HT1250 Sound reduction on scan

[BlueLineEnt]

I'm having a problem with my HT1250, and I'm looking to see if anyone else has had this problem and can tell me how to fix it. I tried searching, but it seems most of the scan problems have been in the programming. Heres the basics.

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When I have the radio set up to scan without priority scan turned on, the scan works fine and the audio is great.

When I have the radio set up to scan with priority scan turn on, it still scans fine and you now have the quick muting while it checks the priority channel, but here is the problem. After the 1st of 2nd check of the prioity channel,(withing 1.5 - 2.0 seconds) the audio of the current channel being received seems to be cut in half, and it gets very tin-ish sounding and very very high and treble. I have tried messing around with different scan settings, to no avail.

Any insight?

Matt

[tvsjr]

What firmware revision is installed in the radio? If it's dirt-old, you probably need to get it bumped before you do too much troubleshooting.

[BlueLineEnt]

Firmware version R05.08.07

[wavetar]

There was a field service bulletin back in 2000/2001 for a very similar issue, however it was for early firmware versions below 3.xx.xx, so it doesn't apply. Not to say it isn't a new firmware glitch. Easiest thing to try is uplifting the firmware to see if it fixes it.

Todd

[BlueLineEnt]

Let me guess, something I have to order from MOL and I probably don't already have free?

[tvsjr]

Not entirely. A dealer can download it from MOL for free... if you purchased the programming software, you may be able to download it - not certain. At least you can perform the flash with nothing more than an OEM programming cable and an adapter to put the radio into flash mode, rather than needing SmartRIBs and special cables!

MOL shows the current portable version as R05.14.00, and recommends (in large red bold type...) the use of CPS R06.10.04 for programming, which is the latest revision.

If you don't have a friendly local dealer to do the work, several people on the board including myself can probably help you out.

[Josh]

Not entirely. A dealer can download it from MOL for free... if you purchased the programming software, you may be able to download it - not certain. At least you can perform the flash with nothing more than an OEM programming cable and an adapter to put the radio into flash mode, rather than needing SmartRIBs and special cables!

MOL shows the current portable version as R05.14.00, and recommends (in large red bold type...) the use of CPS R06.10.04 for programming, which is the latest revision.

If you don't have a friendly local dealer to do the work, several people on the board including myself can probably help you out.

It seems that the newer versions of firmware require newer CPS. I did some firmware upgrades last september or so and found that the older version of CPS I had wouldn't read it properly anymore. It puzzled me until I realized I hadn't installed the "latest CPS", which of course solved that problem.

[BlueLineEnt]

Can anyone confirm that upgrading the firmware will fix this problem before I start throwing money at it?

[wavetar]

Can anyone confirm that upgrading the firmware will fix this problem before I start throwing money at it?

Doubtful, since it isn't listed as an official field service bulletin. That could mean it's not a firmware bug, or there just haven't been enough complaints about it to warrant one being created. At this point you have two scenarios...either a firmware lift will fix it, or it has an actual hardware issue. The firmware uplift could be anywhere from free (if a board member nearby offers to do it for you) to an hour's labor at a shop (most charge an hour minimum for anything, but some might offer a flat fee for upgrading...$25, $35, whatever). If it's a hardware issue, then it's a flat rate repair at the depot, which will run you in the area of $300. So, not much to lose with the firmware lift.

[BlueLineEnt]

I also just noticed that when I adjust the volume while receiving the non-priority channel tin-ish audio, the audio is fine while adjusting, but immediately reverts to its tin-ny tone as soon as the knob stops moving. Just more food for thought.

[jban]

I'm certainly no expert but I had the same tinny audio when I set the audio to "Companding" mode. Changed it to normal and problem was solved. Just a thought!

[BlueLineEnt]

Well today I called the 2 closest MSS and neither could give me a price. Both said they "had to look it up" or "check with the other guy who does that" and have to get back to me. I thought this was a simple regular procedure? Either way I'm hoping they don't come back with some rediculous price.

[BlueLineEnt]

Just as an update to anyone who may read this in the future looking for similar problems. I had the firmware upgraded yesterday to R05.14.00, the latest as of now, and it did indeed correct the problem.

[wavetar]

Excellent. Thanks for posting the results of the fix!