If you are thinking of buying a new Quansheng UV K5 (8) Or UV 5R Plus in order to modify the radio with custom firmware, do be aware that the V2 [version 2] of these radios is not software upgradable. If you try to upgrade a version 2 with firmware, such as Egzumer or F4HWN, it won’t work, and there is a chance you could brick the radio. The reason for this is the changing of the microcontroller from V1: MCU DP32G030 to the new V2: PY32F030.
Pictured: The Quansheng UV K5 (8) Version 3
Version 2 can not be upgraded with new firmware, so if you’re buying either of these radios with the idea of upgrading / flashing with new firmware, go for either the version 1 or version 3 of the UV K5 (8) or UV-5R Plus. Some newer listings actually state what version they are in the product images, as seen in this post. Version 1 would be considered older stock now, so either find an older listing [ask the seller what version they are selling] or buy an older used Quansheng. Either that or go for the version 3.
If you’re buying either of these radios with no intention of upgrading to different firmware then you can go ahead and purchase any of them. Both are still excellent radios when used straight out the box. However, most people buy these radios to modify. They are renown for it, and have a bit of a cult following because of it. They are excellent radios. So the version 2 models that are now out there for sale, with their limitations applied has annoyed many devoted users of these radios. It’s a move by Quansheng that not many people can understand. This news is a few months old now, and the V2 models are out there being sold by many sellers in considerable numbers, so watch out.
So why have I managed to update the firmware on the UV K5(11) which is the latest version?
Hi John. Thanks for your comment. As written in this post, It’s version 2 that is affected by this limitation. You must have version 3 installed in your radio. Thanks.
Thanks for this website yo. I was reading your review about the UV-5R Plus and thought of grabbing one, but fortunately I saw UV-K1(8) as a much more responsible buy since I already have similar looking radios lol. But I also got interested in how portable yet tough it is. I was looking at some Quansheng radios because of its upgradeable firmware, and how awesome those custom firmware looks. Additionally, I don’t like how most Quansheng radios have a little knob “protector” on the side, really making it look unsymmetrical for me, and that’s also why I chose the UV-K1 instead. You have a good one. From Indonesia.