Quansheng HF Mod install with Pre Amp

[@maisondeau]

Really love these videos. Straight and down to earth and really informative.

[@m7frs272]

Glad you're enjoying them. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍

[@gtretroworld]

You’re getting better Ben and the only way to improve is to keep at what you’re doing. I built a basic audio amplifier circuit for mine but i will definitely have to try those new boards. Thanks

[@m7frs272]

Thanks Neil, would be interesting to see your project 👍

[@gtretroworld]

@@m7frs272 I should’ve videoed it ben but with it being a bit experimental I didn’t bother. I will have to get my act together and do more videos shortly.

[@hugov392]

If you ever do this again, I'd strongly suggest to skip the double-sided tape, especially under the 8-pin IC area of the FPC. Adding a vertical displacement (and non-planarity) there makes the soldering harder, and you lose the ability for the assembly to self-align under surface tension as the solder flows. Also, as others have commented, I personally would not use solder paste for this job (instead using solder wire and liquid flux from the syringe). In fact, I would never use solder paste unless it was absolutely necessary (e.g. reflowing using stencil printed paste) *and* I can give the board/assembly a full clean afterwards... you can easily get little particles of solder from the paste migrating to where they aren't wanted.

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for the advice and thanks for watching 👍

[@ScandalUK]

I received one of these about a week or two ago - I thought it was missing some bits as it only had a few strands of wire come with it. Now I'll give it a go! lol

[@m7frs272]

Good luck with your installation and thanks for watching 👍

[@glenb1356]

I have built hundreds of smt boards by hand (and 10s of thousands of components) over the years. Here is my advice: get a variable solder station, mine is a Weller WES51 with magnetic tip thermal control. Not that costly, I spent less than $120 many years ago. Find rosin core solder, 0.015" thick. You will not need to use any external flux. Braided solder wick is your FRIEND! Get the kind that has the flux in the braid. I use 1/32" tip. To install a new component, solder one side only first. Put a nice ball on one pad. Take your tweezers and slide the new component into the ball of solder.

[@glenb1356]

A couple more things: I ordered one of these radios and the Banggood mod board, just heard about this radio! Since I am new to these radios, I wonder if there is a revision 3 mod board with the extra filters, audio amp, AND the antenna connection?

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for the advice and thanks for watching. There is 2 or 3 versions of this board available. I have a variable solder station but it's quite a cheap one and doesn't seem to get hot enough with the smaller tips.

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for the advice and thanks for watching. There is 2 or 3 versions of this board available. I have a variable solder station but it's quite a cheap one and doesn't seem to get hot enough with the smaller tips.

[@adolfohernandez4307]

Yes Sir Indeed! You clearly know your stuff!!

[@richardingram3517]

From what I saw on another video, if using the existing antenna only, it is necessary to install the new choke and cap as in the original board mod. Otherwise the HF band signals suffer from attenuation. I'll be trying this mod soon.

[@m7frs272]

Yes, I've seen some people have fitted the choke with this mod, but strange it's not included in the kit this time. Thanks for watching.

[@hawkinsdaniel7144]

Thanks, and looking forward to the further testing!

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@hawkinsdaniel7144]

@@m7frs272 Hope you are still going to show some testing of this Ben! Not too many videos out there with people using this v2.1 board!

[@m7frs272]

Hi ​@@hawkinsdaniel7144 The testing video is filmed and currently in the editing process. Hopefully I'll have it ready before the weekend. Thanks again 👍 Ben.

[@PaulMoorhousehankooks]

I have done it with twin antennas its great M7HIH 73s good work

[@kevinlloyd3403]

Lot better Ben keep doing what your doing and u will get better

[@m7frs272]

Thank you and thanks for watching 👍

[@seanmoyses]

Very informative. Thanks 🙏

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for watching and glad you found it useful 👍

[@quadmods]

Cool to see, cheers. Lead free solder isn’t really that good for anything and will make soldering more difficult. Use leaded solder, you’re not a factory producing thousands of units the needs to comply with ISO. 👍

[@robertwilson7045]

I was also going to say that, I do not understand why he used Led free solder!

