Howdy fine folks!
I've found a good deal on a brand new MD-9600 & 30 amp power supply combo but the MD-9000 is not the model with GPS. I know that the GPS in the MD-9600s is not very good and chances are that I will never want it, but in the future if I change my mind is there a way to add it?
I'm almost certain that the answer is no but I just thought that I would ask.
N1KY
TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
That is actually an interesting question... But as you said, the answer is probably no, although I never compared photos of one and the other model (nor have them both, of course).
But...! Can the FW be upgraded, despite very little memory left for new code, to use external GPS via USB?
Now we wait for developers to get the definite answer...
But...! Can the FW be upgraded, despite very little memory left for new code, to use external GPS via USB?
Now we wait for developers to get the definite answer...
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
It is unlikely that a USB GPS could be supported. But is should be possible to add a serial GPS module, either inside the radio or on a flying lead. Whilst it may not be possible to get the factory fitted module there is plenty of room to fit another type.
I believe that Roger is planning to try this at some point soon.
Colin G4EML
I believe that Roger is planning to try this at some point soon.
Colin G4EML
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
Thanks for the info!
N1KY
N1KY
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
I have ordered 2 external GPS modules from AliExpress, as none of my MD9600 radios have GPS.
Its not going to be practical to support USB GPS modules, as this would require the firmware to be a USB Host, like a PC, and this is a totally different USB system than being a USB Client.
I'm not even sure whether the hardware USB port, in question, on the STM32 CPU supports being a USB Host.
The STM32F4xx has 2 USB ports, and possibly one is designed to be a USB Client and the other to be a USB Host.
We would not currently have enough space in the firmware to support both a USB Client USB stack as well as a USB Host USB stack, even if the hardware was capable of it.
My plan is to use a module that sends data at 9600 baud serial, and connect to the PCB, via a connector on the back of the radio, albeit there is not much space on the back panel.
The latest MD9600, seem to have a rubber plug, next to the fan, at the top, which I'm hoping to remove and then fit a 2.5mm stereo jack socket, but I'm not sure if there is room.
If not I'll need to run wires out the back to an inline 3.5mm stereo jack socket
Its not going to be practical to support USB GPS modules, as this would require the firmware to be a USB Host, like a PC, and this is a totally different USB system than being a USB Client.
I'm not even sure whether the hardware USB port, in question, on the STM32 CPU supports being a USB Host.
The STM32F4xx has 2 USB ports, and possibly one is designed to be a USB Client and the other to be a USB Host.
We would not currently have enough space in the firmware to support both a USB Client USB stack as well as a USB Host USB stack, even if the hardware was capable of it.
My plan is to use a module that sends data at 9600 baud serial, and connect to the PCB, via a connector on the back of the radio, albeit there is not much space on the back panel.
The latest MD9600, seem to have a rubber plug, next to the fan, at the top, which I'm hoping to remove and then fit a 2.5mm stereo jack socket, but I'm not sure if there is room.
If not I'll need to run wires out the back to an inline 3.5mm stereo jack socket
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
This is an interesting mod.
My Kenwood TM-D710A (not the G model) has a 2.5mm jack on the control head to connect to an external (not included) GPS (signal). Some people modified the head to bury it internally, but the antenna does not face up so it's not ideal. (The GA model has it built in inside the control head).
So this is a similar idea to the D710A. The jack supports TTL serial signal w/ TXD, RXD, and ground.
My Kenwood TM-D710A (not the G model) has a 2.5mm jack on the control head to connect to an external (not included) GPS (signal). Some people modified the head to bury it internally, but the antenna does not face up so it's not ideal. (The GA model has it built in inside the control head).
So this is a similar idea to the D710A. The jack supports TTL serial signal w/ TXD, RXD, and ground.
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
The GPS module would need to be powered, so the connections would need to be Supply +, ground and Rxd. I'm not sure what voltage these modules take, either 3.3V or 5V.ve7mdt wrote: ↑Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:42 amThis is an interesting mod.
My Kenwood TM-D710A (not the G model) has a 2.5mm jack on the control head to connect to an external (not included) GPS (signal). Some people modified the head to bury it internally, but the antenna does not face up so it's not ideal. (The GA model has it built in inside the control head).
So this is a similar idea to the D710A. The jack supports TTL serial signal w/ TXD, RXD, and ground.
But plugging in a jack socket while the radio is turned on could cause problems as jack sockets short multiple connections when the plug is inserted, so there would probably need to be a resistor in series with the supply to prevent the supply getting shorted.
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
Hi Roger,
You May need TX as well to configure the GPS to output the parameters you need.
Mike. VK4MWL
You May need TX as well to configure the GPS to output the parameters you need.
Mike. VK4MWL
Re: TYT MD-9600, add GPS later?
Hi Roger,
Can you please post some more details? GPS model and connection. I'm keen to do this mod.
Regards Mike
Can you please post some more details? GPS model and connection. I'm keen to do this mod.
Regards Mike