amateur radio
APRS
automatic packet reporting system
ham radio
handy talkie
update
verotelecom
VGC VR-N76
walkie talkie
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VR-N76 Beta Firmware Adds Smart Beacon & Mic-E Support
Users of the VR-N76 VHF/UHF radio may be interested to know that a new beta firmware update has been released, adding support for Smart Beaconing and Mic-E encoding—two major features for APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) users.
This update brings smarter location reporting capabilities, aimed at reducing unnecessary transmissions and improving overall efficiency during mobile or portable use.
🔄 What’s New in the Beta?
The firmware adds Smart Beaconing, which adjusts position reporting based on movement and activity, rather than just fixed intervals. The system will now trigger location reports under the following conditions:
- Heading change exceeds 30 degrees
- Speed changes by more than 30 km/h and remains changed for over 2 minutes
- It has been more than 30 minutes since the last position report
And the standard “Share Location” interval has passed
In addition, Mic-E encoding is now supported—allowing for more compact APRS transmissions using fewer bytes.
⚠️ Important Notes for Testers
This is a beta release, which means:
- Some bugs or performance issues may still exist
- Updates are only available to a limited number of testers
- If the firmware cannot be updated using the steps below, it likely means the beta test is full
Users who are unfamiliar with Smart Beaconing or prefer a more stable experience are advised to wait for the official public release.
🔧 How to Install the Beta Firmware
To access the beta firmware on a VR-N76:
- Open the radio’s device settings
- Tap on the firmware version number
- When “NO updates are Available” appears, tap that message at least 10 times rapidly
- A hidden firmware update screen will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update
The beta firmware version will be shown as 0.8.8. As long as this version is installed and the Smart Beacon menu appears, the update has succeeded.
📦 Where to Get the VR-N76
The VR-N76 is available for purchase through the official VERO Telecom website. The radio has gained popularity for its integration with smartphones, APRS support, and over-the-air updates.
About VERO Telecom
VERO Telecom (VERO GLOBAL COMMUNICATION CO.) is based in Quanzhou, Fujian, China, and manufactures a line of radios, including the VR-N7500 and VR-N76, aimed at both amateur and commercial users.
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