Hi Ben. Just got my radio a couple days ago. Was into CB years ago. Gonna get my license and spend some time using this little radio. Thank you for making these videos! I’ll prob watch them all too many times and post silly questions about using and working out this little radio. I’m starting from scratch so teaching myself the nothing that I know! lol Thanks again!
Norwich . . . Beccles . . . you must be somewhere close to me (Wymondham). Thanks for the useful video - One of these radios arrived at my QTH just a few hours ago :)
Thank you so much for putting this out. I bought this on the strength of another reviewer’s glowing review, but I don’t know anything, least of all how to set it up 😂
Thanks Richard, easy steps and information, well done. Can you do a video on setting up the ultimate setup utilising all the available firmware feature?
Great video! I bet you get many comments with FRS being in your callsign. My original one was KN4DSC. Everyone constantly got it wrong multiple times. They always confused it with dcs instead of dsc lol
Just got mine a couple days ago. Was wondering what is preferred firmware EGzumer or Facgi ??? I'm sure stock is ok but a little boring would like to listen to Air band and SSB here in states pls reply...Thanks KB1QDC Kev C. Good videos!!
Very helpful - thanks. I got this radio for £8.50 from Alibaba and have flashed firmware and set up for listening to local airband and a few repeaters in Cambridge area. I disabled Tx through the new firmware menu as I don't yet have a licence. I bought a headset from eBay but it was completely the wrong plug. I know realise there are many different plugs! Is there a uv-k5(8) compatible earpiece sold in UK? Or is there such a thing as an adapter to fit a regular mobile phone type earpiece? Any suggestions welcome!
Ben, I'd like to ask you: should I flash the radio or would it be better to do a backup? for any brick. I'm encountering issues with my CHIRP as it consistently shows an error in the communication response header. It is only with my Quansheng UV K5 because my Baofeng is working fine with CHIRP. 73 Ben NP4C
Hi Paul, yes I'm just across the boarder in Lowestoft. You should be able to flash different firmware on a Windows XP machine but unfortunately the latest version of Chirp (which has the Quansheng in) requires Windows 10 and above. (I had to upgrade my laptop to Windows 11) Thanks for watching & good luck 👍
Brilliant video Ben and one i contemplated doing for my channel so this has saved me the hassle plus you’ve probably done a better job than me anyway. 😂
@@kjbathe Shame it speaks to a primitive design as most modern devices these days have power and data running to the USB C connection. To only use that connection for power feels like a waste.
Thank you 👍🏻 Will these tune any lower than 18MHz? I shot myself in the foot by selling my Kenwood TH-D74 to put the money towards the IC-705, but still not got around to it, so looking for something cheap that will also allow listening on HF. 73s M7GTX
I got myself a 3500mah battery for my UV-K6, I heard that you need to change a setting so that it can recognize a higher capacity battery with the % meter which I couldn't find in the menu, so I flashed the default firmware hoping it would restore that battery capacity option however after flashing none of the buttons on the radio work. When I turn it on I see the welcome and then the channel/freq main screen but after nothing works. I can still flash different firmware and use chirp to program the memory, but none of the buttons on the radio do anything. Have I bricked my radio or maybe bbq'ed something important with the bigger battery?
Thanks for the video but I am looking at purchasing this model and wanted to see it in operation to get a perspective on audio clarity etc. Do you have another video where you actually use this HT to Transit or Receive?
I am waiting for my ham radio license to be revived. Which, if any, public un-licensed channels can you use on this? Are there any which are legal to use with the low power mode of the Quansheng UV K5 (8)?
Howdy Ben, thanks for the excellent tutorial(s), new to the hobby literally as of today when my k5 (8) arrived from Ali. Something which I discovered that might come in handy, is, if you remove the battery and just plug in the USBC cable, it still works! No idea if it will create a higher charge and eventually burn out the motherboard, but it seemed to run perfectly fine.
Hi, I've not tried using the USB C port for charging (apparently the manufacturer doesn't recommend it) also If your using the radio without the battery, it won't be supplied with enough power as USB is about 5 volts as apposed to 7 - 8 volts from the battery.
