KG4LNE | VX2212

Virtual X2212 Emulator

Replaces the X2212 EEPROM in GE-Phoenix and other radios

The VX2212 is a virtual X2212 EEPROM emulator that allows downloading of radio EPROM images via a standard RS-232 serial port interface. Special thanks go out to Gary Dion N4TXI for contributing his firmware development and design talents. Thanks to Gary we now have the VX2212 working and downloading images directly from GE-Flash.

The picture below shows a prototype installed in a two channel Phoenix-SX UHF unit in the GMRS band. The pod and ribbon cable are the Atmel ISP programmer for flashing firmware during development. The three wires coming off the VX2212 board are the RS232 wires that go the PC for downloading via GE-Flash. View the prototype VX2212 schematic for more details.

VX2212 Installed in a Phoenix-SX

This project is exciting because it eliminates the X2212 chips and the need for external X2212 programming devices. Instead, the VX2212 plugs directly into the original X2212 socket and allows direct downloading of EPROM image information from GE-Flash over RS-232. The ATMega8 contains 512 bytes of EPROM space for up to two banks of image storage and retrieval.

We are still testing the VX2212 in a variety of X2212 based radios. In theory the VX2212 should also work in the Delta and Ranger radios. However, we have only tested the VX2212 in the Phoenix units so far. Currently I do not have extra boards available for sale. Soon as these become available I'll post more information here.

File	Description
VX2212-Rev-A.zip	Source code for WinAVR and GCC 4.0.
VX2212-Rev-A.hex	Compiled firmware in HEX format.
VX2212-Rev-A.pdf	Schematic and cable wiring diagram.

ORDERING OPTIONS VIA PAYPAL

VX2212 Emulator board REV-A
Assembled and tested ($75 + $3 postage)

(CURRENTLY SOLD OUT!)

VX2212 EMULATER PCB

DEVELOPMENT STATUS

2/23/2007

This first batch of VX2212 boards are now assembled and working. These have been tested in the 2-channel and 16-channel non-scanning Phoenix units so far. The 1.00.23 beta release of GE-Flash now supports basic EPROM READ and WRITE operations directly from GE-Flash to the VX2212 via RS-232.

Note the current firmware in these boards does not yet contain optional BOOT LOADER support. Thus, the FIRMWARE is not field upgradable from GE-Flash yet. In the unlikely event a firmware upgrade is required, the Atmel ISP serial programmer adapter is needed to reprogram the firmware code into the part.

In the future I plan to add bootloader support so the VX2212 firmware can be updated directly from GE-Flash. Although this feature is not really required, it's nice to have the ability to reflash the firmware code into the VX2212 directly from GE-Flash. This would simply field firmware upgrades if a new firmware is released or modified emulator code is desired.