This Monday night we will discuss the OpenGD-77 firmware for DMR radios and the pros and cons of using it. Add your comments and questions as we learn more about the OpenGD-77 firmware.
Join us on Brandmeister Talk Group 31266 (Michigan Nets) for the DMR Tech Net on Monday, November 4th from 7:30 PM ET to 8:25 PM ET. The net will conclude early to allow time to switch (QSY) talk groups to the Michigan One DMR Net (which begins at 8:30 PM ET on BrandMeister Talk Group 3126).
Every Monday night join the DMR Tech Net as we make Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) easier to understand and fun to use!
Using OpenGD-77 firmware on a DMR radio (like the Radioddity GD-77) has several pros and cons:
Pros:
- Expanded Features: OpenGD‑77offers a range of additional features and configuration options that are not available in the factory firmware.
- Customization: You can customize the radio to a greater extent, including the ability to define multiple
talk groups within a single channel. - Improved Performance: Some users report better performance and reliability with OpenGD‑77
compared to the factory firmware. - Community Support: Being an open‑source project, it has a community of users and developers who
can offer support and share their experiences. - Hotspot Mode: OpenGD‑77 includes a hotspot mode that allows for higher power transmission
compared to some other software-defined radio hotspots.
Cons:
- Legal Issues: The firmware no longer contains the binary sections from the official firmware that
provide DMR/AMBE codec functionality due to legal reasons. - Complexity: The additional features and customization options can make the software more complex
to use, especially for beginners. - Compatibility: There may be compatibility issues with certain repeaters or networks that require specific firmware configurations.
- Firmware Updates: Keeping the firmware up to date can be more challenging, as it requires manual updates and flashing.
OpenGD-77 software brings several new and different features compared to the factory firmware of the GD-77 radio. Here are some of the key enhancements:
New Features:
- DMR Rx AGC: Automatic Gain Control for DMR reception, improving audio quality.
- Rx Beeps: Beeps indicating reception of a signal.
- Clear Last Heard: Holding the # key clears the Last Heard screen.
- Voice Prompts: Multiple speeds for voice prompts, ranging from 1.0x to 2.5x normal speech speed.
- CC Scan Option: The CC scan option has been reinstated.
- Improved Scanning: Enhanced DMR scanning functionality.
- GPS Position Display: Improved GPS position display.
- Hotspot Mode: Enhanced hotspot mode for higher power transmission1.
Additional Features:
- Customization: More options for customizing the radio settings and configurations.
- Community Support: Access to a community of users and developers for support and shared
experiences. - Regular Updates: Frequent updates with new features and improvements.
These features make OpenGD-77 a powerful and flexible option for DMR enthusiasts looking to get the most out of their radios.
Here is how you can get started with OpenGD-77 for your DMR radio:
- Download and Install
- Repository: Go to the OpenGD-77 GitHub repository and download the latest firmware and CPS (Customer Programming Software) https://github.com/open-ham/OpenGD77 or https://www.opengd77.com/downloads/ .
- Install: Follow the instructions to install the CPS on your computer and flash the firmware onto your
This usually involves connecting the radio to your computer via USB and using the CPS to load
the new firmware.
- Configuration
- CPS Software: Open the CPS software and configure your radio settings. You can set up channels,
talkgroups, and other settings. - Hotspot Mode: If you want to use your radio as a hotspot, you will need to configure this in the CPS.
- Community and Resources
- Forums and Groups: Join online forums and groups where you can ask questions and get support from other OpenGD-77 users.
- Documentation: Read through the available documentation to understand all the features and how to
use them.
- Regular Updates
- Firmware: Keep an eye on the GitHub repository for updates and new features. Regularly updating your firmware can help you stay on top of new developments and improvements.
- Practice and Explore
- Experiment: Spend some time experimenting with different settings and configurations to find what
works best for you. - Use Cases: Try out the various features, such as the Hotspot mode, to see how they can enhance your
DMR experience.
Dive in and enjoy exploring the expanded functionality OpenGD-77 can bring to your DMR experience!
Send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net if you want to subscribe or unsubscribe to this newsletter. To see previous newsletters, check out our website: https://dmrtechnet.net/
You can always chat with the DMR Tech Net team on TGIF talk group 31268, the DMR Tech Net channel or Brandmeister talk group 31266, the Michigan Nets channel.
The DMR Tech Net team is assisting Dustin N8RMA with NCS duties on the Michigan One DMR net.
Here is the list of the upcoming NCS (Net Control Stations) for it:
- Nov 4 Steve KC8WXM and/or Brad KE8WNV
- Nov 11 Dustin N8RMA
- Nov 18 Tom N8TJ and/or Rick AD8KN
- Nov 25 Bob KB8DQQ
https://www.michiganonedmr.net/
The next DMR Tech Net TV Zoom broadcast is Tuesday, November 19 from 8pm-9pm ET. Join us as David Wolf WO5H will be our guest. He will tell us about his role as the “King of Parts” at Radio Shack along with adding amateur radio products to their product line in the 1990’s. He’ll talk about them (the HTX-100, HTX-202, HTX-242, HTX-404, and other Radio Shack amateur radio products) plus answer your questions!
To join the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting, click the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84447664395?pwd=djZMbFZaWVRkRDRudkRFeWc2WWV4UT09
Another option is to go to https://zoom.us/, then select “Join” (in the top right-hand corner), and use the following parameters to connect to the DMR Tech Net TV Zoom meeting:
- Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
- Passcode: 370040
To join with only your phones’ audio, dial (312) 626-6799 and input the following:
- Meeting ID: 844 4766 4395
- Passcode: 370040
To view previous DMR Tech Net TV shows, visit our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@DMRtechnetTV) or website (https://dmrtechnet.net/dmr-tech-net-tv/).
