Step-by-Step: Saving the Factory Setup

Radioddity GM-30 Plus and Using RT Systems Programming Software on Windows 11

This guide is written specifically for RT Systems programming software on Windows 11 and the Radioddity GM-30 Plus. The objective is to capture and preserve the factory configuration before making any changes.

This procedure mirrors professional radio shop practice and should be completed once per radio before customization.


What you need

  • Radioddity GM-30 Plus (new or unmodified)
  • RT Systems programming cable for GM-30 Plus
    (Strongly recommended over generic cables)
  • RT Systems software for Radioddity GM-30 Plus (installed)
  • Windows 11 PC
  • Fully charged radio battery

Part 1 — Pre-flight checks (do not skip)

Step 1: Do NOT modify the radio yet

Before connecting software:

  • Do not change channels
  • Do not rename channels
  • Do not perform a reset or initialization
  • Do not write anything from software

Your first interaction must be READ ONLY.


Step 2: Power and cable readiness

  • Charge the radio to at least 50–70%
  • Power OFF the radio
  • Connect the RT Systems cable to the radio firmly
    • GM-30 Plus side connectors require full insertion
  • Connect USB to the computer

RT Systems cables use signed drivers and usually auto-install on Windows 11.


Step 3: Verify the cable is recognized

  • Open Device Manager
  • Expand Ports (COM & LPT)
  • Confirm you see something like:
    • USB Serial Port (COMx)

Make note of the COM number if shown (RT Systems often auto-detects, but this is a good sanity check).


Part 2 — Read the factory configuration (critical step)

Step 4: Power ON the radio

Once the cable is connected:

  • Turn the GM-30 Plus ON
  • Do not press any keys

Step 5: Launch RT Systems

  • Open the RT Systems GM-30 Plus Programmer
  • Allow it to fully load before proceeding

Step 6: Read data from the radio

From the menu bar:

Radio → Read Data From Radio

RT Systems will:

  • Detect the cable
  • Confirm the model
  • Begin reading the radio memory

Important:

  • This may take 30–60 seconds
  • Do not touch the cable or radio during the read
  • If prompted to turn the radio on/off, follow instructions exactly

Step 7: Confirm the read completed successfully

When complete:

  • Channel grid populates
  • Settings tabs become active
  • No error dialogs are present

If the read fails:

  • Re-seat the cable
  • Confirm radio is ON
  • Retry Read Data From Radio

Do not proceed until a clean read completes.


Part 3 — Save the factory file (before edits)

Step 8: Immediately save the factory file

Without changing anything:

File → Save As

Use a strict, descriptive name. Examples:

  • Factory_Radioddity_GM30Plus_2026-01-13.rts
  • GM30Plus_Factory_Defaults_2026-01-13.rts

Recommended folder structure:

RadioBackups/
└── Radioddity/
    └── GM-30 Plus/
        ├── Factory/
        └── Working/

Save the file inside the Factory folder.


Step 9: Protect the factory file

Strongly recommended:

  • Right-click the file → Properties
  • Check Read-only
  • Click OK

This prevents accidental overwrites.


Part 4 — Verify the backup is valid

Step 10: Close and reopen the factory file

  • Close RT Systems
  • Reopen RT Systems
  • Open the factory .rts file you just saved

Confirm:

  • Channels are present
  • Settings tabs load normally
  • No error messages appear

If it opens cleanly, your factory backup is valid.


Part 5 — Create a working copy (only now do you program)

Step 11: Save a working copy

With the factory file open:

File → Save As

Example:

Working_GM30Plus_Custom_2026-01-13_v01.rts

Best-practice reminders (RT Systems specific)

  • Never overwrite your factory file
  • Always Read from Radio before major edits
  • Increment version numbers for major changes
  • Keep factory and working files in separate folders
  • Re-read the radio if firmware is updated

Common RT Systems troubleshooting tips

SymptomLikely Cause
“Radio not responding”Cable not fully seated
COM port errorUSB driver conflict or bad port
Partial readBattery low or cable movement
Write fails laterWrong file opened (factory vs working)

Why this matters for the GM-30 Plus

The GM-30 Plus includes:

  • Preloaded GMRS channel logic
  • Power level mappings
  • OEM tone and bandwidth defaults

Once altered, these are not reliably reconstructible without a factory image. RT Systems gives you a perfect snapshot—if you take it first.

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