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Firmware Tab

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nicsure edited this page Feb 13, 2026 · 3 revisions

Firmware Tab Overview

The Firmware tab provides tools for updating the radio’s firmware, as well as backing up and restoring the radio’s internal storage memory.

A video guide on performing firmware flashing and storage backup operations can be viewed here: Video Guide

Firmware Flashing

Select Radio Model

  • Under Select Radio Model, choose the radio model you are using:
    • Radtel RT-880
    • iRadio UV-98

    Note:
    For Radtel radios with a serial number below 300, you must select iRadio UV-98.

Select Firmware File

Under Select Firmware File, click Browse and select the firmware binary (.bin) file you wish to flash.

Preparation

Before flashing:

  • Ensure the radio is connected to the computer using an approved RT-880 or UV-98 programming cable
  • Select the correct COM port for your radio in the bottom-right corner of the RMS window

    Note: The baud rate setting is not used for firmware flashing

Enter Flash Mode

  1. Turn off the radio
  2. Power it on while holding the PTT button
  3. The radio’s screen should remain black and the green LED should illuminate

Flashing

Click Flash Firmware and wait for the process to complete.

Important:
When flashing nicFW, the progress bar will reach 100% and then timeout.
This is normal behaviour. Simply power the radio off and back on to boot into the new firmware.

When flashing stock firmware, the radio will automatically reboot when flashing completes.

Storage Backup

Taking a Backup

It is strongly recommended to take a full backup of the radio’s storage chip immediately after installing nicFW, before pressing any buttons or interacting with the radio in any way. This backup allows you to fully restore the radio to its original state later.

  1. After nicFW boots for the first time, do not press any buttons
  2. Select a reasonably fast baud rate
    • This is a long operation; values around 345,600 are typically suitable
    • Reliable baud rates may vary between radios and may require experimentation
  3. Click Read Flash Image
  4. Wait for the block counter in the status bar to count down to zero
  5. Click Save Flash Image and store the backup file in a safe location

Important:
After completing a flash backup, close the RMS completely and restart it before continuing.

Restoring a Backup

To restore a previously saved flash image:

  1. Ensure the radio is powered on and running nicFW
  2. Click Load Flash Image and select your saved backup file
  3. Click Write Flash Image and wait for the block counter to reach zero
  4. Power off the radio

You may now flash the stock firmware back onto the radio (see Firmware Flashing above).
Once complete, the radio will be fully restored to its factory state.

If you did not take a backup image, you can download ones that I have taken from new radios here:

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