Here’s the link to hear the audio from tonight’s DMR Tech Net topic of OpenGD-77 firmware:
| Quick recap | |
| The OpenGD77 firmware for DMR radios was discussed, with participants sharing their experiences and highlighting its benefits such as automatic gain control and customization features. The meeting also covered the possibility of upgrading radios to the OpenGD77 firmware and the potential challenges involved. Lastly, the upcoming DMR Technet TV was announced, featuring Dave Wolf from Radio Shack, and the topic for the next meeting was revealed as the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS). | |
| Next steps | |
| • Jackson (KF0OBF) to send an email to subscribe@dmrtechnet.net to join the email list. | |
| • All participants to prepare questions for Dave Wolf (WO5H) about Radio Shack for the next DMR Technet TV in two weeks. | |
| • All participants to research and prepare comments on APRS setup and usage for next week’s DMR Technet. | |
| • Rick (A8KN) to continue exploring the automatic gain control feature on his OpenGD77 firmware radio. | |
| • All participants to consider upgrading compatible radios to OpenGD77 firmware and share experiences in future nets. | |
| Summary | |
| OpenGD77 Firmware Discussion and Experience | |
| Dana led a discussion on the OpenGD77 firmware for DMR radios, which was introduced as a topic of interest. Tom, a participant from Clarkson, Michigan, shared his experience with the firmware, stating that it significantly improved his Chinese radios. He also mentioned that he had successfully installed the firmware on his UV3-90 and MD9600 radios. Brad, another participant, emphasized the community-driven nature of the firmware and its open-source operating system. He also mentioned that the firmware improves the radio’s performance and is compatible with various models, although he couldn’t specify which ones. The discussion concluded with a call for more information on the pros and cons of using the OpenGD77 firmware. | |
| Upgrading Radio to Open Gd 77 | |
| Dana led a discussion about the upgrade of a radio to the open Gd 77 firmware. Rick 88 KM from Haslit shared his experience of upgrading his Md 3, 90 UV radio to the open Gd 77 firmware. He mentioned that he had a rough time finding the exact version of the firmware and had to go through the user manual to find it. However, once he had all the necessary files, the process went smoothly. Rick also mentioned that the radio has a lot of features that can be tweaked and that it has automatic gain control for DMR. Dana also mentioned that there were new updates on the Opengd 77 firmware, including automatic gain control, receiving beeps, and color code scan option. | |
| Open Gd 77 Firmware Discussion | |
| Dana led a discussion on the open Gd 77 firmware, inviting participants to share their experiences. Paul from New Zealand was absent but promised to check back later. Jackson, a new DMR user, shared his positive experience with the firmware, using the Rt 3s and the open source Gd 77 software. Brad, who had previously faced issues with being heard, shared his positive experience with the automatic gain control feature of the firmware. Dana also expressed a desire for a similar feature in her own radio. The conversation ended with a check of the clock and a reminder of the meeting’s purpose. | |
| DMR Technet Meeting and Updates | |
| Dana led the DMR Technet meeting, which was ongoing until 8:25 PM. Paul from Wellington, New Zealand, was absent due to his afternoon schedule. Jackson, a new member, expressed his gratitude for the welcoming atmosphere and shared his interest in the DMR Technet. He also mentioned his intention to participate in future meetings. John, another participant, shared his experience with the Open Gd 77, highlighting its ease of use and customization features. He also mentioned a simulated emergency test with Oakland County, where they had to fall back to Meilah or Peter for more range. Dana encouraged Jackson to subscribe to the email list for future updates. | |
| DMR Technet TV and OpenGD 77 Firmware | |
| Dana discussed the upcoming DMR Technet TV, featuring Dave Wolf, the ‘King of Parts’ at Radio Shack, who will talk about the company’s history and their amateur radio offerings. John, a participant from Madison Heights, shared his plans to switch to a hotspot next week and his experience with the OpenGD 77 Firmware, which he noted was not easy to revert from. Tom added that using the OpenGD 77 Firmware would require replacing the software or firmware on the radio, making it difficult to revert back. | |
| G77 Radio Firmware and Loading | |
| Dana discussed her experience with loading radios, mentioning a G77 that she initially thought was a brick but managed to bring to life by flashing it with G77 firmware. She also clarified that it is possible to go back to the original firmware, but it’s more trouble than it’s worth and not a common practice. Brad raised a question about the open Gd 77 firmware for the radio, which Dana confirmed is possible but not recommended. Dana also mentioned that if one wants to go back to the original firmware, they would need to find the original firmware floating around on the internet or use a donor file. | |
| Opengd 77 Firmware Discussion | |
| Dana led the DMR Technet meeting, discussing the Opengd 77 firmware. Kurt, Kf. 0, Cqn, shared his positive experience with the firmware, particularly appreciating the automatic gain control feature. Rick from Windsor, Ontario, also shared his experience, highlighting the ability to vary power output, which he found useful when using a hotspot. Rick also pointed out the need for separate records for different talk groups on different repeaters or hotspots. The conversation ended with Dana encouraging the sharing of knowledge and the exploration of new features. | |
| Open GD77 Firmware Discussion | |
| The meeting focused on the Open GD77 firmware for DMR radios. Dana discussed the topic for the next meeting, which will be about the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS). Paul from New Zealand shared his experience with the Open GD77 firmware on his radios, highlighting its battery-saving feature and the ability to customize colors. Tom and Brad also shared their experiences with the firmware, emphasizing its benefits and ease of use. The conversation ended with a reminder to support the repeater owners and administrators of the Brandmeister network. | |