Initial RS-UV3A Starlight documentation site

Documentation for the HobbyPCB RS-UV3A tri-band FM transceiver board covering 2m, 1.25m, and 70cm amateur radio bands. Structure: - Getting Started: quick start, connections, serial setup - Guides: voice, packet/APRS, beacons, repeater/satellite, firmware - Reference: specs, 66 serial commands, connector pinouts, hw revisions - Accessories: RS-UVPA 5W power amplifier Features: - Ham radio green theme for readability - Full command reference with categorization - Searchable via Starlight/Pagefind - Mobile responsive
2026-01-28 12:14:16 -07:00 · 2026-01-28 12:14:16 -07:00 · 364b6602c4
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+---
+title: System Commands
+description: Power, status, and configuration commands for the RS-UV3A
+---
+
+## TX – Transmit
+
+Controls the transmitter.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+TXn
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Description |
+|-------|-------------|
+| 0 | Stop transmitting (return to RX) |
+| 1–5 | Transmit with n-minute timeout |
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+TX1             # Transmit, 1 minute max
+TX3             # Transmit, 3 minute max
+TX0             # Stop transmitting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- `TX0` stops TX even if hardware PTT is held
+- Timeout overrides `TO` setting for this transmission only
+- If TX is off, radio is in RX mode
+
+---
+
+## PW – TX Power
+
+Sets the transmit power level.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+PWn
+PW?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Power Level |
+|-------|-------------|
+| 0 | Low (~10 mW, 10 dBm) |
+| 1 | High (~200 mW, 23 dBm) |
+
+### Default
+
+1 (High)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+PW1             # High power
+PW0             # Low power
+PW?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+---
+
+## TO – Timeout
+
+Sets the transmit timeout timer.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+TOnnn
+TO?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Range | Description |
+|-----------|-------|-------------|
+| `nnn` | 000–600 | Timeout in seconds |
+| | 000 | Disable timeout |
+
+### Default
+
+000 (disabled)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+TO180           # 3 minute timeout
+TO300           # 5 minute timeout
+TO000           # No timeout
+TO?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- All 3 digits required
+- When timeout occurs, sends TG message and unkeys
+- Protects against stuck PTT
+
+---
+
+## TG – Timeout Message
+
+Sets the CW message sent when TX times out.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+TG<text>
+TG?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Description |
+|-----------|-------------|
+| `<text>` | Message up to 7 characters |
+
+### Default
+
+'TO'
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+TGTIME          # Send "TIME" on timeout
+TGTO            # Send "TO" (default)
+TG?             # Query current message
+```
+
+---
+
+## HT – Hang Time
+
+Sets TX hang time for repeater applications.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+HTnnnn
+HT?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Range | Description |
+|-----------|-------|-------------|
+| `nnnn` | 0000–5000 | Hang time in milliseconds |
+
+### Default
+
+0000 (no hang time)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+HT1500          # 1.5 second hang time
+HT2000          # 2 second hang time
+HT0000          # No hang time
+HT?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- All 4 digits required
+- TX stays keyed for specified time after PTT release
+- Used with courtesy beep in repeater applications
+
+---
+
+## CO – COR Inhibit
+
+Sets the COR (Carrier Operated Relay) inhibit time.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+COnnnn
+CO?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Range | Description |
+|-----------|-------|-------------|
+| `nnnn` | 0000–9999 | Inhibit time in milliseconds |
+
+### Default
+
+0000
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+CO0150          # 150 ms inhibit
+CO0200          # 200 ms inhibit
+CO?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- Prevents COR from going active briefly after TX ends
+- Avoids squelch noise triggering COR
+- Useful for packet and repeater applications
+
+---
+
+## CB – Courtesy Beep
+
+Sets the courtesy beep for repeater applications.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+CBn
+CB?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Beep |
+|-------|------|
+| 0 | None |
+| 1 | Low tone |
+| 2 | High tone |
+| 3 | High/low |
+| 4 | Two tones |
+
+### Default
+
+0 (none)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+CB0             # No beep
+CB2             # High tone beep
+CB?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- Sounds after hang time expires
+- Signals repeater is ready for next transmission
+
+---
+
+## VX – VOX
+
+Enables or disables voice-operated transmit.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+VXn
+VX?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Description |
+|-------|-------------|
+| 0 | VOX off |
+| 1 | VOX on |
+
+### Default
+
+0 (off)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+VX1             # Enable VOX
+VX0             # Disable VOX
+VX?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- Pressing PTT disables VOX
+- Do not use with speaker-mic (RX audio will trigger TX)
+- Sensitivity set by `VL` command
+
+---
+
+## VL – VOX Level
+
+Sets VOX sensitivity.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+VLn
+VL?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Sensitivity |
+|-------|-------------|
+| 0 | High (most sensitive) |
+| 1 | Medium |
+| 2 | Low (least sensitive) |
+
+### Default
+
+1 (Medium)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+VL0             # High sensitivity
+VL2             # Low sensitivity
+VL?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+---
+
+## BW – Bandwidth
+
+Sets the channel bandwidth.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+BWn
+BW?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Bandwidth |
+|-------|-----------|
+| 0 | 12.5 kHz (narrow) |
+| 1 | 25 kHz (wide) |
+
+### Default
+
+1 (25 kHz)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+BW1             # 25 kHz (standard)
+BW0             # 12.5 kHz (narrow)
+BW?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- **Requires power cycle to take effect**
+- Use narrow for crowded bands
+- Some repeaters require narrow bandwidth
+
+---
+
+## PD – Power Down
+
+Controls the transceiver chip power.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+PDn
+PD?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Description |
+|-------|-------------|
+| 0 | Chip powered down |
+| 1 | Chip powered on |
+
+### Default
+
+1 (on)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+PD0             # Power down (saves ~70 mA)
+PD1             # Power up
+PD?             # Query state
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- Reduces current by approximately 70 mA
+- Radio cannot TX/RX when powered down
+- Serial commands still work
+
+---
+
+## B1 – Baud Rate 1
+
+Sets the baud rate for serial port 1 (USB/JP1/JP2).
