Following I’ve collected a few tips for using qdmr with the Anytone AT-D878UVII PLUS. If you are interested in how to install qdmr, see here.

Brief introduction to codeplugs

Let’s be frank. They are a pain. A codeplug is

  • vendor specific,
  • model specific and
  • region specific.

So if you don’t have a ham buddy in your region, with your device, then you need to write your own codeplug.

Steps

  1. Set region of your device (only once)
  2. Back your codeplug up
  3. Build your codeplug
  4. Transfer it to your device

Region set

To set your region on the Anytone AT-D878UVII PLUS you need to enter the test mode.

Buttons Mode
PTT+PF3 Firmware flash mode
PTT+PF1 Init mode
PTT+1 Test mode: Region setting
PTT+2 GPS test mode
PTT+PF2 Icon update mode

Region 0 is completely open and 3 is fitting for Austria.

Warnings:

  • Codeplugs have specific band limits. Your device must be set to the same band limit.
  • If you reset the region you must enter ‘Init mode’, which will wipe your codeplug along with your settings.

Backup your codeplug

  1. Turn your device on
  2. Connect the double jack to it.
  3. Start qdmr
  4. Plug the usb cable in your computer.
  5. Press Device>Detect. A pop up window should inform you of the correct device.
  6. Press Device>Read and chose a location to save your codeplug.
  7. Make a backup copy of this file or initiate a git repository and commit the file.

Build your codeplug

Read and follow the instructions over at dm3mat.

In short:

  1. Set general settings
  2. Create contacts (all call, private calls and talk groups you want to use)
  3. assemble contacts into group lists (simplex, local, regional, global, all)
  4. create channels (list of repeaters; clone for time slot 1 and 2)
  5. assemble channels to zones1
  6. (optional) assemble scan lists
  7. (optional) configure GPS/APRS and Roaming

I advise to make small steps, commit, write to device and test. If you create a syntax error it’ll be hard to find otherwise.

Transfer to your device

When qdmr is open with the codeplug loaded.

  1. Turn your device on
  2. Connect the double jack to it.
  3. Plug the usb cable in your computer.
  4. Press Device>Detect. A pop up window should inform you of the correct device.
  5. Press Device>Verify and solve the listed problems.
  6. Press Device>Write.

Warning: Before testing it is important to unplug the double jack. Otherwise the microphone and speaker is not active.

Changelog

  • 2022-07-30: added warnings to ‘Region set’.

Footnotes:

  1. If a channel is in no zone it won’t be available on your device. ↩