Ats20 Firmware Exclusive [new] May 2026
The "ATS20 firmware exclusive" likely refers to the ATS_EX firmware, an advanced, community-developed update for the ATS-20 and ATS-20+ DSP receivers. Developed by Goshante and based on the PU2CLR library, it is designed to unlock features that the factory firmware (typically V1.1.5) cannot provide due to hardware and software limitations. Key Exclusive Features of ATS_EX
The ATS_EX firmware focuses on a "cleaner" experience and more granular control for radio hobbyists:
Reworked Interface: Replaces stretched, cluttered fonts with a minimalistic 7-segment frequency display inspired by closed-source high-end versions.
Integrated BFO: Unlike the standard firmware where BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) is a separate menu setting, ATS_EX integrates it into the main frequency dial during SSB mode for seamless tuning.
Expanded Tuning Steps: Offers precise SSB steps (10/25/50/100/500Hz) and broad AM steps up to 1MHz.
Extended Band Ranges: Covers LW (153-520 KHz), MW (520-1710 KHz), SW (1700-30000 KHz as one continuous band), and FM (64-108 MHz).
Advanced Audio Controls: Includes a Mute button, display on/off toggle, and adjustable CPU Frequency to reduce internal interference and save power.
Dynamic RDS: FM mode features scrolling Radio Data System information (up to 16 characters). Community Alternatives
While ATS_EX is the most prominent, other "exclusive" modifications exist:
PU2CLR (v3.0.7g): Focuses on technical fixes, such as correcting encoder direction and adding an AVC (Automatic Volume Control) function.
Custom "SDR1024" Builds: Certain retail versions like the ATS-20+ 1024 come with exclusive hardware integrations, including a built-in ADC for battery voltage monitoring that requires specific firmware support. Installation & Risks Updating the ATS-20 is a manual process that involves: Lets upgrade the ATS 20+ ats20 firmware exclusive
The ATS-20 and its successor, the ATS-20+, have gained a cult following in the ham radio community, largely due to "exclusive" community-developed firmwares that transform these budget-friendly devices into surprisingly capable receivers. The "Exclusive" Edge: ATS_EX Firmware
While the stock radios typically ship with basic PU2CLR firmware (often version 1.15), the ATS_EX firmware by Goshante is widely considered the gold standard for "exclusive" upgrades. It is an advanced build specifically for the Arduino Nano/Uno and Si473x DSP chip architecture. Key Exclusive Features
Upgrading to a version like ATS_EX v1.18 offers several features not found in stock versions:
Refined SSB Tuning: BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) is integrated into the main frequency, allowing for seamless tuning without a dedicated menu option.
Fine-Grained Steps: Offers precise tuning steps as low as 10Hz for ham radio operations, whereas stock firmware often starts at 25Hz.
Enhanced Interface: Features a "7-Segment" frequency font and a minimalistic, more readable OLED layout that eliminates the "stretched" look of factory software.
Advanced Control Suite: Adds a settings page for AGC (Auto Gain Control), Soft Mute, and AVC (Automatic Volume Control) customization.
Hardware Modifications: The firmware supports a battery level indicator, though this requires a small physical modification (soldering a voltage divider to pin A2). How to Upgrade
Flashing these "exclusive" firmwares requires a computer and a few simple tools:
Identify Your Revision: Disassemble the unit to see if it uses an Arduino Nano (soldered as a separate board) or an Arduino Uno (components soldered directly to the main PCB). The "ATS20 firmware exclusive" likely refers to the
Required Software: Most users use AVRDUDESS (for Windows) or the Arduino IDE to flash the .hex binary file.
Drivers: Ensure you have the CH340/CH341 USB serial driver installed to recognize the radio's port.
Critical Step: After flashing, it is strongly recommended to reset the EEPROM by holding the Encoder Button while powering on the device. Popular Sources for Custom Firmware
GitHub - goshante/ats20_ats_ex: The official repository for the ATS_EX advanced firmware.
