CS750 & CS800D
Codeplug Conversion

Prerequisites

• N0GSG DMR Contact Manager software and compatible operating system - http://n0gsg.com/contact-manager/

• DMR radio, programming cable, and manufacturer’s Customer Programming Software (CPS).  Need help finding your CPS?

• RATS DMRVA/HEARS Master Codeplug file – 

  • UHF monoband radios download the CS750 Master

  • VHF/UHF dual-band and tri-band radios download the CS800D Master

  • Note:  These are packaged as ZIP files that include a channel list and README file.  Be sure to unzip before use.

Terminology

• Source codeplug – the file you downloaded from this website, for CS750 or CS800D

• Target codeplug – the file you create specifically for your radio

Converting Codeplug Formats with N0GSG DMR Contact Manager

Step 1: Create a Target Codeplug

To create a target codeplug, use your CPS to read your radio’s current programming (even if new or empty). This is important to ensure the codeplug contains certain settings  necessary to the proper operation of your radio. Save this file on your computer someplace where you can find it easily.

The exact procedures will vary by radio, but in general:

• With the radio connected via data cable and powered on, launch the CPS

• Ensure the correct COM port is set in the CPS if needed -- primarily for Anytone and Alinco radios, or radios using the Anytone-style CPS.  You may not have this option.

• Look for a "Read from radio" option or something similar in the CPS menu.

• Save the target codeplug file and exit the CPS.

  • Anytone and Alinco radios, and radios using the Anytone-style CPS:  If you have a Tool > Export Data Conversion File option in the menus, use that to create a .dcf file.

  • Others:  File > Save or similar.

Step 2: Wipe the Target Codeplug

Before importing new data, we first need to remove old channels, zones, scan lists, and receive groups from the target codeplug.

Download and launch N0GSG DMR Contact Manager.  Go to File > Open Codeplug and select your target codeplug file.  Then:

• On the Zones tab:

  • Use the left and right arrow buttons on the screen to scroll through the list of zones.  Delete each zone except for any custom zones you wish to retain.

  • You need to have at least 1 channel, 1 zone, and 1 contact in each codeplug.  If you need to delete all zones, you’ll first need to click [+] New Zone and create a new zone temporary zone.

• On the Scan Lists tab:

  • Use the left and right arrow buttons on the screen to scroll through the receive lists.  Delete each except for any custom scan lists you wish to retain.

  • You may need to click [+] New Scan List and create a temporary list.

• On the Rx Groups tab:

  • Use the left and right arrow buttons on the screen to scroll through the groups.  Delete each except for any custom receive groups you wish to retain.

  • You may need to make a temporary one.

• On the Channels tab:

  • Shift+Click and/or Ctrl+Click to select a range of channels, then right-click and delete all channels, except for custom channels you wish to retain.

  • You will probably be required to keep at least one channel in the codeplug.

• On the Contacts tab:

  • Shift+Click and/or Ctrl+Click to select a range of contacts, then right-click and delete all contacts, except for custom contacts you wish to retain.

  • You will probably need to keep one contact in the list.

These steps should leave you with a mostly-empty codeplug.  You'll probably have an empty zone, empty scan list, and empty receive group list.  That's fine -- we'll clean that up momentarily.

Pro tip:  You may want to save this as a baseline blank codeplug for future re-use when you want to pull in new data from our files.

Step 3: Import the Source Codeplug and Edit as Desired

Still in N0GSG, on the Structural Import tab, leave the default selections checked and click the Import selected structures button.

When the file dialog opens, find the source codeplug (CS750/CS800D) you downloaded from RATS and open it.  N0GSG will provide a summary of the number of contacts, channels, zones, etc. that have been updated.

If you created a temporary Zone, Scan List, or RX Group, return to the appropriate tab(s) and delete the temporary items.

You can use N0GSG’s built-in editor to make minor revisions to the channels, change the sort order of contacts and channels, and re-order zones.  Sometimes it is easier to make edits in N0GSG while you’re here, vs. in the CPS.

When you’re done, File > Save and exit N0GSG DMR Contact Manager.

Step 4: Run Post-Conversion Cleanups

A handful of newer Anytone CPSs require additional cleanup because N0GSG does not fully support these new versions.  We've created some handy cleanup tools for these radios:

• Anytone AT-D168UV, Airiton DM-168

• AT-D578 Series

• AT-D878UV II Plus

• Bridgecom Maverick

Step 5: Sanity-Check the Data and Load to Your Radio

Now, with your radio connected, re-launch the CPS.  Go to File > Open and load the target codeplug you just saved in N0GSG.

Set your radio ID (from radioid.net) and other preferences. Spot-check a few digital channels in detail to ensure all channel settings carried over. Look for things like APRS/GPS beaconing that might have been toggled on, incorrect time slots, and mismatching contacts. The N0GSG software works extremely well, but occasionally the CPS will have trouble with imported data.

Again, ensure the correct COM port is set in the CPS if needed -- primarily for Anytone and Alinco radios, or radios using the Anytone-style CPS.  You may not have this option.

When you are satisfied with your codeplug’s accuracy, send it to your radio.  Look for Write to radio or something similar on the CPS menus.