Important question

[VA3 NDP]

Hi folks.
The main reason for me buying the RD-5R is the incredible “digital monitor” function it has. However, I adore the Open GD77 firmware for it. Before I take the plunge I want to check in with the experts. Does the updated gd77 have the digital monitor mode and it is as good as the original or better?

Thanks so much all
73s
VA3NDP
Nick

[VK3KYY]

I think the stock firmware has digital monitor but can only monitor one time slot at one time.

I think OpenGD77 can monitor both time slots at the same time (similar to Anytone and BFDX DMR radios), so in this sense it should be better. Not only that, but OpenGD77 can set specific filters you want: colour code, TS, contact (ID), so it is even better than the Anytone / BFDX in this.

The RD5R is the least supported radio hardware, mainly because it lacks some key hardware, e.g. the battery power control system.
Build quality on this radio is also terrible, as its its hardware design. The general view is that people should not buy this radio unless they have some very specific need for a small radio and are willing to put up with the poor RF quality, bad manufacturing, and bad general design.

If you are happy with the official firmware, I'd stick with that.

[VA3 NDP]

Well that makes things extra confusing lol.
I mainly bought it for the digital monitor as I have so many repeaters and DMR frequencies in my area that I don’t want to have to plug all the info in every time I want to listen to that frequency. I much prefer if it would monitor both time slots so it sounds as though the upgrade is worth it. This isn’t my main radio so that’s not a major concern.
Thoughts?
Thanks for the replies folks!

[VA3 NDP]

I see activating “monitor” mode is long press “sk2”. Wondering how to activate it on the RD-5R?
I don’t see a button layout design for the RD-5R.
Just looking to make sure I know what to do before I flip to the open GD77 software.
Thanks all
Va3ndp

[VK3KYY]

SK2 on the RD5R is the button below the PTT.
SK1 is above the. PTT

[VA3 NDP]

Thank you sir. Amazing work you all have done with this. My radio arrives Thursday and I am all set to load the OpenGD77 first thing when it arrives.
I’m struggling with the voice prompts though. Downloaded the files as .bin but the loader wants them as .vpr is there a conversion I need to perform before it will work?
Thanks again. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you would like me to help test anything for you. I’m happy to help.
Nick
Va3ndp

[VK3KYY]

Voice prompts are not bin files

You can't be downloading the correct files

https://github.com/LibreDMR/voice-promp ... 0.11.22.01

[VA3 NDP]

Yup. I was in the wrong spot. My apologies for wasting your time. I thought I looked everywhere. This is my first experience with GitHub as well so I’m learning as I go. I really appreciate the help.
Nick
Va3ndp

[VK3KYY]

Yup. I was in the wrong spot. My apologies for wasting your time. I thought I looked everywhere. This is my first experience with GitHub as well so I’m learning as I go. I really appreciate the help.
Nick
Va3ndp

Where did you get the information about downloading the voice prompts ?

[VA3 NDP]

One of the other “testers”* in the OPenGD77 forums was writing about them and installing them as well reading about them on the Ga