@@m7frs272 Okay cool 😎 thanks for the advice. In that case I'm going to use the USBC to charge it and see what effect it may have over time out of curiosity, better than a cat I suppose...!
Uploaded the update, can now access CB frequencies but Chirp won't accept them... on a side note can you unlock a 888 like a UV5R to get higher frequencies? Would be neat to put CB UHF PRS channels (476-8 ish mhz)
In Chirp, go to 'Setting' 'Driver information' (at the bottom of the list) then check 'Limits disabled for modified firmware' Then you should be able to program CB frequencies, but please remember not to TX on them on a Quansheng. I have BF 888s so I'll look into that. Thanks for watching. 👍
Hi, to be honest I've not used one of the Bluetooth adapters, but it should be the same procedure. Use the Chirp software to add any frequencies you need. I've not tested the Australian UHF frequencies, but I assume they would work OK. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Thanks for watching 👍
Hi, I have saved some airband frequencies and it seems to be working well, is there a way to save other frequencies eg CB, local repeaters and PMR in another location separate I have tried switching off save to list 2 I’m on egzumer 0.22
The radio has three scan options: bank 1, bank 2 and all channels. For example I have all my CB channels in bank 2 and all my amateur frequencies in bank 1 or I can scan everything in the memory's
@@m7frs272 Yeah thanks it was the saving and going on the saved and holding on 5 to choose I was trying to do that in the menu by saving to 1 or 2, I now have airband in one and some repeaters and PMR in two and just use the scan option by holding 5 to choose the band edges to scan CB though mine does seem really weak on CB tried different antenna's that work on a Yupiteru and Belka. But for the money how well it performs and how intuitive and easy to use it is it's fantastic.
Yeah there is a lot in the vid that can go wrong from the USB driver that's not working, cable not working, or the browser being restricted from USB permissions, I know for me the quensheng USB driver is no longer installable on windows 11 do to regional language settings, it's turned into a rabbit hole of getting stone walled, and I with someone would make a new video with work arounds
Hello and thank you for the video, I’m having some issues when trying to upload the custom firmware, I have followed your instructions but when I get to the part where I select the com port and hit connect instead of the percentage going up I just get a message saying “no data received, is the radio connected and in flash mode? Please try again” I’ve tried many times and just keep getting that message if anyone could help me with this I’d be most grateful as I’m new to these radios and don’t know much about programming them
Did your programming cable come with the radio? I have a couple that fit but won't work. Might be worth trying a different one? Thanks for watching and let us know how you get on.
Hi Ben, thanks for vids, I know this is a beginner vid but can you do a total noobie vid please, i know nothing about radios and I’m looking at joining a radio club, but in the meantime…
@@m7frs272 Hi yes have watched that one, I think part of my problem is I’m not near an airport, haven’t modified the firmware to allow for repeaters etc so all I’m getting is static when I’m in rx. But if you could do a real newbie vid on the very, very basics if operation that’d be great, sorry for being a pain like for all those who know what they’re doing 🙂
Was the cable fully in it may seem like it’s in but make sure both the top and bottom are fully pushed in. Mine is a baofeng cable had the same issue it worked well with tha baofeng but had to push in more with this.
@@yungsmile7546 One of the features of this radio in the adverts and instructions is you can put a name against a channel. But doesn't say it has to be done by a computer. It's not a firmware update. It's like buying a car without a steering wheel. George
Hi Ron. Good question. Basically what makes this radio so popular (other that the very low cost) is the ability to be used with custom, third party firmware. This allows all sorts of possibilities including receiving a much wider range of the radio spectrum as we as much better AM airband reception. Lots of other features can be included. Some of which I've covered in other videos. Thanks for watching 👍 th-cam.com/play/PLXMfFSysu4iw5AGEOeiiKB09-MI5DWmyn.html&si=l5QObfN29hzKnoAd
Hi, There is another version of firmware that allows double side band (DSB) TX but I'm not sure how good it is. However on Egzumer V0.19 and V0.20 only FM TX is possible.
