Futurecom Systems Group, ULC

Over the Air Programming Via

Radio Management (RM-OTAP)
User Guide

for DVR-LX®/DVR/VRX1000

Document: 8K083X64
Revision: R4.1
Date: May 2022
 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

Document Revisions
Rev Date Notes & References
0 2020-07-27 Initial Release
1 2020-08-07 Added DVR-LX®, RM-OTAP File Type Support
2 2020-10-14 Added Helpful Hints
2.1 2020-11-20 Updated DVR reference to VR, Updated support for FW-LMR
3 2020-02-24 Added Helpful Hints: FW Compatibility, Enhancements
Clarification of license type support- now included RM-OTAP license
3.1 2020-08-18 Updated information about saving DCD files and bundling license
3.2 2021-10-13 Addition of How to Update VR ID, Replacing a VR, Overwriting
Temporary Config/FW Update
4.1 2022-01-27 Feature License Notes information added

May 2022 Page 2 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

Proprietary Statement

© 2022 Futurecom Systems Group ULC.

All Rights Reserved
Futurecom, PDR8000®, DVR-LX®, the Futurecom Logo and the Stylized FC logo are
registered trademarks of Futurecom Systems Group, ULC. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owner.
This document is provided as is. This document may contain technical inaccuracies or
typographical errors. Futurecom is not responsible for any changes made from original
format.
Futurecom Systems Group ULC. reserves the right to make changes or improvements to
the equipment, software or specification described in this document at any time and
without prior notice. These changes will be incorporated in the new releases of this
document.
Futurecom Systems Group ULC. waives responsibility for any labour, materials or costs
incurred by any party as a result of using this document.
MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used
under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

May 2022 Page 3 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

Table of Contents

1. Over the Air Programming via Radio Management ............................................. 5

2. Feature Requirements ........................................................................................... 6

3. VR Firmware Update ............................................................................................. 8

4. VR Configuration Update ...................................................................................... 9

4.1 Creating a DCD File ............................................................................................ 10
Creation of New File ............................................................................................................. 10
Modify an Existing File .......................................................................................................... 11
License File Application ........................................................................................................ 13
4.2 Importing DCD File in RM server ......................................................................... 16
4.3 Linking the Imported DCD file to an MSU template .............................................. 17
4.4 Selecting the Template to Write to MSU .............................................................. 18
4.5 How to Initiate Automatic Update for a Replacement VR ..................................... 20
4.6 How to Overwrite a Temporary Configuration or Firmware Update for a VR ........ 21

5. Licensed Feature Upgrade .................................................................................. 22

6. RM-OTAP File Type Support ............................................................................... 23

7. Contact Information ............................................................................................ 24

May 2022 Page 4 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

1. Over the Air Programming via Radio

Management
Over the Air Programming via Radio Management (RM-OTAP) provides the radio
technicians the ability to program or upgrade the firmware/features of a DVR-
LX®/DVR/VRX1000 (VR) without physically connecting the devices to a computer.

Figure 1 – No Physical Connection to VR

The RM-OTAP feature leverages off the APX™ Radio Management application.
Firmware & configuration files are pushed to the VR via Mobile Subscriber Unit (MSU)
through any of the following mediums:

1. Wi-Fi
2. P25 (LMR)
3. USB (or USB connected to LTE device/modem)

Figure 2 – Delivery Methods for RM-OTAP

RM-OTAP is a licensed feature and can be purchased at either time of order for the VR
or purchased as a field upgrade. Please reference the Futurecom Ordering Guide by
visiting Futurecom > Support > Documentation-Software > DVRS-VRX1000

May 2022 Page 5 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

2. Feature Requirements
Vehicular Repeater (VR): DVR-LX®, DVR and VRX1000

VR Configuration Tool: Tweaker 2.05 or later, FRC 1.0 or later

Radio Management (RM): R21.00.01 or later

VR Firmware: 1.60 or later

Mobile Firmware: R21.00.01 or later

VR Feature License: RM-OTAP

Mobile Feature License: DVRS MSU Operation

To verify which mobile models support firmware/configuration updates, see RM-OTAP