[@m7frs272]

To be perfectly honest, the only reason I'm using it is because I've had that reel for nearly 20 years lol. I probably should invest in some lead/tin solder. Thanks for watching 👍

[@quadmods]

@@m7frs272 you know you’re getting old when… 😂 Same here, realized it had been 15 years.

[@ugsisr]

Ben, Great job. What is next for the Quansheng? Driving a Micro Amplifier for TX ? Never say never..These folks are always thinking... Thanks Ben Cheers

[@m7frs272]

Thanks as always for watching 👍

[@maratb3]

You connected the speaker incorrectly. Initialy at 3:42 red wire was near mic, 22:34 - but now, black wire near mic

[@m7frs272]

Very well spotted! I realised I'd wired it the other way around when I did the screen replacement last time, so I changed it back to the original this time. Looking at the speaker, it doesn't actually appear to matter which way its wired. Thanks for watching 👍

[@murrij]

Thank you for this! It's not easy filming those close-up shots. Even moreso soldering with an audience. :-) I'm looking for a video showing the second antenna option. Anyone seen one?

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed it 👍 Check out this guys channel. He's done loads of videos modifying the Quanshengs: youtube.com/@codernov?si=WMauVFyO1feyznVU

[@bob_mosavo]

Awesome ‼ Thanks 👍

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@haggar11]

Many thanks Ben, Decent Mod will enhance SSB reception for sure. Well Done soldering Job. As far as you aware, would using one Antenna effect the TX on original antenna?

[@m7frs272]

Cheers, I'm not sure to be honest, apparently it may affect SWR however I can't see how much it would affect it as the original circuit was a RX only anyway on the FM broadcast band. I've checked the TX on 2m & 70cms on the TinySA and it appears the same as original. Thanks for watching 👍

[@richardingram3517]

Good job and good video, thanks!

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@johngraesser4911]

does the cec firmware have to be installed over the original firmware, i already have egzumer installed?

[@Beaublake12]

Could you tell me the orientation of part 17 the diode as Im unsure of which way round it goes, I do see a white mark between the pads which way round did you fit yours?

[@TheRasalhaag]

cut a piece of solder wick otherwise it draws the heat off where you want it into the spool

[@m7frs272]

Good tip, thanks for watching 👍

[@jimstrawbridge9634]

Ben change that soldering bit for a smaller size and you love your paste?. Don't use so much it creeps along the board like woodworm.no matter how you clean the board. Good video though bud thanks

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for the great advice 👍 Unfortunately, I experimented with the smaller soldering iron tip, but as its not a very expensive solder station it just doesn't get hot enough at the tip, even on the highest setting. Thanks for watching 👍

[@richardingram3517]

I installed the V1 mod version a while back and it works pretty good except for low volume. Installed the V2 board yesterday on another radio and I have a problem somewhere. The radio seems to work OK on VHF but when I switch to HF mode it doesn't work. There is hiss from speaker in AM but switching to SSB I get nothing. I did not change out the choke and cap like on the first version but I don't think that is the issue. I'll look for a bad connection on the board somewhere. I know the crystal is working form checking output with my scope. Might have to get another board.

[@m7frs272]

I've fitted a couple of those V2 boards now and the build quality doesn't seem all that good to me. Good luck and thanks for watching 👍

[@sevensheav]

why you changed the red and black wire from the speaker?

[@m7frs272]

Very well spotted! I realised I'd wired it the other way around when I did the screen replacement last time, so I changed it back to the original this time. Looking at the speaker, it doesn't actually appear to matter which way its wired. Thanks for watching

[@sevensheav]

@@m7frs272 You are right, it does not change the sound in such small speaker, but it thought there was an idea behind it haha.. Could you point me to the glasses you use? Thanks.

[@m7frs272]

​@@sevensheav Headband Magnifier with Led light,Head Lamp Magnifying Glass1.5x 3x 6x 8x Jeweler Loupe for Close,Work,Repair,Crafts Hobbies amzn.eu/d/bDKfGML

[@sevensheav]

@@m7frs272 Thank you very much.