Fyi if your on windows 11 the driver that ships with the firmware doesnt work, and for me pscps software will crash all the time on connection to the radio. Im regretting getting this radio now and its not to the radios fault its windows 11 i shouldn't have to use a virtual machine to flash a firmware smh i hate Microsoft but they got the monopoly on software compatibility unfortunately
It is a good idea n-o-t to use uvmod and not program the radio via browser. In my case everything seemed to work and got so many success infos and in the end the radio did not even turn on anymore.
No, even though the chip will allow RX on 10m and it will TX a few microwatts on the frequency your on, due to the amplifier not intended for that frequency, it will TX much larger harmonics on higher frequencies potentially causing interference on the airband etc.
@@m7frs272 yeah, I noticed that the other firmware that will let you. But I don't like that firmware nearly as much. Have isolaters and a liner amp running into dummy load trying to see if I can stop the splatter. Just for fun. But I hate having to switch the firmware back when just experimenting.
Hi Ben. Just got my radio a couple days ago. Was into CB years ago. Gonna get my license and spend some time using this little radio. Thank you for making these videos! I’ll prob watch them all too many times and post silly questions about using and working out this little radio. I’m starting from scratch so teaching myself the nothing that I know! lol
Thanks again!
Thanks for your comment and really pleased your findings the videos useful. Best of luck with your license 👍
Norwich . . . Beccles . . . you must be somewhere close to me (Wymondham).
Thanks for the useful video - One of these radios arrived at my QTH just a few hours ago :)
My QTH is Lowestoft, so close 👍 Thanks for watching & enjoy the radio 👍
Thank you so much for putting this out. I bought this on the strength of another reviewer’s glowing review, but I don’t know anything, least of all how to set it up 😂
Thanks for your comment. Glad you found it useful 👍
I had updated with this firmware and until you mentioned it, I hadn't realised it went down to 18MHz. I'm off to listen to 27MHz now!!
Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching 👍
You may need a different antenna
The only clear video I've watched on this. Thanks
Thanks for watching, glad you found it helpful.
Great, informative video Ben, thanks for all the info on this great little radio.
Thanks Richard, easy steps and information, well done. Can you do a video on setting up the ultimate setup utilising all the available firmware feature?
Will see what I can do 😉👍 Thanks for watching and glad you found it helpful.
You made the video mate. To me this sets you apart from the other TH-camrs. You are showing how to set up and refine this great new device.@@m7frs272
Great video! I bet you get many comments with FRS being in your callsign. My original one was KN4DSC. Everyone constantly got it wrong multiple times. They always confused it with dcs instead of dsc lol
Thanks, and yeah quite a few comments lol. Thanks for watching 👍
Thanks Ben, excellent video for beginners.
Thanks for watching, glad it was helpful!
Just what I was looking for. Thanks buddy.
Thanks for watching, Glad you found it helpful.
Just got mine a couple days ago. Was wondering what is preferred firmware EGzumer or Facgi ??? I'm sure stock is ok but a little boring would like to listen to Air band and SSB here in states pls reply...Thanks KB1QDC Kev C. Good videos!!
Egzumer is my preferred firmware. Thanks for watching, glad you found the videos useful 👍
Very helpful - thanks. I got this radio for £8.50 from Alibaba and have flashed firmware and set up for listening to local airband and a few repeaters in Cambridge area. I disabled Tx through the new firmware menu as I don't yet have a licence. I bought a headset from eBay but it was completely the wrong plug. I know realise there are many different plugs! Is there a uv-k5(8) compatible earpiece sold in UK? Or is there such a thing as an adapter to fit a regular mobile phone type earpiece? Any suggestions welcome!
Glad you found it helpful. Any of the cheap Baofeng style earpieces should work OK.