File Type Support

HELPFUL HINT
When using RM-OTAP for firmware updates, please note that firmware
compatibility is always enforced. Compatible MSU and VR firmware versions are
bundled together in the MSU firmware. If MSU is updated with a specific
firmware, compatible (bundled) VR firmware will be applied to the attached VR.
For a list of VR-MSU firmware version bundles, please reference the Futurecom
Compatibility Charts by visiting Futurecom > Support > Documentation-Software
> DVRS-VRX1000

HELPFUL HINT
Do not mix RM-OTAP configuration with FRC configuration. RM-OTAP and FRC
do not communicate and tracking configurations will be confusing. One method
must be selected.

HELPFUL HINT
After the initial launch of RM-OTAP support for the VR, there have been
subsequent enhancements to improve the user experience. Please see below
to determine what capability was introduced and when.

May 2022 Page 6 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

RM VERSION DESCRIPTION
R21.00.01 User is always required to link a dcd file with a mobile radio template
(Initial Launch) when using Radio Management.
a. With RM-OTAP feature license- linked dcd file is applied to the
VR.
b. Without RM-OTAP feature license- linked dcd file is not applied
to the VR.
R21.40.00 User no longer needs to link a dcd file when working with mobile
firmware prior to R21.00.01.
Manage->Templates->DVRS Files field, select “None” (see Section 4.3)
R23.00.00 User no longer needs to link a dcd file when they do not have RM-
OTAP feature license for VR (regardless of mobile firmware).
Manage->Templates->DVRS Files field, select “None” (see Section 4.3)
R23.00.00 User can apply an RM-OTAP license to a VR using RM.
R26.00.00 Support added for VR ID only change in SR2021.4

May 2022 Page 7 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

3. VR Firmware Update
When updating the MSU firmware, there is no user action required to update the VR
firmware. The VR firmware update software (DFB) is bundled with the MSU firmware and
will automatically update the VR firmware during an MSU firmware update. Please refer
to Motorola Radio Management Training if you have questions regarding an MSU update.

https://learning.motorolasolutions.com/

May 2022 Page 8 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4. VR Configuration Update
A VR configuration update using RM-OTAP is a four-step procedure:

Step 1: Creating a DCD file from Tweaker/FRC

• Creation of New File
• Modify an Existing File
• Bundling with License File
Step 2: Importing DCD File in RM server
Step 3: Linking the imported DCD file to an MSU template
Step 4: Selecting the template to write to MSU

May 2022 Page 9 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4.1 Creating a DCD File

To create a DCD file, there are two options: create a new file or modify an existing file.

NOTE: Remember to follow programming sequence outlined in VR Programming

Guidelines to ensure the MSU and VR are synchronized.

HELPFUL HINT
It is always recommended to save each DCD file to enable future configuration
changes for a particular VR(s).

Creation of New File

1. Establish communications with VR
2. Read the VR: select Repeater → Load Data from APX Repeater (F2)
3. Make configuration changes (as needed) for this new DCD file
4. Save the data as DCD: select File → DCD Files → Save DCD File
5. Enter data into Save window and click SAVE
6. Enter data into DCD Options window and click OK (Serial numbers are optional)

Configuration Data Name: Filename displayed after

importing into Radio Management (max 23 alphanumeric
chars)

Description: Additional text to clarify content; displayed

in Preview File Header section in Open File window
(max 1024 alphanumeric chars)

Load TXT File: Command button that loads an external

file that contains a list of the serial numbers. All data
imported will be placed into the List of Serial Numbers
field

List of Serial Numbers: List of serial numbers of the

repeaters that this DCD file should apply to. If left
BLANK, this DCD file will be applicable to all repeaters
(max 65000 alphanumeric characters)

Encryption: If custom encryption is used, loading the

DCD file in FRC will require the custom password to be
entered (min 4, max 12 characters)

Bundle License File: Command button that selects a

License File to be bundled to the DCD. The text field
next to the button displays the License File to be
bundled.

