Programming Remote head CDM radios

[mg3610]

When programming a remote head CDM radio, I have noticed problems reading/writing when using the mic connection. Can you connect to the chassis to program and what is the "correct" method to attach the program cable.

Thank you in advance.

[Jim202]

Use a programming cable that uses the rear accessory connector. You will probably have to make your own.

Jim

When programming a remote head CDM radio, I have noticed problems reading/writing when using the mic connection. Can you connect to the chassis to program and what is the "correct" method to attach the program cable.

Thank you in advance.

[nmfire10]

I've been programming them through the control head (fixed and remote) for years and never had any trouble.

[HLA]

motorola put out a bulliten on this a long time ago and it says to put the head back on the radio if you have to use the mic jack to program the radio or simply use the rear connector.

[RKG]

I thought the problem was limited to dual head installations. I've been programming CDM 1250s and 1550s via the mike connector for more than 5-8 years I think and nary an issue.

[nmfire10]

I recall this bulletin as well. I have yet to see any logic or pattern regarding who has problems and under what conditions. It seems rare and random. Apparently you are random rarity with yous

[ve3nsv]

Same here re: remote heads, never had any issues programming the radio or Passport board through the mic jack.

[JD]

Just plug the program cable directly into the chassis of the remotely mounted transceiver, single or dual. I have done this several times, works fine.

[HumHead]

Programming through the mic jack on the remote head is one of those things that is sort of like programming using a USB to serial converter- it will work for a lot of people a lot of the time, but it is not necessarily foolproof.

I have seen the SRN on the issue and have experienced the problems first hand. Then again, the number of programming cycles that I have done on CDMs is probably well into the thousands, so my odds are somewhat higher than a hobbyist who programs their radio every couple of months.

My bottom line- the accessory connector adapter to do it the reccomended way is less than $10 from Motorola. Why take chances?

[nmfire10]

One good reason is the chassis isn't always in a spot that allows easy access to the port. Under seats, backwards in trucks, etc. The reason I use the mic jack is I'm too cheap and lazy to buy the accessory port cable

[HumHead]

Well, you pay your money, you take your chances. Hopefully you will continue to be one of the lucky many, and not one of the unfortunate few.

[tvsjr]

One good reason is the chassis isn't always in a spot that allows easy access to the port. Under seats, backwards in trucks, etc. The reason I use the mic jack is I'm too cheap and lazy to buy the accessory port cable

The accessory port cable is a whole lot cheaper than depoting a CDM for the dreaded EEPROM CS error...

[Farewell]

I programmed read/changed/wrote a CDM 1250 using older software, changed the MDC, wrote to another CDM 1250, changed the MDC, wrote to another CDM 1250, and went to do it one final time (this one to a remote mount) and it came up unable to program. I unplugged the cable from the body going to the head and plugged my aftermarket cable into the radio body (of course under the officer's seat), went to write it and EEPROM CS Error'd the radio. I couldnt read or write. I had to remove the radio from the Engine, bring it to a buddy who has a RIB and a different version software (unsure if it was newer or older) and he was able to revive the radio. In my erperience, when dealing with remote mounts, re attach the head directly to the body and use the newest software version. Any other thoughts?