TYT has updated the TH-UV88 radios being shipped to the United States and VFO mode is now disabled out of the box. Normally, pressing the # key on the keypad switches between channel and VFO mode. On the new radios, this doesn't happen. Most likely this is TYTs way to ensure that radios being shipped into the country aren't able to be programmed to transmit outside of the amateur bands, the only frequencies for which they are authorized.
It is understandable that TYT would want to restrict the radios to amateur frequencies, however it's not clear why they chose to accomplish this by disabling VFO mode. Fortunately there is an easy way to unlock the radios and re-enable VFO mode.
- Turn the TH-UV88 radio OFF.
- Hold down both the 1 and 7 keys.
- While holding down those keys, power the radio ON.
- After you hear the voice prompt "seven", release both keys.
- VFO mode is now enabled.
This procedure does not directly switch the radio into VFO mode. It unlocks and restores the ability to switch between channel and VFO modes by pressing the # key.
I have just purchased the th-uv88 and I am having many problems that lead me to believe I will have to return it as soon as possible unless I can get some help.
I cannot locate a copy of the programming software anywhere not even on TYT's website, they have a software listing for basically every radio they make but the only downloads available for the th-uv88 is a firmware update and I don't need a firmware update I need the programming software.
I have tried to use the radio without the software and it is essentially impossible. In order to program an offset for a repeater you must manually press the up or down button repeatedly to get to the correct offset, there is no option for typing in the desired offset you must cycle through every option with the up and down buttons. This means that if I want to program an offset of 5MHz from the default of 0.6Mhz I must push the up button 440 times. This is absolutely absurd and unacceptable. If I cannot find a copy of the software that allows me to program this radio more easily without having to pay more money I must return this as it is essentially useless.
Please if you read this respond with information on how to acquire the programming software or information regarding twowayradio.com return policy
KO4FNN
[email protected]
Hi Samuel, the programming software is and has been available from our web site on the TH-UV88 product page, Simply click on the Downloads tab under the product description and you will find links to both the TH-UV88 programming software and the product manual listed below it.
If you purchased the TYT TH-UV88 from us at Buy Two Way Radios and you have issues or support questions, you can always contact us via email or live chat or give us a call toll-free at 1-800-584-1445 from 8 AM to 6 PM weekdays.
P.S.
VFO/MR switch works fine, perhaps it always worked, my mistake was holding # (you get FM radio) - simply short press # does the job!
I too just got the radio and seemingly holding 1+7+power didn't do anything and didn't switch to VFO mode, however, i did reset-all (menu 35) and it came back directly into VFO mode as indicated on screen on both A/B.
in fact, for me at least, reset-all deleted the usual top/bottom memory channels and now after the reset i have no memories at all and VFO mode is the only mode the radio is in. i am guessing that will change once i use the software and program some channels, not sure how the radio will behave and if VFO mode will go away... for now i am ok with the direct VFO mode and leaving it alone.
also, this had the (latest as per TYT site) BQ1.30 firmware dated 07/2020 out of the box
Just received my UV88 and was getting frustrated because this trick of holding down 1 and 7 while powering-on the radio was not working. Eventually I figured out that after you hear the voice say "Seven", it is waiting for you to input another digit to complete the channel number. Until I did that, (I just pressed "1"), the # key was would not me switch to VFO mode. Now it switches every time, replacing the channel number on the left with the letters "VFO" when it goes into that mode. Cheers!
I have a tyt uv88 that will allow out of band txt when Programmed in memory mode but as soon as I switch to vfo and punch in a out of band freq 154.100. It kicks me back to 2 meters. Any ideas ?
Brian
I loaded the frequencies with the software when I change one offset to positive or negative, it changes all of them, I assume I am doing something wrong.
Hello, I have all the frequencies and tones in t uv88, but I cant figure out the offsets, when I set one it changes all of them to the same thing, what am I missing.
Are you programming the radio from a computer or from the radio itself? If you are programming from a computer, Are you the using software from TYT?
Could anyone help me in performing the expanded tax modd for the 88 ?
Has anyone been able to get the firmware update to work? Keep getting a comunnication error telling me to check the COM port and baud rate. Same settings as the software which allows me to read/write to the radio.
Did you follow these firmware update instructions? If so, it should work. It is important to set the baud rate in the Firmware Upgrade Tool to 57600 before attempting to start the upgrade. Also, unless you have the specific issue with scan not receiving, the firmware update described in the article may not be necessary.
Any idea on why mine won’t scan in memory mode? It will in vfo but in memory mode when I push F 1 F it shows the scan sign but abt 5 seconds switches back to the display but doesn’t scan
We discovered a bug in the firmware that was since fixed. The Firmware update is available here.
Update: I can monitor all frequencies now but it can only be done using the up and down keys. Unable to enter the exact frequency using the keypad. Weird.
I've been able to unlock the radio but I'm still not able to monitor anything outside of 144-148 and 430-450. Does enabling VFO mode note allow for this?
Thanks for the instructions.
I was not seeing things happening either. Then I noticed the channel number was reading 7--. I hit the A/B (Exit) and then I was able to hit # and switch between VFO and MR easily.
I do note that all the pics (except the video above) I see and the manual show the # also marked as T/R. On mine it says Radio.
Just got it, but it seems like a nice little radio overall. Much nicer feel and look than the UV-5R. More like my TYT TH-UV8000E, which is an awesome radio btw.
I couldn't get mine to work and after emailing back a forth with Anthony, he gave me a call to personally to help me get it unlocked. ( I wasn't quickly pressing the # after the 1 & 7 release. I was holding it down and it was putting radio into FM mode.) That is great customer service.
I am so glad we were able to get you up and running! Please let us know if we can do anything else for you.
Worked for me, I just received mine yesterday- thank you for the incredibly fast shipping! I did just as stated above and it worked. I did turn in on with the buttons pressed, turned it off(might not make a difference) and when I turned it back on the pound(#) key did switch to VFO mode and back again.
I was having problems with the VFO, and I tried over and over with the 1 and 7 trick expecting something to show me VFO... neigh neigh! it unlocks the ability to switch to VFO using the # key now!
Correct, what this procedure does is unlock the # Key so you can toggle from channel mode to VFO mode and back again as before in previous versions. It doesn't take you straight into VFO mode. I updated the article to clarify this.
Got mine today and same issue. No joy on the recommended procedure. Please advise.
not working on mine either (holding 1 and 7), ordered last week and received in mail today. if i just push the # key it doesnt work either
Try performing it again, and wait until you hear the voice prompt "seven", then release both keys simultaneously. I've revised the instructions to include this step.
Unlocking by 1 and 7 not working
Is this the new version of the radio? Are you turning the radio off first, and firmly holding down both the 1 and 7 keys simultaneously while turning the radio on? If so, it should work. Also, be sure the keypad lock is off.
If it is an older version of the radio, these instructions do not apply, as it previously wasn't an issue.