TYT MD9600 Firmware and Contacts Updating

[@o8ko8k]

great video thanks for the hard work! Really important part you left out: MENU > UTILITIES > Radio Settings(1) > ContactsCSV (12) > TURN ON or you will have contacts in your radio and not be using them... =D

[@RADIOPOCZELLO]

thank you very much for this video a greeting from Corsica I am on an island in the Mediterranean

[@louiewhite1922]

I suspect the "Prompting" is a throwback from the "are you sure" days where you had to confirm to wanted to modify the program. A doublecheck to reduce accidents!

[@louiewhite1922]

In Excell you can hit Control Home to go to first cell or Control End to go to last cell

[@HamRadio2]

I knew there was a way to do it, just had a brain hiccup when recording this episode.

[@mikeklemens]

Thank you Jason for another great ham radio video. Mike N6IMY

[@louiewhite1922]

As you only have to do it once, it may not work the second and subsequence time(s).

[@brandonray4682]

How Do you disable BCL for analog. i cant join QSO on repeters with BCL on.

[@sebastianolisi704]

Hi Jason, I ask you a big help, my friend has updated his MD9600 with the last firmware 2020, and now the radio can’t tx and rx. Please you know the way to make an hard reset? tnx best 73 IW3SOF - Seba

[@louiewhite1922]

You can get a free XL reader, which may suffice? Another Great Video from Jason

[@robertcaruthersjr1700]

Jason, can you show us how to program in an analog channel for vhf, and for uhf if different for this radio, I can get the digitals in fine and they work. 73 KG5SFI

[@HamRadio2]

Yea I can add that to an upcoming video.

[@waltsnyder886]

i don't see anything on the tyt site that says upgrade all i see is the programing software v 1.27 am i missing something

[@kg5pte]

Hi Jason do you know anything about this radio when using it with Analog repeaters ? I and Cliff (W5PIX) and a few others are having some analog issue with this radio. Thank you sir.

[@HamRadio2]

I haven't used this model in a while, but the last time I did, I don't recall having issues

[@javiermoreno1612]

I followed your instructions to upgrade my firmware to the latest. 6.009. Radio was locked to 445 and 145. I followed your instructions to unlock but it did not work. After messing with this for most of this morning I found out how to unlock it. 1. Do not power off the radio from the green button. With the radio On, remove the power from the power source (PS). 2. Press and hold both P1 and P2 then apply power. The radio will power on and all works. if you do power the radio off from the green button, turn off the power supply, hold the P1 and P2 then apply power the radio does not power up. It will only power up by pressing the Green button.

[@HamRadio2]

Correct, I mentioned in the video that you need to remove power from the radio.

[@3TQVK]

@@HamRadio2 Can I just ad DER did they watch the video Pete in VK

[@donaldbillings1693]

how did you finally figure out how to unlock it?

[@jameswegener8136]

To unlock it you have to power it off by unplugging it, not with the power button, then hold the two buttons down when you plug it in again, do not use the power button.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes I mentioned that in the video and demonstrated that it didn't work with the power button

[@jameswegener8136]

@@HamRadio2 That is what worked on mine, dunno.

[@o8ko8k]

i will not buy one of these unless it can be unlocked naturally it would be useless on ham bands. any further suggestions on this topic?

[@LUCIANO-DR650]

HELLO FRIEND, I HAVE A TYT MD 9600 AND I NEED TO GET THE S016 026 FIRMWARE. CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE TO GET THAT FIRMWARE, I ALREADY LOOKED EVERYWHERE AND I CAN'T FIND IT.

[@HamRadio2]

tyt888.com

[@LUCIANO-DR650]

​@@HamRadio2 GRACIAS AMIGO, !!!! YA LO PUDE SOLUCIONAR TUVE QUE DESCARGAR UN FIRMWARE ULTIMA VERSION PAR MI EQUIPO YA QUE NO SON TODOS COMPATIBLES CON LOS TYT MD 9600

[@Spikey1968]

have the RT90 which are basically the same but suffer from that dire audio pop and firmware fix for it ?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes, same radio. No firmware fix for that, it was fixed with hardware after the first editions of these models.

