Introducing UV-K5 Version 0.2C (APRS) (Changed 0.2B -> 0.2C)

 Introducing UV-K5 Version 0.2C (APRS)

This version is a test version.

If there are no major problems, the version number will be changed to 0.2P and released again in one week. If you want a stable version, please download it after one week.

0.About 0.2C

Changed release from 0.2B to 0.2C.
In 0.2B, we fixed bugs that testers provided feedback on.
1.SSID storage problem
2. Decode error when transmitting GPS coordinates
3. Digi ID can be omitted in case it is not used -> An error will occur if omitted according to the APRS regulation document and protocol.
You can use it by setting SSID to 0.
If you don't need DigiID, set DigiID to 0.

----------------------- About 0.2B ---------------------------

In Version 0.2B, APRS transmission function was added. I don't know much about APRS, and I haven't actually been able to test transmission from the UV-K5 to the APRS receiver.

I did the test with FT-817 and software called Softmodem.

The AX.25 modem, which is composed of software, requires precise time control, but UV-K5's MCU is not equipped with a crystal, making precise control difficult.

However, transmission and reception was confirmed at about 1200 BPS. Please test to see if it actually works.

1.APRS frequency setting

  The APRS frequencies used vary by country and region. Please set the frequency appropriate for your region.

Usually, one APRS frequency is used, but since it may differ depending on the region, I set two frequencies for APRS.

In most areas, you will probably just need to enter the same frequency.

1.1 Please select the APRS frequency appropriate for your region.

   Go to ChSave menu.

1.2When you go to the 169th and 170th channels, the channel names automatically change to APRS MSG and APRS GPS.

Select the items you want and save them. Most countries or regions probably use the same frequencies.

2.APRS basic settings

To use APRS, you must enter some information appropriate for your region.

Go to U.INFO in the setup menu.

2.1 Enter the destination of APRS. (Less than 7 characters)

2.2 Enter DIGI for APRS. After searching the Internet, most areas use WIDE1 or WIDE2.

Since I don't know APRS well, I treated all APRS-related content as optional.

(Less than 7 characters)

2.3 GPS Location 

  GPS information must be entered with one decimal point. 

2.4 If Digi SSID is not needed, set it to 0

2.5 Enter the message to be sent in the APRS Status.

Currently, only 10 characters are supported, but when the APRS. if function is included in version 1.0, the number of characters will be increased or it will be possible to input in terminal mode.

3. Transmit APRS

3.1 Enter the T.APRS menu

  The frequency for what you want to transmit is automatically displayed on the screen.

3.2 To transmit, press the menu button twice or press PTT for 1 second.

3.3 After changing the item, you can transmit it by pressing PTT.

4. APRS option items

  Options set in UV-K5 are applied to items A to F below, respectively.

  A : My Callsign,  B : My SSID, C:AprsDST, D:AprsDigi, E:DigiID

  Please refer to the video for MySSID and DigiID settings and testing.

5. Transmitting Morse code after transmitting SSTV

  Change STV CW to ON in the menu.

 Enter your call sign in My call in U.Info.

When SSTV is transmitted, your call sign will be transmitted in F2A mode. It is similar to the SSTV program used on computers. 

The SSTV (CW) video will be posted on YouTube within 2 days and included in this content.

Download Firmware   - Changed from Version 0.2B to 0.2C and the URL is the same.

https://github.com/phdlee/uvk5cec/releases/tag/v_0.2B

KD8CEC