TK880 Firmware Update

[WSGI699]

Trying to flash the firmware of an old TK880H Version-1.  First issue is that I can’t find a HEX file for the version-1 to update with.

Second issue is that I don’t know what baud rate to flash at since depressing the scan key when powering on the radio does not provide a rate to use for the update, obviously an important technical setting.  Anyone have any help for this?  Thanks in advance for your response.

[SteveShannon]

22 minutes ago, WSGI699 said:

Trying to flash the firmware of an old TK880H Version-1.  First issue is that I can’t find a HEX file for the version-1 to update with.

Second issue is that I don’t know what baud rate to flash at since depressing the scan key when powering on the radio does not provide a rate to use for the update, obviously an important technical setting.  Anyone have any help for this?  Thanks in advance for your response.

Try different bauds until you can read from the radio. 

[Lscott]

17 hours ago, WSGI699 said:

but still haven’t found the HEX files for the firmware flash.

See attached file for the V1 radio firmware.

Firmware E4B3 TK-280_380_780_880_980_981 V1.zip

[WSGI699]

Thanks Steve.  Found the baud rate by looking at the PC COM port used to down load from the radio, but still haven’t found the HEX files for the firmware flash.  Probably all for naught as I can’t get the thing into PROGRAM MODE. Unless I find a way, it’s a door stop.

[SteveShannon]

22 minutes ago, WSGI699 said:

Thanks Steve.  Found the baud rate by looking at the PC COM port used to down load from the radio, but still haven’t found the HEX files for the firmware flash.  Probably all for naught as I can’t get the thing into PROGRAM MODE. Unless I find a way, it’s a door stop.

Will it not work using the current revision of firmware?  Why do you want to upgrade the firmware?

[Lscott]

12 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

Will it not work using the current revision of firmware?  Why do you want to upgrade the firmware?

I don't know about the other person but I'll update radio firmware just so I don't experience weird radio behavior at an inconvenient time. I've also had to do it on occasion when the radio programming software says some of it's features are NOT supported by the firmware revision in the radio. I get that message when trying to write a code plug to the offending radio.

[SteveShannon]

Just now, Lscott said:

I don't know about the other person but I'll update radio firmware just so I don't experience weird radio behavior at an inconvenient time. I've also had to do it on occasion when the radio programming software says some of it's features are NOT supported by the firmware revision in the radio. I get that message when trying to write a code plug to the offending radio.

Those are the reasons I do it also. I read the release notes (when available) and decide whether to take the chance on introducing new bugs. But the OP said it would be a door stop otherwise so I was curious for more information.

[Lscott]

4 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

I read the release notes (when available)

The manufactures of the commercial radios are rather secretive about their bug fixes. The bugs that got fixed are likely only available to dealers and service centers, but the rest of use are left in the dark.

I've attached one for the last DMR firmware update I have saved for my NX-1200/1300 radios. It doesn't say much. I'm sure various bugs got fixed they just won't disclose.

You want to see why updating firmware is required? Look at the horror show for the D878UV radios. Read the change logs. They can't simply just FIX what they have, but then add features while managing to fuck up other shit that use to work. Look at how many updates they've issued. That's been my experience for the past number of years having to deal with this Chinese radio. This is the worse radio I own for radio firmware and radio programming software reliability.

http://www.wouxun.us/category.php?category_id=93

Their new D168UV seems to be following the same path. It was only released for sale a few months ago.

https://www.wouxun.us/category.php?category_id=108

NX-1200D, NX-1200DV, NX-1300D, NX-1300DU, NX-1200A, NX-1200AV, NX-1300A, NX-1300AU DMR.rtf

[wshl356]

WSGI699 

Were you ever able to figure out how to get the radio into program mode? Mine is doing the same thing. I can program it with KPG-49G but when I look online I'm missing features and the scan functionality doesnt work on mine. I can't even look up the firmware/baud. When I try using the above hex file LSscott shared FPro doesnt do anything. It "writes" but nothing happens on the radio. 

[wshl356]

Actually I figured it out. You have to click the check box in the KPG software under optional features 2 called "Firmware Programming". Then write it to the radio. Then reboot holding the scan button and it will show the program menu to flash the firmware. 

 

Still can't seem to get my scan functionality working but I was able to update the firmware. 

[warthog74]

Make sure to check/enable “off hook scan” otherwise it wont scan unless the mic is grounded to a metal mic hanger.