Quansheng UV-K5 Firmware Update and Programming Guide

Introduction

The default firmware on the Quansheng UV-K5 is functional, but many amateur radio enthusiasts have discovered custom firmware versions that offer significant improvements. This workshop focuses on using a custom firmware version, providing enhancements such as:

• Improved AM reception (though still lacking a dedicated AM decoder chip).
• Simple spectrum display.
• Enhanced fonts.
• Frequency and channel name display.
• A more aesthetically pleasing S-meter.
• Theoretical reception range from 18 to 1200 MHz (sensitivity may vary).

The objectives of this workshop are to:

• Download and install firmware and necessary tools.
• Program memory channels.

To achieve this, you'll need to install software on your computer. Firmware installation can be done using Quansheng's own tool or via a web browser. For programming memories, you can use the Customer Programming Software (CPS) or Chirp.

Warning

All actions described in this document are performed at your own risk. The author assumes no responsibility for any issues that may arise. If you are unsure or have doubts, do not proceed with firmware modifications. Seek assistance from an experienced individual.

Preparation

There are two primary methods to update your device with new firmware:

• Using Quansheng's dedicated software.
• Via a web browser (e.g., Chrome).

This guide will cover both methods to help you choose the most convenient approach.

DFU Mode

Before you can flash new firmware, your device must be in DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode. To prepare your device:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold the PTT button.
3. Turn the device on while holding PTT. The white LED should illuminate. Release the PTT button.

Once in DFU mode, connect the programming cable to your device and computer. You are now ready to proceed with the flashing process.

Flashing New Firmware

Using Quansheng's Software

Download the necessary software for your UV-K5 model:

• For UV-K5: http://en.qsfj.com/products/3002
• For UV-K5(8): http://en.qsfj.com/products/3268

You will need the programming software and firmware files. It's also advisable to download the original firmware as a backup. The provided software package includes a tool to flash new firmware onto your device.

After downloading the firmware package from the Quansheng site, extract the zip file into a temporary folder. The contents typically include:

• AnonymPSUpdater_Setup_EN.exe (the updater program)
• CP210x_USB.exe (USB driver)
• Firmware Upgration Instruction Video.mp4
• Firmware file (e.g., k5升级_v2.01.31_publish.bin)
• Instruction document

To start the installation, run AnonymPSUpdater_Setup_EN.exe. Follow the on-screen prompts, clicking 'Next' to proceed through the installation wizard.

The setup process involves accepting the license agreement and choosing an installation folder. After installation, you can launch the updater tool.

To flash the firmware:

1. Ensure your radio is in DFU mode and connected via the programming cable.
2. Launch the Updater.exe program.
3. Select the correct COM port.
4. Click 'Connect'.
5. Click the '...' button to browse for and select your firmware (.BIN file).
6. Click 'Update'.

The upgrade process takes only a few seconds. Once complete, disconnect the radio and restart it.

Via the Browser

An alternative method to flash firmware is through a web browser, provided the custom firmware site supports this feature (e.g., UVMOD). This guide utilizes the GitHub repository of Egzumer:

https://github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom

The site's wiki is highly recommended for understanding all functions and operations:

https://github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom/wiki

Navigate to the releases section and select the latest version (e.g., v0.17). On the release page, you will find an option like 'FLASH WITH A BROWSER'. Clicking this will open a web-based flasher.

Before clicking 'Flash firmware' in the web interface, ensure your radio is in DFU mode and connected via USB. The flasher will detect the firmware file and show its details. After initiating the flash, the process typically takes about 10 seconds. Once done, disconnect the radio.

Discovering Firmware Features

AM Fix

To improve AM reception, you can adjust the internal RF gain. This is done via a hidden menu:

1. Press 'A' to enter the menu.
2. Use the arrow keys (B or C) to navigate to menu item 56 (AM Fix).
3. Press 'A' again, then use B or C to change the setting from OFF to ON.
4. Save your selection by pressing 'A'.
5. Exit the menu by pressing 'D'.

Battery Calibration

If the battery voltage display is inaccurate, you can recalibrate it through a hidden menu. You will need a multimeter to measure the actual battery voltage at the terminals.

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold the 'FN1' and 'PTT' buttons simultaneously.
3. Turn the device on.
4. Release the buttons when prompted with 'RELEASE ALL KEYS'.
5. Navigate to menu item 67 (BatCal).
6. Press 'A', then use the arrow keys to adjust the value to match your multimeter reading.
7. Save your selection by pressing 'A'.
8. Exit the menu by pressing 'D'.

For more settings and details, consult the Egzumer wiki: https://github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom/wiki/Menu

Programming Memories

There are two main tools for programming memory channels: Quansheng's CPS and Chirp.

