converting A5 spectra to SmartZone

[steve_eo]

I have a D43KXA7JA5BK and want to use it to monitor a SmartZone site (only one site-analog talkgroups).
I've followed the steps I can find online re converting conventional radios to trunking ones but I'm still not having success.
I currently have a FAIL 001 error while on a trunking mode. If I program a conventional mode to the exact same frequencies, I don't get that error while on that mode. I only get it while going to the trunking mode. In addition, if I select RSSI, I get 31 (IE no signal) but on the conventional mode (of the same frequency), I get 76 (nice and strong).
I believe I've correctly followed the online procedures to convert the radio from a hi-band conventional vhf to a low band trunking version with model number of T41ZGA5JC7AK. No other errors are present.
I can program AMSS so I'm assuming I have the correct firmware.
Am I missing some hardware or something here?
My understanding is that I can convert a conventional Spectra to Trunking (Not SmartZone). Am I wrong?
Do I HAVE to have an E series head?

To summarize:
Trunking setup:
1 site, 1 control channel, 1 talk group in one mode.
FAIL 001 error present, RSSI=31.
I even get the FAIL 001 if I program a frequency from the original hi-band.
Conventional
1 mode of same freq as trunking control channel above.
No FAIL 001 and RSSI=76.
Thanks for any help!
-Steve