Unlock Secure Radio Chatter: Syncing Your Tytera MD-UV390 and Anytone with AES Encryption

Achieving secure, AES-encrypted communication between a Tytera MD-UV390 (particularly the 'Plus' model supporting AES-256) and an Anytone radio requires careful attention to detail in the programming of both devices. While AES is an open standard, ensuring interoperability hinges on identical encryption parameters and compatible firmware. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps.

Essential Takeaways for Encrypted Communication

Absolute Parameter Synchronization is Key: Both your Tytera MD-UV390 and Anytone radio must be configured with the exact same AES encryption key (the hexadecimal value), the same Key ID (also referred to as Encryption ID or Key Slot), and operate in the same AES mode (e.g., AES-128 or AES-256). Any discrepancy will prevent successful decryption.
Tytera MD-UV390 Plus Specifics for AES: Utilizing AES on the MD-UV390 Plus involves using the correct Customer Programming Software (CPS) version. You may need to unlock a hidden AES menu (often via a keyboard shortcut like Ctrl+Shift+P), select "Universal" as the key type for AES, and crucially, use a dedicated "Write privacy" or similar function to save the encryption keys, separate from the general radio data write.
Up-to-Date Firmware & CPS are Crucial: Ensure both radios are running firmware versions that robustly support AES encryption. Likewise, use the latest compatible CPS for each radio to access all necessary features and ensure stability. Older software or firmware may lack AES capabilities or have bugs.

TYT MD-UV390 Plus, capable of AES-256 encryption.

Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus, also supporting AES encryption.

Preparing Your Radios: Prerequisites

Before diving into the encryption setup, ensure your hardware and software are ready.

Firmware and Radio Model Considerations

Tytera MD-UV390

The TYT MD-UV390 Plus version is specifically noted for its AES-256 encryption capabilities. Standard MD-UV390 models may have different or limited encryption support. Verify your model. Ensure your firmware is up-to-date; versions like "MD-UV390-10W-AES(GPS-REC).bin" or firmware S219.043 and newer are often cited for reliable AES-256 operation.

Anytone Radios

Models like the Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus readily support AES encryption, including AES-256. As with the Tytera, ensure your Anytone radio is running a recent firmware version that explicitly supports the desired AES mode. Firmware V1.16 or newer is often a good starting point for Anytone AES support.

Essential Programming Software (CPS)

You will need the specific Customer Programming Software (CPS) for each radio:

For the TYT MD-UV390 Plus: Use CPS version v02.41 (or newer) or v2.34 (or newer). These versions are often required to access and correctly program AES-256 features.
For your Anytone Radio: Download and install the latest official Anytone CPS for your specific model.

Always obtain CPS from reputable sources, ideally the manufacturer's website or official distributors.

The Core Configuration: Setting Up AES Encryption

This section details programming AES settings into each radio. Remember, parameters must match exactly.

Programming the Tytera MD-UV390 (Plus)

Accessing AES Mode in the CPS

The AES-256 encryption settings in the TYT MD-UV390 Plus CPS might be hidden by default. To reveal them:

Launch the TYT CPS.
Try the keyboard shortcut: Press and hold the Right Control key + Left Shift key + 'P' key simultaneously. This combination is often reported to unlock the advanced encryption menu.
Once unlocked, you should find an "AES and RC4 keys" page or similar, with options for "Universal" encryption, which includes AES modes.

Defining and Entering AES Keys

Navigate to the "AES and RC4 keys" page (or similarly named section) in the CPS.
For each key you wish to define:
- Select "Universal" as the key type. This is crucial for AES encryption.
- Enter your desired encryption key. For AES-256, this is a 64-character hexadecimal string (0-9, A-F). Ensure this key is securely generated and stored. Do not use an all-zero key.
- Assign a Key ID (a number, e.g., 1 to 255). This ID will need to match on the Anytone.
In your channel settings, ensure the desired channels are configured to use AES encryption and point to the correct Key ID you've just defined.

Saving Encryption Settings to the Radio

This is a critical step for the TYT MD-UV390 Plus:

After entering your keys on the "AES and RC4 keys" page, look for a specific button like "Write privacy" or "Write" on that same page. Click this to save the encryption keys themselves.
This is often separate from the main "Write data" or "Write to radio" function used for the general codeplug. Failing to use this specific write function for privacy keys can result in encryption not being active despite being programmed.
After writing the privacy keys, proceed to write the entire codeplug (configuration) to the radio.
Reboot the radio after programming.

Programming the Anytone Radio

Selecting AES Encryption in CPS

Open the Anytone CPS and load or create your codeplug.
Navigate to the encryption settings or digital settings section. This is typically found within channel parameters or a dedicated encryption menu.
Select AES as the encryption type. If available and desired, specify AES-256 to match the TYT if you've configured it for 256-bit.

Entering Matching AES Keys and Key ID

Locate the area for defining encryption keys.
Enter the exact same 64-character hexadecimal AES key that you programmed into the Tytera MD-UV390. Every character must match.
Set the Encryption ID (or Key Slot / Key Number) on the Anytone to the exact same ID number you used for that corresponding key on the Tytera.
Ensure the channels you want encrypted are configured to use AES and point to this specific Encryption Key/ID.

Writing Configuration to the Radio

Once all settings are confirmed, write the codeplug to the Anytone radio using the CPS.
Reboot the radio after the programming is complete to ensure all changes take effect.