[@johnnyjensen5935]

Den er fantastisk radio.

[@jameslargen284]

Has anybody ever ran into the issue in which the md9600 is unlocked, but will not transmit on a frequency that is on a programmed ch??? I have been able to transmit on that freq just fine while in vfo mode, but it will not in any way transmit on the programmed ch. This is the second unit which replaced one that was damaged in a crash. I used exactly the same programming files etc. Any help would be VERY VERY appriciated.

[@HamRadio2]

I have not heard of this issue, no. Usually issues like that are the codeplug, but if you are using one that worked in another radio, it might be an issue with your 2nd radio.

[@holger182]

I never had to READ the radio to write the CSV file. I just uploaded it, but if you get rid of the last two columns, you can write more contacts! Remember it's memory and the less space you use the more room you have for contacts! Oh yeah, the Face on the CS800 radio is actually called, the "CONTROL HEAD." Been using this radio for a few years and should get to know the radios you review a bit better BEFORE making a video. The problem I'm having now is I can't get the program to change the firmware to start on my computer and don't know why.

[@HamRadio2]

I didn't HAVE to read the radio to write to it, I just like to do that to see what format the contacts are in from reading the radio. Control Head is 1 name for it. Remote head is another. I've never reviewed the CS800D so your statement about getting to know them better doesn't apply here. Usually issues like you describe are a computer problem, not radio. Try another computer.

[@Hillbilly1959]

Any advise on the reason why my win 10 will not recognize / open my TYT MD 9600 radio? Of course without that I am unable to export or import any data to/from the radio. . Thanks in advance and 73 KD5LDE

[@HamRadio2]

Usually that is a driver issue

[@Hillbilly1959]

@@HamRadio2 It very well may be, however I had no luck in programming. Sadly I can find no one that can help. It is it seems to be a VERY nice radio, however I am out of options and decided to send it back. Maybe it was defective I guess. At any rate "It IS what IT is". 73 KDLDE

[@Hillbilly1959]

Hey Jason, (or anyone else) for that matter. I just ordered this radio, please forgive my ignorance, however if I wanted to use this as a base station as well, what antenna would you suggest. Thank you everyone in advance and 73 KD5LDE

[@dadodado1899]

I bought Tytera MD-9600 v4 or v5(I'm not sure exactly), with label 2571. The FW version on device is D026.045 The TX power steps are confusing on VHF band 144-146mhz Low=0,2W MidLow=0,5W Mid=5W High=50W So, is it possible to adjust the steps in a logical sequence on VHF band 144-146mhz? Like: Low=5W LowMid=10W Mid=25W High=50W On the UHF band 430-440mhz it is a bit more logical Low=1W MidLow=5W Mid=15W High=40W Does anyone know how the TX steps can be adjusted? Test mode? ctrl+T maybe?

[@coreyrossguitar]

where can i download the firmware versions

[@HamRadio2]

tyt888.com

[@WH6FQE]

I just got the 9600 today, and so far I am not liking this one whatsoever. It is MUCH more difficult to program than the Ailunce HD1 or the ANyTone AT-878UV are. So far I can not even get this stupid thing unlocked. I tried using your instructions to unlock the frequencies, and I also tried following the instructions on a paper I received with the radio, so far neither one is doing anything at all. I have a couple repeaters programmed into the radio through the software, but it still shows 444.50000 and 145.12500 on the screen and will not change to show the repeaters I programmed into it. I think it is time to just send this paperweight back to Amazon and get another AnyTone.

[@rodrigoayalanunez5689]

hi, i have a tyt md9600 and i would like to install the firmware of the retevis rt90. Have you by any chance tried that? do you have any reference? Greetings from Santiago de Chile

[@HamRadio2]

I have not tried that but I doubt it would work

[@rodrigoayalanunez5689]

@@HamRadio2 do you know what is the difference between the two? talking about the operation of the radio, since the programming is the same. 73!

