There has been quite a bit of experimentation with Quansheng handhelds, from using them for CW to loading alternative firmware to unlock extra features. I discovered that the IJV firmware supports 2m double sideband, which prompted me to have a play with it. The first hurdle, however, was flashing the radio.
A critical step is backing up the radio’s calibration file before installing any new firmware. Several tools can do this, but most are Windows-only. As a Mac user, I could flash firmware using a web-based tool in Chrome, but I had no way to download the calibration file beforehand—or restore it afterwards.
The good news is that a new browser-based tool now handles everything in one place: it backs up the EEPROM, uploads the firmware, and flashes the radio. This makes the whole process much simpler and far more accessible.
That is a great little resource. Bookmarked. Thank you for the steer.
I genuinely wonder if the success of the Quansheng - the K5, their later radios reportedly appear to be a bit of a mixed bag - has given the big guns e.g. Yaesu, Icom (are we including Kenwood any more?) a kick up the bum that they might produce a more feature-packed HT in 2026 or next year?
The FT5D is perhaps due an update? Also, is the case cracking still an issue? Could an FT6D see the inclusion of VHF/UHF CW and SSB perhaps? Or an Icom HT might appear with these features?
Kenwood? Would they awaken from their slumber and update the TH-D75 and produce a TH-D76 with SSB and CW?
All wishful thinking, but if there is consumer demand, particularly with the support of programs like the SOTA Challenge 2026 bringing visibility of VHF/UHF SSB and CW to more enthusiasts, or consumers contacting the big two (three?) to ask for these features, who knows?
I’m starting to believe the next wave of innovation may not come from the traditional industry leaders. We’ve seen this pattern before: Chinese manufacturers often begin by replicating existing products, but eventually evolve to surpass them. The automotive industry is a perfect example.
This is happening in amateur radio, too. My Xiegu G90, for instance, has been a reliable and affordable piece of equipment for years. If nothing else, these Chinese manufacturers are making the hobby far more accessible.
One of the major plus points I think. Though with the occasional diamond, there is a lot of landfill out there to wade through.
Even with all the more affordable radios out there, none of them appear to be VHF/UHF all moders (that I’ve seen at least). The Quansheng community have proved there is a market there though I think!
I wish the Chinese manufacturers would make their radios more open to modding. The Quansheng K5 has shown that the radio community can do some amazing things. There were some mods of the Xiegu X6100 that were really showing progress, but just couldn’t go far enough, because of the built in restrictions. It would be great if they concentrated on the hardware and let the community evolve the firmware.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, however I would like to take this opportunity to publicly state I can be bought! In addition, if any of the big three manufacturers would like to sponsor me, I am more than happy to edit anything I have said previously.
With the Kenwood TH-D75, it’s already possible to do CW…
You can listen to CW and SSB on Band B, now I created an adapter to plug in headphones and a key to the rig, headphones go to headphone output, key goes to PTT, nothing goes to mic input!
Set the rig to 144.050 CW on B band and set the balance to 100% B band. Set the A band to 144.050 FM with no subaudio! set the active band the A band (you listen on B band)
I use a pico keyer and a small paddle to key. Should also work with straith key.
I was able to make a S2S that way with 215km. And there is no firmware flashing etc. necessary. You can also listen to SSB and answer in CW. (How should a split mode QSO be logged?)
No way!? Never knew the Kenwood could do VHF CW. Can it do UHF as well?
There is an older Kenwood HT (I think @EI4JY has it) that can do HF RX? Also, the FT-60 can do packet radio - I’ve never tried it, not entirely sure how to use it.
It apparently can do VHF TV RX (audio) too, though no point here as analogue telly is long gone. You’d be wanting to use ATV to hear anything these days. The ISS has an ATV and DATV downlink though supposedly. Anyone tried?
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case, however I would like to take this opportunity to publicly state I can be bought! In addition, if any of the big three manufacturers would like to sponsor me, I am more than happy to edit anything I have said previously.