Astro Mobile

[KC2NNS]

Hi. I'm attempting to read the codeplug from an Astro Mobile to make a couple changes. During reading block 1, the radio reboots and the software displays "Checksum Error". Sometimes during the read, just before the radio reboots, the display will read "1 CSQ". Otherwise the radio works fine with no problems. I have 2 seperate radios that are both having the same issue. Maybe I've missed a step somewhere. Any help would be greatly aqppreciated.

-Jon

[escomm]

What kind of cable/rib are you using ?

[Hightower]

Sounds like the internal codeplug got corrupted somehow - not your fault.

You should be able to write an older codeplug (from that radio, hopefully you have a backup) into the radio to correct this problem, then update the old codeplug with your current freqs/data.

[KC2NNS]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I'm using a home-made RIB and cable.I know the RIB is good because I just used it today to program a few other radios. I'm pretty sure the cable is good because I used it to program a Spectra a couple weeks ago.

Is it possoble that the codeplug in BOTH radios became corrupted in the same way? Can the codeplug be corrupted in such a way that the radio still works perfectly fine? Unfortunately I don't have an older codeplug saved since my last computer crashed on me a few months ago.

[Hightower]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I'm using a home-made RIB and cable.I know the RIB is good because I just used it today to program a few other radios. I'm pretty sure the cable is good because I used it to program a Spectra a couple weeks ago.

Is it possoble that the codeplug in BOTH radios became corrupted in the same way? Can the codeplug be corrupted in such a way that the radio still works perfectly fine? Unfortunately I don't have an older codeplug saved since my last computer crashed on me a few months ago.

You bet, depending on what portion of the codeplug in the radio get corrupt, the radio can still function as normal. I've seen your exact problem on a 3K. Had a backup CP, and dumped it back in.

I've seen the CPS complain about a block checksum error, but it still allow the radio to be read and corrected the checksum. Other checksum errors, the CPS will not unpack the codeplug when read.

[KC2NNS]

I rechecked everything again today. The RIB works with every other type of radio I hook it up to. The cable worked with a regular remote-mount spectra that I tested it with today. I don't have a third Astro to test with. It just boggles my mind that both radios could become corrupt in the same exact way at the same exact time with no outside influence. I suppose it's possible, but probable? It also concerns me that the radio displays "1 CSQ" as if it is switching to the test frequency during programming. I don't think it's supposed to do that.

Could the problem be with the cable? I'm correct in that the cable for the remote-mount Spectra and remote-mount Astro are the same, yes? Do they use different pins and maybe one that's exclusive for the Astro has failed? Or is a corrupted codeplug the only answer and I'm wracking my brain for no reason?? I'm trying to avoid having to construct a whole new 100+ channel codeplug if I don't have to.

-Jon

[rc50won]

Put a fresh battery in the Rib.

Marshall

[akardam]

It also concerns me that the radio displays "1 CSQ" as if it is switching to the test frequency during programming. I don't think it's supposed to do that.

Well, actually, yes, it is.

[KC2NNS]

Put a fresh battery in the Rib.

Marshall

Tried that already. :-{

It also concerns me that the radio displays "1 CSQ" as if it is switching to the test frequency during programming. I don't think it's supposed to do that.

Well, actually, yes, it is.

Didn't know that. Thanks for the info. It's been a while since I programmed an Astro.