AnyTone 878UVII Plus: APRS Tutorial

[@shanestephens2314]

Thank you. I've watched this video before but missed one important step found at 12:18. Your videos are very comprehensive. I live in Australia but if I was in the US I'd buy my gear from you to support the great work you do.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Glad it was helpful! Please check out our Plug-n-play package to help you take your ham radio journey to the next level. bit.ly/3Lgiz1k

[@davidfanelli2451]

There is one thing that was not covered that is important to APRS reception. Make sure your "Power Save" is set to "Save Off". This item is accessible by Menu > Settings > Radio Set > Other Func > Power Save. If you have Power Save enabled, you will miss analog packets.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you David for your comment.

[@Heavy-C]

These videos are amazing. This is my first HAM radio, but wanted to start off with something that i could maximize my tech license on. These videos have made such a complex radio REALLY approachable. Keep up the excellent work!

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Hi! Thank you for your comment. We invite you to join our very large Facebook group. Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/BridgeComSystems. Also, please check out our plug-and-play package: www.bridgecomsystems.com/pages/plug-and-play-package.

[@Q1745]

A couple notes regarding APRS that needs to be mentioned: - 144.390MHz is the standardized frequency for the US. For our friends across the pond, the standard frequency is 144.800 - Setting a CTCSS tone of 100.0Hz on TX allows for “Voice Alert” where you can call a close APRS station using voice on the APRS frequency to call the other station and, if successful, QSY to a simplex voice channel. All of my mobile/handheld APRS devices have been set up this way after Bob Bruninga suggested this and I have used it successfully. Pretty cool idea! In this tutorial, I believe you need to set the 100.0Hz tone in the APRS settings TX; then in the APRS channel, set 100.0Hz for both TX & RX and uncheck PTT Prohibit. Caveat here, I’m waiting for my AT-D878UVII+ to arrive so I haven’t tested these steps. I’ll edit this post if necessary after it arrives and I can test. I bought this radio immediately after trying out and programming a friend’s 878UV+ and was VERY impressed! 😃 Happy hamming and 73 from N0SR!

[@EdinGacic]

How do I set the APRS channel to 100.0Hz for both TX and RX when it gives error frequency out of range?

[@JohnDole]

Have you tested it?

[@marcdowns8347]

I've said it before. The Education you guys provide is fantastic, especially for the bazzillion settings required for DMR. THANKS!

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you Marc!

[@JamesSmith-hs1ch]

Always great helpful videos! keep up the good work!! 73!

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Hi! We appreciate your comment. If you’re looking to connect with other hams, check out our Facebook group here: facebook.com/groups/BridgeComSystems. And, if you haven’t seen it yet, our best-selling Plug-and-Play Package is worth a look: www.bridgecomsystems.com/pages/plug-and-play-package.

[@michaelbloomston1770]

It was not mentioned in the video, but in order to receive APRS (that is to see it on screen and have it stored in the Analog APRS log), you must have the APRS channel as your main or sub channel. It can be the sub channel and you can be on any TG for the main channel and vice-versa.

[@shinyfpv3656]

Now i received aprs info but its not appear on my screen when its coming. I need to find on analog aprs info setting to see it. Have any setting to appear this info?

[@nervmax]

wondering, 878 plus could decode the other's position, and can it be able to decode the message from the other handheld? such as msg from Yaesu FT3D

[@dennis8019]

thank u this saves me so much time now...

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

You're welcome! Check out our Plug-n-play package: bit.ly/3Lgiz1k

[@jamespurser357]

Can the aprs and Bluetooth be used to connect the radio to a android device or computer for easy message input and reading

[@double5bbq]

Is there any way to have Anytone do a software upgrade to allow the original 878 to receive APRS? It is aggravating that it was marketed as having APRS when, in reality, it only has half that functionality.

[@primalucephoto]

What version of the firmware are you using on those radios? I have this radio and can't get the APRS to TX or RX following your video.

[@0150r]

I can't get it to work on my 878UVII Plus. I have another radio setup with APRS droid that is working fine to test with. I can see that the other radio is receiving my transmission, but nothing shows up in APRS droid. When I transmit from APRS droid, my 878 shows it's receiving data, but it does not bring up the APRS screen to display anything.

[@someoneelse7629]

I never got the Analog APRS to function on my 878, but the digital works just fine, and here we have both gateways in the same place anyway.

[@Daniel-Tiger]

How?

[@LevyCarneiro]

What I did: - Restarted the radio (like he recommends in the video) - Once the radio restarted, I changed to the APRS zone/channel - Also had to enable APRS in Settings > APRS > Upload type > Ana APRS. After this, I was able to see a TX every 30 seconds, with the LED turning red for a moment.

[@LevyCarneiro]

Also, it only starts to TX once it has a GPS lock (the GPS icon is lit).

