MTS2000 Programming Problem

[W6WAW]

I am having a problem reading a MTS2000. I persistently receive a "Communication with radio failed" message.

I am using CPS version R02.02.00 and a ribless cable. I have used this same setup to program a number of other MTS2000s with no problems. I have also verified that I am able to read from and write to another MTS2000 after failing to be able to read the one in question.

I have switched case fronts to rule out any problems with the universal connector, etc. This makes no difference.

I do not believe that the radio is inhibited as it operates on the frequency that is already in it. Also, I can put it into service mode when it completes POST by hitting the side button 5 times.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Fred

[akardam]

Model number? Flash? Date of manufacture according to the serial number?

[W6WAW]

Okay, here's some additional information.

There is no apparent flashcode indicated. (I have seen a couple like this before.)

The model is H01RDD9PW1BN

It has the black gasket around the battery terminals rather than the orange one as with most MTS2000s that I've seen.

When I put it in the service mode manually, it reads out RO512 and then the serial number, which matches the one on the label. Nothing further appears.

After removing the boards, I found a date in April 1999 rubber stamped on the inside of the backplate.

I tried reading it with RSS. This at first appears to work (as it reads all the blocks) but I then get a message indicating that this model requires CPS.

When I try to read the radio, it does display 1 CSQ for several seconds, then the radio reboots and goes back through the self-test mode. At this point, I eventually get the error message about communication with the radio failing.

When I try to clone to the radio, I get a message that CPS can't read the serial number. However, it appears that it does read it somewhat as the serial number in the cloning screen window changes to match that of the radio.

[Ford]

Well, here's some information on the radio:
H01RDD9PW1BN
438-482MHz, 4-5W,Standard Control W/ Top Display, Programmable Spacing, Programmable Primary Operation, Programmable System Type, Basic Feature, Standard Package.

You're not getting any fail codes though, just resets? MTS should at least display an RF Test at the end if memory serves.

[n7maq]

You need newer firmware if I'm correct. The 0512 should be your firmware rev, and if that is the case it is very old (13 years at least) firmware. You can still use DOS RSS to program you radio.

Jim

[W6WAW]

Ooops, by mistake I just posted this to another MTS2000 programming question.

It reboots after an attempt is made to read it without any error messages from the radio.

The only error message I receive is that from CPS talking about how it can't communicate with the radio. However, some communication is taking place as I can read the serial number (via the cloning screen in CPS) and it seems that I can read the complete codeplug under RSS, but it then advises me that CPS is needed and aborts.

Now, that message from RSS also tells me to use CPS 1, but that may very be because it is an old version of RSS and it doesn't know anything about there being a CPS 2. I will have to look and see whether I can find CPS 1, since I don't have it installed any longer. However, I always thought that the newer versions of CPS can always read a codeplug written by an earlier version, but not vice versa.

The radio seems to go through the manual service mode options fine. You can go from RF to CH test, etc. Also seems to transmit and receive.

I sent an e-mail to the guy I got it from asking him to check and see what version of the software was used to program it. Apparently, it was done by a friend so he has to contact the other guy.

I don't have a cable to connect this radio to by S-RIB, so I am using the aftermarket ribless cable. I guess the next step would be to have someone who has a real Motorola cable try it with a rib, but I am not sure why other MTS2000's should program fine while this one doesn't.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[MTS2000des]

CPS 2.02 requires a firmware version of 5.44 or greater IIRC. I've had mixed luck using CPS to program 256K MTS's, it's a crap shoot. 99 percent of the time it does exactly what you describe. That or sometimes they will read fine but fail to write.

The rear chassis was most likely replaced in 1999 as the controller firmware is much older. Very common to see the rear chassis replaced as the early ones had issues with the antenna jacks coming loose.

[W6WAW]

I dug out a different version of RSS and was able to read and write to the radio. Problem solved.

Thanks to all who made suggestions.

[MotoFAN]

CPS 2.02 requires a firmware version of 5.44 or greater IIRC.

CPS R02.02.00 works fine with my MTS2000 (F/W version 05.40).