Astro Saber power-on password problem

[k5hdm]

Hi, I have a VHF Astro Saber III model H04KDH9PW7AN flash 54001-000000-4.. in the CPS, I can enable the power on password but the field to enter the password stays grayed out.. All the password stuff can be placed in the radio menu and when I enable the password, when I program it comes up LOCKED.. I tried the usual 0000,1111,1234, etc. but nothing worked.. I had the same problem in the RSS, couldn't enter password.. Is there a default password that can be entered to get around this? Someone said something about the encryption module having something to do with this? I have this problem on 8 sabers and 1 of them had the encryption module replaced with a new one.. it still has the same problem.. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

[d119]

Not sure if this is right or not, but did you try the last 4 digits of the serial number?

[k5hdm]

I figured out the problem.. I'm suprised that no one has posted how to fix the power on password on here.. I was just playing around last nite and figured this out.. This may only be for Astro Sabers with a secure module.. Here's the procedure:

Turning on power on password:
1. In CPS, enable the power-on password lock and also add the PSWD item to the radio menu.
2. After programming, the radio comes up "RADIO LOCKED".. Enter 8 *'s and press the TOP Button above PTT.. The radio will unlock (and clear out any encryption keys)
3. Go to password in the radio menu.. for OLD password, enter 01234567 and press SEL.. (However 01234567 does not unlock the radio.. hmm)
4. Enter the new power on password.
5. YOU'RE SET!

I hope this helps everyone out!

-Harmon - K5HDM

[txafamn]

it also mentions that in the user manual

[AL7OC]

The solution posted below for the Astro Saber power-on password problem works for the XTS 3000 also. It's not explicitly explained in the CPS help menu where to enter the radio power-on password when the password field is grayed out in the CPS menu. You have to enter a password from the radio keypad, but the radio comes up after programming the password feature with the 'Radio Locked" message. So, how do you enter your password into a locked radio?

If you initially enter the default password of "01234567" and press the purple side button to accept, the radio will power on without losing your keys. Select PASSWD from the radio menu and enter the default password as the old one, and your own for the new one and confirm field. Only enter the eight "*"s at the "radio locked" message if you forget your password as that will erase your keys.

This is where I find Motorola CPS documentation lacking compared to Thales and Icom programming software. Most of the other OEMs provide "how-to" documentation for common programming procedures. The CPS program provides definitions of the CPS terms and components, but it doesn't always tie everything together in a clear fashion. You have to muck around and read the Batboard a lot to gain an understanding of how to use all of the nifty CPS features. The radio user manual is helpful too, but the CPS manual should stand alone in my opinion.

Cheers!

-Pierre