Converting XTL5K Control Type - Programming Question

[motorola_otaku]

Okay, so after converting to O3, would I use the GCAI or rear connector programming cable? Or does it matter?

[tvsjr]

Okay, so after converting to O3, would I use the GCAI or rear connector programming cable? Or does it matter?

Either one should work... I've used the USB GCAI cable with no troubles.

[escomm]

Is the radio high or low power?

[immelmen28]

Okay, so after converting to O3, would I use the GCAI or rear connector programming cable? Or does it matter?

Either one should work... I've used the USB GCAI cable with no troubles.

Was this a high power? I was under the impression that USB would not work on the GCAI for mid-power XTLs.

[tvsjr]

Okay, so after converting to O3, would I use the GCAI or rear connector programming cable? Or does it matter?

Either one should work... I've used the USB GCAI cable with no troubles.

Was this a high power? I was under the impression that USB would not work on the GCAI for mid-power XTLs.

Older firmware revisions didn't like the USB cable, but I've programmed mid-power O3 and O5 radios using the USB to GCAI cable with no problems whatsoever.

[escomm]

Either one should work... I've used the USB GCAI cable with no troubles.

Was this a high power? I was under the impression that USB would not work on the GCAI for mid-power XTLs.

Older firmware revisions didn't like the USB cable, but I've programmed mid-power O3 and O5 radios using the USB to GCAI cable with no problems whatsoever.

Correct, but you cannot use the GCAI USB cable on the mid power radio at TIB, only the GCAI serial or 26 pin USB on the rear or at the CH.

USB support came with version 5 firmware, anything before must use a serial connection

[akardam]

I split the programming portion of this off into its own thread.

There seems to be some confusion on this topic, but I can tell you my own experiences with the remote mount radio TIB GCAI port.

From the latest XTL5000 BSM, dated January 2007:

HKN6183_
2-wire GCAI RS232 Programming Cable

Used for programming XTL 5000 Mid or High Power through control head or TIB GCAI connector.

HKN6184_
GCAI USB Programming Cable

Used for programming XTL 5000 High Power through the TIB. Used for programming XTL 5000 Mid or High Power through the Control Head.

This jives with my experience to date. I routinely use a USB GCAI cable at the TIB to program my high power XTL5000's with W series heads. My memory of the last time I tried to program a mid power remote mount with a USB GCAI cable at the TIB was that it didn't work, but I will try and confirm this tomorrow. This is all with recent (one or two generations old at the most) firmware.

[tvsjr]

As usual, Moto set out to create a simpler, more intuitive platform, and failed miserably. The Spectra was somewhat complex - at least it only took two cables to be able to service the lot of them (excluding SP stuff).

[motorola_otaku]

Oh wow, thanks for the abundant replies, guys!


I actually pinned this question as I was on MOL getting ready to order a cable. In the end I went with the USB to 26-pin rear cable because I figured it would be the safer bet for programming the widest variety of control head configurations.. and it turns out I was right?

I don't know the firmware version of my specimen as I don't have it in my hands yet, but it is a mid-power radio. As it is, I don't even know if it's going to work with the older-version TIB I've got.

As usual, Moto set out to create a simpler, more intuitive platform, and failed miserably.

GCAIs and TIBs and CHIBs, oh my!

[immelmen28]

...My memory of the last time I tried to program a mid power remote mount with a USB GCAI cable at the TIB was that it didn't work, but I will try and confirm this tomorrow....

This is why I was asking. I tried USB to GCAI on the TIB on my mid-power O3 (12.x firmware) and it was a no-go.

[akardam]

It sucks that there's a bazillion cable choices for the XTL, of course, but at least they're relatively inexpensive. For about the same cost as the XTS serial or USB cable, you can get these four XTL cables:

Low/Mid rear accy serial
Low/Mid rear accy USB
GCAI serial
GCAI USB

This will cover all your options. I haven't included the HKN6155 (W series flash/program serial cable) because at very worst you can always go into the back of a low/mid with serial listed above, or into the TIB on a high power with serial GCAI. We use the 6155 mainly as a matter of convenience (mostly on Motor radios), where disconnecting the rear accy connector would be a pain in the tookus (and might set off an emergency alarm if you don't pull mains power too).

[motorola_otaku]

I got my radio a couple of days ago. Firmware is R09.00.00 and it reads/writes with rear USB just fine.

Now, under "Change Control Head" I see that O3 and O5 are the same option. Since it already has an O5 head on it I should be able to just throw my TIB on and use it with an O3 head as-is and maybe with a control head sync, right?

[escomm]

Correct, if you need to do a sync it will give you the option to select O3 head