Ben, I'd like to ask you: should I flash the radio or would it be better to do a backup? for any brick. I'm encountering issues with my CHIRP as it consistently shows an error in the communication response header. It is only with my Quansheng UV K5 because my Baofeng is working fine with CHIRP. 73 Ben NP4C
Thanks for the help via ur video, still all very new to me
Thanks Tony, glad you found it useful 👍
Excellent video Ben looks like your local to Great Yarmouth. Could you tell me if I can program the radio using my laptop running Win Xp thanks.Paul
Hi Paul, yes I'm just across the boarder in Lowestoft. You should be able to flash different firmware on a Windows XP machine but unfortunately the latest version of Chirp (which has the Quansheng in) requires Windows 10 and above. (I had to upgrade my laptop to Windows 11) Thanks for watching & good luck 👍
Ok thanks Ben for your help
Waiting for mine :) bought 2 of em for funzies :)
Thanks great Vid, got hung on patching but then realised you have to clik "patch firmware" first then "flash Directly" where does egzumer cpu from>
Brilliant video Ben and one i contemplated doing for my channel so this has saved me the hassle plus you’ve probably done a better job than me anyway. 😂
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. 👍
Why can’t you use the usb cable supplied with the radio to update the firmware ?
The supplied cable charges the battery. The programming interface is built into the speaker/mic interface (not the battery)
@@kjbathe Shame it speaks to a primitive design as most modern devices these days have power and data running to the USB C connection. To only use that connection for power feels like a waste.
Thank you 👍🏻 Will these tune any lower than 18MHz?
I shot myself in the foot by selling my Kenwood TH-D74 to put the money towards the IC-705, but still not got around to it, so looking for something cheap that will also allow listening on HF.
73s M7GTX
I got myself a 3500mah battery for my UV-K6, I heard that you need to change a setting so that it can recognize a higher capacity battery with the % meter which I couldn't find in the menu, so I flashed the default firmware hoping it would restore that battery capacity option however after flashing none of the buttons on the radio work. When I turn it on I see the welcome and then the channel/freq main screen but after nothing works. I can still flash different firmware and use chirp to program the memory, but none of the buttons on the radio do anything. Have I bricked my radio or maybe bbq'ed something important with the bigger battery?
Ben do you know how to flash third party firmware on the new version of the 5r plus with the USB C socket?
Luveeeerly 😆🌲 Merry Christmas.
Thanks for the video but I am looking at purchasing this model and wanted to see it in operation to get a perspective on audio clarity etc. Do you have another video where you actually use this HT to Transit or Receive?
Thanks for watching, I have a few TH-cam shorts of it receiving. I'm always looking for ideas for future videos so that maybe one 😉
I hope that will be all right !
I am waiting for my ham radio license to be revived. Which, if any, public un-licensed channels can you use on this? Are there any which are legal to use with the low power mode of the Quansheng UV K5 (8)?
I only want the airband fix, is there a way to get this without everything else?
Howdy Ben, thanks for the excellent tutorial(s), new to the hobby literally as of today when my k5 (8) arrived from Ali. Something which I discovered that might come in handy, is, if you remove the battery and just plug in the USBC cable, it still works! No idea if it will create a higher charge and eventually burn out the motherboard, but it seemed to run perfectly fine.
Hi, I've not tried using the USB C port for charging (apparently the manufacturer doesn't recommend it) also If your using the radio without the battery, it won't be supplied with enough power as USB is about 5 volts as apposed to 7 - 8 volts from the battery.
@@m7frs272 Okay cool 😎 thanks for the advice. In that case I'm going to use the USBC to charge it and see what effect it may have over time out of curiosity, better than a cat I suppose...!
Ben silly question I have a funny little 2 prong plug in the charger so I cut this off and replace with UK 3 pin or is their an adaptor Tia Martin
You can get an adaptor but I do the same as you and fit a genuine UK plug. Thanks for watching 👍
Awesome video.... Can you do more on this radio on how to use more of its functions.....
Thanks for your comment. I'll certainly try and do a few more. Anything in specific you'd like to see?
It would be a lengthy vid maybe on the anachronisms on the radio for instance what does VOX mean and others...if not thats fine...
Ben
Are there some download files for UK ham frequencies 2M/70CM and repeaters and if so where that work with chirp?
