At any point have you wondered if you can use your AnyTone 878 on bands outside 2m / 70cm amateur? Perhaps to use 220MHz where the frequency space is less congested, or to monitor GMRS/FRS channels? The good news is that this particular radio uses a chipset designed to RX/TX on a wide range of frequencies, so this should technically be possible. We need to do a bit of software unlocking, but nothing crazier than programming using the stock CPS.

A few caveats

Regulations are a thing

There are various regulations regarding spectrum use and what is allowed/disallowed where you are. Everything I am saying here is for educational purposes only; use at your own discretion.

This is your radio, not mine

While the radio chip is designed to TX across a wide range of frequencies, there are no guarantees that the rest of the radio is designed to handle that transmission correctly. For example, filters may not correctly handle things like spurious emissions or in a worst-case scenario overheat and burn out.

Firmware changes always have the potential to brick a device if applied incorrectly. This is true across all devices, not just radios, and is an inherent risk. Use known-good cables on stable USB ports, and don’t do something crazy like disconnecting the radio in the middle of a data transfer.

Many people have done this and the risk is low, but the risk is yours to take. If you do something dumb or it doesn’t work for some reason, it’s not my fault.

Windows only

Yeah, trust me, I get it - I spend most of my life actively avoiding the Windows operating system wherever possible. However, the radio programming world runs on Windows, so it’s where we’ll be. I do this in a VM running Windows Server and have good results, but again - YMMV. Just don’t try to do it under Wine or Crossover - the software needed just won’t run.

Know your CPS

This guide is written with the assumption that you know the basics of programming your radio, and can successfully read/write codeplugs and update firmware.

Take a backup!

I believe in the 3-2-1 backup method, because it’s never left me stranded. That said, I don’t generally expect people to be quite as picky obnoxious obsessive thorough as I generally am, so this is your warning to download a copy of your current radio programming just in case.

Transceiver Chip details

We can read the details and see pictures of the internals of the radio submitted by AnyTone to the FCC for Part 90 acceptance at on their exhibit filings here. There are some interesting details, including confirmation that the various 878UVII/Plus/etc models are indeed all physically the same with different branding.

The key piece of information we’re looking for is the radio chip that is being used - in this case, an AT1846S. According to the data sheet we can see that it is capable of a wide range of frequency tx/rx:

• AT1846S :
  • 134MHz - 174MHz
  • 200MHz - 260MHz
  • 400MHz - 520MHz
• AT1846SD (not the chip in the 878 series):
  • 320MHz - 400MHz
• 12.5KHz, 25KHz channels

Of course there is more to the usable frequency range than a single-chip transceiver, but it gives us a good indication of what may be possible.

Available frequency modes

There are several modes enabled by firmware corresponding to various regulatory layouts within the frequency ranges from the transceiver range.

Program the radio

Download AT_Options

The Anytone Options software (AT_Options) is a utility software that I stumbled on some time ago. My notes say that it was written by Colin, G4EML, but I don’t see any current ways to confirm that from a primary source. If you have a reference that I can update / correct, please contact me so I can give credit to the correct places.

You can download a copy of version 8 that I have archived - I claim no knowledge of it’s update schedule. If I see newer versions I will update the link accordingly.

Remove any startup passwords from your radio

Yes, it does actually matter; this is an easy way to brick your radio.

Update the options

• Plug in your radio and power it on
• Launch the AT Options program. Windows may or may not yell at you and require a blood sample from your firstborn to run unauthorized software, but solving that is beyond the scope of this.
• Select the correct COM port and click “Read”.
• Note the “Band Setting Password” that is displayed.
• Remove any “Program Password” that is set. You can theoretically set one, but I find it more hassle than it’s worth in amateur space.
• Change “Frequency” to your target mode.
• Update any other fields as you see fit. They’re ancillary in amateur world, but maybe you like keeping records.
• Click “Write”.
• LET THE DATA TRANSFER FINISH UNINTERRUPTED! Don’t turn your radio off, don’t unplug the cable - just don’t do it.
• Click “Exit”.

Create a new codeplug

Codeplugs are mode-specific in Anytone land. I’m not sure that I understand the logic behind it, but it is what it is. What that means from a practical perspective is that your hand-crafted codeplug containing all your favorite repeaters and hotspots made under Mode 7 will not load under any other mode. Thankfully there are ways to avoid needing to completely redo the programming.

• Using your CPS software, export your programming and settings as CSV files. I export everything allowed, but the important parts are really the zones and channels.
• Create a blank code plug (Set -> Initialization).
• Navigate to Model -> Model Information.
• If you see your target mode, you’re in luck! Skip the next step.
• If you need to unlock a mode, type the “Maintenance Frequency Password” that you noted above and click “Check Password”. If you put in the correct password you will see a box saying “Password is pass..” After you click “Ok” the Frequencies dropdown will have the full listing of available modes, including Mode 14.

• Re-import any data that you exported above.
• Adjust any options as necessary.
• Flash the codeplug do your radio (Program -> Write to radio).

Congratulations! You are now the proud holder of an Anytone 878 (or one of it’s derivatives) that can RX out of band. Use this power for good.