ASTRO CPS Questions for Astro Saber

[d119]

A few questions...

Has anyone tried to do a firmware uplift themselves on any of the 41FE units? I was successful with my XTS3000 but not with another XTS3000 and another Astro Saber. The software complained that a CVN file with IMBE & SW Crypto was required. Why would it work on one unit and not another? They are all 4F1E units. These are legitimately purchased uplifts & dongles for those who are concerned about it.

What is the "Factory Overrides" menu in the Radio Wide > Advanced tab of CPS? I realize it says not to play with it unless qualified service personnel tell you to. Anyone ever had to use it?

Under Radio Wide > Digital Audio Options, the CPS mentions something about Strong Interference / Weak Signal Fringe Inbound/Outbound creating a buzz and a noise to indicate signal status... What do these sound like, and is there any use for them?

TIA.

[tvsjr]

4F1E has software encryption enabled, which is technically not supposed to be in an IMBE radio (VSELP only). This is one of the "whorecode" problems. Since the newer firmware versions are IMBE-only, they don't support software crypto. Thus, the flash program is erroring out because the flashcode says it needs software crypto, but the firmware won't support it any more.

You'll need to change the flashcode to something without software crypto (use a 1C5E plug if you want a whore) to get the uplift to work.

[d119]

That's odd that it worked on one unit, but not another.

Anyway, that makes sense to me. Thanks for the heads up.

Another question I have is on the disassembly of an ASTRO Saber as far as replacing the control top goes.

I have an Astro Saber III here that has the accessory port nut missing from it, it was obviously extremely overtorqued to the point the entire nut came out and stripped the plastic.

I have another NTN7268B chassis/control top here that has a broken metal tab at the bottom of it. Is it possible to replace JUST the control top, or does the entire chassis HAVE to be replaced?

Also, how is the secure switch (push and rotate knob) removed and replaced?

Thanks !

[Hightower]

Also, how is the secure switch (push and rotate knob) removed and replaced?

As easy as unsoldering the old one and soldering in the new one. Nothing hard what-so-ever.

[d119]

I should've been a little more specific - How do you remove the physical winged knob from the switch assembly, and then how do you replace it?

[Hightower]

I should've been a little more specific - How do you remove the physical winged knob from the switch assembly, and then how do you replace it?

It's been so long since I've replaced the switch I forget exactly what it took. I remember it was easy tho.....

From memory, you do not remove the winged knob (secure switch), but remove the actual switch from the bottom, solder in a new one and simply align the top switch to slide into the switch. No need to remove the knob.

[d119]

OK. I am doing a control top/chassis replacement and it currently doesnt have the winged knob on it. It needs an escutcheon first.

[AEC]

Once the radio is uncased, there is a metal retainer on the switch assy. that must be pulled away from the body, then you should be able to remove the toggle by pulling straight up.
Actually, they are 'fingers' that engage from two sides of the toggle, so you simply spread them apart and lift upwards to remove it.
There should also be some gaskets around the shaft of the toggle as well, so if they didn't come out with the toggle, check the socket and remove them and place them back around the shaft.