lab.

Jim

[bellersley]

Astro Depot works just fine as well. Contrary to what some believe, you do not need an s record, a codeplug will work just fine.

[alex]

There has been some debate with respect to if tool proofing exists in the MCS2000 line, or if only the MTS's suffered from it.

Just something to keep in the back of your head. Consider ensuring that your radio is pre V5.x before deciding it's a good idea to mess with it.

-Alex

[wavetar]

Historically, the MTS2000 was the ONLY North American radio model with toolproofing. It's been said here the latest rebanding capable firmware version in the MCS2000, and possibly Astro Saber/XTS3000 is also toolproofed...I haven't confirmed that. Even if it's true, 99% of the MCS2000 units out there should be ok.

Todd

[xmo]

With respect to the rebanding firmware issue - it may not be a toolproof feature. The new firmware may use an extended codeplug format such that only the CPS can write a correct codeplug into the radio.

CPS converts the codeplug format as part of the flash process.

After that's been done - using lab to force an old codeplug could brick the radio because the new firmware won't recognize the old codeplug format.

We need to have this verified.