May 2022 Page 10 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

Modify an Existing File

NOTE: DPD files are not meant to be used for this purpose- only DCD files may be
modified to create another DCD file.

1. Select File → DCD Files → Load DCD File

2. Click Continue.
3. Specify the DCD file location and name then click Open.
NOTE: If original DCD file was saved with a description, it will be displayed in the
Preview File Header section.

May 2022 Page 11 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4. Unselect any screens with data that is not desired to be loaded and then click OK.

5. Make configuration changes for this new DCD file.

6. Save the data as DCD: select File → DCD Files → Save DCD File
7. Enter data into Save window and click SAVE
8. Enter data into DCD Options window and click OK (Serial numbers are optional)
• Refer to Step 6 in Creation of New File

May 2022 Page 12 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

License File Application

All feature license files, including the RM-OTAP license file, may be sent using RM-OTAP
by bundling with a DCD file.

A license file is bundled in as part of creation or modification of a DCD file.

See Bundle License File (DCD Options window, bottom left)

HELPFUL HINT
Older versions of Tweaker/FRC have a separate menu option for saving
DCD files with license: select File → DCD Files → Save DCD File with
License

Bundling License to Template Files

User can bundle a license file to template file. This can be delivered to a single repeater
or fleet of repeaters via Radio Manager. Any repeater's S/N that matches a S/N in the
bundled license file will have that feature enabled and take in the configurations in the
corresponding template file.

Preview License Info Bundled to (DCD) Template File

User can bundle a license file to DCD file for deployment via Radio Management. FRC
shows preview of info prior to loading the DCD file

May 2022 Page 13 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

Procedures:

1. Select File → DCD Files (Templates) → Load DCD File

2. Enable checkbox Preview File Header in the Open File dialog window

3. License enabled & corresponding S/N are shown (see purple box above)

May 2022 Page 14 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

Applying License to Repeater via Radio Manager

In general, repeater must have RM-OTAP license already enabled for it to support DCD
updates from Radio Manager. One exception is that user can enable RM-OTAP license
when using a bundled license file together with a DCD file update.

Note: cannot update another feature license via RM without RM-OTAP license
already enabled or included in the bundled license file

Procedures:

1. Create a DCD file on FRC with bundled license file

a) Select File → DCD Files (Templates) → Save DCD File

b) Follow prompt & specify DCD filename
c) Enter specifics about the DCD file

d) Click Bundle License File to pick up the appropriate .upf file

2. Import the newly created DCD file into Radio Manager

3. Link the DCD file to the mobile radio's corresponding Template
4. Schedule a Write job on RM for the mobile radio to push the update
5. MSU & Repeater will process the DCD update
6. Feature licenses specified in the bundled license file will be applied

May 2022 Page 15 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4.2 Importing DCD File in RM server

1. Using RM, in the Radio View, go to Settings-> Manage-> DVRS Files

2. From the DVRS Files screen, click Import (icon with three dots inside circle).

3. Select the DCD file previously saved from Tweaker/FRC and click open.
4. In the Job View, confirm the DCD file has imported successfully.
HELPFUL HINTS
It is always recommended to use a new DCD file name. When reusing an
existing DCD file name, delete first from DVRS Files view in Radio
Management (pictured above) to ensure it will be properly imported.

Also note that a DCD created prior to FRC 1.18 cannot be used.

May 2022 Page 16 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4.3 Linking the Imported DCD file to an MSU template

1. To associate the DCD file with a specific MSU connected to the VR, navigate to
Settings->Manage->Templates.

2. Select the MSU template and scroll to the right and locate the "DVRS File"
column and select the DCD file from the drop-down menu.

HELPFUL HINT
If DCD file does not appear as expected in the DVRS File drop down menu,
one possible solution is to export mobile xml to FRC, save DCD, and import
DCD into RM again.

May 2022 Page 17 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4.4 Selecting the Template to Write to MSU

1. Before scheduling the job, in the Radio View, confirm the VR ID is correct in the
"VR ID" column.
Note: The purpose of having the VR ID as a separate column for each radio is
that the DCD is a template to be used for multiple radios and does not contain
the VR ID.

