OpenGD77

Just bought a GD-77 and reading up on the install process for OpenGD77. Already have pi-star and and MD-380 running with MD380Tools but looking forward to what OpenGD77 offers.

One question before I install OpenGD77 is will I loose any significant features of the regular firmware and CPS from Radioddity? When I check the settings on the HT it says V4.03.07 on Dev Info / Soft Version. Is this the software that I'm to overwrite with Firmware Software V4.3.6? Accounting for decimals and Zero's I assume V4.3.6 is later and more advanced, but want to make sure V4.03.07 doesn't mean V4.3.7 and ensure I'm not going backwards.

Otherwise is there any downside on trying OpenGD77? Should I become familiar with the factory firmware and CPS first?

Thanks in advance for advice.

Sincerely,
Derek - W4DCE

When you install OpenGD77 you do not load 4.3.6 into the radio, but you need a copy of it on your computer. The OpenGD77 CPS needs access to the file so that it can use a small part of it to build the OpenGD77 firmware. It is done like this to avoid licensing issues.

Open GD77 does not support text messaging , dual timeslot simplex mode or encryption. So if you need any of those features it will not be suitable for you. In most other respects the open firmware is much more Ham radio friendly than the original. It has a completely different user interface, so there is little to be gained by learning the original.

Open GD77 was written from scratch by and for Ham radio users. It is not a patched version of the official firmware like MD380 Tools.

Colin G4EML.

If you are an Amateur Radio licensee just install OpenGD77 and proceed. It is designed for hams, the day I received my GD77s I immediately installed OpenGD77 and have never looked back.

73
KI5PGJ

Thank you Colin G4EML and KI5PGJ.
I will proceed with OpenGD77.

73,
Derek - W4DCE

W4DCE wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 30, 2021 12:59 pm

Thank you Colin G4EML and KI5PGJ.
I will proceed with OpenGD77.

73,
Derek - W4DCE

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