Help On reading code plug for XTS-3500

[Redtop47]

Does anyone know how to correct this Error Message? (Warning Communication With Radio Failed Protocol Entry Error)

I tried 2 different rib boxes. The com port is right and it work fine when I program my Saber radio.


Thanks
Redtop47

[wavetar]

Are you using the XTS3500 RSS, or the XTS3000/Astro Saber RSS? It's two different packages.

Todd

[Redtop47]

NO, I'm using the XTS RSS Software. It works on my 486 machine and when I installed it on my P1 with windows 98 that's when I'm having problems. It gets ready to read the radio and it drops out and gives me that protocol message. Could It be that machine is too fast. But when I use the saber software which is older... it works fine.

[apco25]

Has to be run in a native DOS, not a DOS window from within 98

reboot 98 and restart in MS-DOS mode

[wavetar]

NO, I'm using the XTS RSS Software. It works on my 486 machine and when I installed it on my P1 with windows 98 that's when I'm having problems. It gets ready to read the radio and it drops out and gives me that protocol message. Could It be that machine is too fast. But when I use the saber software which is older... it works fine.

Are you using the 'reboot in MS-DOS mode' option in the shut down menu, or the 'F8-command prompt only' upon start-up? If so, that is likely the problem. That is not a real DOS mode, it still loads many aspects of Windows which can interfere with the COM port. Either use a boot disk from http://www.bootdisk.com or:

Go the the C:\Windows directory & find the 'MS-DOS Mode for Games with EMS & XMS Support' icon. Copy it onto your desktop for easy access. Double-clicking this will reboot your machine into a superior DOS mode, free of anything Windows. Your machine will even boot into DOS after a hard boot with this method. To get back into Windows, you need to type 'exit' at the prompt.

Todd

[RKG]

For what it is worth, that icon appears to be only a "shortcut" that calls and runs command.com in a Windows "DOS Window," after invoking himem.sys and emm386.exe (an EMS emulator). I'm not sure that this frees up the UART for direct application control (nor am I sure that it does not), but given what is at stake, I'd not rely on it as a safe way to run RSS under Windows.

[wavetar]

For what it is worth, that icon appears to be only a "shortcut" that calls and runs command.com in a Windows "DOS Window," after invoking himem.sys and emm386.exe (an EMS emulator). I'm not sure that this frees up the UART for direct application control (nor am I sure that it does not), but given what is at stake, I'd not rely on it as a safe way to run RSS under Windows.

First of all, it does not run it in a window...the computer reboots itself into the DOS mode. It allows direct access to hardware, no aspect of the Windows shell loads...it is no different than using a boot disk in the respect that the computer is booting from a completely different set of files, seperate from Windows. I have never had any TSR or other issues in this mode. In fact, running the emm386.exe to emulate EMS from XMS memory causes the RSS to run noticeably slower than it would in a DOS window or in 'Windows DOS'. I believe this is why I've found it to work when a boot disk sometimes didn't.

I wouldn't advocate using it if I hadn't literally programmed thousands of radios via this method, and others on the board have confirmed to me it's worked for them.

The gaming community (far more numerous than us) demanded this type of DOS mode after Windows95 screwed things up with no easy way to get to a 'real' DOS hardware controlling mode.

Todd

[RKG]

If you've used it thousands of times and it seems to work, that is powerful evidence.

Some years ago, I was lucky enough to find an outfit that was, literally, throwing away some 486 NEC laptops, on which they had been running W95, in order to get something newer. I was able to scoop a couple. I've replaced main batteries and CMOS batteries, FDISKed them, and loaded MS-DOS 6.22, and I carefully nurture them.

[wavetar]

Don't get me wrong, I also keep a DOS-only Compaq 486/25MHz machine in working condition for general programming throughout the day, so I don't have to keep rebooting my main machine all the time. It is also needed for radios such as STX & MCX1000. But when it comes to programming large numbers of newer radios (such as the 4000+ I had to program onto our provincial SmartZone system a few years ago), I use the faster computer in that particular DOS mode.

Todd

[rogerradios]

Redtop47 it seems that you are using your XTS3000 RSS to read your XTS3500. That is why you got the 'protocol entry' error message.

The XTS3500 and XTS3000 uses two different RSS package. Don't get confused. The latest versions should be:
- XTS3000 / Astro Saber RSS R09.05.00
- XTS3500 RSS R02.00.03

The RSS must be run in 'pure' dos mode as said in earlier postings. Your com port and rib should be ok. Email me if you need help:
[email protected]

NO, I'm using the XTS RSS Software. It works on my 486 machine and when I installed it on my P1 with windows 98 that's when I'm having problems. It gets ready to read the radio and it drops out and gives me that protocol message. Could It be that machine is too fast. But when I use the saber software which is older... it works fine.

[wavetar]

Redtop47 it seems that you are using your XTS3000 RSS to read your XTS3500. That is why you got the 'protocol entry' error message.

He indicated it worked fine on his 486...just not on his Pentium. So it would appear to be the correct program. Redtop47, have you had any luck?

Todd

[Redtop47]

Hi Todd, Yes, It works fine with the 286/486 The P1 233 Is a little too fast. The radio is working great.


Thanks for everyone help.