I helped a friend with selection of a new radio and initial programming. I did a fair amount of research a month or two earlier when I upgraded my old dual band Yeasu FT-8500 to a Kenwood TM-V71A. While doing the research I was impressed with the specs and the price of the TM-281A. $133 from http://www.mtcradio.com/kenwood-1/

Some of the things I liked about the 281 were the lack of an often confusing array of buttons to learn, power settings of 25 and 65 watts (a third power setting of 5 or 10 watts would have been nice). Something I really appreciated from the get go was the passive cooling, NO annoying FAN noise!

There were some mic and radio front buttons that could be custom programmed and I changed one mic button to go to direct frequency keypad entry to make that access handy. I reprogrammed another mic button to toggle between power settings.

Actual programming from the radio wasn't too bad but I found I'd made several mistakes by losing the order of programming steps on a few channels. I can't say I've found a radio yet that I really enjoy programming from the radio. Especially if you have different radios and all the programming steps are different and not intuitive.

My errors showed up when I brought the programming up on a computer. From the computer, fixing the errors and adding a couple more channels was a breeze.

In service, the radio gets pretty high marks. Easy to operate, quiet, plenty of power, receive and transmit audio reports have been excellent and the price is great. The price of $133 reflects a $25 Kenwood Promo

I may post more in the programming section when I get some time. And I wrote a 3 page "quick start guide" for this radio too that I will post.

Happy TX'ing!

Hiawatha Amateur Radio Association Shop and Swap
Where: 42 East M-35 Negaunee, MI 49866 (Negaunee Twp Center)
When: February 4, 2017, 8:00 AM
Contact: fmouser@gmail.com

Here is my notes on dealing with a Fox digi.



The terminal is screwed:
9600 BAUD rate

When your in the terminal it will display:

I like to have things at my fingertips and have always liked spreadsheets for keeping track of numbers.

I keep one on my radio desk in a plastic sleeve for reference, and I hand them out if someone is interested.

So here is a recent one for the western U.P. It can be changed or added to if you are at all handy with spreadsheets. If not, well, here's a good opportunity to learn about them.

One is in Microsoft Excel, extension .xlsx.

The other is the freebee and my current favorite, OpenOffice.org's, Calc Program, extension .ods.

Hope they work for you!


  Generic Radio Programming and Channel Spreadsheet.xlsx (Size: 15.78 KB / Downloads: 4)


  Generic Radio Programming and Channel Spreadsheet.ods (Size: 21.7 KB / Downloads: 0)

:disp
BANK is 0
P300 is FALSE
TXTDISP is TRUE
NODISP is FALSE
PPATHING is FALSE
DMSDISP is FALSE
MICETMV is FALSE
ENTS is FALSE
TELHIRES is FALSE
TELVOLT is TRUE
TELTEMP is TRUE
PREEMPT is FALSE
DIGIID is TRUE
WXPOS is TRUE
TELREAD is TRUE
FRAWDISP is FALSE
HRAWDISP is FALSE
WYPTXT is FALSE
PKTICOM is TRUE
PKTOCOM is FALSE
RPATHDISP is FALSE
LEDS is TRUE
PAVPEN is FALSE
DEC96 is FALSE
DDIST is TRUE
HEADERLN is FALSE
DMETRIC is FALSE
SOFTRST is FALSE
MSGCMD is FALSE
MSGCAP is FALSE
LRNTPS is FALSE
GPSCHK is FALSE
INTCLK is FALSE
DECSTAT is FALSE
DIGIMY is FALSE
TOSV is FALSE
TALT is FALSE
TSPEED is FALSE
TIMESTAMP is TRUE
TIMEHMS is TRUE
SBEN is FALSE
TSWPT is TRUE
AMODE is TEXT
BMODE is GPS
ABAUD is 19200
BBAUD is 4800
BNKMODE is 0
SSIDROUTE is 0
ALTNET is APTT4
MYCALL is KE8CPN-1
PATH1 is WIDE1-1
PATH2 is WIDE2-1
PATH3 is
TSTAT is APRS DIGI, HERMAN MI INFO WWW.BCRA.US
BTEXT is >APRS DIGI, HERMAN, MI,  KE8CPN@ARRL.NET ^T ^V
BPERIOD is 900
TXD is 30
MTXD is 10
PERSIST is 65
SLOTTIME is 15
QUIET is 10
TRNKMODE is 0
CDMODE is TONES
CDLEVEL is 20
TXLEVEL is 128
TXTWIST is 50
RXAMP is 5
GWAYLEN is 9
GWAYMODE is NMEA
GRELAYBITS is 1
GRELAYRATE is 0
GKRELAY is 0
LOCATION is 4640.4644N 08822.0343W
GALT is 1000
TSYMCODE is #
TSYMTABLE is /
STATUSRATE is 1
PPERIOD is 1800
MPPERIOD is 0
SBSSPEED is 5
SBFSPEED is 60
SBSPERIOD is 1800
SBFPERIOD is 90
SBTANGLE is 27
SBTSLOPE is 255
SBTTIME is 5
MMSG is 0
TSOFFSET is 17
TDAO is 0
TPROTOCOL is MIC-E
TPSWITCH is 0
TPERIOD is 3600
TVOLTTWK is 128
TTEMPTWK is 100
WPERIOD is 0
ALIAS1 is WIDE1
ALIAS2 is WIDE2
ALIAS3 is
DUPETIME is 30
FILTERCALL is

