Hi there!
Recently I've been looking to modernize my old flashlight Convoy S2+ that I've had for many years. It appears a lot progress has been made in the flashlight technology last time I checked. There are now highly efficient buck drivers as well as some new LED options.
If you're...
2025-11-08 17:23:29 +0000 UTC
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Hi there!
Here is something really cool I came across:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZvX95aXSdM
@atomic14 has managed to put speech synthesis on this small chip. I am considering a user progra...
2025-10-29 19:27:10 +0000 UTC
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Here are pictures of the new Quansheng models (from left to right):
All of the radios have same internal circuitry, only body looks and batteries are different.
Th...
2025-10-25 16:12:53 +0000 UTC
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Here is device report with pictures of the new Quansheng models.
I will be getting my developer samples of them soon, so I will keep you posted.
2025-10-15 12:06:47 +0000 UTC
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Hi! Here is a quick update:
Quansheng has sent me pre-release samples of their V2 versions of UV-K5 and UV-K1.
Here are some technical details I know of so far:
MCU modified to PY32F071
RF IC modified to BK4829
Memory IC changed from 24C64 ...
2025-10-08 09:40:43 +0000 UTC
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Dear Patrons,
I hope this message finds you well.
Recently, some of you may have received an email notifying you that your account has been blocked. I would like to clarify that all premium accounts which have been in a "payment declined" status for over six months have been terminate...
2025-09-22 08:48:09 +0000 UTC
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Quansheng did follow up with me and provided information that they are now working on a new version of UV-K5 and UV-K1 that will use new, upgraded MCU PY32F071C1BT6.
By the brief inspection it seems that it would provide double the flash size, which could possibly address the main complaint...
2025-09-07 10:34:07 +0000 UTC
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Quansheng reached out to me with an update regarding the TK11 and other upcoming developments. Unfortunately, they’ve decided not to move forward with the TK11 "Open" firmware project. Despite previously sending both encrypted and open MCU versions of the TK11 for potential firmware development...
2025-09-06 06:22:53 +0000 UTC
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I recently got the ZB2L3 battery capacity tester from Aliexpress. Overall it is an awesome device, but the resistors it comes with got really hot (not touch safe) during operation. I decided to quickly construct this MOSFET load with an NTC resistor bias at the gate. Basically as it get hot, the ...
2025-08-31 18:26:32 +0000 UTC
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Here is my BTRFS RAID 1 on LUKS LMDE 6 installation script I've shared on one of the Timeshift issues I submitted: https://github.com/linuxmint/timeshift/issues/443
2025-08-29 08:03:26 +0000 UTC
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I just wanted to mention a really cool project I found. It is called PocketPD and it basically lets you turn your USB PD power brick into CV/CC bench power supply!
More info:
I recently modded my Quansheng radio charger to work from the USB power source.
If you are considering doing that mod I recommend following IP2326 board from Aliexpress.
I got the TK11 firmware binaries from Quansheng if anyone is interested.
I also got some random libraries, but I don't think it is the firmware source code. Also these random pieces of code are licensed by a 3rd party company so I couldn't legally redistribute it.
And I got the MCU de...
2025-08-22 13:03:36 +0000 UTC
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Lately I have been doing some hardened desktop Linux setups for friends and family based on LMDE 6.
My setup included features like:
I've received the 'OPEN' variant of the TK11. The Quansheng sales representative is very friendly and professional. Even though they didn't have to, they paid the customs fee that was added during shipment.
So far, I've noticed that the device has an 'OPEN' imprint on the back of the enclos...
2025-08-05 10:56:04 +0000 UTC
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From time to time, I’ll post some items from AliExpress that have proven to be a good value.
To start off, here is the Boruit D10 headlamp.

Pros:
Low cost (~9 USD)
2025-08-04 09:09:14 +0000 UTC
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Hello!
Quick update: Quansheng has contacted me and offered a sample of the latest version of the TK11, which is expected to feature an open CPU and support third-party firmware development. I’ll keep you informed as I learn more!
2025-07-24 14:33:01 +0000 UTC
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Recently I helped out someone with a data recovery and as a followup I offered to help them out with some sort of external storage backup solution that would prevent data loss in the future.
The usual approach would be to use a USB flash drive. However most of the currently available flash ...
2025-05-30 08:47:40 +0000 UTC
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A while ago I was really close to get the standalone AFSK modem out of ESPRI project.
Here is the WIP PR: https://github.com/kamilsss655/ESPRI/pull/65
However I was getting unreliable results, so I pa...
2025-05-26 19:07:09 +0000 UTC
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Here is the mesh network messenger functionality which is included in my firmware starting from version 21.0.
Thanks to Eric for recording and sharing the video materials.
2025-05-03 13:35:49 +0000 UTC
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I received the samples from Quansheng, and I have to say, they went above and beyond. Not only did they provide these samples for free, but they also covered the duty fees imposed by local customs, even though the extra charges weren’t their fault. That’s really commendable on their part.
...
2025-04-26 16:04:18 +0000 UTC
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I decided to open-source the Vectatus project including:
You can find out more here: 2025-04-01 12:31:05 +0000 UTC
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Hi there! Here are a couple of updates from me:
Quansheng factory has reached out directly to confirm the shipping information for the new TK11 samples. Hopefully, they will send it out soon. Once I receive the samples, I will provide you with more details.
Recently, ...
2025-03-18 19:26:53 +0000 UTC
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Vectatus now supports charging mode with user programmable voltage and current settings.
It also supports detection and indication of deeply discharged batteries.
Of course user can switch to manual CC/CV mode and charge such discharged battery under own discretion.
I have teste...
2025-03-13 21:09:40 +0000 UTC
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With my tiny solar panel mentioned in previous post I tried charging the alkaline battery. At first I was getting 0.5mA of charging current, and the solar panel voltage was dropping to 2V from 5V during operation.
With the simplest possible MPPT algorithm (based only on solar cell voltage) ...
2025-02-21 11:17:45 +0000 UTC
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I tested Vectatus with small, 5V garden solar cell (8x4cm) and it works. The device starts, LED show output voltage correctly, and the output voltage gets regulated as advertised.
Of course given such a small solar panel, driving loads from it directly would not be feasible, however once MP...
2025-02-16 09:44:28 +0000 UTC
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I've done some fine calibration of Vectatus to the point where I felt comfortable trying to connect the 5V output to my phone via USB C cable.
To my suprise it works!
The phone was able to enter fast charge mode (although it might need some adjustment as sometimes it jumps between fas...
2025-02-14 18:54:25 +0000 UTC
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First ever Vectatus board got assembled. It works!
2025-02-13 18:28:40 +0000 UTC
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Vectatus now has programmable voltage snubber that can be adjusted from 100% to 0% to suit very voltage sensitive applications or inductive loads like motors that generate high voltage transients.
Also the output voltage ripple can be programmed. Once the max output voltage ripple is detect...
2025-02-12 12:26:42 +0000 UTC
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