Michael OE8YML has long been fascinated by Quansheng devices. He was particularly interested in developing a cost-effective broadband receiver. Although there were already various kits on the market, none initially fully met his requirements.

The turning point came through Paul OM0ET, who runs an excellent YouTube channel for amateur radio. In one of his videos, he presented detailed step-by-step instructions for this modification. Based on these instructions, Michael carried out the conversion – with a surprisingly short time expenditure of only about half an hour.

The modification has proven to be absolutely recommended. Interestingly, there are other modification options for the K5, such as integrating Bluetooth and additional features. Maybe these will be implemented in the future.

UV-K5 Transceiver Modification Guide

Materials required

• UV-K5 transceiver
• New circuit board
• Double-sided adhesive tape
• SMA connector
• Antenna cable
• 6.5mm drill bit
• Soldering tool
• PC with CEC firmware
• Optional: CHIRP software for channel lists

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparation and disassembly

1. Carefully unsolder the FM chip
2. Clean the board surface thoroughly
3. Clean new circuit board
4. Unsolder the LED
5. Expand LED opening with 6.5mm drill

2. Installing the new board

1. Apply double-sided adhesive tape to cleaned board
2. Position the board carefully
3. Press/glue the board firmly
4. Soldering in the following order:
   • Ground connection
   • Chip area
   • Power source
   • Microphone

3. Antenna modification

1. Prepare SMA connector (trim off all feet)
2. Solder the antenna cable to the SMA connector
3. Screw on the SMA connector
4. Pass the antenna cable
5. Attach cable to antenna connection socket

4. Software and assembly

1. Temporarily attach the battery
2. Connect device to PC
3. Flash CEC firmware
4. Assemble the housing (until it clicks)
5. Screw on the additional antenna

5. Commissioning and configuration

1. Start device
2. Optional: Connect to PC and use CHIRP for channel lists
3. Activate HF mode: long press “0”

Functional scope after modification

• Transmission mode: 2m and 70cm
• Reception area:
  • Long wave up to 30MHz (separate antenna)
  • FM Radio
  • Reception up to approx. 1300MHz
• Broadband receiver with good reception properties

Important information

• The modification enables a significantly expanded range of functions
• Careful installation work is crucial
• Many options for experimentation after successful modification
• Original sending and receiving functions are retained

With this modification, the UV-K5 transforms into a versatile broadband receiver that receives from long wave up to 30 MHz on its own antenna while retaining its original functions on 2m and 70cm (+ more). An impressive example of how the possibilities of an inexpensive device can be significantly expanded with a reasonable amount of effort.

73 de OE8YML