This will be a work in progress for a couple days as I explore how to embed or attach program files for a couple radios I've worked with to date. This thread is somewhat of an experiment as all forums function differently and take some getting used to. It also took some tweaking on Keith and my part to get the forum to accept files for the CHIRP programs and also to accept test and spreadsheet documents from Open Office org.

The attachments here with the .img extension will have to be opened from CHIRP. The one with the .odt extension is a text document and should be able to be opened in Microsoft Word, or as an Open Office Text Document and probably other test editors as well. Good luck, and if something doesn't work or you have questions feel free to post them and ask.


Since what I've seen of the Baofeng HT's, programming and operation is so similar I've combined the 5R and F9 radios here. They are the two I've had experience with. If you use the programs to upload to a radio, just make sure you use the right one. It is so easy to program using CHIRP, I'd really recommend just going ahead and typing in your own parameters and channels.

The idea is to recommend a source for a programming cable. Recommend some software to do the programming. Provide a short step by step tutorial on how to use the programming software.

And last, provide a program file (code plug) that is built to cover a number of U.P. repeaters. The program file should be capable of being sent to the radio and serve as a starting point and example of programming parameters that can be added to fit anyone's needs.

Forum software may not allow attachment of program files, and if not we'll work around that.

Programming the Baofeng's from the radio keypad was a pain and I gave up quickly. The problem I had, as I remember, was getting repeater offsets to take. The Baofeng ops manuals seem pretty decent especially for the price of the radios but they failed me when it came to repeater programming.

This is the Programming Cable I bought, CLICK HERE

For Programming software I really liked CHIRP, to find it, CLICK HERE

I recently found what seems like a really straight forward YouTube video on programming repeater parameters into Baofeng radios from the radio keypad. You will find the video if you, CLICK HERE

And here is a plainly written narrative on programing the Baofengs, CLICK HERE

Here is a screenshot of what the CHIRP programming software looks like with a bunch of UP repeaters, some simplex channels and a couple NOAA weather channels. Once you have the radio connected to your computer and talking to it, the software will ask you to download the programming file from the radio to start things off. That option is under the Radio button in the banner across the top. You will see a little pop up window with a progress bar and lights may flash on the radio when that process is underway. Once that is done, I'd recommend saving the file in a folder dedicated to Baofeng radio stuff. I did it when the radio was new so I had a file I could always go back to if I screwed something up. Use the File/Save As function to do that, give the file a name and save it in your folder.

Once the initial file is saved you can commence with programming by plugging in parameters for the channels you want to program. Then go to the radio button again, select upload to radio and your radio should have the new program. But make sure to use the Save As function again, give the program parameters a new name and save it in your folder. Close the program, turn off the radio and unplug the cable.

Here is what the software looks like with channels programed (screen shot)-


  Word Document View of CHIRP Programming Screen.odt (Size: 112.51 KB / Downloads: 1)

This next attachment is an actual program file with the above channels programmed in. You should be able to download the file saving it to your Baofeng Folder, and then while in the programming software, Open the file and Upload it to a connected radio. This file is for and BF-F9 V2 radio but was programmed using earlier BF-F8 versions of the software. It WILL NOT WORK FOR the BF-5R series radios even though the entries look exactly the same.


  Program Public Baofeng BF-F9 V2.img (Size: 6.32 KB / Downloads: 2)

This is a simple code plug program for a UV-R5 series radio with just a few channels programmed but enough to get started, it serves primarily as an example. Again, following instructions in this thread it is so easy to just program using CHIRP, I'd recommend just doing it yourself. The screen on the computer will look exactly like the screen shot of the BF-F9 radio except the UV-5R will be identified in the top left panel of the software screen.


  Baofeng UV-5R simple programming file.img (Size: 6.32 KB / Downloads: 3)

This next download is a simple one page Quick Reference Guide I did for a friend who was new to Baofeng. It points out what many of the radio buttons do.