HELPFUL HINT
VR ID- displayed in Hex- if you enter VR ID as decimal, it will automatically
convert to hex.

HELPFUL HINT
VR ID Change Only: To change the VR ID only, a DCD must still be attached
to the job even if there are no configuration changes. An attempt to change
the VR ID without an attached DCD will have no effect. If NONE is selected,
RM will block with a pop-up error message and revert the VR ID.

2. Right click on the row and schedule a write job to complete the configuration
update on the VR.

May 2022 Page 18 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

3. Proceed to Job View to see the status of the configuration update. Once it is
shown as complete in the job status column, the MSU control head will display
"Updating DVRS" and restart.

May 2022 Page 19 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4.5 How to Initiate Automatic Update for a Replacement VR

Prerequisite*:

• RM-OTAP must have been successfully used to send firmware and

configuration to the VR being replaced

1. Remove old VR from installation.

2. Prepare new VR by installing RM-OTAP license via FRC (See License File
Application).
3. Connect new VR to original MSU.
4. Power up original MSU & new VR.
• Observe DVRS Update
• Firmware version bundled inside MSU will be pushed to VR
• If MSU has previously saved configuration, that will be pushed to VR as
well
• VR ID is updated
5. MSU will reset.

*If prerequisite is not met, refer to Section 4.5 Error! Reference source not
found..

May 2022 Page 20 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

4.6 How to Overwrite a Temporary Configuration or Firmware

Update for a VR
Prerequisites:

• RM-OTAP must have been successfully used to send firmware and

configuration to the VR
• Firmware and/or configuration and/or VR ID have been updated using FRC
after RM-OTAP was last used

To restore VR to last configuration and firmware sent using RM-OTAP:

1. Connect laptop to new VR via USB programming cable.

2. Launch FRC.
3. Go to Update Info screen.

• Click Reload OTAP Configuration from MSU button.

• Click Reload OTAP Firmware from MSU button.
4. Power down VR.
5. Power up MSU & VR.
• Observe DVRS Update (applicable when swapping in new repeater with
RM-OTAP license enabled).
Firmware version bundled inside MSU will be pushed to VR.
• If MSU has previously saved configuration, that will be pushed to VR as
well.
• VR ID is updated.

May 2022 Page 21 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

5. Licensed Feature Upgrade

If a feature has been purchased from Futurecom (i.e. Authentication), a license file is
provided by Futurecom. To bundle this file with a DCD, refer to Section 4.1 License File
Application

May 2022 Page 22 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

6. RM-OTAP File Type Support

VR Configuration and License Files
VR Remote Configuration and License File Updates (RM R21.00.00)

MSU Models Transport Method (RM to MSU)

(AN/BN)
USB WiFi P25 (LMR)

APX 7500AN Supported Not Supported Supported

APX 6500AN
APX 4500AN
APX 2500AN
APX 8500 Supported Supported Supported
APX 6500BN
APX 4500BN
APX 2500BN

VR Firmware
VR Remote Firmware Update (RM R21.00.00)

MSU Models Transport Method (RM to MSU)

(AN/BN)
USB WiFi P25 (LMR)

APX 7500AN Not Supported Not Supported Not Supported

APX 6500AN
APX 4500AN
APX 2500AN
APX 8500 Supported Supported Supported
APX 6500BN
APX 4500BN
APX 2500BN
NOTE: Not all above model pairings are offered in all regions.

May 2022 Page 23 of 24

 8K083X64 R4.1
RM-OTAP User Guide

7. Contact Information

Subscribe to our newsletter if you want to be informed about new releases and updates.
Please visit http://futurecom.com/support/newsletter/

Futurecom Systems Group, ULC.

3277 Langstaff Rd
Concord, Ontario L4K 5P8
Canada
1-800-701-9180
https://www.futurecom.com/

© 2021 Futurecom Systems Group, ULC

May 2022 Page 24 of 24