TYT TH-8600

[Unlicensed_Operator]

The older version of this model was capable of transmitting up to 480 MHz. However, the newest versions arriving in stores, etc. are only capable of transmitting up to 450 MHz. There are several sellers on eBay and other websites who are able to reflash/reprogram these radios to transmit up to 480 MHz once again. This radio is becoming VERY popular in the ATV/SxS community, since it's IP67 waterproof.

I'm interesting in knowing how/where to acquire the software and firmware necessary to convert the newest 450 to be capable up to 480. I'm sure this is just a firmware update as I don't believe they changed any of the internals of the radios.

 

[pastian]

I had a suspicion that these radios were an oddity so I am glad I got them.

I have the TYT TH-9800 and the HYS TC-8900R

9800 says 480 Mhz 8900 says 450 Mhz

 

[N4KVE]

The older version of this model was capable of transmitting up to 480 MHz. However, the newest versions arriving in stores, etc. are only capable of transmitting up to 450 MHz. There are several sellers on eBay and other websites who are able to reflash/reprogram these radios to transmit up to 480 MHz once again. This radio is becoming VERY popular in the ATV/SxS community, since it's IP67 waterproof.

I'm interesting in knowing how/where to acquire the software and firmware necessary to convert the newest 450 to be capable up to 480. I'm sure this is just a firmware update as I don't believe they changed any of the internals of the radios.

These radios were not legally allowed to transmit above 450 MHz. The FCC caught up with these companies, & told them that until they were FCC Part 90 approved, they could only transmit in the ham band. So you come here asking for help to break the law. There are plenty of used commercial radios that can legally do this. I’m even afraid to ask if the ATV community you hang out with has a permit to legally transmit above 450 MHz. But to answer your question, if there are people offering to flash the radio, have one of them do it. Everything can be found on E-Bay. This is not something for a beginner. Many people on other radio forums try to upgrade their radios, & brick them. Leave it for someone who knows what he is doing.

 

[Unlicensed_Operator]

Don’t be too quick to judge. Just because my name is Unlicensed_Operator doesn’t mean I’m an unlicensed operator.

 

[Hans13]

I'm curious if you ever get this resolved, OP. When you first posted, I search the interwebz (including .ru and .co.uk sites) and came up empty. I also queried a knowledgeable local operator and he came up with nothing as well. Perhaps it's too early for the firmware to show up in the wild?

Regardless, please post updates. I'll keep investigating. Some of us are very curious.

 

[Unlicensed_Operator]

@Hans13 -- Yep, I'm still looking for someone who has the firmware or knows where to look.

 

[Hans13]

@Hans13 -- Yep, I'm still looking for someone who has the firmware or knows where to look.

Apparently, firmware is now on the TYT site. Perhaps it was there all along and I missed it?

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

 

[Hans13]

I'm not seeing the old firmware on TYT's site anymore. I do had the older radio and now also have the newer radio close by. The firmware updater allows the firmware to be saved from the old radio. Then, it could theoretically be flashed onto the new radio to downgrade the new radio's firmware.

 

[Unlicensed_Operator]

Apparently, firmware is now on the TYT site. Perhaps it was there all along and I missed it?

TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.

Do you know which file it is?

 

[Hans13]

I just now downloaded everything on there that I could find for the TH-8600 and none seem to have the old firmware.

Because the current file specifically states "USA", I am anticipating a "non-USA" version to float about the net soon. At the latest, I would expect to see it after the next round of firmware updating from TYT. With China based companies, that could be never.