FSB10717: Do Not Use PMKN4010A or PMKN4016A with XPR5000s...

[escomm]

Or you might blow up the radio. Or your computer. Or both.

Code: Select all

SUBJECT:  XPR 5350™ and XPR™ 5550:  The Customer Programming Software (CPS) may not read or 
program units, if using the PMKN4010A or PMKN4016A USB programming cables, when accessing radio 
through the rear accessory port. 
 
MODEL / SYSTEM AFFECTED: 
XPR™ 5350 and XPR™ 5550 subscriber units when using a PMKN4010A or PMKN4016A programming cable 
 
SYMPTOM: 
User may not be able to read or program radio through the rear accessory port (MAP) on XPR™ 5350 and XPR™ 
5550 units and may cause damage the radio or PC, thus requiring repair. 
 
Note 1:  “A” version of the programming cables will read and program XPR™ 4xxx series units  
 
CAUSE: 
Differential on computer ground and radio ground causing excessive ground loop currents in the cable, which may 
damage the radio or PC.   
 
RESOLUTION: 
User must update programming cable to PMKN4010B or PMKN4016B, if to be used to program XPR 5xxx series 
units.  Cables are available for purchase from Motorola Solutions, Inc. AAD (Accessories and Aftermarkets Division
part department), via order though Motorola OnLine or by calling 1-800-422-4210. 

[wavetar]

Wow, another programming cable screw up. They don't mention it, but I presume the newer 'B' cable is also required for use with application computers such as for GPS and dispatch.

[escomm]

Seems Motorola wants customers to buy a new version of the cable. I swear, they have balls of titanium, knowingly having products that are defective in the field and not replacing them for free.

[Astro Spectra]

Hmmmm, I've been programming my shiny new '5550 (thanks Jeff) with an original 4010A cable but I take the laptop out to the truck without AC to do that so there is no ground loop. Thanks for the heads up, going to be real careful in future.

[RFguy]

At $45 it's not the end of the world. Cheaper than a radio/laptop repair. Just sayin'

[FMROB]

If I read correctly this is only for programming through the rear accy port, not the front mic port? Out of pure curiosity, why would one program through the rear and not the front? The only reason I ever bought the rear accessory cable was because of the 8300's and I don't recall using it on the mobiles to often?

[N4KVE]

I wonder if there's a simple upgrade to convert the A cable to the B cable like the PMKN4012A/B upgrade to allow the XPR 7550 radio to work with the XPR6550 cable. GARY

[Astro Spectra]

@FMROB, In my case it was because I have the '4010 cable for repeater support. Since Moto said the '4010 was all good that's what I used.

I have the XTL GACI USB cable and Moto says that works with the '5550 so I'll try that. But how long will it be before there is a FSB on that setup ...

[escomm]

Motorola says the A revision cables are not defective because they will program the 4000 series just fine. lmfao

[Astro Spectra]

As a result of investigations over on P25.ca the difference is that on the -B rev cable the USB shield connects to the black wire on the radio header end of the cable.

[wavetar]

As a result of investigations over on P25.ca the difference is that on the -B rev cable the USB shield connects to the black wire on the radio header end of the cable.

Good to hear, as we make our own shielded cables for GPS/Dispatch installations, and we already do that.