February 2024 – GMRS-PRO App and Firmware Updates
Hey everyone, we’ve got some fantastic updates for all you GMRS-PRO aficionados out there! Both our iOS and Android apps have received some cool upgrades, and there’s a hefty firmware update for the GMRS-PRO radio itself that you won’t want to miss. So, let’s dive right in and see what’s new and how it’s going to make your GMRS-PRO experience even better.
A Note on Privacy
In today’s world, privacy is key. That’s why with these app updates, we’re giving you more control over your privacy settings. Now, you can set location and sharing preferences independently for both network and local radio communications, keeping your information safe and sound.
What’s New for iOS Users?
For our iOS family, the GMRS Programmer App has hit version 1.2.8, and it’s packed with goodies. We’ve given Dark Mode a serious makeover, so now all the text pops out, making it easier on the eyes during those late-night sessions. Scanning frequencies has never been more flexible with the introduction of AM and Auto modes—save your settings and scan away without a hitch. And for those of you who like to keep the group tight and coordinated, scheduled position sharing is now a thing! Plus, we’ve added some nifty features to the radio’s programmable buttons, like a “monitor switch” and “Bluetooth pairing,” making device integration a breeze.
Android Users, You’re in for a Treat Too!
Android folks, we haven’t forgotten about you. The app is now at version 2.6.7.3 and it’s brimming with enhancements designed just for you. Say hello to Automatic Mode in frequency scanning—it’s a game-changer for quickly identifying active frequencies. And for the audiophiles, we’ve introduced advanced recording gain options for that perfect sound. We’ve also made customizing your setup easier by separating the signaling configurations for radio and network intercoms. Plus, with channel import/export functionality and full compatibility with Android 14, your app experience is smoother and more personalized than ever.
Firmware Update 0.6.7: Gearing Up for the BS-22 Speaker Mic
Now, let’s talk about the firmware update 0.6.7. It’s not just any update; it’s preparing the stage for the much-anticipated BS-22 speaker mic. We’ve been hard at work squashing bugs and boosting performance to make sure your radio is at the top of its game. Here’s the lowdown on what’s new:
- Sharper Wireless PTT Pairing: We’ve tweaked the logic behind the wireless Push-to-Talk (PTT) pairing to cut down on interference. This means clearer, more reliable communication when you’re out in the field.
- Smart Scanning for Relay Feedback: Ever missed relay feedback because your radio was scanning all over the place? Not anymore. Now, the radio will check the last transmitted channel first, so you’re always in the loop with real-time feedback.
- Switching Channels Made Easy: We’ve ironed out a kink that was making it tricky to flip between the A and B channels on the GMRS-PRO homepage using the up and down buttons. This one’s been bugging some of you since version 0.6.3, but it’s smooth sailing now.
- Mic Compatibility: Preparing the radio for the BS-22 wireless microphone release (subscribe to our newsletter to be informed first of its release!)
- Muting Magic: There was a sneaky bug that kept channels from muting properly when digital squelch was turned off. Consider it squashed. Now, you can enjoy your quiet when you need it.
- Bluetooth Stability: For those of you rocking a Bluetooth audio products, we’ve zapped a bug that was causing the radio to restart unexpectedly. Now, you can chat away without any surprises.
We’re always listening to your feedback and making tweaks to ensure your GMRS-PRO is running like a dream. So, update your firmware and get ready for an even smoother, more reliable radio experience.
Heads-Up on the Firmware Update Process
Just a quick heads-up—due to the comprehensive nature of the radio firmware update, you might notice the power keys flashing when the radio reboots. If the screen stays dark post-update, don’t panic. Simply turn off the radio, then press and hold the OK button (the green button in the upper left corner under the screen) while turning it back on. This little trick should get everything back to normal as it resets the firmware loader of the GMRS-PRO (it was a big update!)