[@HamRadio2]

Not any difference at all, really. Usually firmware is hard-coded to a hardware version though, so since the hardware addresses are different, I doubt that the firmware will interchange between the 2 models.

[@rodrigoayalanunez5689]

@@HamRadio2 Retevis answered me an email that if you can ... It must be because it is the only hardware that the firmware modifies. Give me an email and I will forward the answer to you. What attracts me to changing the firmware is that Retevis cares more about the ham radio than TYT, and I think they can improve many problems compared to previous versions, much more frequently.

[@dwayne5530]

What are the 3 DMR mobiles that are coming out? I know AnyTone is one...What's the other 2?

[@HamRadio2]

Ailunce is working on one called an HM1 that'll be a mobile version of the HD1. There are rumors of 2 versions from Anytone also. Wouxun has talked about a mobile version too. I suspect we'll probably see more than just those but time will tell.

[@dwayne5530]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks.. That'll be interesting. I didn't really like the UI on the Ailunce but the HD1 IMO looked like a stout until. It reminds me of my XPR7550. I almost bought the HD1 instead of the 868. If they build a until that favors the XPR5550 or similar with a nice screen they may be hard to beat. I saw the AnyTone mobile pics and I think it has the same screen size as my 868. That's a little small IMO for mobile but guess we'll see. I did see an earlier render version of the AnyTone with a big control knob on the left, wish they went with that design as far as aesthetics Surprised there aren't more mobile DMR radios that aren't commercial. Do you think Kenwood is going to release a mobile of their D74?

[@soldierboys69]

I'm not finding the firmware 6.03 for download. could someone point me in the right direction.

[@paulkazjack]

Does this radio work straight out of the box?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@MrBaptiste24]

Very good video but at 7:15 please edit the video and remove you contact and there phone number ;)

[@HamRadio2]

All of that is already posted online so it isn't a big deal

[@grahamauld8894]

Hi Jason, there is a tool by KG5RKI on the Retevis website that allows you to download the latest contacts database and transfer it to the RT-90/MD-9600 and the MD-2017 without Excel. You can get it here: www.retevis.com/resources_center/software/Retevis_UserDB_Manager_V1.4.zip

[@HamRadio2]

I've seen a few resources like that. Haven't tried them though.

[@NullaNulla]

Hmmmmm it appears to have the exact same menu layout and style as my MD380 portable ... I'll take a miss on this thing then. The MD380 menu is a total bloody nightmare. The programming software is the same too but it's not bad at least. The FPP is a nightmare on it too compared to Motorola radios. THE biggest thing I detest 100% is having to go into the menu system to change zone when we only get 16 odd channels per zone. If we could attach the ZONE function to a preset key it would be ok but NOT when you have to fk around with the menu all the time. So I think I'll keep my XTL VHF with it's UHF Pyramid xband repeater and XTS+XTVA UHF pair for the car and just forget DMR for now.

[@HamRadio2]

The MD9600 is the same menu as the MD-UV380, but not the MD380. Perhaps that is what you meant. FPP has always been a concern for commercial radios, and though this one is technically made for Hams, DMR is a commercial standard so it follows those guidelines. FPP on Motorola is also a paid feature and doesn't come with their radios - at least not for DMR. I have an XTL5000 and it doesn't FPP either. But regardless, there are LOTS more hams and ham activity on DMR than P25 these days, though both modes work well.

[@NullaNulla]

@@HamRadio2 nope I meant the MD380 portable I have has the exact some menu appearance and layout. I understand the dangers of FPP amongst users with NFI of the spectrum which makes it hard for the rest of us who do. Yes due to equipment and pricing on digi modes DMR took the lead in amatuer setups. There is a Moto DMR radio with FPP abilities but can't remember the model. My XTL5000's won't FPP but I can make my XTS5000's FPP easy which was a federal option not commercial per-say. I have an XTVA in the house and car for my XTS. My APX7500 will also FPP which is handy for 2m testing.