  Running the Baofeng UV-5RV2plus.odt (Size: 161.28 KB / Downloads: 0)

Thanks for lookin'
Brian

Over the past couple of experimental been fighting my Tytera MD380, I used to be able to monitor and use the DMR repeater system until one day i decided to add another local DMR system in the radio. I spent all the time to setup the code plug (after downloading the previous code plug from radio) and I proceeded to send the new updates to the radio. After it was complete i restarted the radio.. and then BAM.. it needed a password... I figured it out to be 0000000.. the issue didn't stop there.. the radio continually was locked there was no way to listen to traffic on ANALOG or DIGITAL, I then attempted to reprogram the code plug and send it to the radio... only to find out that the radio now has a mystery password and the 00000000 no longer worked! I googled online for several days wondering how to reset the Tytera to factory.. only to find its not possible without access to the radio. So in thinking.. I decided to try a different firmware. That was a mistake... the screen went completely black, then on another firmware it continued to be black but stayed stuck in programming mode.

 I decided to look around on facebook in a group that seems to take on some of these issues with Tytera.. https://www.facebook.com/groups/992967007380548/ I told them of the issues surrounding, only to find no solution. 
 
Over the course of several days I sent several emails to tytera to see what firmware was shipped with my radio. The TYT rep(s) however were not helpful at all. Only to ask more questions and to be told "go get screwed, we can't help your issue"
       
At at this point i was thinking "man this person is stupid, at what point do they not understand I already told them the radio was fine, and I explained the issue was due to programming.."

So I was just about to throw in the towel, I decided to use a different computer to attempt to load the experimental firmware located at http://www.va3xpr.net/programming-software-firmware/

Needless to say the first go with the NON GPS version didn't work... so i proceeded to try the -OLD version, which all of a sudden it worked! I now had a screen back.. it's a start...

I then reconnected this to the code plug programmer only to find that there was still a password on the radio.. (I was very displeased but very happy to see progress after beating the dead horse) 

So i decided to attempt to use another hack direct from Tytera thats widely avaliable online, to reload the codeplug to defaults. (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rdt7j67ou...wUUY6h14a?dl=0) After loading this on the tytera, the password was GONE!. The only thing is after reloading the default code plug with the hack from tytera.. you have to use the regular programming for the codeplug. Do not use your saved codeplug or u will be at square 1.

These instructions were found at http://forums.radioreference.com/budget-...mming.html
1: Download the software (https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rdt7j67ou...wUUY6h14a?dl=0)
2: UnRar the file
3: Run DMR.exe
4: It looks like the normal CPS but it doesn't like pre-existing codeplugs. Connect your radio and download the data (you will not be prompted for a password).
5: Alter the code plug you have downloaded and fix the programming password
6: Re-Image the radio using the updated code plug (you will not be prompted for a password).
7: Close DMR.exe
8: Re-Image the radio using the correct Code plug from CPS v1.36 or your normal version.



Next thing on the list is to Redesign the codeplug to have the DMR repeaters.. this time I'll save several copies.. as its like gold..

About Open Repeater Project

The OpenRepeater Project is the development of a low cost, low power, but a feature rich duplex Linux based amateur radio repeater controller using single board computers (SBCs) like the Raspberry Pi 2 and Beaglebone Black. 

https://openrepeater.com/

The following are radios that are capable of sending/receiving APRS. The "TNC" is built in.

Hand Helds:
Yaesu VX-8DR Quad-Band Submersible VHF/UHF Amateur Radio Transceiver   $379.89
( http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=Dis...086A68F530 )

Yaesu FT1XD Dual Band 2m/70cm Hand Held $299.99
( http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=Dis...CD14417BFD )

Mobile Radios:
Kenwood TM-710G Dual Band 2m/70cm Mobile Radio   $559.95
( http://www.kenwood.com/usa/com/amateur/tm-d710ga/ )

ARES NET CONTROL
Good Evening this is (your callsign) located in (town) conducting the Weekly Copper Country net.
This net meets each Wednesday evening at 9:00 p.m. on the 88 Repeater. It is sponsored by ARES and The Copper Country Radio Amateur Association. All amateur operators are invited to check-in.
The purpose of the net is to foster communication and information sharing among local hams, to encourage testing of emergency-powered equipment at least once a week, and to provide training and experience in net operations.
To check-in just give your call sign and indicate what traffic you have, if any. This is Net control  (your callsign).  I am now ready for stations on emergency power…..
{repeat net calls and handle traffic or information items}
Stations on commercial power……
{repeat net calls and handle traffic or information items}
Stations on Echo link……..
{repeat net calls and handle traffic or information items}
Anything more for the net?….
Nothing heard.
The Ontonagon County ARES net meets on Wednesday nights at 8:30pm on the 147.300 REPEATER THEN IT CHANGES OVER TO THE 146.67 repeater, and the Keweenaw County Repeater Association net meets at 9pm Friday nights on the 147.315 repeater, immediately after the KCRA net.  Both repeaters are the standard split and use a 100Hz PL tone.
Thank you all for checking in and we will see you again next week at the same time, same frequency. There might be a social net immediately following this net. The repeater is returned to normal use at this time;  (your callsign) Clear.