If you have Facebook then look on the Quansheng user pages in the files section 👍
Uploaded the update, can now access CB frequencies but Chirp won't accept them...
on a side note can you unlock a 888 like a UV5R to get higher frequencies? Would be neat to put CB UHF PRS channels (476-8 ish mhz)
In Chirp, go to 'Setting' 'Driver information' (at the bottom of the list) then check 'Limits disabled for modified firmware' Then you should be able to program CB frequencies, but please remember not to TX on them on a Quansheng. I have BF 888s so I'll look into that. Thanks for watching. 👍
Hey mate,
I have one of these, how do I program it to have the 1-80 uhf channels in Australia? I have the Bluetooth thing for it too.
Thanks
Hi, to be honest I've not used one of the Bluetooth adapters, but it should be the same procedure. Use the Chirp software to add any frequencies you need. I've not tested the Australian UHF frequencies, but I assume they would work OK. Good luck and let us know how you get on. Thanks for watching 👍
Good clear info
Thanks Chris, really appreciate it 👍
Very handy to know, thanks, PD0ELK, 73’s.
Thanks for your comment, glad it was helpful.
Hi, I have saved some airband frequencies and it seems to be working well, is there a way to save other frequencies eg CB, local repeaters and PMR in another location separate I have tried switching off save to list 2 I’m on egzumer 0.22
The radio has three scan options: bank 1, bank 2 and all channels. For example I have all my CB channels in bank 2 and all my amateur frequencies in bank 1 or I can scan everything in the memory's
@@m7frs272 Yeah thanks it was the saving and going on the saved and holding on 5 to choose I was trying to do that in the menu by saving to 1 or 2, I now have airband in one and some repeaters and PMR in two and just use the scan option by holding 5 to choose the band edges to scan CB though mine does seem really weak on CB tried different antenna's that work on a Yupiteru and Belka. But for the money how well it performs and how intuitive and easy to use it is it's fantastic.
When unlocked. Will it transmit on 222MHz? what usable freq's will it transmit on when unlocked?
Ben, thank you for all the information, 73 Ben NP4C
Yea, everytime i go onto their website i can't open what i downloaded bc it won't switch to english
hi i have put pmr channels onto radio but how do i set the high/low power without using a computer.
Can I install the firmware via usb c?
Yes you should be able to 👍
Where do I get the file to use in chirp with all the usefull frequency's on ?
I follow your instructions but I don't get the flash directly screen. Am I missing something? This is at 3:10
Yeah there is a lot in the vid that can go wrong from the USB driver that's not working, cable not working, or the browser being restricted from USB permissions, I know for me the quensheng USB driver is no longer installable on windows 11 do to regional language settings, it's turned into a rabbit hole of getting stone walled, and I with someone would make a new video with work arounds
@@Dead_Cereal It was simply that I was using Firefox instead of Chrome. I should have taken more notice of the written instructions.
Do you recommend this radio?
Yes 100% for the price it costs!
Thanks Richard 👍
Hello and thank you for the video, I’m having some issues when trying to upload the custom firmware, I have followed your instructions but when I get to the part where I select the com port and hit connect instead of the percentage going up I just get a message saying “no data received, is the radio connected and in flash mode? Please try again” I’ve tried many times and just keep getting that message if anyone could help me with this I’d be most grateful as I’m new to these radios and don’t know much about programming them
Did your programming cable come with the radio? I have a couple that fit but won't work. Might be worth trying a different one? Thanks for watching and let us know how you get on.
Hi Ben, thanks for vids, I know this is a beginner vid but can you do a total noobie vid please, i know nothing about radios and I’m looking at joining a radio club, but in the meantime…
Hi, thanks for watching, not sure if this is the sort of thing you're looking for: th-cam.com/video/07tWtmpP1Bg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RdRzhiwtD9ZPZGyf
@@m7frs272 Hi yes have watched that one, I think part of my problem is I’m not near an airport, haven’t modified the firmware to allow for repeaters etc so all I’m getting is static when I’m in rx. But if you could do a real newbie vid on the very, very basics if operation that’d be great, sorry for being a pain like for all those who know what they’re doing 🙂
Only problem is the group is private and can't be seen on FB
The firmware is also available on github if you're not on Facebook: github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom/releases
Mine says paired but it fails to connect, not sure why, could possibly be the cable as though i bought a cheap one from Amazon
Was the cable fully in it may seem like it’s in but make sure both the top and bottom are fully pushed in. Mine is a baofeng cable had the same issue it worked well with tha baofeng but had to push in more with this.
