Futurecom VR - Setting up Communications with the VR; Reading from the VR (Uploading Data); Writing to the VR (Downloading Data); Understanding FRC Programming Files

8G093X01 R5
VR Programming Guide
August 2022 Page 20 of 144
Setting Up Communications with the VR
Ensure USB cable is plugged into PC and connected to the USB port on the VR.
Ensure VR is powered up. Note: VR may be connected to DC power but will power up only when
the MSU interfaced to it is also powered up.
Reading from the VR (Uploading Data)
To read a VR unit:
1. Establish communication with the VR.
2. Select Repeater → Load Data from APX Repeater OR Press F2.
3. Data of the currently connected VR unit will be loaded into FRC for reviewing and/or editing.
Writing to the VR (Downloading Data)
Valid Changes: If any of the parameters within FRC are modified from its original value,
the modified fields are shaded in green. In addition, the EEprom maintenance icon flashes yellow,
and when hovering over it, a message indicates EEprom Changed.
Invalid Changes: If any invalid changes are made, the modified fields are shaded in red. In
addition, the EEprom maintenance icon flashes red and the configuration window(s)
containing conflicting data is marked with a red exclamation mark on the FRC navigation tree.
The changes cannot be written to the VR until the errors are eliminated.
After making the necessary changes to correct any programming errors, the data changes can
be saved to the VR by executing any of the following:
Repeater → Save Changes to APX Repeater (F4)
OR
Repeater → EEprom Maintenance (Ctrl+E) → Changes → Repeater
OR
Click on the EEPROM Maintenance Icon → Changes → Repeater
Reset the repeater (after the changes are saved) to ensure the changes take effect. Resetting of
the VR can be done by executing any of the following methods:
Repeater → Reset APX Repeater (F3)
OR
Repeater → EEprom Maintenance (Ctrl+E) → Reset Repeater
OR
Power OFF and ON the MSU
Understanding FRC Programming Files
There are three different types of files that can be used to program a VR: an EEPROM Data file
(EPR), a Device Programming Data file (DPD), or a Device Configuration Data file (DCD). These
files are referred to as codeplugs and each is used for a different purpose. There are also different
categories of data and not all are included in each codeplug type.