CPS by Quansheng

Installation

Download the CPS software from the manufacturer's website. Extract the zip file and run the installer (e.g., AnonymPortableStationCPS_Setup_EN.exe). Follow the on-screen instructions, clicking 'Next' to proceed with the installation. Accept the license agreement and choose an installation location.

Editing and Uploading Memories

Launch the installed CPS application (PSCPS.exe). It's recommended to read the current settings from your radio first. Go to Settings > COM Setting, select the correct COM port, and click 'Connect'.

Once connected, go to File > Read in to load the radio's memory data into the software. After the data is loaded, navigate to 'MR Channel' in the left-hand menu. Here, you can edit individual channels by selecting one and clicking 'Edit'.

After making your desired changes, click File > Write out to send the updated memory data back to your radio.

It is highly recommended to save a backup copy of your configuration via File > Save as.... This XML-formatted file can be easily edited with a text editor if needed.

Chirp

Chirp is a free, open-source programming tool that supports a wide range of radios. It allows you to save frequency lists and write them to multiple devices. You can also import repeater data from sources like Repeaterbook (https://www.repeaterbook.com/).

Download Chirp from: https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home

Note: CHIRP-Next requires at least Windows 10 (64-bit).

Installation

Visit the Chirp download page and select the installer for your operating system (e.g., chirp-next-20231120-installer.exe for Windows). Run the installer and follow the prompts, clicking 'Next' to proceed. Accept the license agreement and choose an installation location. Complete the installation by clicking 'Finish'.

Editing Memories

To begin, read the current radio settings into Chirp by going to Radio > Download from radio.... Select the correct COM port, Vendor (Quansheng), and Model (UV-K5). You may encounter a warning about experimental drivers; you can safely dismiss this.

Once the data is downloaded, you can edit it directly. To save the data, use File > Export to CSV....

You can also import data from a CSV file. Go to File > Import from file..., select your CSV file, and click 'Open'. Chirp will prompt you on how to handle existing memories; choosing 'Open' allows you to copy/paste memories into the current file.

After editing or importing, remember to upload the data back to your radio via Radio > Upload to radio....

Copying from Repeaterbook

Instead of manually entering repeater data, you can import it from Repeaterbook. In Chirp, go to Radio > Query Source > RepeaterBook. Select your country (e.g., Belgium), and optionally limit bands (e.g., 2m, 70cm) and modes (e.g., FM).

The retrieved repeater data will appear in a new tab. You can then select individual repeaters, right-click, and choose 'Copy'. Switch back to your radio's memory tab, right-click on a desired memory slot, and select 'Paste' to transfer the data.

Finally, upload the updated memory list to your radio.

Appendix 1: Spectrum Analyser

The Quansheng UV-K5 firmware can include a spectrum analyser mode. This mode displays the radio's reception activity across a frequency range. Key elements include:

• Spectrum Display: Shows signal strength across frequencies.
• Frequency Range: Defined by a starting frequency, an adjustment step, and a final frequency.
• Display Elements: Indicate settings like modulation type (AM/FM/USB), bandwidth, battery status, and noise suppressor level.
• Controls: Buttons allow switching presets, adjusting scan steps, changing spectrum tuning steps, and selecting modulation types.

The spectrum analyser helps visualize signal activity and tune reception parameters.

Appendix 2: Config File

Configuration files for the radio are typically saved with a .cxf extension (e.g., quansheng_05now2023.cxf). These files contain detailed settings for each memory channel, including:

• Channel Name
• Memory Index
• TX Frequency
• RX Frequency
• Bandwidth
• Tone settings (CTCSS/DCS)
• Transmit Power Level
• Frequency Step
• Encryption Flag
• DTMF settings

These files can be opened and edited with text editors, allowing for manual adjustments or the creation of custom channel configurations.

Appendix 3: Firmware Locations

Here are several resources for Quansheng UV-K5 firmware and related tools:

• Custom Firmware Repository: https://github.com/amnemonic/Quansheng_UV-K5_Firmware
• Online Flashing Tool: https://whosmatt.github.io/uvmod/
• UV-K5 Playground: https://github.com/piotr022/UV_K5_playground
• Modded Firmwares: https://github.com/Tunas1337/UV-K5-Modded-Firmwares
• UV-Kitchen (Info & Firmware): https://github.com/dkxce/Quansheng-UV-K5
• RE3CON UV-Kitchen: https://github.com/RE3CON/UV-Kitchen
• Egzumer Custom Firmware (This Workshop): https://github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom
• RE3CON Firmware Custom: https://github.com/RE3CON/uv-k5-firmware-custom

A tool to convert CSV files exported by Chirp to the Quansheng tool's format is available at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/chirp2cxf/