12/5/2017 Update - Updated to link to firmware v4.03.
8/31/2017 Update - Firmware version 3.29 has been released and the download link was added below. Please download the 3.29 firmware and refer to it anywhere 3.28 is mentioned below. The new version fixes a bug where the display would remain lit after the radio was powered off.
Some of the TYT MD-9600 owners reported an issue loading channels into their radio using the programming software. The software was reporting that the data was being written successfully, but some or all channels were not accessible on the radio.
To address this issue, TYT released an updated firmware version (3.28) and an updated version of the programming software (1.18). You can download these updates, along with the firmware loader, at the links below:
- Programming Software v1.18
- Firmware Loader Application
MD-9600 Firmware v3.28MD-9600 Firmware v3.29MD-9600 Firmware v4.03
If you need help upgrading your software firmware, save the three files above to a location on your PC and read below for detailed instructions.
Upgrading the Programming Software
Upgrading the software is very straightforward. It's the same process as installing most other applications on your PC.
1. Find the file CPS MD9600 Setup v1.18.exe that you downloaded above.
2. Double-click (open) the file.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the updated programming software (v1.18).
Upgrading the Firmware
Upgrading the firmware is not quite as straightforward. You will need to power up the radio near a PC, place it in Firmware Upgrade mode, and then run the Firmware Loader application to install the updated firmware on the radio.
First, let's install the Firmware Loader application:
1. Find the file FirmwareDownloadV3.04_EN.exe that you downloaded above.
2. Double-click (open) the file.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware loader application.
4. Depending on your Windows version and configuration, you may need to run this installer as an Administrator.
Now, let's place the MD-9600 in Firmware Upgrade mode and connect it to the PC.
1. Be sure the radio powers up automatically (without having to press the green power button) when external power is applied to the radio. You can get to this mode by removing external power without first turning off the radio (using the green power button).
2. With the external power source OFF, hold down both the P1 button AND the round, orange button to the left of P1 at the same time. With both buttons held down, turn the external power source ON. When the display starts flashing, you can release the buttons. This indicates you are in Firmware Upgrade mode.
3. Connect your MD-9600 to your PC using the programming cable.
Launch the Firmware Loader application and upgrade the firmware.
1. Open the Firmware Loader application. The installer should have left an icon on your desktop called UpgradeDownload.
2. In the window that opens, click the Open file upgrade button in the User program section. In the file selection screen that opens, find the MD9600-REC-D03.28.bin file that you previously downloaded and then click Open.
3. Confirm the correct file appears in the blank, and then click the Download file of upgrade button to begin the firmware upgrade.
4. A progress bar will appear across the top of the application as the firmware is installed. Do not disconnect the programming cable until this is finished! Once complete you'll see the message "Download upgrade file successful!"
5. Once you see the success message, you can click OK and remove external power from the radio. When you power the radio back up it should function as normal. To confirm the firmware version, you can open the following screen on the radio: Menu -> Utilities -> Radio Info -> Versions.
Please update the new firmware link for theTYTMD9600D on your website
Mike K1MIC
Need Help, after many drivers I was finally able to communicate with my MD-9600.
I wanted to update the firmware before programming. It seemed to go fine, clicked ok and cut off power supply. When I powered back up all I got was a steady tone and UNPROGRAMED across the bottom of the screen. Is that bad?
Great! Now my MD-9600 has a steady audible tone and the screen displays UNPROGRAMMED. Thought I was updating?
I successfully upgraded to 4.03 from 4.02 on a radio that I purchased from another TYT reseller. After having attempted a downgrade to 3.29 WITHOUT following the critical instructions in the video in this post and putting the radio into a display mess, I was able to recover it by first installing the firmware the right way (by putting the radio in firmware update mode - accomplished by disconnecting power from the radio, holding down the red button next to the 'P1' key and the 'P1' key itself simultaneously, then applying normal power - gets the backlight on the screen to flash), then load my code plug back into the radio, and all seems normal again. Just sharing my experience, YMMV.
Joe, If you only have one side of the radio programmed, in a zone only uhf and no vhf, it will show the channel you have programmed toward the top with unprogrammed toward the bottom showing you have nothing in the b side
Does the MD-9600 have simultaneous receive?
I did the firmware update, also installed the new software, after I installed a codeplug, the radio gives me a msg "unprogrammed". I tried reinstalling the software, no change. Anything I do, it gives me the same result.
My ticket code is LTK121450171413569X
Hi Pol, the MD-9600 update should not generate a password prompt. However, some code plugs created by third parties may be password protected. Where did you acquire the code plug?
Hello,
Since the update, the MD-9600 is asking for a password.
While the box is empty.
Can you help me?
Thank you.
Does anyone know if there is a cure for the very oversensitive receiver audio control in the MD9600? In both of mine the audio is either off, or blasting. This is very disturbing. It appears to be a defective or incorrect potentiometer.
Best regards,
Gary
The new version 3.31 firmware seems to work the best so far!
Sorry Mike, I guess I misunderstood the question. I thought you were asking if there was a volume select on the hand microphone. My apologies.
Rick,I know that I'm talking about on the radio!!!
Mike
K!MIC
Hi Mike, there is no volume control on the hand microphone.
I've owned the TYT MD9600D for a couple of weeks now. once the two firmware updates came out, it fixed my issues. Was able to get a code plug from a fellow Ham that covers everything, digital/analog and VHF/UHF
for NH, VT and Maine.
Right now the only beef I have is the stupid volume control. Don't know if it's the pot or the firmware. I have talked to Anthony at Buy2Way Radios and he said this issue has been addressed to TYT. Anthony is always helpful.
Is there a select on the Mic, or do you always have to use the radio??
Mike
K1MIC
I did the update and I confirm it's safe to do so and it work 100% if you did and the screen look like ARC code it's because you didn't put radio in update mode
It works. I performed the update myself and I can confirm that it does work.
SO DOES IT WORK OR NOT
Hi Dennis, if your MD-9600 was purchased from Buy Two Way Radios, give us a call toll-free at 1-800-584-1445 or enter our live chat weekdays from 8 AM to 6 PM ET and we will be happy to assist you.
Lee probably BRICKED (not really) his radio by uploading the firmware w/o being in FIRMWARE update mode!