BTECH UV-PRO Firmware Update 0.7.11: KISS Mode Now Built-In!

December 12, 2024

We’re excited to unveil a major firmware update for the BTECH UV-PRO that expands your digital communication capabilities like never before. With Version 0.7.11, we’ve integrated KISS mode support directly into the radio, enabling you to seamlessly connect with a wide range of APRS, packet radio, and email applications—whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. This update transforms your UV-PRO into a true digital communications powerhouse.

All 0.7.11 Firmware Improvements:

• Stronger Signal Integrity: Improved buffering and error correction for fewer dropped connections and smoother operation.
• Optimized Data Throughput: Enjoy faster, more reliable data transmission so your APRS messages, emails, and location updates get delivered promptly and clearly.
• Resolved Intermittent Application Pairing Issues: Establish and maintain stable connections with ease.
• Enhanced Data Throughput: Improved performance ensures smoother packet exchanges under varying conditions.
• •New KISS UI Menu: A dedicated, user-friendly menu makes enabling and customizing KISS mode quick and intuitive.

What is KISS Mode?

At its core, KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) mode is a streamlined, universal protocol that allows your radio to “talk” to any Terminal Node Controller (TNC)-capable app. Gone are the days of juggling specialized drivers or complicated configuration steps. With KISS mode built right into the UV-PRO, you’ll enjoy a direct, industry-standard interface for passing digital data to and from your device over Bluetooth. It’s as simple as pairing your radio and pressing “connect.”

Why KISS Mode Is a Game Changer

KISS mode simplifies the digital communication process by providing a universal “language” that your radio and software can both understand. Instead of worrying about proprietary commands or complex setup routines, KISS strips communication down to a common standard. Your UV-PRO essentially becomes a transparent data conduit, passing signals back and forth without extra overhead.

This straightforward approach means less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying robust data exchange. With KISS mode, even those new to digital operations can get up and running quickly, while experienced operators have a stable foundation to integrate advanced tools and services.

Real-World Applications for KISS Mode

• APRS Integration: Keep track of stations, monitor weather, or share beacon updates on-the-go with apps like APRSdroid or APRS.fi.
• Email Over Radio: Use Winlink or RadioMail to send and receive emails—even when you’re off the grid or during emergencies.
• Packet Radio & Messaging Tools: Connect with Xastir, Outpost Packet Manager, or other clients for bulletins, event coordination, and experimentations with new digital modes.
• Cross-Platform Flexibility: Seamlessly switch between devices and operating systems, ensuring you always have the right tool at your fingertips.
• Emergency Communications: Maintain critical connectivity when infrastructure fails.
• Off-Grid Adventures: Update base camp with location info, gather weather reports, or send field data from remote areas.
• Educational Projects: Explore digital modes, set up local BBS systems, or teach newcomers about packet radio in a straightforward, hands-on way.

A few of our favorite applications to use with KISS TNC on the BTECH UV-PRO

Enabling KISS mode on the UV-PRO opens the door to a rich ecosystem of APRS, packet, and messaging applications. For example:

• RadioMail (Winlink on iOS): RadioMail is a modern Winlink client for iOS. It is designed to provide a beautiful and intuitive experience for sending and receiving emails via the Winlink network. Messages can be addressed to any internet email recipients as well as other Winlink users.
• APRSdroid (Android): Track stations in real-time, send/receive position beacons, and exchange short messages.
• APRS.fi (iOS): Visualize global APRS data, review station history, and gather valuable insights from anywhere with internet access.
• WoAD (Winlink on Android): Extend your Winlink-based email communication beyond traditional infrastructure—perfect for remote deployments.
• Winlink (Cross-Platform): Send short emails over RF, ideal for emergency operations where internet might be unavailable.
• Xastir (Linux/Mac/Windows): A full-featured APRS application offering detailed mapping, messaging, and weather integration.

With KISS, the UV-PRO effortlessly connects to an array of popular apps—no matter if you’re using Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, or macOS.

How to Access and Configure KISS Mode Using the Onboard Menu

Getting started with KISS mode on your BTECH UV-PRO is straightforward thanks to the new integrated menu options. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Access the Menu: Turn on your UV-PRO, then press the Menu button. Use the arrow keys to navigate, or press the corresponding keypad number to jump directly to the options you need.
2. Navigate to General Settings: From the main menu, scroll or jump to General Settings. Press OK to enter.
3. Open the KISS TNC Menu: Within General Settings, locate the KISS TNC option and press OK. You’ll now see settings that allow you to enable or disable KISS mode, as well as adjust parameters that affect data timing and transmission behavior.
4. Enable/Disable KISS Mode:
   1. To activate KISS mode, check the box
   2. To revert back to standard operation, uncheck the box
5. Adjust TX Delay and Transmit Tail:Once KISS mode is active, you can fine-tune the timing parameters to optimize performance for your particular setup:
   1. TX Delay (Transmit Delay): This setting controls how long the radio waits before sending data packets after the push-to-talk (PTT) is activated. Adjusting this can help ensure that other stations or networks are fully ready to receive your transmissions.
   2. Transmit Tail: This determines how long the radio continues to hold the transmitter open after sending data. By fine-tuning the tail, you can reduce unnecessary airtime without cutting off any bits of your message.
   3. Default Settings:The default values use industry standards, which should work well for most applications. However, if you need more control, both the TX Delay and Transmit Tail can be edited from as little as 10 ms to as long as 2000 ms. Use the arrow keys or keypad input to select the desired setting, then press OK to confirm.
6. Exit and Start Using KISS Mode:Once you’ve configured your settings, exit the menu. Your UV-PRO is now ready to communicate using KISS mode. Pair it with your phone, tablet, or computer over Bluetooth, and enjoy seamless integration with APRS, packet radio, and other digital communication apps.

The onboard KISS TNC menu gives you direct control over enabling KISS mode and customizing crucial timing parameters. By accessing Menu > General Settings > KISS TNC, you can quickly set up the radio for use with APRSdroid, Winlink, RadioMail, and other compatible apps—no external adapters or complicated setup steps required.

We Value Your Feedback

Your input is essential to us. If you have questions, encounter any issues, or wish to provide feedback on the new firmware, please reach out to our support team at [email protected].

We hope you enjoy the new features and improvements in Firmware Version V0.7.11. Thank you for choosing BTECH!