[@samgrath8770]

Great video details 👍, then post install, what would be the most appropriate firmware to upload ? (as it seems "mandatory" to change the original one in order to benefit from the "physical" changes), any firmware's location download link to suggest 🤔?)

[@m7frs272]

Hi, thanks for watching and hope you found it useful. I'd recommend using CEC version 0.5 HF from the list at the bottom of this link: github.com/phdlee/uvk5cec/releases/tag/v_01HF

[@rogeriooliveira7424]

Tx mode is normal? And the harmonics .?

[@m7frs272]

This mod uses the FM broadcast receiver, which doesn't affect the VHF/UHF transmission, so no, it doesn't appear to affect the harmonics/performance of the radio. Thanks for watching 👍

[@ominkan3129]

Looks like a much easier mod and successful indeed. Did they change the blue display to orange in that model? Or was that the radio that the blue display got damaged on the attempt with the first mod?

[@m7frs272]

Exactly that, it's the one I replaced the display on: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIPXinWlgNmsZ9Usi=T2eq7zPZMb94oTo_ Yes it was a bit easier that the previous mod. Thanks again for watching 👍

[@FGMaster]

is there only this board needed? or firmware also need to be changed? good video mate

[@m7frs272]

Yes, you need to use specific firmware such as CEC 0.51HF Thanks for watching 👍

[@thedude8046]

There is a v5.0 version of the chip. Do you install it the same way as this one?

[@m7frs272]

I've not seen that version so I'm not sure. Thanks for watching 👍

[@gbamck]

Hi Ben, Well done on the video and mod. You mention at the end of the video to stay tuned as you'll be doing some further testing, but i dont see that as of yet. My question then is; the HF volume already sounds attenuated. Is it actually better with an HF antenna connected? I have a couple of these radios that were sent to me and I've been experimenting with the firmwares.. I now have the soft mod board that you have used here and it looks a very simple job, but is it worth it without this choke I hear mentioned, or OM0ET's second antenna modification? Many thanks in advance for a response.

[@m7frs272]

Sorry for the delayed reply. Apparently, it would be better with the choke fitted, like in the first generation mod. Here is my follow up video if you haven't already seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/boWph6SaaLiisKMsi=ZQZtHlECILSMlnu2 Thanks for watching 👍

[@gbamck]

@@m7frs272 thanks Ben. I'll take a look

[@762slinky]

Hi Ben, ive also done this mod, but noticed dry connections on several components so redid my board (im a SMT operator and rework specialist) so surface mount doesnt scare me.... yours looks like it needs some TLC. if you have issues, I'll be glad to help out any way i can.

[@m7frs272]

I did have to re-solder on component on the board as it was dry but fortunately, so far it all seems OK 🤞 Thanks for the offer & thanks for watching 👍

[@jeanmarcPrizzon]

Hi, and thank you very much for this video. After the modification, is it still possible to transmit with it?

[@m7frs272]

Yes, absolutely, it still works just the same on VHF/UHF. The modification just uses the FM broadcast receiver part of the circuit. Thanks for watching 👍

[@jeanmarcPrizzon]

@@m7frs272 Cool 👍😎. Merci pour votre réponse...👌thanks for your answer.

[@XENONEOMORPH1979]

5 months late but great vide noiiiicccee.

[@n1kkri]

I watched a video on a similar mod. They remove a choke under the screen and replace it with a different choke. What was the reason for this?

[@m7frs272]

The previous version of this mod came with the choke included. This version however did not. No-one seems to be able to answer if it is really needed or not. Thanks for watching 👍

[@andreasreischle332]

I did the mod a couple of days ago with the very same board. The sensitivity is not sensational, but with a 9:1 balun and a few meters of random wire, I get an ok reception. I couldn't have done it without a selection of solder tips on my mini TS80 iron. Flux and solder wick helped, too. Definitly not a beginner's project, but with patience and a steady hand, it makes a nice task for an evening. On SSB/CW it picks up some microphonics when I tap the housing. And that despite the fact that I have glued down the board pretty well. Anyone else who has this? - 73 de DL9SET

[@m7frs272]

Thanks for the information, and thanks for watching. Ben de M7FRS

[@webquinty]

I'm a little bit confuse. Can I modify my UV-5R+ ? In the video he said this model but the title said differents models than UV-5R+

[@m7frs272]

Yes, it's a UV-5R+ that I modified. Under the plastic case the UV-5R+, UV-K5, UV-K5(8), UV-K6 & UV-K5(99) are all exactly the same!