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+B1n
+B1?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Value | Baud Rate |
+|-------|-----------|
+| 0 | 1200 |
+| 1 | 4800 |
+| 2 | 9600 |
+| 3 | 19200 |
+| 4 | 38400 |
+| 5 | 57600 |
+
+### Default
+
+3 (19200)
+
+### Examples
+
+```
+B13             # Set to 19200
+B15             # Set to 57600
+B1?             # Query current setting
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- **Requires power cycle to take effect**
+- Reconnect terminal at new baud rate after power cycle
+
+---
+
+## B2 – Baud Rate 2
+
+Sets the baud rate for serial port 2 (DB-9 I/O connector).
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+B2n
+B2?
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+Same as B1.
+
+### Default
+
+3 (19200)
+
+### Notes
+
+- Only applies when `EX1` (serial mode)
+- **Requires power cycle to take effect**
+
+---
+
+## FW – Firmware Version
+
+Reports the current firmware version.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+FW
+```
+
+### Response
+
+```
+FW: 2.4A
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- Query only, no parameters
+
+---
+
+## BL – Bootloader
+
+Enters bootloader mode for firmware updates.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+BL
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- RS-UV3A waits indefinitely for bootloader connection
+- Power cycle required to exit without updating
+- See [Firmware Upgrade](/guides/firmware-upgrade/) guide
+
+---
+
+## SS – Signal Strength
+
+Reads the current receiver signal strength.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+SS
+```
+
+### Response
+
+```
+SS: -85
+```
+
+Value is in dBm.
+
+---
+
+## SN – Noise Level
+
+Reads the current receiver noise level.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+SN
+```
+
+### Response
+
+```
+SN: 1234
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- Lower values indicate cleaner signal
+- Raw value, not calibrated
+
+---
+
+## VT – Voltage
+
+Reads the operating voltage.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+VT
+```
+
+### Response
+
+```
+VT: 8.5V
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- Reads the 8.5V internal rail
+- Useful for monitoring power status
+
+---
+
+## TP – Temperature
+
+Reads the PCB temperature.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+TP
+```
+
+### Response
+
+```
+TP: 42
+```
+
+Temperature in °C.
+
+### Notes
+
+- PCB temperature, not ambient
+- Will be warmer during TX
+
+---
+
+## BS – Battery Status
+
+Legacy command for battery charger status.
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+BS
+```
+
+### Response
+
+```
+BS: 0
+```
+
+or
+
+```
+BS: 1
+```
+
+### Notes
+
+- RS-UV3A Rev A does not have battery charging
+- Included for compatibility with older RS-UV3 versions
+
+---
+
+## RR – Register Read
+
+Reads an RDA1846S transceiver chip register. **Advanced use.**
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+RRxx
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Description |
+|-----------|-------------|
+| `xx` | Register address in hex |
+
+### Response
+
+Returns 16-bit hex value.
+
+### Notes
+
+- For advanced debugging only
+- Register documentation available online for RDA1846S
+
+---
+
+## RS – Register Set
+
+Sets an RDA1846S transceiver chip register. **Advanced use.**
+
+### Syntax
+
+```
+RSxxyyyy
+```
+
+### Parameters
+
+| Parameter | Description |
+|-----------|-------------|
+| `xx` | Register address in hex |
+| `yyyy` | 16-bit value in hex |
+
+### Response
+
+```
+OK
+```
+
+or no response if failed.
+
+### Notes
+
+- Can disrupt radio operation if used incorrectly
+- For advanced debugging only
+- Settings may not persist through power cycle