How to get on the Air - Part I: Radio
How to Get on the Air with M17
If you're new to M17, this page will walk you through the easiest ways to get on the air, whether you want to start with a mobile app, are happy to modify a radio yourself or buy a commercially available hand held radio.
Easiest Way: Use the M17 Web Client
The M17 Web Client is a beta application that enables receiving and transmitting M17 over reflectors from your web browser. This makes it very easy to get on the air without having to have any special equipment or software installed.
Another Easy Way: Use DroidStar (No Radio required)
One of the quickest ways to join M17 conversations is with DroidStar.
For the installation on Android, you can download the app on the Google Playstore. The app is sadly not available in the Apple Store, but can be sideloaded.
TODO: describe how to install on Windows, Linux etc.
After you have installed the app, enter your call sign under "Settings":
Then scroll down and update the hostfiles by clicking on "Update hosts":
Now go back to "Main" Select "M17" as mode, pick the reflector "M17-432", module "C", click on "Connect" and push PTT and say hello!
Getting On Air with actual Radios
If you prefer RF-based operation, you can use certain handheld radios (HTs) that are compatible with M17 — some require modification or firmware changes.
Modified Radios with OpenRTX Firmware
Several DMR-capable radios can be reflashed with the custom firmware OpenRTX to support M17:
| Radio Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Baofeng DM-1701 | Must be modified and flashed with OpenRTX |
| TYT MD-380 (UHF, GPS/non-GPS) | Supported for M17 via OpenRTX |
| TYT MD-390 (UHF, GPS/non-GPS) | Similar to MD-380, requires firmware flashing |
| Retevis RT3 (UHF) | Same hardware as MD-380 |
| TYT MD-UV380 (GPS/non-GPS) | Dual-band radio with M17 potential via firmware |
| TYT MD-UV390 (GPS/non-GPS) | As above |
| Retevis RT3S | Dual-band, firmware-compatible |
See the OpenRTX project for detailed installation guides, hardware compatibility, and help.
The following are some selected guides on how to modify radios for M17:
- M17 modding guides for MD-(UV)3x0 radios
- Modifying MD-380 for M17 - video guide
- M17 Modification for the Baofeng DM-1701
Commercial HTs with Native M17 Support
If you’re looking for an off-the-shelf handheld with M17 support built-in, these models from Connect Systems are for you:
- CS7000: a single-band (UHF, 70cm) handheld transceiver with native M17 support, distributed by Connect Systems, Inc. It runs OpenRTX firmware. CS7000 was the first commercial off-the-shelf handheld radio to support M17 mode.
- CS7000 Plus
These are the first commercially available radios to support M17 natively. Check the manufacturer's website or amateur radio distributors for availability.
Using Module 17 (M17 Modem Interface)
Detailed info on Module 17 can be found here. Here you can find the Radio compatibility list for the Module17 modem.
Coming Soon: LinHT Radio
The M17 team is currently working on LinHT, a modern open-source handheld radio that will be a drop-in replacement for the mainboard of the Retevis C62.
- Designed from the ground up for M17
- Fully open firmware and hardware
- Stay tuned for development updates by joining us on Discord!