[@kenmcmullan9330]

Is the UV-5R PLUS the same as the UK-K5+?

[@m7frs272]

Yes, the circuitry is exactly the same. The only differences are cosmetic. Thanks for watching 👍

[@andrewpav3778]

I installed CEC_051.HF.packed.bin version and when I push the "0" button the message "wait" appears on the screen and it can stay there for 5 min and still don't enter the am/fm mode... Have I go and buy new radio,or something could be done? Thank you in advance!

[@m7frs272]

Sounds like something may not be connected correctly. Check all 8 pins where the IC was removed from and check the two wire links are also making good contact and in the correct places without shorting anything out. Also worth inspecting the mod board very closely as mine wasn't all that well assembled, to see that all components are positioned and seated properly. Hope that helps. Let us know how you get on.

[@andrewpav3778]

@@m7frs272 Thanks, I will try!!!

[@andrewpav3778]

@@m7frs272 Well, I’ve checked the mod board, few components were "in the air", so I soldered them. Pity I can't upload a photo here. The signal on FM radio became better, but still too many noise... I've tried these: 1) CEC (02-051 tried all).HF.packed.bin - this one still shows endless "wait" 2) f4hwn.packed.v2.7 3) firmware.X320 4) fw_modded 5) k5_v2.01.33_publish 6) egzumer_v0.22.packed 7) k5 Firmware v2.01.26_publish 8) uv-k5-firmware-fagci-mod-v1.0.1 The only one which receives FM is firmware.X320..... I don’t knw if the radio can transmit, because I only have one... I feel so dissapointed...and it seems cheaper to buy new one the trying to fix this one, I have no clew what is wrong with this one... can I, somehow, swnd you a picture of how the mod board is installed?

[@andrewpav3778]

@@m7frs272 Well, I’ve checked the mod board, few components were "in the air", so I soldered them. Pity I can't upload a photo here. The signal on FM radio became better, but still too many noise... I've tried these: 1) CEC (02-051 tried all).HF.packed.bin - this one still shows endless "wait" 2) f4hwn.packed.v2.7 3) firmware.X320 4) fw_modded 5) k5_v2.01.33_publish 6) egzumer_v0.22.packed 7) k5 Firmware v2.01.26_publish 8) uv-k5-firmware-fagci-mod-v1.0.1 The only one which receives FM is firmware.X320..... I don’t knw if the radio can transmit, because I only have one... I feel so disappointed and it seems cheaper to buy new one the trying to fix this one, I have no clew what is wrong with this one... can I, somehow, send you a picture of how the mod board is installed?

[@stf777kf]

@@m7frs272 Isn't it necessary when using V5 of that firmware, that you also put a larger serial memory chip in the unit? 512Mb or 1Mb?

[@edwardvanderbosch]

Can this mod actually allow hf transmission or only receive ?

[@m7frs272]

This mod is receive only on HF. The radio will however still function correctly on VHF & UHF. Thanks for watching 👍

[@heinerrambold8889]

Most of the videos on youtube people wire the second antenna way down near the mod board. But why not solder it much higher up in parallel to the existing socket? Thanks for the video Ben!

[@m7frs272]

The idea is to isolate the VHF/UHF antenna to keep it separate and create a separate HF antenna for the circuit on the mod board. Thanks for watching.

[@heinerrambold8889]

@@m7frs272 In the meantime I got the mod board version 2. Soldered the second antenna close to the lowest jumper wire where one had to remove two parts. Sensitivity is not great but ok for radio and stronger ham stations.