When you mod the radio can you still enter the fm radio channels to listen to the radio still lol
Yes you can, thanks for watching 👍
Great content 👌🏽
Is this not on GitHub like normal firmwares
Yes it is 👍
@@m7frs272 nice!
One thing I find. Is not owning a computer, laptop etc. Makes it impossible using modern radio equipment. Not able to even update firmware. 😢
Kinda like living under a rock, huh???😮
@@yungsmile7546 One of the features of this radio in the adverts and instructions is you can put a name against a channel. But doesn't say it has to be done by a computer. It's not a firmware update. It's like buying a car without a steering wheel. George
Why replace the original firmware, why not use the original firmware? Is there a reason? Ron W4BIN
Hi Ron. Good question. Basically what makes this radio so popular (other that the very low cost) is the ability to be used with custom, third party firmware. This allows all sorts of possibilities including receiving a much wider range of the radio spectrum as we as much better AM airband reception. Lots of other features can be included. Some of which I've covered in other videos. Thanks for watching 👍
th-cam.com/play/PLXMfFSysu4iw5AGEOeiiKB09-MI5DWmyn.html&si=l5QObfN29hzKnoAd
Hi can this radio TX on ssb on 2m i try with mine and it will only TX on FM mode.
Hi, There is another version of firmware that allows double side band (DSB) TX but I'm not sure how good it is. However on Egzumer V0.19 and V0.20 only FM TX is possible.
i have problem when i try to flash it says no data any help? pls
Dose the radio say no data or the computer?
Fyi if your on windows 11 the driver that ships with the firmware doesnt work, and for me pscps software will crash all the time on connection to the radio. Im regretting getting this radio now and its not to the radios fault its windows 11 i shouldn't have to use a virtual machine to flash a firmware smh i hate Microsoft but they got the monopoly on software compatibility unfortunately
Why is getting started mean you have to get firmware? Why not make a guide with the radio straight out of the box? This makes no sense.
I have: 😉
th-cam.com/video/07tWtmpP1Bg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=whkmipqbzcbUwcyV
Because the stock software is damn near useless
It is a good idea n-o-t to use uvmod and not program the radio via browser. In my case everything seemed to work and got so many success infos and in the end the radio did not even turn on anymore.
Have you tried removing the battery for a while, then replace it and turn the radio on in flash mode, then try flashing again?
Ben, it is ok again, but I had to use another program k5prog_win. Much safer and you can also backup config etc.
sweet
Thanks for watching 👍
FM for a CB frequency? Things sure changed since my CB days!
Yeah FM on the UK band but I may change the mid/USA band to AM 😉👍 Thanks for watching.
Even unlocked you still cant tx on 10m?
No, even though the chip will allow RX on 10m and it will TX a few microwatts on the frequency your on, due to the amplifier not intended for that frequency, it will TX much larger harmonics on higher frequencies potentially causing interference on the airband etc.
@@m7frs272 yeah, I noticed that the other firmware that will let you. But I don't like that firmware nearly as much. Have isolaters and a liner amp running into dummy load trying to see if I can stop the splatter. Just for fun. But I hate having to switch the firmware back when just experimenting.
What if you don't want Facebook?
If you don't have Facebook:
github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom/releases
One watt will be cut from power output when the firmware is used. watch video name."Quansheng UV K5 firmware update, or how to screw up your radio!"
What firmware? The one shown in this video?
Who cares abiut one watt for a 20$ wideband scanner What a sad ham
@@ragheadand420rollthere’s always one mate 🙃
This may open up a lot of bands, but this radio is absolute garbage