Chirp Error Code "short read of the block 0x0000"

[AndyOnTheRadio]

Hey! I've just gotten my Radioddity DB25-G and I'm trying to connect it to Chirp via my Mac. (Yes, the DB25-G is compatible.) I have the correct port selected. When I download from the radio I get a error message that says, "Error communicating with radio. Short read of the block 0x000" and then the radio reboots.

Clearly something is not right. I use Chirp all the time with my Baofengs without issue.

Any tips from someone who has had this error code before? Thanks!

[OffRoaderX]

32 minutes ago, AndyOnTheRadio said:

Clearly something is not right.

Ya think?!
Are you certain that you are selecting the correct radio-model before trying to read from it?

[AndyOnTheRadio]

1 hour ago, OffRoaderX said:

Are you certain that you are selecting the correct radio-model before trying to read from it?

Thanks for asking. Yes, it is the correct model. I've attached a screen shot.

Chirp actually starts to communicate with the radio and then throws the "Short read of the block" code and the unit resets.

 

[OffRoaderX]

I dunno.. Never seen/heard that error before.  i would try a factory reset.  if that doesn't fix it, unless someone else has any better ideas, you might have to call the Radiooddity man.

[AndyOnTheRadio]

Just now, OffRoaderX said:

I dunno.. Never seen/heard that error before.  i would try a factory reset, then, unless someone else has any better ideas, you might have to call the Radiooddity man.

That's a good idea. I can't find anything about this error code. I'll factory reset it and try again tomorrow.

I appreciate your help.

[amaff]

Will it work with the Radioddity software?

[WRYZ926]

12 minutes ago, amaff said:

Will it work with the Radioddity software?

Now on a Mac unless he is running Boot Camp, Parallels, or some other type of virtual machine running Windows. The software from Radioddity is only for Windows.

@AndyOnTheRadio I have a couple of questions for you.

Did you make sure the cable is plugged into the correct data port on the radio (port closest to the fan) and it is in all of the way?

Did you select the correct com port in CHIRP?

I'm sure you have double checked all of that but sometimes we all overlook the simple stuff when trying to trouble shoot things.

[AndyOnTheRadio]

9 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

Now on a Mac unless he is running Boot Camp, Parallels, or some other type of virtual machine running Windows. The software from Radioddity is only for Windows.

@AndyOnTheRadio I have a couple of questions for you.

Did you make sure the cable is plugged into the correct data port on the radio (port closest to the fan) and it is in all of the way?

Did you select the correct com port in CHIRP?

I'm sure you have double checked all of that but sometimes we all overlook the simple stuff when trying to trouble shoot things.

Correct on a Mac I can't run the official software.

Thanks for asking me the basic questions, sometimes I mess up... basically.

Yes, the data cable is in the data port closest to the fan. I am using the correct com port from Chirp. I've even done the "Help Me" in the port drop down and it leads me to USB-Serial Controller. (I've also tried all of the other options.) I have done a factory reset and still have this issue @OffRoaderX.

The sequence is hitting okay to download from the radio, Chirp says "Cloning from Radio", it stops and throws the "Short read of the block 0x000" and then the DB25-G makes a clicking sound and reboots. I do not notice any spikes on the AMP levels on my power supply when this happens.

I'm considering trying to find an older version of Chirp to see if this still happens.

Thanks to everyone for their help!

[SteveShannon]

6 minutes ago, AndyOnTheRadio said:

Correct on a Mac I can't run the official software.

Thanks for asking me the basic questions, sometimes I mess up... basically.

Yes, the data cable is in the data port closest to the fan. I am using the correct com port from Chirp. I've even done the "Help Me" in the port drop down and it leads me to USB-Serial Controller. (I've also tried all of the other options.) I have done a factory reset and still have this issue @OffRoaderX.

The sequence is hitting okay to download from the radio, Chirp says "Cloning from Radio", it stops and throws the "Short read of the block 0x000" and then the DB25-G makes a clicking sound and reboots. I do not notice any spikes on the AMP levels on my power supply when this happens.

I'm considering trying to find an older version of Chirp to see if this still happens.

Thanks to everyone for their help!