Wrapping It Up
We’re super excited about these updates and we think you will be too. They’re all about making your GMRS-PRO experience more enjoyable, intuitive, and secure. Whether you’re coordinating a big event, heading out on an adventure, or just keeping in touch, these enhancements are here to make communication a breeze. And with the BS-22 speaker mic on the horizon, things are only going to get better. Can’t wait to hear what you all think!
Comments (13)
Waiting for the BS-22 to release. Wished the “heads-up” was posted before the firmware was released. Had this issue on both radios, and really thought they bricked. Luckily after a hard reset they came back to life.
Looking forward to testing the scheduled location sharing. I lead a hunting group of 8 spread over a couple miles and that will be helpful for safety.
Firmware 0.6.7 seems to have bricked the radio. After the download completed, I pressed Update, the radio showed a message saying it was updating. After a moment or two, the screen went dark and buttons began to flash. I came to this page and read the heads=up while the radio buttons continued to flash.
I powered down the radio, held to orange button on the top of the radio while powering it on. The buttons immediately begin flashing and the radio does not operate.
After about ten repetitions of the boot process, the radio powered up with the buttons lit steadily for about two seconds and the changed to flashing. I let the radio sit like this for about 15 seconds, and then the radio changed woke up.
I had the exact same experience with a second radio.
The power on process is not reliable, perhaps because the button detection only works occasionally. I think the firmware needs an upgrade to more reliably detect the button, especially because the button is hard to push. (I used a tool with a rounded tip to hold the button without cutting the rubber surface of the button.)
You should not be pushing the orange button, as stated in the directions you use the ok button (the top left key on the keyboard) – please read the directions
this tripped me up too. it’s the green button in the upper left corner on the front lower part of the radio. and you just press, hold for a bit then release. for me the problem wasn’t fixed till i released the button.
Please make the ONX maps available for IOS, this would be a game changer for me.
Followup….
I tried what Randy did. Sure enough, it stopped flashing. When I hit a front-panel button, the “normal” screen came up.
Awesome!
I added another step: “Patience.” Thanks, guys, the GMRS-PRO is one of my favorite radios (right up there with two 6x2s, of course.)
When are you going to fix the offline map???? Dl’ing maps is a lot more difficult than it should be and at this point has become impossible.
There is no way to tell at a glance if a channel has a TX only tone. Plain to see if there is a tone on both tx & rx.
Thanks from a sort of proud owner of 3 pro’s.
Tom in idaho
Love my radio but I do have a couple of requests/suggestions for future updates:
I’d love to see more options with the programmable buttons, for example, adding the ability to display radio GPS information/coordinates as an option, so I don’t have to drill down in a menu to access it every time.
Like mentioned in a comment above, I’d also love to have a scheduled location sharing feature that periodically updates other group members automatically. I actually have two radios that my girlfriend and I use, but sometimes I will leave one of my radios on back at my vehicle when I go out into the backcountry on solo trips. I do this so that I can use my other radio to find my way back to my vehicle after the sun sets and navigation gets tricky. Having my radio back in my vehicle periodically sending its location information to my radio in the field would be awesome.
Looking forward to the wireless shoulder mic, will definitely be picking two of those up once they drop. I’d also love to have a bigger battery that I could slot into my radio.
Lastly, being able to use your radio via bluetooth in the APRS feature of the phone app would be really cool, hoping to see this feature added in a later update.
Otherwise, love my radios and can’t wait to see what you guys do with them in future updates!
Is there a ham version for f this radio in the works?
Liking the radio. A question and maybe a suggestion. I notice when in scanning mode the backlight never turns off regardless of the backlight timeout setting. Is this normal operation or am I missing something? It absolutely CHEWS through the battery having the backlight on all the time. If that’s currently the normal operation of the backlight while scanning, could I suggest it be considered to add a setting in the next firmware release to allow the backlight to time out while in scanning mode. It could come back on if a signal is received and then time out again like it does in regular non-scanning mode.
So where did you hide the instructions for the firmware upgrade for this radio? I’ve used the search function and navigated around but can’t find it, and it’s not in the user manual.
Check the firmware’s download archive