A cheap toy, but it looks kinda fun to play with. (SI4732 0.5-108mhz Pocket Mini Radio)

[AB5ID]

I was initially bricked, but I have successfully flashed the device. The only difference in my process was that I clicked "FINISH" in the flashing software, then ejected the connected device using the Windows toolbar. After that, I unplugged the USB cable and toggled the power switch on the radio from "on" to "off" and back to "on." The radio then powered up successfully with the new firmware running.

Additionally, I've come across some discussions mentioning that certain units may have an alternate 8MB memory size (mine wasn't). You can find more details here:

ESP32-S3 N16R8 FLASH DOWNLOAD · Issue #1 · G8PTN/ATS_MINI

Some users on YouTube appear to be having problems after flashing the firmware. I only have one unit, and I have flashed the stock firmware and the updated firmware without any issues. I am not sur...

github.com

 

[AB5ID]

Have you opened your radio apparently there is a 16mb and 8mb. He made a firmware for the 8mb

Mine was not the 8MB, I think I may have skipped steps or got into a rush initially. New firmware works great!

 

[Omega-TI]

I'd like to see some sort of mini antenna project for this receiver. The size is perfect for dropping in ones pocket when out for a walk, but the required antenna makes it unsuitable to do so.

FM or it's "VHF" would be relatively easy, but for the AM-BCB? With a 3D printer design I'm sure something could be figured out.

Oh, for the record, the cheap four conductor earbuds for $1.25 at Dollar Tree work for the radio (you hear both sides), but the maximum audio output is not exactly great.

 

[spongella]

Thank you for the heads up on this neat little radio. This is a great age to be living in, especially for those like myself who enjoy electronic gadgets.

 

[aasaeedi]

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing an issue after changing the firmware on my I4732 Mini Radio and was hoping someone here might have some insights.

I'm using the Flash tool to update the firmware, but after the radio reboots, the frequency display drops to zero whenever I turn the knob. I've tried switching to different bands, but the same issue persists. I also tested multiple firmware versions, but they all result in the same behavior.

Has anyone encountered this before or have any ideas on what might be causing it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[AB5ID]

Hi everyone,

I'm experiencing an issue after changing the firmware on my I4732 Mini Radio and was hoping someone here might have some insights.

I'm using the Flash tool to update the firmware, but after the radio reboots, the frequency display drops to zero whenever I turn the knob. I've tried switching to different bands, but the same issue persists. I also tested multiple firmware versions, but they all result in the same behavior.

Has anyone encountered this before or have any ideas on what might be causing it?

Thanks in advance!

Where are you getting firmware from? Are you following instructions from a video or website?

 

[aasaeedi]

Where are you getting firmware from? Are you following instructions from a video or website?

Yes. I came across this video:

I grabbed the AT_Mini firmware from G8PTN.

 

[AB5ID]

Yes. I came across this video:

I grabbed the AT_Mini firmware from G8PTN.

1)Did the radio take the firmware upload?
2)Did you click stop on the software window after a successful flash?
3)Did you unmount the radio before disconnecting the USB cable?
Only reason I'm being so specific is I had trouble with my first attempt and ended up with a dead radio. I was able to retry later later and it worked. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

[aasaeedi]

1)Did the radio take the firmware upload?
2)Did you click stop on the software window after a successful flash?
3)Did you unmount the radio before disconnecting the USB cable?
Only reason I'm being so specific is I had trouble with my first attempt and ended up with a dead radio. I was able to retry later later and it worked. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

I can re-try with those steps, but my understanding is that the device has already accepted the firmware. The UI in the stock firmware vs G8PTN's look very different. I can bring up the menu and navigate through settings as well.But frequency is stuck at 0 and the radio does not work.

 

[AB5ID]

I can re-try with those steps, but my understanding is that the device has already accepted the firmware. The UI in the stock firmware vs G8PTN's look very different. I can bring up the menu and navigate through settings as well.But frequency is stuck at 0 and the radio does not work.

Hoping it's firmware related, I guess you could try going back to the original firmware in a last ditch attempt.

 

[AB5ID]

SI4732 Mini Radio Resources

GitHub - Ramsin/SI4732-Mini-Radio-Files

Contribute to Ramsin/SI4732-Mini-Radio-Files development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

 

[AB5ID]

As the birdie 🐦 says: cheap, cheap, cheap March 20.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007622987120.html

 

[Omega-TI]

As the birdie 🐦 says: cheap, cheap, cheap March 20.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007622987120.html

Wow that is cheap... or were you referring to birdies on the bands.

 

[AB5ID]

Wow that is cheap... or were you referring to birdies on the bands.

Just the low price

 

[Omega-TI]

I wish my 3D design skill were better. It would be so cool to have a 3D storage case for this little radio... maybe with a second side to store some cheap earbuds.

 

[AB5ID]

I wish my 3D design skill were better. It would be so cool to have a 3D storage case for this little radio... maybe with a second side to store some cheap earbuds.

Not a storage case but this is kinda neat.

 

[Omega-TI]

Not a storage case but this is kinda neat.

I like it! I downloaded it and will print it up. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Omega-TI]

Here's my print...

 

[AB5ID]

Looks great! Thought about doing the firmware upgrade? It makes the receiver so much smoother to use.

 

[Omega-TI]

Looks great! Thought about doing the firmware upgrade? It makes the receiver so much smoother to use.

I thought about it, but with my luck I'd brick it. I've read a couple of messages where people bricked theirs, and I don't know if mine is the 8 or 16 megabyte version. Currently it works, even though I like the display on the upgraded model and don't like the timing of the button presses currently.

Do you know the link to the most current version of software... and maybe foolproof upgrade instructions?