Batboard

I was checking here to see if someone had found out how to build a programming cable for the XTS5000/2500 series portable???

I was advised by an EFJ tech that since the 5100 series portable is built off of the XTS platform in a way and that the connector for the speaker/mic programming jack is the same that this cable may work.

I am going to have to try and report back but if someone else has decoded it I would like to see the layout.

I thought monty was working on it but I could be wrong.

You cannot use the regular RIB with the Jedi/XTS3000 cable. There are two options for the XTS2500/5000. There's a ribless serial cable (RKN4106), and a ribless USB cable (RKN4105).

I looked into it briefly, thinking you could just swap some wires around in the Jedi cable & make it work with the RIB. It doesn't look that way. The XTS2500/3000 don't use the same GND, BUSY & BUS lines the Jedis use. Instead, they use a couple of different pins labelled "RS-232+" and "RS-232-", which the RIB doesn't seem to put out. I haven't looked into it beyond that.

Todd

Wavetar, do you know if the XTS2500/5000 can be FLASHed with a USB cable, or do FLASHport loads on the 2500/5000 require the (D series) RIB?

Larry

ASTROMODAT wrote:Wavetar, do you know if the XTS2500/5000 can be FLASHed with a USB cable, or do FLASHport loads on the 2500/5000 require the (D series) RIB?

Larry

The old 'SRIB/Floppy disk' method of FLASHport upgrades is no longer used for the Astro Spectra Plus/XTS2500/5000 series radios. Flashkey data is now distributed on a new type of medium, called an "I-Button Flashkey". You now use a piece of hardware called an "I-Button Key Reader",which connects to your PC's parallel port, to enable the CPS to read the I-Button data. As before, the flash is specific as far as what Flashcode you are upgrading from, and upgrading to, as well as limited to a pre-defined number of flashes. You can also use FLASHport to upgrade your secure module now as well.

FLASHport upgrades had been limited to the ribless serial cable, but I understand that the USB cable is supported for upgrades as of CPS 3.00.00.

Todd

Wow---interesting change! If the I-Button Key Reader connects to the PCs parallel port (I assume you are referring to the printer port), I think a lot of recent PCs have eliminated the parallel printer port, and they just have a USB port. Would you be out of luck with a PC that has no printer/parallel port, but does have a USB port, if you need to do a FLASHport on these new radios?

Thanks!

Larry

Good question. I haven't done any FLASHport upgrades for the XTS2500/5000 yet, so I'm not sure. I pulled the info above directly from the help tutorials in the 2.05.00 CPS, which I had at home. Perhaps the help is updated in 3.00.00 or 3.01.00, but I haven't checked to confirm.

Todd

the latest CPS still uses the parallel port for the I-button reader and then you hook the radio up to the PC with the RKN4106A ribless programming cable so If your PC does not have the parallel port then you cannot do flash upgrades on the 2500/5000 radios.

Also the RKN4106A ribless cable is not a true direct wired serial port to radio UDC cable, there is a small module close to the PC end with some electronics in it.


Mike

So from what has not been discussed here I take it no one has an aftermarket cable for the 2500-5000 series and no one has figured out how to make one. If they are using a USB connecter where are they putting the board?

So from what has not been discussed here I take it no one has an aftermarket cable for the 2500-5000 series and no one has figured out how to make one. If they are using a USB connecter where are they putting the board?

Thanks, I will try to keep an eye on it. I am not a big fan of Ebay.
I think the cable is way over priced.

Shaun, :o? I thought Nick broke you of that when he broke both your legs? I will have to call him later tonight. The xts cable is a :o to make and lets not forget about buying an $8000.00 radio to verify each one works. For those who dont like the price, go to Motorola for one. For those who dont like to piss their money away my girl has already posted my email address.

Radar 33, I prefer not to deal on ebay but it is the best free advertising!!!!

There is an interesting story behind all that but i have been sworn to secrecy.

I have a factory Motorola cable with extra bonus but you need to PM or e-mail me directly due to the boards rules.

Priceindustries.com apparently has a cable for $185. No I am not trying to advertise. I have no connection to Price. A friend bought one and has successfully read a 5000.

The "Price" one is mine, I'll bet your friend is in Central Illinois.