New SDC Kyocera DuraXT to replace Duramax

**e911com** · 08-23-2012, 09:39 PM

A new software update is available for the Kyocera DuraSeries devices (Max, Core, Plus and XT). Version 1.202 is available via end user download as of today and via network push starting end of this week.

Here are fixes that address a couple issues.
• Fixes:
o Scan lock - Team DC
o Team DC to support one Touch DC feature
o Use of One Touch DC without waking up the device
o New setting to disable notification beep during DC call
o EVDO Roaming issue
As always to perform the Firmware Upgrade, go to Tools – Update Phone – Update Firmware – Confirm doing the update.

**morningpride** · 08-24-2012, 08:07 PM

I wonder what EVDO roaming issue means....

**e911com** · 08-26-2012, 01:56 PM

Kyocera's previous firmware versions did not provide EVDO roaming capability therefore causing a five second delay initating a SDC call on 1XRTT roam system. Once SDC was established, there were no further delays in PTT. Now there should not be a five second delay if you are roaming in EVDO area. Your PRL should be updated as well.

**morningpride** · 08-26-2012, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by e911com

Kyocera's previous firmware versions did not provide EVDO roaming capability therefore causing a five second delay initiating a SDC call on 1XRTT roam system. Once SDC was established, there were no further delays in PTT. Now there should not be a five second delay if you are roaming in EVDO area. Your PRL should be updated as well.

Wait... so what you are telling me is that all the SDC roaming I have been doing has been 1X??? If that's the case, I can't complain one bit. I made several thousand SDC roaming calls while on the ES of VA in June. Had absolutely no problems. I assumed I was EVDO the entire time. There were even a few instances where I thought it was faster than when on 1900.....

**e911com** · 08-27-2012, 12:11 PM

EVDO SDC roaming was not available until last week with Kyocera firmware update 12.202 and PRL 61090. Sprint is still updating Vision Now base station software.

**SWFLFFPM** · 08-27-2012, 07:59 PM

I'm confused about something-

The June firmware update allowed SDC roaming on 1X and this one allows it on 3g. Is that correct?

I just updated my Dura Plus PRL and it shows PRL 12124, not 61090. The DuraMax has PRL 11124.

**SWFLFFPM** · 08-27-2012, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by morningpride

I wonder what EVDO roaming issue means....

I'm wondering the same thing.

**e911com** · 08-28-2012, 06:37 AM

Use the link below to view your PRL. PRL's are going to be different if you are a corporate user, in a certain geographic area, or different Sprint device.

http://www.batonrougebroadband.info

**e911com** · 09-03-2012, 12:20 PM

Overall, these updates will help your account with service. Not having them updated may cause noticeable service failures in your device. I would recommend your subscribers react to these needed updates immediately.

Admiral- (Software Update July 24):
How to update: Over the air, or manual with subscriber accessing settings/ Software updates
Version: 5.5 1Q- 177_PAX-63
Fixes:

• Improvements to Sprint Direct Connect, including UFMI blocking for privacy
• Enhancement increases coverage area, Sprint Direct Connect now functions over 1x and roaming.
• Improvements to Sprint Direct Connect, added functionality such as TeamDC and OptIn DC in call logs
• Enhancement enables emergency broadcast support for improved safety and security.
• Improvement to user experience when both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are in use.
• Improvements to home screen so it is easier for a user to swipe the screen to unlock phone and answer calls.
• Functionality for setting up or editing calendar events in which you invite others using Corporate Exchange is being removed. If this functionality is needed, please use the Moxier email client preloaded on the device.

Duramax, Duracore, DuraXT, Duraplus- Software Update 8/22/2012:
How to Update: How to update: Over the air, or manual with subscriber accessing settings/ Software updates
Version: 1.202SP

Fixes:

Implement Scan lock for Team DC calls
Team DC support with One Touch Direct Connect
One Touch DC without waking up the device
New setting to disable the incoming notification chirp while on a DC call
Fix for EVDO Roaming Issue

Duramax, Duracore, Dura XT, and Duraplus Instructions:

Software Update Process:
1. Press the Menu key to access the main menu
2. Go to Tools and press Menu/OK
3. Choose Update Phone and press Menu/OK
4. Select Update Firmware and press Menu/OK
5. Your phone will check for new firmware updates and, if available, download them to your phone.
• If not available, this is an indication that the software has the correct version and no further action is required.

