Astro Saber II upgrade question

Chrisjz · Post by **Chrisjz** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 3:59 pm

I recently purchased an older AS II very cheap and it has an older flashcode/DSP loaded, it looks like a pretty useless flash. My question is can this radio be flashed with a newer flashcode and DSP to be able to listen to an Astro system (3600 baud mixed) and receive the digital traffic without any hardware changes? I know it can't do full digital 9600 baud without a 1Meg vocon board but I don't need that yet. The radio info is below. Any help would be much appreciated.

Host: R03.00.00
DSP: M04.02.11
Flash: 000001-002000-5
Model:H04SDF9PW7AN
Serial: 465AVQxxxx

Post by Pj » Wed Dec 10, 2003 5:47 pm

If the radio is legitimatly flashed (which it would appear to be due to lack of options), if the option you purchase from Motorola requires a higher HOST/DSP, the upgrade will update the HOST/DSP. If it does not, then the firmware will stay the same.

I did not run the flashcode, but if the IMBE option is in there, then you can rx IMBE Astro traffic. If not, then you may be looking at a $300-$600 upgrade. If there is no trunking in there, but IMBE, then you can monitor the system conventionally. If you REQUIRE trunking, the each trunking system Costs around $300 per level.

For instance, for a radio with no trunking options will cost you $300 for the entry level trunking, then another 300 to go from that to Smartnet, then another 300 from smartnet to smartzone etc, or you can shell out $1000 and go straight to smartzone etc.

**UPDATE**
I just ran you flashcode and it came back as:
H35/G48 Conventional Operation
Q241 ASTRO Ready (Analog Operation ONLY)

Which means, if you want to do anything digital or trunking related, its going to cost you some $$$ if you want to do it the correct way. You may be able to force in another feature set, but not all options or feature may work correctly, and there is the risk of turning it into a paperweight. So, right now, you have a nice analog radio with MDC in it.

Chrisjz · Post by **Chrisjz** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 6:51 pm

This particular AS II I paid $225 for and I thought it was worth it even with the low flashcode. Given the information you have supplied me with, is it safe to say that all that is needed is software updates ie: Host/DSP and some features turned on via a new flashcode? Or will there be any hardware changes as well. As I said earlier, I don't want or need the 1Meg vocon board at this point since the systems I want to listen to don't require it. If all that is needed is some software updates I may be able to have that done

Let me know what you think...

Chrisjz · Post by **Chrisjz** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 7:18 pm

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. I am new to the Astro scene since I am an EDACS technician and have recently become very interested in Astro. I will let you know how I make out with this project. Thanks again...

Post by Pj » Wed Dec 10, 2003 8:47 pm

If you get your upgrade thru offical channels, the IMBE option was about $635. If you were to get this option, your firmware would be upgraded at the same time. This can be done at a local Motorola Service Center that does work on public safety radios. Usually there will only be one or two shops that can sell these radio's in a given geographical area and are not to be confused with shops that sell the cheep radio's.

The firmware (HOST/DSP) uses the same concept as a FlashBIOS in a computer, whereas the flashcode would be the software (not to be confused).

If you were to do a "backroom upgrade" to IMBE, IMBE would still not work since that style of hacking won't address the firmware, which your radio does not support IMBE.