[@HamRadio2]

@@NullaNulla Well that isn't right because the MD380 is monoband, and this radio is dual band, like the UV380, so the layouts, while quite similar, are not the same. You can purchase an FPP package for the XPR7550 or XPR5550, but it is about $250, last I looked, which is about the price of this entire radio.

[@NullaNulla]

@@HamRadio2 yes you're correct it is monoband (UHF in my case) yet the menu has the exact same layout, features and icons as you showed on the video. As for purchasing FPP ... that's one thing I love about the P25 gear ... there's other ways than "purchasing" that are ok for non commercial use (sure pay for your sh@t if you're using it commercially). I'm not sure them options are open for the DMR gear as I've not branched that way yet. The MD380 portable is my only DMR thus far. P25 is probably just as popular as DMR here in Australia as P25 gear was available earlier. That is changing since the mines have offloaded their first lot of DMR radios but I'm still aware of more P25 repeaters than DMR repeaters in for example Sydney NSW. If need be at some point I can send you a vid of the menu and you'll see what I mean. I hate the need to have the password on FPP and it's FPP setup is not near as good as Motorola's but it's a start. Motorola really excelled in FPP with the APX where you can set it in 1, 2 miss a few 99, 100 zones rather than the first 16 (first 8 in the wife's XTS2500 due to a lack of zones available for something at the time). The XTL's IDC about the FPP missing and it's missing from my XTS5000 atm as it's pointed toward trunked scanning instead. The ability to listen to UHFCB for the roads whilst driving, gov trunked, marine VHF, gov UHF and VHF PMR, 2m, 70cm etc etc etc in just 2 03 heads (well that's the wife's car, mine is 03 and an XTVA W3 head) is magic with a duplexor and single dual band antenna. Clean, out of the way etc etc. Removes the need for a scanner and loads of antennas etc.

[@Dennis35793]

Dennis Montgomery I Don't get it.

[@nickp.4915]

Nice video Jason as they all are. Just a little comment on the "Prompting" box. I have seen this with other Chinese radios and it's totally stupid! What they are "prompting" is you... The user... they are asking you if it is "ok" to proceed with reading from or writing to the radio. It's a completely stupid and redundant prompt, since if you didn't want to read\write the radio you would not have clicked on the option to read\write the radio to begin with. I have been considering one of these radios, but have been holding off hoping for a dual band DMR radio with removable face to arrive on the scene. If the MD9600 was a removable head radio I would own two of them already. I can do without the removable face in the shack, but in the cars unfortunately it's a non-starter Since all my power and antenna wiring is set up for remote mounted radios for the past 5 years at least and most vehicles now days don't have much decent space for even a remote face much less an entire radio. Then there would be the need to run new power and antenna wires all over the car... nope sorry I'll wait. lol Nick N9SSW

[@Cjsairgunscarsandmachining]

It's prompting you to continue....

[@davidgrant2725]

Another great informative video. VE7IOX

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@KE4PLKBeginnerRadio]

I hate this radio. Just got back into ham radio after a few years absence and this radio makes me want to quit again. Just want to get it set up for analog use and can't do that. This thing is a paperweight.

[@HamRadio2]

If all you want is analog, I'm not sure why you'd choose this radio. There are many other options for analog which are much easier to use

[@KE4PLKBeginnerRadio]

@@HamRadio2 it was a mistake. And the person who sold it to me didn’t tell me it was horrible. Like I said I just got back in the hobby so didn’t realize!

[@stevenking9357]

Looks like a POS radio.....I'll have one for sale.

[@HamRadio2]

I wonder if your name is real

[@stevenking9357]

@@HamRadio2 Yes it is. Did TYT ever get this unit working properly? If they can't give you working directions, sounds like there was a lack of testing before releasing the product. I bought one some time back and was going to use it as a base station, but after watching you struggle with simple fw upgrades and uploading contacts, I don't feel like it's a quality product. If you are struggling, I'd never get it working right.

[@HamRadio2]

It was a challenge, but yes I got it working. That is what I was showing in the video. The unit has always "worked properly" and I use it often to make contacts on repeaters in my local area.