Critical Parameters: The Must-Match Checklist

For successful encrypted communication, the following parameters must be identical on both your Tytera MD-UV390 and Anytone radio for the channels you intend to use:

Parameter	Tytera MD-UV390 Setting	Anytone Radio Setting	Notes
Encryption Type	AES (e.g., AES-256, selected via "Universal" key type)	AES (e.g., AES-256)	Must be the same AES variant (128-bit or 256-bit).
Encryption Key	Exact 64-character hexadecimal value (for AES-256)	Exact 64-character hexadecimal value (for AES-256)	The secret key itself. Must be identical.
Key ID / Encryption ID / Key Slot	Numeric ID assigned to the key (e.g., 1-255)	Numeric ID assigned to the key (e.g., 1-255)	This links the channel to the specific key. Must match.
Channel Frequency (RX/TX)	Specific frequency (e.g., 446.100 MHz)	Specific frequency (e.g., 446.100 MHz)	Standard for any radio communication.
DMR Time Slot	TS1 or TS2	TS1 or TS2	Applicable for repeater or dual-slot simplex use.
Color Code	Numeric value (0-15)	Numeric value (0-15)	Standard DMR parameter.
Talkgroup ID (if applicable)	Specific TG ID	Specific TG ID	For grouped calls.

Visualizing the Setup: Encryption Configuration Mindmap

This mindmap illustrates the key areas and relationships involved in configuring AES encryption for interoperability between your Tytera MD-UV390 and Anytone radios. Successful encrypted communication relies on meticulously aligning settings in both devices.

mindmap root["AES Interoperability
TYT MD-UV390 <=> Anytone"] id1["TYT MD-UV390 Plus Config"] id1a["CPS Software
(e.g., v02.41+, v2.34+)"] id1b["Firmware
(AES Supporting Version)"] id1c["Unlock AES Menu
(e.g., Ctrl+Shift+P)"] id1d["AES Key Entry
(Universal Type, Hex Value)"] id1e["Key ID Assignment"] id1f["'Write Privacy' Keys"] id1g["Channel Encryption Enabled"] id2["Anytone Radio Config"] id2a["CPS Software
(Latest for Model)"] id2b["Firmware
(AES Supporting Version)"] id2c["AES Key Entry
(Hex Value)"] id2d["Encryption ID Assignment"] id2e["Channel Encryption Enabled"] id3["Shared Critical Settings"] id3a["Identical AES Type
(e.g., AES-256)"] id3b["Identical AES Key Value
(Exact Hex String)"] id3c["Identical Key ID / Encryption ID"] id3d["Matching Channel Parameters
(Freq, Slot, CC)"] id4["Goal: Secure Encrypted Communication"]

The mindmap highlights that both radios require individual programming via their respective CPS software, ensuring firmware supports AES. The crucial link is the "Shared Critical Settings," where the AES type, key value, and key identifier must perfectly match. Once these elements, along with standard channel parameters, are correctly configured on both the Tytera and Anytone, secure encrypted communication can be established.

Balancing Security and Setup: An Encryption Aspect Comparison

This chart offers a perspective on the relative difficulty and security contribution of various aspects involved in setting up AES encryption. "Perceived Difficulty" is rated on a scale where 1 is very easy and 10 is very complex. "Security Contribution" rates how critical the aspect is to overall communication security, where 10 is most critical. These are generalized assessments to help understand the process.

As shown, correct Key Entry on both radios scores highest for Security Contribution, as this is the core of the encryption. Key Entry (TYT) and CPS AES Access (TYT) are rated slightly higher in Perceived Difficulty due to the potential need for keyboard shortcuts and specific save procedures. Firmware management is moderately difficult but essential for enabling features, while secure key generation underpins the entire process's strength.

Step-by-Step Video Guide

For a visual walkthrough, particularly on loading encryption keys into the TYT MD-UV390 Plus, the following video can be very helpful. It demonstrates aspects of the CPS and key programming that are often crucial for success:

Video: How to Load Encryption Keys into the TYT MD-UV390 Plus DMR Radio.

This video, "How to Load Encryption Keys into the TYT MD-UV390 Plus DMR Radio" by BuyTwoWayRadios, directly addresses the key loading procedure for the TYT model. While it focuses on the TYT, the principles of careful key management and precise entry are universal for achieving encrypted communication with any compatible radio, like an Anytone. Pay close attention to the software interface and the steps for writing keys to the radio, as these are often where users encounter difficulties. Understanding this process for the TYT will help ensure that the keys you intend to share with your Anytone radio are correctly implemented on at least one end of the communication link.

Troubleshooting Common Interoperability Issues

No Audio or Garbled Audio: This is the most common symptom. Double-check, then triple-check that the AES key value, Key ID/Encryption ID, and AES mode (AES-128/AES-256) are absolutely identical on both radios. Even one character difference in the key will cause failure.
TYT Not Encrypting: Ensure you used the specific "Write privacy" (or similar) function in the TYT CPS after entering keys. Also, confirm "Universal" key type was selected.
Software/Firmware Mismatch: Using an old CPS or firmware can lead to features not working as expected or being unavailable. Verify you have the correct, up-to-date versions for both radios.
Incorrect Channel Settings: Beyond encryption, basic DMR settings (frequency, color code, time slot, talkgroup) must also match for communication to occur.
Test on Simplex First: Simplify your testing environment by trying encrypted communication on a simplex (direct radio-to-radio) channel first. This eliminates repeater variables.
Reboot Radios: After any programming changes, fully reboot both radios.

Important Legal Note on Encryption Usage

It's crucial to be aware of the regulations regarding radio encryption in your jurisdiction. In many countries, including the USA under FCC rules:

Encryption is generally prohibited on Amateur Radio frequencies.
Encryption is permissible for business, commercial, and public safety applications on appropriately licensed frequencies (e.g., Part 90 services), provided the radio equipment is type-accepted for such use. The TYT MD-UV390 Plus is often noted as being Part 90 type accepted.

Always operate your radios in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.