Batboard

OK; I have a 'tard question. I've read some older posts about the firmware versions in the IMPRES chargers for the XTS series radios. The local SO has IMPRES chargers that are at least three years old, and they seem to develop "memory effect" and diminished capacity on the ones that usually stay in the desktop chargers, ie: the admin folks.

These are single unit desktop chargers. I don't know what firmware they have, but they were purchased in May 04. Can anyone offer a sort of "IMPRES Primer" for idiots like me? How do you upgrade the new firmware into the older chargers? Cables, software, etc.? Known issues?

Thanks in advance!

Jim

http://batboard.batlabs.com/viewtopic.p ... programmer


that thread will answer most of your questions.




as for the batts sitting in the charger --- impres technology will MINIMIZE the memory effects common to NICAD batteries - but a couple of recommendations....

#1 - order the imrpes field programmer listed in the thread above

#2 - try inserting, removing and immediately re-installing the battery in the impres charger - it should turn ORANGE indicating that it is performing a conditioning cycle on the battery.....

#2 - upgrade all your chargers - you don't need a flashkey - you can upgrade 1 or 10,000 with the programmer once you have it

#3 - replace your "admin types" batteries with new NIMH ones - you can get them brand new on ebay for about 1/2 of what moto charges


firmware revisions for the charger are more to add new battery models to the chargers internal firmware - i.e. when they release a new battery, the charger has to be told the model # and charging algorithm to use when it's installed... since you have single unit chargers, you probably don't realize that when an impres battery is stuck into an impres charger with a display.... all kinds of neat info is presented to the user... model # of the batter, capacity, etc....

current firmware is v3.4 for the charger and v1.60 for the display.


doug

Thanks Doug. That pretty much covers it for me. 29 chargers doesn't begin to warrant spending 175.00 for a programmer, unless these won't recognize the hi-cap batteries that I'm about to buy. I'll try the condition trick and see if that has much effect.

I saw the "Pimp My Charger" post and wondered if Motorola ever did or thought about making a charger that is that cool. That would rock!

Thanks again,

Jim

have a look on the bottom of the chargers. It should have the firmware version at the bottom right on the label.