HT1250, option boards, EEPROM HW Failure

[escomm]

Have a few radios at the depot with EEPROM HW errors that the depot is saying is being caused by the option boards. Not sure what kind of option boards they are at the moment (I think they may be voice storage) but I don't understand how or why an option board would cause an EEPROM HW error. Any ideas?

[AEC]

I see no legitimate argument concerning option boards causing EEPROM failures, unless the flex cables are improperly seated, or somehow inserted backwards (contacts facing down in header).

If oddities are the norm, then the option board I am using in one of my HT1250 portables must be of that lineage, as I am using an option board removed from my CDM750, and it is the EXACT same configuration and board type for use in portables. The board is a keypad version that was installed under a metallized cover in the top cover of the CDM. I did not have a need for a voice recorder in the CDM, so I removed it, but when looking at it, there are keypad contacts for the carbon/rubber keys, just no actual keypad. Same ribbon flex, same CPS programming. I have no understanding as to how such things occur, unless there is either a true hardware defect, or improper installation performed, or possibly, wholly incorrect programming forced into the option board, as to cause the error you mention. I've installed LTR boards from several manufacturers, programmed the radios to actuate these options, and have not had one failure. same goes for multiple swaps of option boards from even different platforms, such as the CDM to HT1250 scenario. All without a single EEPROM failure.

I can not sit here and think of a single reason for any option board to cause an EEPROM failure, UNLESS it was a trunking option board in a non trunk capable radio WITH the trunk option programmed active. I don't know, and obviously do not understand the potential for troubles as I am not involved with option boards on a day to day basis, so my exposure to their potential issues is minimal at best, which makes my comments a bit less informed.

One thing I did not see, was which option board, which radio platform was the major conributor to these problems?
You noted the HT1250, but are there others that suffer the same fate?
It would be nice if a valid SRN would come out noting the issues and causes pertaining to the different platforms/models and option boards known to have/cause these problems, and if possible, why. And MAYBE, there is a work-around available as well?

[escomm]

These are all VHF HT1250 limited keypad radios with build dates of 2003-2004.

[HLA]

are theese motorola boards or aftermarket? Don't know about aftermarket option boards that can stun a radio either that would give that message?

[35echo]

There are several signals that go to the option board that are also involved in boot-up. The parallel data lines D0-D7. These also tie to the FLASHROM/Micro that can cause the EEPROM HW fault to show during boot-up.

Also there is MISO, CLK, and DATA/MOSI. CLK and DATA/MOSI tie to the Micro/ASFIC/EEPROM and MISO ties to the Micro/EEPROM. Any of these could be at fault. In the event of a boot-up problem I always disconnect the flexes and retry turning on the radio. If it works there is a problem in the option board/display or the speaker/mic flex.

Regards,

Allen

[escomm]

There are several signals that go to the option board that are also involved in boot-up. The parallel data lines D0-D7. These also tie to the FLASHROM/Micro that can cause the EEPROM HW fault to show during boot-up.

Also there is MISO, CLK, and DATA/MOSI. CLK and DATA/MOSI tie to the Micro/ASFIC/EEPROM and MISO ties to the Micro/EEPROM. Any of these could be at fault. In the event of a boot-up problem I always disconnect the flexes and retry turning on the radio. If it works there is a problem in the option board/display or the speaker/mic flex.

Regards,

Allen

Thanks for the info. Turns out they were some sort of crypto modules but the customer is no longer using them. All's well that ends well.