[@ahimsa6529]

​@@heinerrambold8889You should connect a second antenna where you replaced the capacitor with a 100 nF capacitor in the first mod because there is a transistor in this path amplifying the signal. No wonder we are loosing a lot of sensitivity when bypassing this... Further it becomes more sensitive over all when adding a 30 MHz bandpass in the path even when loosing some db, but otherwise the noise is unbearable and makes reception really bad.

[@heinerrambold8889]

@@ahimsa6529Well, I not only had to add a 100nF cap but also had to solder the inner lead of the coax wire to the input of the transistor not to its output!!! Now sensitivity is much better. Also soldered the braid to the ground area beneath the display. Big thanks to you!!!

[@ahimsa6529]

@@heinerrambold8889 Glad to hear that it helped.

[@carlosbrasil9379]

Boa noite meu amigo poderia me auxiliar o meu está com potência 0w mesmo na alta em VHF coloquei o vatimetro até estou procurando a saída mas não achei em lugar nem um se poder me ajudar

[@m7frs272]

Sorry, I'm not sure how to help with that. Thanks for watching 👍

[@hackyman7815]

Question? With this mod do you lose use of 2m and 70cm or will you still be able to use the Vhf/Uhf tx and rec. Also what is the frequency range after the mod? Thank you and nice video.

[@m7frs272]

Yes the radio still works fine on 2m & 70cms. The Mod uses the FM broadcast circuit only, so RX is possible from 150Khz to 30Mhz on AM, USB, LSB & CW. Thanks for watching 👍

[@hackyman7815]

Your welcome, Ok and thank you Sir

[@NicolasWache]

Why don't just replace all the PCB but keep the screen and case?

[@lmantuano6986]

replace with what..?

[@NicolasWache]

@@lmantuano6986 if they are able to make a dedicated pcb to hack the radio, why not conceive a full new pcb?

[@lmantuano6986]

@@NicolasWache copy that. I wrongly assumed you were referring to some other existing mod board..

[@lmantuano6986]

actually, I've just been watching Codernov Electronics Repair YT channel..he is actually modifying the radio's main PCB and he has (made/developed?) V2.5 and V5.0 (?!?!) of the add-on little board. I'm actually a bit lost and blown away watching what he is doing in this 2-plus hours YT post.. have a look yourself.

[@killermansgiro.5810]

Where did you get the board from. I’m looking on Ali but they all look the same

[@hawkinsdaniel7144]

I bought mine from ali, I just went with a seller that had a photo of the v2.1 pcb, and it had a few good reviews at that time. If another version had arrived, say without the preamp, I would have just sent it back as intentionally misleading. I have the pcb now and will have it soldered on soon.

[@m7frs272]

I've just added the link in the video description: Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! ￡6.91 40%OFF | for Quan Sheng UV K5 Module SI4732 Chip And Crystal Oscillator Parts For Quansheng SI4732 UV K5 UV-K6 LUSYA Modification Module a.aliexpress.com/_EHloix9 Thanks for watching 👍

[@JC-cs6py]

@@m7frs272 Just an addition, the link you posted above is for the board that is unpopulated but does come with the parts, If people feel confident in populating the board then go for it, but if they want the board already assembled, then choose the other board on the right, it will put the price up but may cause less of a headache for some folks, nice video by the way ben, I also modded one of the radios i have and it drove me mental as the thing would not switch into HF mode, i checked the soldering and all was well, i suddenly realised i had put the wire link on the wrong pin of the 8 pin device,, lol 73 bud

[@m7frs272]

@@JC-cs6py Yes, unfortunately all the links for this board seem to initially offer the un populated version and you have to select pre assembled in the 'colour' selection. I guess that's to attract people to the lower price. To be honest, I purchased a pre assembled board and looking closely at it, I wasn't all that impressed with the it as many comments are not very well aligned. Thanks again 👍

[@killermansgiro.5810]

Nice

[@Michigan_Tactical]

I'm with you on everything except lead free solder. I think it's garbage.

[@m7frs272]

Agreed, but to be honest, it was all I'd had for about 20 years lol.

[@mtbohana]

Wish they would just sell them like this.

