Quansheng UV-K5

Description

The Quansheng UV-K5 has become notable in the ham radio community since its 2023 release, particularly due to its flashable firmware architecture that allows extensive community modifications. This low-cost, entry-level radio is packed with features and possibilities that make it a standout choice for both beginners and seasoned radio enthusiasts.

Introduction

The UV-K5 is a dual-band handheld radio that operates on the 2m and 70cm bands, utilizing a DP32G030 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller. It’s a compact and lightweight device at 234g, making it suitable for portable operations. The radio’s distinguishing characteristic is its firmware architecture stored in external flash memory rather than internal ROM, enabling the amateur radio community to develop custom firmware modifications that extend functionality well beyond the manufacturer’s original specifications.

Since its introduction, the UV-K5 has generated significant interest due to its hackable nature and low barrier to entry for firmware experimentation, positioning it uniquely in the sub-$50 handheld radio market segment.

Technical Architecture

The UV-K5’s technical foundation is built around several key components:

• Microcontroller: DP32G030 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0+ running at 48MHz
• RF Frontend: BK4819 single-chip transceiver handling both VHF and UHF bands
• Memory Architecture: External SPI flash storage for firmware (enabling custom modifications)
• Display: 128×64 pixel monochrome LCD with backlight
• Audio: Built-in speaker and microphone with standard 3.5mm and 2.5mm connectors

Key Features

The Quansheng UV-K5 specifications include:

• Frequency Coverage: Dual-band operation with wide-band receive capability across seven frequency ranges
• Power Output: 1W/5W switchable on VHF/UHF amateur bands
• Channel Capacity: 128 channels with CTCSS/DCS encoding
• Programming: PC programmable via USB cable, CHIRP compatible
• Power Management: 1600mAh Li-ion battery with USB-C charging
• Scanning: Dual watch and priority channel monitoring

Detailed Specifications

The radio operates across seven distinct frequency ranges with varying capabilities:

Frequency Coverage:

1. F1: 50.0000-76.0000MHz (RX only) – 6m amateur band and broadcast FM
2. F2: 108.0000-135.9750MHz (RX only) – Airband reception
3. F3: 136.0000-173.9750MHz (TX and RX) – 2m amateur band
4. F4: 174.0000-349.9750MHz (RX only) – VHF high band monitoring
5. F5: 350.0000-399.9750MHz (RX only) – UHF low band monitoring
6. F6: 400.0000-469.9750MHz (TX and RX) – 70cm amateur band
7. F7: 470.0000-600.0000MHz (RX only) – UHF monitoring including PMR446

Performance Characteristics:

• Receiver sensitivity: Typically -122dBm (12dB SINAD) on VHF
• Battery life: Approximately 12-16 hours typical use (5/5/90 duty cycle)
• Spurious emissions: Meets applicable regulatory requirements in amateur allocations
• Channel spacing: 12.5kHz/25kHz selectable

Firmware Architecture and Community Development

The UV-K5’s external flash memory architecture has enabled extensive community firmware development since 2023. Key community firmware projects include:

• Egzumer Firmware: Enhanced user interface and additional functionality
• 1o11 Firmware: Spectrum analyzer capabilities and advanced features
• DualTachyon: Reverse-engineered open-source firmware base

Custom firmware modifications can provide features such as:

• SSB reception and improved CW filtering
• Spectrum analyzer functionality (limited bandwidth)
• Enhanced airband reception with 8.33kHz spacing
• Customizable user interface elements
• Extended frequency coverage beyond factory limitations

Important Note: Firmware modifications may void warranty coverage and should be undertaken with understanding of potential risks including temporary or permanent radio malfunction.

Market Position and Variants

Following disclosure in official FCC correspondence, multiple radio models have been confirmed as identical hardware in different enclosures:

• Primary variants: UV-K5, UV-K5(2) through UV-K5(99) numbered series
• Quansheng-branded variants: UV-5R, UV-5R PLUS, UV-82
• OEM variants: Available under numerous third-party brand names

This radio is distributed globally under various brand names, with comprehensive documentation available through community-maintained resources including the UV-K5 wiki brands page.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to established models such as the Baofeng UV-5R:

Advantages:

• External flash memory enabling firmware modification
• More modern microcontroller architecture
• USB-C charging (model dependent)
• Wider receive coverage including 6m amateur band
• Generally lower retail price point

Considerations:

• Newer product with less established long-term reliability data
• Custom firmware support varies by specific hardware revision
• Documentation quality varies among OEM variants

Hardware Modification Options

The amateur radio community has developed several hardware enhancement options:

• Antenna Modifications: Dual-antenna adapter boards provide separate VHF/UHF antenna connections with integrated filtering and ESD protection.
• Audio Enhancements: External audio amplifier modules address low-level SSB audio output limitations present in stock configuration.
• Connector Modifications: Some users replace the SMA antenna connector with more robust alternatives, though this requires case modification.

Documentation and Community Resources

The UV-K5 benefits from active community documentation efforts:

• Open-source schematic reverse engineering projects
• Community-maintained firmware repositories
• Technical documentation wikis
• Programming software alternatives to manufacturer tools
• CHIRP programming software provides full channel programming support across all known hardware variants.

Regulatory Compliance

The UV-K5 holds various regional type certifications including FCC Part 97 compliance for amateur radio use. Users should verify local regulatory compliance, particularly when utilizing custom firmware or operating outside amateur allocations.

Note that firmware modifications may affect regulatory compliance status and should be considered carefully in commercial or safety-critical applications.

Gallery

Specifications

Features

CTCSS / DCS / DTMF / Dual VFO / Flashlight / Frequency Copy / Programmable Buttons / Scan / Signal Meter / Speaker / USB Charging / VOX

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