I bought a used MD 2017 and it looks like the firmware is no longer supported by TYT. Does anybody program these? And I’m also looking for a sleeve usually available from 3 D printer folks for the antenna connector. Thanks
The software is available but firmware was never updated bar one - Index of /Firmware/Tyt/MD2017
That was the one with the larger contacts capability. I used to sell these but at least two customers bricked the radios with that firmware update. Risky I think.
Thanks
I’m afraid of messing the radio. Do I need a usb driver? There’s a good video on programming these but it’s dated
Myself I like old ways simple.
I work computers since 1976 and the USB works but buy computer every 5 years .
My last CB was 25 years old no USB.
More tech more problems great turnover.
If like doing updates it is great
If just work with no problems the no updating
Some radio bands you have to have a USB or look a cb from 1960 still works today.
Dave
OS I talking computer USB for firmware updates
JT. Just a thought. Are you looking for firmware or software? Something just made me wonder. The software is crucial. What exactly are you Havering trouble with? They are quite competent nice radios, and trouble free. Firmware fiddling is dangerous. You mentioned a usb driver. The CPS software normally installs this driver. The older TYT cables had the dodgy prolific chip which windows 10 was happy with, but windows 11 is not. I can probably dig up the programming software if you cannot find it? Tell us what exactly you need to do that you currently can’t.
I just want to be able to program channels and freqs. No 100,000 channels. CPS is what I think I need and maybe USB driver.
From AI this is what I can’t do without it
Based on the technical documentation and user reports for the TYT MD-2017, here are the things you CANNOT do without the CPS (Customer Programming Software):
Critical Limitations Without CPS
1. Add or Edit DMR Contacts/Talkgroups
- The MD-2017 cannot add new DMR contacts, talkgroups, or receive groups from the keypad
- All DMR ID database entries (the 10,000+ contacts) must be imported via CSV and written through CPS
- While you can select existing talkgroups from the menu if they’re already programmed, you cannot create new ones
2. Create or Modify Zones
- Zones (channel groupings) must be created and organized in CPS
- You cannot add channels to zones or rearrange zone assignments from the radio
3. Initial Channel Programming
- The radio ships essentially “empty” - you cannot enter frequencies, color codes, or time slots from the front panel for DMR operation
- Analog channels also require CPS for initial setup (though some basic VFO operation may be possible)
4. Import Contact Database
- The large DMR contact databases (like the 100,000 contact upgrade) can only be loaded via CPS using CSV import
- No way to manually enter DMR IDs with aliases from the keypad
5. Advanced DMR Settings
- Color codes, encryption keys, and advanced DMR parameters require CPS
- Scan list programming must be done in software
What You CAN Do From the Keypad (Limited FPP)
- Change between pre-programmed channels
- Select talkgroups (if already programmed into channels)
- Adjust volume, squelch, and basic settings
- Change power levels
- Access “Program Radio” menu if FPP was enabled in CPS (but this is very limited compared to full CPS programming)
Bottom line: The MD-2017 is not designed for true front-panel programming like a Baofeng. It’s a DMR professional radio that requires computer-based programming for all meaningful configuration.
Here’s the video. I haven’t followed thru because I’m not sure which files to use from tyt. I have older Windows 10
Ah -
You have fallen into the hole many people find when they go into DMR. I have stopped selling DMR to hams. I even tried adding this phrase to all my website pages. “This radios needs a computer attached to program it. If you do not have computer skills, or an older computer, and hours of time - do NOT buy it.” Harsh, but I was so fed up getting returns because people simply did not understand. It is not remotely this TYT model, but every single DMR radio for ham use requires large amounts of data to be entered, and the few radios that can do this from the keypad would take so long to do it, the facility is pointless. They all work on the assumption that the keypad allows you to access the data you entered on the computer. This is perfectly normal.
Have you got the software? It should work fine on Windows 10. here is a link to the .exe file - this of course will annoy any virus protection you might have, so you may need to take appropriate steps. https://www.eastanglianradio.com/CPS2017Setup-v1.30.exe
What you are describing is absolutely normal stuff. Hams would often ask me if I can program in their local repeater but I always refuse. At best, I am certain it might work - but if I cannot test it, I won’t do it - and frankly it might take me a couple of hours for something they, as hams, should be able to do. I’m ancient, and with care, and decent research skills - it is fine. That TYT radio you have is quite nice - I certainly don’t see lack of keyboard programming an issue - with a numeric pad, even entering one callsign takes forever!
Thanks so much. I’ll give a try later today.