[@grahamjones5947]

After 51 years working as a radio and television service engineer trust me your not helping yourself with that soldering iron bit and using soldering paste.

[@lowelljacobsen5122]

So, what do you suggest he uses??

[@johnshields755]

Maybe a smaller soldering iron tip and some fine gauge solder for a kick off.

[@ziudadanoperez537]

Yo tambien pienso igual, sifri mucho viendo esa punta gigante de cautin y un pulso tembloroso , hasta sudaba, pero bien el tutorial, me gusto y me suscribí a tu canal, soy ingeniero especialista en equipos medicos, OA4CHW Perú. Un gran abrazo y QSL.

[@MevRB19]

A moron. HOW do these muppets get Ham callsigns ?.

[@ominkan3129]

I think it was a good to see. If he can do it with what he used, than almost anyone can do it if they use a proper soldering tip and just take their time in and move along step by step. There is so much good information in this video of what to do and what not to do. My hat off to Ben for his success.

[@OlderThanDirt-ii3rp]

Have you gone nuts? This is a Baefong cousin. A $30 radio made in China. We generally just turn on our HF rig to hear these bands. Have you heard they have Shortwaves with SSB???? Just turn on a DX-160. It's all there and far more!!! You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear ;) These thing are gonna bleed more than a Truck Stop Cobra LMAO! These are export radios, the Chinese don't need no transmit filters to subdue spurious emissions ;) At least the CBers only splatter on adjacent channels. With harmonics, your gonna be splattering across 2 or 3 bands!!!! AE4YW

[@m7frs272]

This mod is RX only using the FM broadcast receiver circuit, so no way of transmitting on the HF bands on SSB. Just a fun little cheap project for listening to HF SSB. Thanks for watching 👍

[@OlderThanDirt-ii3rp]

@@m7frs272 That's what they say, but if it will transmit on other frequencies, how long before they trick it out to transmit HF ;) A transmitter will send anything told to send through the product mixer :) But you have to know that. I hope we are not fixing to enter chaos with a Baofeng communications network LOL! What if China put in tone command to turn 'em all off permanently????? Remember when we gave up 11 meters so the public could have an inexpensive local point to point communication system??? That is still there ;) And iffin you want FM how about Marine Band????? Sorry, I don't trust the Chinese.

[@FantaBH]

why board you got, looks like amateur build with hand soldering iron and hand soldering. So many components are almost displaced. Look at main IC , it is soldered almost wrongly. , and some capacitors and resistors as well standing very wrong, ok in place but still very wrong. I mean I got same board upgrade for my quansheng and my looks just fine while your looks like all components was removed and then placed back by hand, without hot air and such thing.

[@Allage]

I gave up. I bought the card 3 times and the purchase was canceled by the sellers, it seems like they are selling a dream...

[@m7frs272]

That's unfortunate. Thanks for watching 👍

[@Catechumen_01]

🤔

[@CodySmiley]

I got cancer 10 times as I did it. There is no room for the antenna even after cutting off the legs so the screen is crooked (that's why you record at an angle). On SSB you can hear some voices, but the noise level makes it impossible to understand. I could not find any signal that can be understood. After connecting the same antenna to the Malahit DSP2 I can hear the whole band. The project is pointless, a waste of time.

[@10MinuteMoan]

You can also replace the speaker with a far better one

[@m7frs272]

Do you have a link to the better speaker please? Thanks for watching 👍

[@JohnSmith-wl8cv]

I thought foundation licence holders weren't aloud by their licence conditions to modify or alter ham radios

[@AubsUK]

Do a Google search for "General notice of decision to vary amateur radio licences", it's the first one, and on Page 3, it says: What we have decided - in brief Liberalising the Foundation Licence to allow licensees to build their own equipment and access the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands

[@AubsUK]

Look for General notice of decision to vary amateur radio licences, it's the first one, and on Page 3, it says What we have decided - in brief - Liberalising the Foundation Licence to allow licensees to build their own equipment.

[@m7frs272]

That changed recently allong with several other license changes. Thanks for watching 👍