Summary

This repository provides a custom firmware fork for Quansheng UV-K1 and UV-K5 V3 radios, targeting amateur radio operators and embedded enthusiasts. It adapts and extends existing open-source firmware to the PY32F071 MCU, offering enhanced features, customization, and improved radio performance beyond stock capabilities.

How It Works

The project is a derivative of the F4HWN custom firmware, itself based on Egzumer's work, specifically ported to the PY32F071 microcontroller. It leverages a collaborative, open-source development model, building upon foundational work by DualTachyon to deliver advanced functionalities and optimizations for compatible radio hardware.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Build: Compile firmware using the provided Docker-based build system via the compile-with-docker.sh script. Requires Docker and a Bash environment.
• Flash: Utilize the cross-platform, WebSerial-based UVTools2 application (Chrome/Edge/Chromium desktop) for flashing firmware and managing calibration data. Radio must be in DFU mode.
• Dependencies: Docker, Bash.
• Links: Official manual available in the Wiki section.

Highlighted Details

• Multiple firmware variants: Bandscope, Broadcast, Basic, RescueOps, Game, Fusion.
• Advanced power level control (Low1-Low5, Mid, High, User-defined <20mW to 5W).
• IARU Region 1 compliant S-Meter with new designs (Classic/Tiny).
• Enhanced Bandscope (Spectrum Analyzer) with improved UI and features.
• Extensive new menu options for deep customization (PTT modes, TOT alerts, contrast, screen invert, EOT alerts, GUI font, TX lock, sleep timers, NFM width).
• Support for 3500mAh batteries.
• Dynamic Squelch/Step adjustment via key combinations.
• SSB demodulation capability.

Maintenance & Community

The project is a collaborative effort, with significant contributions acknowledged from developers like Muzkr, Andrej, Egzumer, and DualTachyon. While specific community channels (Discord/Slack) are not listed, the README strongly advocates for maintaining open-source forks in the spirit of amateur radio collaboration.

Licensing & Compatibility

Licensed under the Apache License 2.0, carrying forward DualTachyon's original copyright. The license permits commercial use, though the project strongly encourages derived works to remain open source.

Limitations & Caveats

Users must accept full risk, as the firmware may potentially brick radios. The underlying Quansheng UV-Kx hardware has inherent performance limitations (poor dynamic range, susceptibility to strong RF environments) that firmware cannot overcome, particularly affecting AM reception. Backup of calibration data using uvtools2 is strongly recommended post-flashing. A dedicated CHIRP driver is required for compatibility.