Contact the Chirp developer.  For whatever reason Chirp is expecting something different than it is receiving.  That’s not the kiss of death while reading, but if you turn around and write something to memory that doesn’t match you could end up with unexpected results, including possibly bricking your radio.

Or just use the factory software in Parallels.

[OffRoaderX]

5 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

just use the factory software in Parallels

Just for more infos: I live in an all Mac household and avoided doing this for years because I didnt want all the hassle. I was finally forced into trying it and installing/setting up Parallels was VERY easy - virtually automatic, and it works great.  The worst part is paying for it but it really is worth it for running the manufacturers Windows-only programs.

[amaff]

10 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

Not on a Mac

Derp. Forgot the RO software is windows only.

[WSFB377]

@AndyOnTheRadio BLUF: I have a unit with the same problem. See bold text below.
 

I think Amazon has a bad batch of DB25-Gs (or they are all bad CCRs). I have experimented with three (two are on the way back to Amazon) and I do not recommend this model at this point.

Unit 1: The unit continues to show a channel in the “receiving” color for a random amount of time after the incoming transmission has stopped. I was prepared for less than the advertised 25 watts, but this one quickly drops to around 14W while transmitting. Works fine with the CPS and CHIRP. Reseting the unit or flashing to default with the CPS does not make a difference.

Unit 2: Power output is around what I expected (~16-17 watts), but a different bug with this one. The TX Power/Mic Volume display always shows 220-230 for the volume value. It should be 0 if you key the mic with a silent background. The actual transmit audio is fine/good reports from another station. Reseting the unit or flashing to default with the CPS does not make a difference.

Unit 3: Requested as a replacement for one of the above units. Power output is around what I expected (~16-17 watts), but this one has multiple bugs. The unit has an issue communicating with the CPS and CHIRP. Attempting to write with the CPS causes the unit to crash/reboot shortly after the write starts. CHIRP cannot read the unit and shows the “short read of the block 0x0000” error.  Connected to a BTECH 30A/13.8V power supply (confirmed output of 13.8v with multimeter) unit shows 12.5V when pressing number 0. Reseting the unit does not make a difference. Writing a full flash of the CPS defaults is not possible. I tried with both the included “junk” programming cable and a BTECH cable.

Other things I have noticed:

1) The supplied programming cable is junk and likely uses counterfeit chips. The driver that installs automatically for Windows 11 will prevent the cable from being used. You can download an old driver, but Windows constantly replaces it (and there isn’t an easy was to stop that on consumer versions of Windows). I bought a BTECH cable that works fine.

2) The CPS defaults are different than the radio “Reset All” defaults.

3) One of the supplied t-connector to 12v outlets had a sloppy t-connector fit. If the t-connector was bumped in the right direction it could lose power.

I like the concept of this radio. CHIRP compatibility was part of my deciding factor over what I think is the more popular and simple DB20. At this point I don’t have any confidence in receiving a radio that doesn’t have issues.

[AndyOnTheRadio]

3 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:

Just for more infos: I live in an all Mac household and avoided doing this for years because I didnt want all the hassle. I was finally forced into trying it and installing/setting up Parallels was VERY easy - virtually automatic, and it works great.  The worst part is paying for it but it really is worth it for running the manufacturers Windows-only programs.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll look into that.

[AndyOnTheRadio]

Thanks to everyone who has responded! Your input is very much appreciated.

I did pull out an old Windows 10 laptop and downloaded the Radioddity software. I can get the radio to download to the software, but when I try to write it back the unit resets like @WSFB377 says. I will contact Radioddity and see what they say. If not, it's going back.

@WSFB377: Have you ever gotten any of your units to successfully read and write on any software, even with the BTECH cable?

 

[WSFB377]

Yes. 2 out of the 3 would read and write with the CPS and CHIRP using the supplied cable and the BTECH cable.

[AndyOnTheRadio]

16 minutes ago, WSFB377 said:

Yes. 2 out of the 3 would read and write with the CPS and CHIRP using the supplied cable and the BTECH cable.

So it sounds like my cable may work, but the radio may not. If I get a good answer from Radioddity, I'll post an update.

[WRYS709]

Another reason I recommend the Radioddity DB20-G a/k/a Anytone AT-779UV