r/tacticalcomms

I'm a new amateur radio operator and I recently bought a TYT MD-UV390 Plus GPS 10W handheld (as far as I can tell, it's the recording/REC version).

I'm having a strange CPS issue.

The CPS can read the radio without any problems. I modify the codeplug, then click Write, and the software reports "Write Successful".

However, when I immediately perform another Read from the radio, none of my changes are there. It's as if the write operation never actually happened. The radio remains completely unchanged, even though the CPS says the write was successful.

My radio information:

• S/N: 2604HC00220
• Firmware: V219.062
• CPS version reported by the radio: V02.37

I've already tried several CPS versions:

• CPS 2.45
• CPS 2.42
• CPS 2.41
• CPS 1.30
• Even the older MD-380 CPS

The behavior is always the same:

• Read → OK
• Write → OK (success message)
• Read again → none of the changes were actually written to the radio.

Has anyone seen this before? Is this caused by incompatible firmware/CPS, write protection, a cloned firmware, or something specific to the newer MD-UV390 Plus hardware?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I've owned a TCA PRC-152 replica, while well built (2025 ver.) is very heavy and bulky compared to its capability. Of all the Chinesium radios I've owned, has been the best. Sadly, is only analog.

Baofeng "Notorola" DM32, while an impressive spec sheet, it hilariously low duty in its build quality. Zero water resistance, dim display...eh. Double or even triple the price, add water resistance and a better display, they'd own the market.

Tried a Ailunce HD2, which while on the base charger, the charger started smoking. No shit. Smells like burnt electronics. Further, the CPS experience is hot trash. The most recent CPS won't even read the radio, while the older one will. What they list as "programming" software on their website is firmware updates. To get to a CPS that will read the HD2 you have to go to the Ailunce website, not the Revetis one. All that to say, I'm done with half baked Chinese crap. If its made in China ok, but it has to come through another company, ie iPhone is made it China but designed by Apple.

So, please recommend me a dual band DMR radio that has encryption, regardless of cost.

just getting inti this stuff anybody have any idea howni can learn more about alk there is to know, youtubers, vlogs, ect..

Is there anything that can be done about these weak SMA connectors on Baofeng radios and antennas?

Is there a more robust solution the can be adapted or just replace them?

https://www.fcs-tactical.com/productinfo/3698757.html

Ive done my research and heres what ive found:

Its gonna be an analog and digital radio. With removable modules to change frequencies. Pricing looks ehh. Wouldn't pay 885 USD for this tbh. But you get a good deal if you buy the radio, headset, and PTT for it.

EDIT: Theres also 2 modes. MODE 1 is the standard radio mode that comes with the radio. MODE 2 is the data part of the radio that lets you change frequency modules like the actual MPU-5.

Some complaints of mine:

-Frequency modules wont be released until a later date.

-MODE 2 (Data mode) only works with their AMP headset and MPU-5 PTT remake.

-Their data system is their own system. So its not Meshtastic or some proprietary MANET firmware people use in the states sadly.

Some likes of mine:

-You get full duplex channel communication.

-Radio is programmable through bluetooth to android phone or PC

Thoughts:

I probably won't be buying this because as in the past. FCS products when they release are pretty crappy, but get better over time. Its also gonna be hard to ship to the US from my experiences. I also don't like how they arnt releasing their frequency modules with the radio. So you can just buy modules with the radio. But you have to wait for the module you want to be released.

In my mind right now, its a WIP. but will get better with time.

https://preview.redd.it/cbcersm2h38h1.png?width=403&format=png&auto=webp&s=f7f81c79800b603cfdacd63d26e21063638aa08c