CDM1250 Firmware Upgrade

[Andy2712]

I'm looking to do firmware upgrades to my fleet of CDM1250's. I have the programming software and the cable, do I need anything else before I do the update? Is there any tricks or secrets I should know about before I do them? Thanks!

[Will]

I think firmware up-grading may wipe out all the Alignment and Calibration values.
Read the radio with the Tuner and write down ALL the values on a good ol piece of paper.
Then when finished with the radio's fw up-grade, you can check all the Alignment and Calibration values in Tuner to make sure they are the same.

[RFguy]

Will has given some good advice.

It "typically" doesn't wipe the calibration data, but it does happen from time to time if there is some corruption and it does a complete refresh.

[Garyf629]

Don't you also have to use a RIB box with a flash adapter? I am not sure you can use a USB programing cable.

[jackhackett]

I have the programming software and the cable

Andy, exactly which software and cable do you have? Which firmware versions are you upgrading to/from?

You will need the Firmware software, the flashing adapter, and either the RIBless cable or a RIB and the programming cable that connects to the rear accessory jack. The flashing adapter has 25 pin connectors, so you'll probably need some DB9 to DB25 adapters as well if using the RIBless cable.

I use the RIBless cable myself, but I understand the accessory jack cable is considered more reliable.

If you're updating very old firmware you may have to do it in several steps, you can't always upgrade directly to the latest version, sometimes you have to do a version in between first.

There are other ways to do the cables if you have the technical ability, building your own cables/adapters. I believe the info is available somewhere on Batlabs, but of course the DIY method comes with increased risk of bricking your radios, better to get the correct cables from Moto.

[Vizwar]

Jack is right, the rear connector is significantly more reliable.

If you have remote kits on the CDMs then just forget the mic jack even exists and ALWAYS program AND flash via the rear connector on the radio itself.