[@shinyfpv3656]

Need help. i not received APRS RX on my 878uvll plus . what can i do? im use latest FW and already follow your step

[@TheLordMarshal]

Bought my AT D828UVii Plus handheld in mid May 2023, have the analogue APRS transmitting fine, but struggling to receive and decode any APRS from non AnyTone radios, comments below suggest others have had the same problem historically. Using APRS board version V106. Is this difficulty decoding APRS, from non AT radios, being actively resolved by AnyTone? Having APRS receive in this handheld is a major feature for many and reason to purchase.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for your comment. We invite you to ask your question in our very large Facebook group. Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/BridgeComSystems. Also, please check out our plug-and-play package: www.bridgecomsystems.com/pages/plug-and-play-package.

[@ThomasBa-ci6ey]

​@@BridgeComSystemsInc Receiving gps data is possible, but real analog aprs messages does not really work. I have tried different settings for weeks ...it seems that the firmware is stilly buggy in 2024.. in switzerland the radio was forbidden

[@n1kkri]

Will you be doing a 578UVIII Plus w/aircraft.. a APRS setup with demo of both transmitting and receiving APRS data

[@briangarel2015]

Especially since the CPS is so very different!

[@Bob814u]

I have watched this video and setup, resetup, ....... still doesn't work. Everything but the callsign I copied in the settings. Still won't get out. or receive.

[@TheLordMarshal]

I had the same problem until I realised in APRS setting the 'Analogue transmission frequency 1' must match the CHANNEL setting Analogue APRS report Freq' also set to 1. I can now transmit APRS fine, but still struggling with RX. Only had the radio 2 days though

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

We invite you to join our very large Facebook group. Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/BridgeComSystems. Also, please check out our plug-and-play package: www.bridgecomsystems.com/pages/plug-and-play-package.

[@ThomasBa-ci6ey]

What is your callsign? There is a know bug with callsigns which are only 5 signs long

[@oltredding]

Add time stamp 13:26 I notice the Analog menu is completely different. The video shows one block to enter a Transmission Frequency [MHz]. Has 8 blocks and a place to select PASS ALL either on or off.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Hi Terrence, the firmware used in this video was current at the time of production, but Anytone has released new versions since then.

[@markd0724]

does this setup do analog and digital or does their need to be two separate channels for analog and digital

[@mikeys614]

APRS RX still isn't working. Can you post a code plug to test? Did you update to BT+APRS board FW V1.02? Thanks

[@RedFRC]

Five months of reading/watching videos, testing this and that. Still have not got the darned APRS working on this 878UVII Plus. If I would have bought Yaesu I would have been up and running in a day!

[@alvinchen6586]

For guys who can get beacon but never send out message, make sure the digipeater path format is right, such as "wide1-1,wide2-1". It may not be your fault, I found mine from the factory with a wrong format, the comma is missing. This cost me a whole day to fix.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for your comment.

[@cre8vedesign]

does the UVII plus have ability to send messages to cell phones?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for your comment. We invite you to join our very large Facebook group. Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/BridgeComSystems. Also, please check out our plug-and-play package: www.bridgecomsystems.com/pages/plug-and-play-package.

[@ianbultitude478]

Is there a more up to date version of this as the CPS software shown is vastly different to what I now have? Otherwise great movie.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

We'd love to help you! You can submit a support ticket on our website support.bridgecomsystems.com/kb-tickets/new

[@oltredding]

At 13.6 in the video you show GPS Ranging, and turn it on. My screen is different. Below GPS Mode, I have another on/off item called GPS Roaming? Should that be on if I am using the 878 to report my position when hiking?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Hi! Thank you for your comment. We invite you to ask your question in our very large Facebook group. Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/BridgeComSystems. Also, please check out our plug-and-play package: www.bridgecomsystems.com/pages/plug-and-play-package.

[@realtyrocks1969]

Can you send and receive a message or just location?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for your comment. We invite you to ask your question to our very large Facebook group. Here's the link to join: facebook.com/groups/BridgeComSystems. Also, please check out our plug-n-play package: www.bridgecomsystems.com/pages/plug-and-play-package.

[@badboyheathy]

Is it just me, or does the 878uvii not decode aprs from other radio brands? It decides my 878uv fine but won’t decode my kenwood d710, seems a compatibility issue, latest firmware on the radio

[@TheLordMarshal]

Did you ever get your radio to receive APRS from other than AT radios?

[@T101TDO]

Good day! A question (did some research, but somehow, did not found any clear answer): how do I change the APRS symbol (the one visible on the aprs.fi) from the radio and not from the CPS? Thanks!!!

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Aprs settings like that are done in the CPS. Thank for the comment.

[@T101TDO]

@@BridgeComSystemsInc Thank you for your feedback! Not very practical, maybe updates in the future will make this option more "mobile" friendly :)

[@Rusted_Link]

Seems a lot of us do not get the same results. I've watched other videos and still can't get APRS to work like in this demonstration. Please revise the video this time divulging everything that was missed.

[@LevyCarneiro]

What I did: - Restarted the radio (like he recommends in the video) - Once the radio restarted, I changed to the APRS zone/channel - Also had to enable APRS in Settings > APRS > Upload type > Ana APRS. After this, I was able to see a TX every 30 seconds, with the LED turning red for a moment.

