ATS_EX firmware by Goshante is a popular custom firmware for the ATS-20 and ATS-20+ DSP receivers that pushes the device's hardware limits. Key Improvements in ATS_EX Firmware
Compared to the stock firmware (typically version 1.1.5), this "exclusive" or advanced modification offers several functional overhauls: Reduced "Chuffing":
Significantly reduces the "soft mute" effect when tuning, making frequency scanning smoother. Enhanced SSB Tuning:
Simplifies Single Sideband (SSB) operation by allowing fine-tuning (e.g., 100 Hz steps) directly from the main VFO control without exiting to separate menus. Advanced Metering:
Implements a highly functional signal strength meter with a bar graph under the frequency. Unique Menu Options: Adds a dedicated settings menu for features like: Automatic volume control specifically for SSB. CPU Optimization: Option to set CPU frequency to 50% for battery saving. Sync Mode: Synchronous detection for SSB modulation. Display Mods: Improved interface layouts and battery level indicators. Installation & Technical Limits Flash Memory Limit:
The developer (Goshante) has stated that this firmware has hit the maximum flash size of the Atmel microcontroller (Arduino Nano/Uno), meaning no further features can be added. Flashing Tools: Most users recommend using on Windows for flashing the You will likely need the CH340 or CH341 USB-to-UART driver to connect the radio to your PC. Hardware Variants: Before flashing, identify if your unit uses an Arduino Nano (soldered as a separate board) or an Arduino Uno style layout. Important Resources ATS_EX Firmware for ATS-20 DSP Receiver - GitHub
The phrase "ATS20 firmware exclusive" likely refers to community-developed, third-party firmwares that offer features not available in the factory software (v1.1.5). These updates are essentially "exclusive pieces" of software that unlock the full potential of the SI4732/SI4735-based ATS-20 and ATS-20+ receivers. Key "Exclusive" Firmware Options
ATS_EX by Goshante (v1.18): Considered a major "exclusive" upgrade, it features a completely reimagined, minimalistic interface that replaces the stock "stretched" fonts with a 7-segment style frequency display. It also integrates BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) directly into the main tuning process and adds an S-meter.
PU2CLR Library-Based Firmware: Many exclusive community builds are based on the PU2CLR SI4735 Arduino Library. Newer versions (v3.0.4+) provide significantly more features than the original stock version pre-loaded on most devices.
ATS_mini_RTty_Morse_Code_Decoder: Specific versions of firmware for related SI4732 devices (like the ATS Mini) include specialized decoders for CW (Morse) and RTTY, which are not present in standard builds. Common Features Unlocked
Upgrading to these exclusive firmware "pieces" typically provides:
The "exclusive" firmware for the ATS-20+ Si4732 (often referred to as ATS_EX) is considered a "game-changer" by enthusiasts on forums like The QRPer Board . Developed primarily by Goshante, this community-driven update transforms the budget receiver from a basic listener's toy into a surprisingly capable tool for ham operations and serious shortwave DXing. Key Features & Enhancements ats20 firmware exclusive
The ATS_EX firmware is widely praised for fixing clunky stock interfaces and unlocking technical capabilities previously unavailable on the base model.
Reworked Interface: Replaces "ugly" stretched fonts with a minimalistic, highly readable layout, including a 7-segment frequency font and an optional relative S-meter.
Precision Tuning: Merges the BFO with the main frequency, allowing for seamless tuning as low as 10Hz steps in SSB mode, which eliminates the "Donald Duck" voice effect on amateur radio signals.
Expanded Band Coverage: Provides continuous coverage for LW (153–520 KHz), MW (520–1710 KHz), and a unified SW band (1710–30,000 KHz).
Advanced Settings: Adds a settings page to configure Gain Control (ATT), Soft Mute, Automatic Volume Control (AVC), and SSB Sync mode.
Responsive Controls: Increases the CPU frequency of the Atm328p controller to its full clock speed, resulting in faster encoder response and more fluid menu navigation. Performance Verdict
Reviewers from RadioReference note that while the firmware drastically improves the user experience, it cannot overcome hardware limitations like poor front-end filtering.
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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: ATS_EX firmware by Goshante is a popular custom
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).
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
ATS_EX (Goshante): Widely considered a "game changer," this firmware reworks the interface, improves encoder responsiveness, and merges the Beat Frequency Oscillator (BFO) with the main frequency for smoother SSB tuning.
PU2CLR (Ricardo Lima Caratti): The base for many versions (including factory V1.1.5), this library-based firmware supports a wide range of SI473X chips and is often used by developers to create custom variants.
Modified Versions: Some developers have released updates like V3.0.7g or specific versions by creators like CT2JWF, which may prioritize button-based controls over the rotary encoder. Exclusive Feature Enhancements ATS-20 Si4732 receiver firmware update
This report details the phenomenon known as "ATS-20 Exclusive Firmware." The ATS-20 and its successors (ATS-25, ATS-25 Max) are popular, low-cost Software Defined Radio (SDR) receivers based on the SI4732 chip. While the hardware is functional, the stock user interface (UI) and feature set are often considered basic. Consequently, a community of independent developers has created "exclusive" or custom firmware distributions. These third-party firmware versions significantly enhance the device's capabilities, transforming a budget receiver into a professional-grade diagnostic tool with improved spectrographs, touch interfaces, and expanded band support.
The ATS-20 hardware is capable of much more than the factory settings allow. Installing an "Exclusive" custom firmware build is highly recommended for users who want a modern interface, waterfall displays, and better SSB performance. Enhanced Performance : Our firmware is optimized to
Recommendation: If you are a beginner, stick to the stock firmware until you are familiar with the radio's operation. If you are an intermediate user, search for the latest "ATS-20E Custom Firmware" on GitHub to unlock your device's full potential.
One of the biggest complaints about the ATS20 is the backlight noise bleeding into the RF path. Exclusive firmware introduces synchronized PWM dimming and a "dark mode" where the screen turns completely off during low signal periods, reducing noise floor by up to 6dBm.