Batwing 2-way programming, I'm the anomaly...

For those of you who haven't read about the initial reason I picked up a CF-29, in short, I bought (4) GP300 2-way radios off eBay for my 24 Hours of LeMons race team.

I did the research on code plug programming, and how the RSS was designed to be run in pure DOS on a 486 class or slower machine. I also read there were a few ways to get around this limitation, from running "slow-down" software to running later DOS versions of the RSS, to running a RSS designed for windows (called a CPS).

After getting the former SBC mule sorted out, I took the plunge:
- Imade a DOS start-up floppy from the XP utility
- Installed the RSS to the floppy
- Hooked up a RIB-less programmer
- Attached the programming end to the roughest condition radio
- Restarted from the floppy

From there I was able to connect and read the code plug. Changed the channel values and some other options and saved a copy of the data on the floppy. Then came the moment of truth, I pushed the button to write to the radio code plug and a few seconds later... Success!

Now, I'm not saying that I might brick a radio in the future, but I now have (4) fully programmed radios, plus a very cool machine to bring to the track to boot.

In addition to radio programming duty, it will serve as my ECU/DME tuning laptop and diagnostic system for all my vehicles.

Thanks to you all for the recent help in getting my rig up and running.

 

One of the true joys of belonging to this forum is browsing through a thread you have no particular interest in and discovering a link to a group of lunatics engaged in a neat activity you had no idea existed. Props to you and your fellow racers. Reminds me of my stripped out Mini racing through the cones in the Xerox parking lot in Penfield, NY back in the mid-sixties. The only rig I ever had a problem with was a similarly stripped out Saab three stroke 96. The proper types with their Morgans, Austin Healys, MGs, and the like hated us. The smell of burning Goodyear Blue Streaks came back to me reading about the LeMons.
CAP

 

if you plan to do more programming you can also set up a dual boot on your toughbook. what you have to do is partition a 2gig section formated to fat 16 install dos (i use 6.22) after you install the dos you can start the windows install and create a windows partition (ntfs). after the install you should see a oot menu when the machine first starts up letting you select your OS. Most new stuff is windows based. It is safer to program the radios with a clean dos install running the program from disk can cause problems



good luck

 

Funny you should mention the SAAB 96. We (car #187) ran in the Stafford Springs, CT event. There was a very cool 96 running and did pretty well in the race. That team also got the "ORGANIZER'S CHOICE" award for their car choice. Best thing was that their team name is "Adopted By Jets"... clever!

 

I made a USB key booting to DOS - then I can quickly backup the files too in a Windows environment, and I don't have to lug a floppy around.

 

Nope, you are not an anomaly, you are just mildly lucky. It kind of reminds me of a guy telling me that he has had unprotected 4 or 5 times, so AIDs is just a hoax or he is immune...

Just because you have not had a radio brick yet in the 4 or 5 that you have programmed does not mean that the well documented problem of codeplug corruption when using too fast a computer does not exist.

As a matter of fact, just because the codeplug loaded does not mean that there is not corruption. Have you tested each and every channel, all signaling modes and other options? How about the Vox? Well then you do not know yet if it is working correctly.

There is a lot of programming in these little beasts and as long as it is just you and your buddies playing a game I guess that it is no big deal. But when programming a radio for use by public safety we hate to find out that a man down, emergency button, or remote monitor does not work in the field where peoples lives are on the line.

After programming several hundred radios I am sure of what I am talking about; Motorola would tell you the same thing.

I do not write this to critique you, I am happy for your success, but as a warning for others that would follow in your path...

All models of Toughbook are too fast for Programming Motorola DOS based RSS safely.

Have fun!

 

Azrial-

I am with you in that I think I got lucky to not to have bricked any of the handsets.

I've tested all channels, with VOX, and all work as expected. Even changed button functions around and disabled extra auido the PTT tones. With that said, I have not tested use with a repeater or the phone functions (got the keypad units).

One interesting thing, came to find out that 2 of the 4 units were early 8 channel "D" models that had been hardware converted to 16 channel, but were not programmed beyond 8. Was able to update their code and even program channel 16 to scan.

 

Thanks for taking what I said in the best light possible, that is exactly how I meant it!

For what it is worth...

All GP300 are actually 16 channel radios, as are P110, they are simply limited in software and by the plastic under the knob.

 

Here here! I didn't catch the "lemon" part at first read through of this thread, I just read it as LeMans at first!
Wow, that looks like a bunch of fun.