Anytone Anytone, P25, and firmware

[LUhles2]

So I am involved in a number of positions where I need, analog, P25, VHF, and UHF R1. I don’t want to break the bank on a Motorola APX, or adopt the headache of the Harris line of radios Etc. I have previously owned an Anytone 878 handheld and really enjoyed it. Actually still have it and it works great. I don‘t need something super rugged, but the size and functionality of both of the anytone handhelds is quite enticing.
I understand the licensing problem associated with P25, but has anyone made custom firmware for Anytone’s to run P25 instead of DMR?

 

[Hit_Factor]

I haven't run into anything like that for P25.

My guess is a Kenwood radio is in your future if this is important to you.

 

[LUhles2]

Yeah I think a VP8000 might be..

 

[doriboni]

I understand the licensing problem associated with P25, but has anyone made custom firmware for Anytone’s to run P25 instead of DMR?

Your question is like saying: well, an iPhone is too expensive, can I turn my old Android phone into an iPhone?
The answer is no.

The answer is also no, you can't turn an Anytone into a P25 even with an alternative firmware because the Anytone radio chip is a chip that only knows how to do DMR. The chip is not programmable like an RTL-SDR that you can program to listen to DMR, P25 or NXDN.

It's a hardware problem, the DMR chip of the Anytone is unable to do P25.

Anytone does not produce P25 radio, only DMR radios.

Yeah I think a VP8000 might be.

Yes, the VPX8000 works like an RTL-SDR and you can change the protocols by software programming. The Anytone chip does not allow this to be done.

Physical features of the VP8000 include:
• Multi-Band operation (VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz)
• Multi-Protocol
• P25 Phase 1 & 2 Trunking
• P25 Conventional
• DMR (Future License will be available through software upgrade in 2023)
• NXDN ( Software upgrade expected to be released in 2023/24)
• Viking16 (SmartNet/SmartZone™ Compatible)
• FM Analog

 

[n3obl]

I'm surprised the Chinese haven't tried to reverse engineer a cheap p25 radio.

 

[mmckenna]

Tait TP-9800, Bendix King BKR-9000, used Motorola APX, Harris, or the above mentioned VP-8000. A lot of good options, but none of them will be in the same price range as what you have. Going with single band radios for what you need will make it easier. Programming software/cables will often be a bigger challenge than procuring the radio.

If you work for an agency or company that requires this level of gear, they should be providing it, and providing the correct tools for the job. Expecting you to hack a Chinese hand held radio sounds kind of sus. If they are serious about needing P25, then encryption would be a concern, and no legit agency is going to load encryption keys into a hacked Chinese hand held radio owned by an individual.

 

[aaronneely1]

Tait TP-9800, Bendix King BKR-9000, used Motorola APX, Harris, or the above mentioned VP-8000. A lot of good options, but none of them will be in the same price range as what you have. Going with single band radios for what you need will make it easier. Programming software/cables will often be a bigger challenge than procuring the radio.

If you work for an agency or company that requires this level of gear, they should be providing it, and providing the correct tools for the job. Expecting you to hack a Chinese hand held radio sounds kind of sus. If they are serious about needing P25, then encryption would be a concern, and no legit agency is going to load encryption keys into a hacked Chinese hand held radio owned by an individual.

Hytera just settled lawsuits with Motorola for stealing trade mark secrets for DMR. DMR was supposed to be only a Motorola product so I’m sure if they stole that more than likely you can bet in the next 3-5 years or less you will see a cheaper p25 unit starting to pop up. C4fm that is already in some of the amateur radios will convert on pi-star to talk to ysf-p25 reflectors.

Wolters Kluwer

 

[KevinC]

DMR was supposed to be only a Motorola product

Says who?

 

[mmckenna]

Hytera just settled lawsuits with Motorola for stealing trade mark secrets for DMR. DMR was supposed to be only a Motorola product

DMR is not a "Motorola product". It's an open standard created by ETSI. Lots of manufacturers make DMR products.

The lawsuit was about Hytera stealing proprietary Motorola information and using it in their radios. Motorola does not own DMR. They own some proprietary features they added to the standard, as the often do to lock in customers.

so I’m sure if they stole that more than likely you can bet in the next 3-5 years or less you will see a cheaper p25 unit starting to pop up. C4fm that is already in some of the amateur radios will convert on pi-star to talk to ysf-p25 reflectors.

Possible. P25 is from APCO, not Motorola, and again, there's lots of manufactures making P25 radios. Any Chinese company can make them if they want, they just need to license the Vocoder.

Issue still remains, no reputable public safety agency is going to purchase Cheap Chinese P25 radios. Add in the requirements of FIPS level encryption, and no reputable radio tech or public safety agency is going to load encryption keys into a Cheap Chinese P25 radio.

But, I'm sure the amateur radio and hobby community will gobble them up.

 

[doriboni]

no reputable radio tech or public safety agency is going to load encryption keys into a Cheap Chinese P25 radio.

It's a shame because it would make life easier for Chinese intelligence agencies...

 

[mmckenna]

It's a shame because it would make life easier for Chinese intelligence agencies...

It certainly isn't going to stop someone from asking demanding that a public safety agency give them their encryption keys.

"I've got a $25 radio and the First Amendment right to listen in on encrypted communications!!!". (no, they don't…)