GitHub - patomoi/ATS-20-Starter-Pack: A collection of libraries and sketches for those who want to compile their own code. ATS_EX Firmware for ATS-20 DSP Receiver - GitHub
The "ATS_EX" advanced firmware for the ATS-20 and ATS-20+ DSP receivers, primarily developed by
, is an "exclusive" community-driven update that re-imagines the radio's interface and core functionality. It pushes the limits of the Arduino Nano’s memory to transform the basic receiver into a more professional tool. Core Feature Upgrades Integrated BFO Tuning
: Unlike standard firmware where the Beat Frequency Oscillator (BFO) is a separate option, ATS_EX merges it into the main frequency display. This allows for seamless SSB tuning across the entire band, similar to high-end receivers. Expanded Band Coverage : 153 kHz – 520 kHz : 520 kHz – 1710 kHz
: 1710 kHz – 30,000 kHz (re-configured as one continuous band for easier surfing) : 64 MHz – 108 MHz Reworked Interface
: Features a minimalistic design with a highly readable 7-segment font for frequency display and a new optional S-meter scale that replaces the original RSSI display. Dynamic RDS for FM 4 — Backup device data and configuration
: Displays up to 16 characters of Radio Data System info (station names, song titles) with toggleable information lines. Advanced Settings & Customization Power & Signal Management : Includes settings for Soft Mute (SM) Automatic Volume Control (AVC) SSB Cutoff Filters (COF) to refine audio quality. Hardware Control : Users can adjust screen brightness and even the CPU frequency to reduce internal radio interference or save battery life. New Operation Modes : Adds a dedicated CW (Continuous Wave) mode for Morse code listening. Installation & Constraints Flash Memory Limit
: The firmware has reached the absolute maximum size for the ATmega328P chip (approx. 30,706 bytes), meaning no new features can be added without removing existing ones. Hardware Mods : Some features, like the battery level indicator
, require a simple physical modification (adding a voltage divider to pin A2) to function. Flashing Requirement
: To update, you must use a data-capable Mini USB cable (not just a charging cable) and software like Further Exploration Check out the official Goshante GitHub repository for the latest v1.18 binary files and source code. video demonstration of the ATS_EX interface to see the new S-meter and settings menu in action. community discussion on Reddit regarding the battery level hardware mod. Consult the manuals.plus guide
for a full breakdown of the firmware's "Exclusive" settings. or more details on the battery circuit mod ATS_EX Firmware for ATS-20 DSP Receiver - GitHub
Here is proper content regarding the ATS-20 Custom Firmware scene, organized for a blog post, review, or technical guide.
4 — Backup device data and configuration
- Export settings via Settings → Backup (if available) or copy configuration files via USB/FTP.
- Save any user files to computer.
Conclusion: The Hacker's Radio
The ATS20 is not a radio. It is a hardware shell waiting for a soul. The exclusive firmware transforms a mediocre Chinese portable into a spectrum analyzer, a RTTY terminal, a stealth receiver, and an IF tap.
For the average user, the stock firmware is fine. But for the RF hacker, the digital minimalist, or the survivalist who wants a single device that can read airplane data, print text from radio waves, and visualize the invisible world around them—the exclusive ATS20 firmware is the only reason to buy this hardware.
Verdict: Don't buy an ATS20 for the hardware. Buy it for the potential. And that potential lives exclusively in the firmware you flash after dark.
REPORT
Title: Analysis of the ATS-20 "Exclusive" Firmware Ecosystem Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Technical Overview of Third-Party Firmware Development for the ATS-20/ATS-25 Receiver Series
The Core Features You Gain with Exclusive Firmware
Why void your warranty by flashing third-party code? Here are the game-changing exclusive features currently dominating the scene.
10 — Recovery options
- Re-flash official recovery image in bootloader mode.
- Use vendor recovery tool or contact manufacturer support.