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  • Programming Help


PROGRAMMING HELP:

Programming can sometimes be problematic. The new radio doesn't work with your existing equipment or system after programming. You're having difficulty reading or writing to your new equipment or having other difficulties after programming, e.g., open squelch, no range, low receive volume, distorted receive or transmit, no communication with existing data systems, etc.

Some suggestions and possible solutions to consider before contacting tech support (use at your own risk):

  1. It's good practice to read a new radio's factory installed test/blank file and save it as "new radio" or "factory file". Sometimes there are hidden internal parameters that you can't see or other information particular to that version of the radio. This allows you to reload the original factory file in case you want to start again fresh. It also allows the software to identify which model or version of the radio you're programming before you start editing.

  2. If you have a working radio in your system carefully read the radio parameters into the programming software and save the file. You can use this file to write to your new radio if the model is exactly the same. Be careful not to accidentally overwrite your working radio by mistake and make things worse.

  3. If you're unable to read a working radio in your system make certain the data for receive and transmit frequencies/PL/DCS codes you're using is correct as well as any other parameters. This is one of the common problems that occurs when installing a new radio in an existing system.

  4. Do a fresh read from the new radio (after programming) and examine the code plug. Make sure all parameters, frequencies, etc., are exactly correct. Depending on your computer sometimes writing to the radio doesn't complete properly(especially if using a newer computer). You may have to write to the radio several times. Always verify that programming is correct by reading the radio after programming.

  5. Program all channels the same. This sounds crazy but sometimes it works. It is also good practice if you only have one channel since you will never be on the wrong channel by mistake. This is especially true for data radios that commonly use only one channel for receive and transmit. Most programs allow you to copy and paste the entire channel's parameters into another channel, which makes this easy.

  6. If your radio is distorted, has low or very loud audio or is not handling data correctly check your WIDE/NARROW parameter. Most systems are now exclusively NARROW but some legacy systems are still WIDE. WIDE/NARROW refers to the bandwidth of the transmitted information.

  7. If using a repeater or other duplex system (receive and transmit frequencies are different), make sure you've programmed in the correct offset/transmit frequency.

  8. If using a private line/tone squelched system make sure you have the correct PL/DPL or other codes. Trunking and digital systems use system codes and must be exactly correct to work properly.

  9. If your radio or other device requires a 12 volt DC power off/on sequence to initiate an upload or download make sure your 12 volt power supply cleanly powers up and has sufficient current. 1-2 amps of available current is usually all that is required for programming. Carefully observe correct polarity when connecting your power supply to avoid possibly damaging the radio or programming cable.

  10. Your computer may be the problem. New PCs are extremely fast, sometimes too fast to communicate with your radio's internal computer. Changing the com port's parameters can help but if you're not a computer guru this can cause even more problems, so proceed with caution and do at your own risk.

  11. Make sure you're using the correct com port. The software usually has a pull down menu to allow you to select the correct com port where your programming cable is connected. If you're not sure which is correct, try each one. This usually doesn't cause any problems and if you chose incorrectly you will simply get a com port error message.

  12. DON'T use USB to serial or serial to USB adapters. You want to plug your programming cable directly into the correct port type on your computer. Many radios have been damaged by cheap adapters.

  13. Update your com port drivers, again proceed with caution and do at your own risk. This can sometimes fix everything or cause more problems, always back up your drivers to re-install them if things get worse.

  14. Try a different computer, installing the program is easy and many times this works.

  15. When using older or obsolete software to program your radio you may have to find an old/slow DOS or early Windows computer for it to work successfully. Older software(written prior to 2005) usually will not run properly on the newer Windows operating systems.


If your radio programming or radio is still not working after considering these suggestions please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.
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    Programming Help

    • Product Code: Programming Help
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    Tags: programming, software, pc, computer, cable, comport, com, setup, alignment, baud, settings, baud rate, disk, file