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Flash upgrade of Astros with SmartRIB
Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 9:33 pm
by Alan
I am going to attempt some more flash upgrades of some XTS3000 Astro radios.
Last time I had no end of grief. A lot of trouble getting into Bootstrap and such. I am using a new SmartRIB (ver D) but generally use 9-volt batteries.
Some instructions refer to the power transformers and others indicate that a battery is OK.
Any ideas on this?
Posted: Fri Jan 16, 2004 10:08 pm
by Pj
Your best bet is to use an AC adaptor with a known GOOD 9volt battery. That way, for whatever reason the power fails (assuming your using a computer/laptop with battery backup), your RIB will keep on working. If the process was interuppted, chances are your radio would be killed. For some options never used by the SRIB, the first upgrade could take 30min or more on the first time use..
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2004 3:20 am
by Monty
HI:
If you do a review of the technical notes, you
will find a number of recommendations:
1st on the list ====> Well Filtered External Power Supply
and I HIGHLY recommed the Motorola Original.
The Smart Rib does use alot of Power during the process
cycle, and sometimes batteries get weak, and by-by radio.
Next is a Dedicated Computer ! AND make sure all the
Automatic functions are disabled ! like Scan Disc, Defrag,
Pop ups, etc.
Although the OS's these days are mulit-tasking, all it
takes is just one byte out of proper order and by-by radio
Also, the use of a UPS for the Computer is reommended.
So long as you Scan Disc, Defrg the Computer ahead of time,
Reboot it at least 3 times, your OS should be in fine working
order.
Not to say yours is this way, all to often I see a Junk 50.00
Computer with a Unstable OS ( that is either Outdated like
Win95, has Not been updated ) full of dust, with a cheap
or Clone Rib, and a poor program cable all of which can spell
death to a 3000.00 ~ 4000.00 radio.
Kill a HT50, no problem, they are easily replaceable
Don;t take any chances ! ( Period ) ......
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2004 3:46 am
by ExKa|iBuR
Or bypass the Flash upgrading and just do it the "hacker" way *grin*
-M
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2004 10:15 am
by ExKa|iBuR
yea yea, I know
I'm just not cool with Motorola charging incredible prices for a string of 1's and 0's. heh.
-Mike
Re: Flash upgrade of Astros with SmartRIB
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2004 10:20 am
by wavetar
Alan wrote:I am going to attempt some more flash upgrades of some XTS3000 Astro radios.
Last time I had no end of grief. A lot of trouble getting into Bootstrap and such. I am using a new SmartRIB (ver D) but generally use 9-volt batteries.
Some instructions refer to the power transformers and others indicate that a battery is OK.
Any ideas on this?
Definitely use the appropriate power supply. The 9-volt battery should only be used for back-up purposes IMO,
especially when doing FLASHport upgrades.
I'm going to do some XTS3000 & Astro Spectra FLASHport upgrades myself as soon as our 'D' SmartRIB comes in. I'm looking forward to it. I plan on trying both the RSS & CPS methods to see if there's any difference in time required, ease of implementation, etc. I haven't noticed any significant difference for the MCS/MTS flashing.
Todd
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2004 1:19 pm
by motor59
Guys,
My smartRIB won't take a 9v battery - no provision for one at all.
It's not in front of me, but it was bought direct from /\/\ last year, so it should be a relatively current Rev level...
I have the optional AA battery base, though.
Posted: Sat Jan 17, 2004 3:09 pm
by wavetar
Yes, my 'C' series SmartRIB doesn't have the 9-volt battery capability either. I never really asked M about it, I just assumed they all came that way because they didn't want people using it with battery power only during a FLASHport upgrade. Apparently, some came with the provision. It must be a seperate option.
Todd