Flash upgrade or Codeplug... either way?

[hche]

Ok, I do admit that I am pretty new to Astro Sabers. I just purchased a VHF version of the ASIII with just the basic options. Although the radio itself is not that old (made in year 2000), the versions on it are. Forgive me, but I don't have the exact figures since it's not with me at the time I'm writing this.

I have been reading lots of messages on a variety of subjects on this board, but I am still not quite clear about a couple of things.

I know that in order to add features to my radio, I need to Flash Upgrade. Now this, as I understand, can only be "officially" done through M directly. For various reasons, including getting a hold of a SmartRIB and the appropriate cable, I understand this is not easy to do individually.

I have also come across some postings where a radio can be "upgraded" by forcing a Codeplug into the radio. I don't know the details of this other than the fact that it can be done. I also understand that the version number of the two radios (the master radio of which the original Codeplug came from and the slave radio, the radio that you want to "upgrade") have to match. Is this correct? I have seen a posting where if the slave radio is fed this new Codeplug it would also have the upgraded version?? Can someone verify this?

Please also note that I live in an area where ASIII radios are not available (I live in Korea, btw) which means that even if I want to flash upgrade I can't.

Again, I am rather new to this. I would very much like your thoughts on this subject. I'd value everyone's input and much appreciate your help.

[wavetar]

You have the basics down...you can add features to radios either through official FLASHport upgrades (ie: the legal way) or it can also be accomplished (with a few caveats) using proprietary Motorola LAB or Depot software (ie: the illegal way).

The main caveat with using the LAB is that the features will not work if the native firmware in the radio cannot support them.

As an example (and I'm making up numbers here for clarity's sake):

You have an ASIII & desire MDC functionality. Let's say you need firmware version 5.00.00 or higher in the radio in order for MDC to function. If your existing radio is version 5.00.00 or higher, then adding the MDC feature with LAB will work.

If your existing radio is version 4.00.00 (or any version less than 5.00.00), then your only option is a FLASHport upgrade, as it will lift the radio version to the latest & greatest to allow the MDC to function, and it will also add the feature. Using LAB in this case will add the feature to your radio (ie: you'll see it in the RSS/CPS & it will allow you to set it up in the programming) but it won't work, as the firmware doesn't support it.

Basically, firmware governs everything in these radios. If it doesn't understand what's going on with the new features, they won't work.

Todd

[hche]

Thanks Todd for your input and for clarifying things. Now, I've also heard that if you clone a radio then you also "clone" the firmware, is this true?

[wavetar]

Thanks Todd for your input and for clarifying things. Now, I've also heard that if you clone a radio then you also "clone" the firmware, is this true?

NO. If this were true, then LAB would work for everything. The ONLY way to change the firmware is through the FLASHport method...or changing the controller board. Cloning with LAB doesn't touch the firmware at all.

Todd