[@LevyCarneiro]

Also, it only starts to TX once it has a GPS lock (the GPS icon is lit).

[@Rusted_Link]

@@LevyCarneiro I have found it to be completely useless.

[@LevyCarneiro]

@@Rusted_Link Why?

[@Rusted_Link]

@@LevyCarneiro I just don't have a reason for it. I don't use DMR much.

[@jimfischer4703]

Thank you.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

You're welcome!

[@johnowens8046]

The CP APRS screen now has a seperate Analog group with 8 Tx Freq input boxes and a PASS ALL selector (Off, On)/ How do I use these?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Make sure the Analog APRS frequency for the area you are in, is in the boxes. Then make sure Pass ALL is turned on. This will allow all packets to come through.

[@radioguy19510]

How does APRS work with a hotspot in my vehicle?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

It'll send the gps coordinates of the radio through the hotspot to the server.

[@radioguy19510]

@@BridgeComSystemsInc Thank you. Do I have to leave my radio in the APRS Zone or can I listen to other TGs while using the radio?

[@arupian666]

Here's my main problem with APRS on the 878UVII Plus... the GPS functionality is... frankly.... junk. As we speak, I have my Yaesu FT3D and my Anytone, both by a very large window. My Yaesu locked on in around 45 seconds. An hour later, still nothing from the Anytone. I know Yaesu vs Anytone isn't a fair comparison (like comparing a Honda Civic to a Ferrari F40 to see what's the faster car), but still... the Anytone seems blind to GPS satellites. Edit: an hour and a half and the radio has finally decided to lock on. The icon just turned red. BTW, who ever decided to make the icon RED to mean all is well should be fired.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for your comment. We'll pass this information along to the factory.

[@SteveHcutabovehost]

Check your GPS settings, it takes a while, haven't timed it, but maybe a few minutes for me to get a lock, definitely not hours

[@TheShack1]

Putting CTCSS or DCS on your radio signal does not even remotely resemble encryption. It doesn't act like encryption in any way.

[@cameroncameron6800]

how can user get a simple map on a mobile phone withthe location?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Not sure what they are trying to implement.

[@ae4xo]

I did all that but it still doesnt show on the screen when something comes in

[@kwebster]

Never let an expert write the training manual. Everything seems obvious to them. Where's the transmit setup?

[@Inknov83d]

I noticed the same thing with these guys they're so vague when describing things.

[@KD4ASM]

Where are the show notes for this video?

[@1500runner357]

There aren't any it seems.

[@bobbeers7454]

Where is the link to the list that Cody mentions at 3:10?

[@rustytracey6187]

Still missing 11 months later.

[@gsimmans]

@@rustytracey6187 the show notes appear on a previous video. (the one that didn't work ! )

[@DavidVine-DOCVIDPRO]

There are many viewers who have posted questions below but no answers from BridgeCom Systems (BS). Please respect these folks by answering them. Good answers from BS will help all us to use the functions of the radio and it will support the credibility of this BS "University" series.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you David. We will review the questions.

[@jcsmith725]

Does anyone know if I can pair my 878UVII Plus to my Ipad or Android Tablet so I can use it with APRS FI or APRS Pro?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Hi Jason, the 878 is not made to be paird with an ipad or android device.

[@jcsmith725]

@@BridgeComSystemsInc so can I use it with an audio cable connected to my ipad or android tablet and do APRS like I do with my Baofeng? I like seeing a map of people I actually hear on the air and I can't do that with just the 878.

[@MrHardrock]

Any updates?

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

We don't think so.

[@MrHardrock]

@@BridgeComSystemsInc Ok. Just checking before I update to 3.

[@rpdx3]

Great videos. Bit why would I want to transmit my location to anyone? 😂

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank You! We'd love to help you! You can submit a support ticket on our website support.bridgecomsystems.com/kb-tickets/new

[@dangermandave67]

Not very useful if it only sends and receives position beacons. Sending and receiving text messages is a major element of APRS that these radios don't support. I'm not getting rid of my FT-2DR or FT-5DR anytime soon.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for your comment.

[@45auto]

I realize that using a computer to set things up is the best choice but I don't have a computer. If you don't show how to set up the radio from the front than those of us without a computer are completely left out.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Not having a computer does make it tough. We encourage you to get a computer.

[@adubeauify]

I was seriously considering getting this radio - until I discovered the software to update and modify it is only available on Winblows, what a major disappointment.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for watching!

[@thuff3207]

Please learn what is APRS because BridgeCom keeps calling APRS analog. I hate to remind you again there is no such thing as analog APRS! Why, simply APRS is a digital transmission by transmitting data like your call sign and position. I do wish your company would learn this and stop spreading misinformation. You have a very nice radio that is using incorrect information.

[@BridgeComSystemsInc]

Thank you for your comment. Point taken! Let's Roll!