Admiral Update Instructions:

1. Menu
2. Got to Settings
3. Go to About Phone
4. Go to System Update
5. Update Motorola Software

**irev210** · 09-04-2012, 06:07 AM

Originally Posted by e911com

Overall, these updates will help your account with service. Not having them updated may cause noticeable service failures in your device. I would recommend your subscribers react to these needed updates immediately.

With the latest software updates and newest duraXT handsets - how is SDC now performing? Are you still
experiencing issues?

How does the "new" SDC compare to iDEN at this point? It seems like they have come a long long way, and with EVDO roaming + 1x roaming, it seems like coverage should far far far exceed iDEN (or any other carrier).

Thoughts?

Thanks again for all of the updates.

**SWFLFFPM** · 09-05-2012, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by e911com

The DuraMax and DuraXT use the same belt clip. The SDC will switch to 1X of the roaming provider. SDC doesn't require 3G EVDO service anymore.

The Max and XT use different belt clips.

The Max part number is CHY0082R and the XT is CHY0087R.

**Jeeks** · 09-06-2012, 01:28 PM

It's been nothing but a nightmare after the switch to Sprint network. Plagued with daily updates, we could barely run our business. Direct connect has been sketchy from day 1, when it works. We barely had reception in the area we mainly do business.

The past week or so, service has seemed to improve. Better reception and alot fewer (expletive) updates. The phone is still a brick and I can't wait for something smaller...at least the size of a regular flip phone, to be available. I even told our Sprint rep: I can't even put the phone in my pocket, I look like an idiot.

**morningpride** · 09-06-2012, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by Jeeks

It's been nothing but a nightmare after the switch to Sprint network. Plagued with daily updates, we could barely run our business. Direct connect has been sketchy from day 1, when it works. We barely had reception in the area we mainly do business.

The past week or so, service has seemed to improve. Better reception and alot fewer (expletive) updates. The phone is still a brick and I can't wait for something smaller...at least the size of a regular flip phone, to be available. I even told our Sprint rep: I can't even put the phone in my pocket, I look like an idiot.

You came from Nextel and are complaining about the size of the handset?? What units are you using?? if you say Duracore, I won't be suprised. Our other units work very well. not the Duracore.

**Jeeks** · 09-07-2012, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by morningpride

You came from Nextel and are complaining about the size of the handset?? What units are you using?? if you say Duracore, I won't be suprised. Our other units work very well. not the Duracore.

Yes, I'm complaining about the size of the PTT Sprint phones.

My employees used i205's, non-flip which were a decent size and weight. The Duraplus is much heavier and larger, they just carry it since it's really too heavy and bulky for a belt clip.

We also had a couple i670's which are a normal sized flip phone, not too big or small and decent sized keypad to dial in low light or while driving. The photos on Sprint's site do not do justice for the size of any of these new Kyocera phones.

My personal phone was a i335. I'm not a fan of flip phones and the i335 was slim enough to comfortably put in your pocket. Just because we use the PTT feature, doesn't mean everyone needs a mil-spec, Dura-whatever brick for a phone.

They DO work good, I said in my post the actual service/reception from the towers was lacking, which isn't the units fault.

Here's a pic comparing the sizes. Keep in mind, the i205 and i670's are NOT small phones.

put the h t t p, etc in front...

i114.photobucket.com/albums/n248/Jeekinz/IMG_5288.jpg

**e911com** · 09-07-2012, 12:29 PM

So far user complaints have been greatly reduced by switching from DuraMax to DuraXT. The audio quality was the most improved. I will be testing 1XRTT roaming again with Sprint Engineer and will check if SDC works in EVDO roam areas. I have verified SDC does work in Sprint EVDO REV O areas in Oregon.

The optimization of Vision Now Base Station software continues to cause SDC system problems. Approximately 20 percent of our area is less than -84dBm. The SDC receiver sensitvity is -106dBm. Telephone voice call sensitivty is about -110dBm. Therefore Sprint telephone service will work better in poor signal areas than SDC.

On 09/05/12 Sprint replaced 25 DuraMax's with DuraXT's. We are in a two week evaluation period to determine whether we will stay with Sprint or change to another carrier.