Introduction
The Hytera MT680 is a versatile and reliable TETRA mobile radio designed for mission-critical communication needs. Renowned for its robust performance and advanced features, the MT680 supports clear and secure voice transmission, making it ideal for public safety, transportation, and industrial applications. Equipped with a high-resolution display, intuitive user interface, 10W RF Power and extensive connectivity options, this radio ensures seamless communication in demanding environments.
Hytera MT680 can be utilized in the ham radio community as a base station or mobile unit. It works also for setting up multimode gateways such as DMR2TETRA, TETRA2PoC or with some small modifications for SVXLink gateways, thanks to its robust performance, reliable connectivity, and flexibility in various communication setups.
Hytera TETRA radios are available with various firmware versions, each featuring one of the following standard AIE TETRA Encryption Algorithms (TEAs):
– CLEAR NonE2 (No Encryption) This is the only one for HamRadio use!
– TEA1 is for commercial use and is primarily used by critical infrastructure around the world. But it’s also used by some police and military agencies outside of Europe.
– TEA2 (restricted to use by Schengen / EU countries). Possession of TEA2 radios is in many countries
prohibited by law!
– TEA3 Essentially the export version of TEA2 which is for use outside of Europe by the same kinds of entities that use radios with TEA2.
– TEA4 For commercial use but is hardly used.
In 2022 ETSI introduced additional algorithms, TEA 5, TEA 6 and TEA7, in order to future-proof the technology against quantum attacks. The entire set of these original and additional algorithms will be made available in the public domain as well as TAA1 (the original authentication and key management specification) and TAA2 (the new authentication and key management specification).
Each TEA version builds upon the previous one, incorporating enhancements to meet evolving user needs and address emerging challenges in communication security and efficiency.
Frequency Range from Factory:
Hytera MT680 F1 : 320 – 380MHz cannot be SW expanded in Ham Band
Hytera MT680 F3 : 380 – 430MHz cannot be SW expanded in Ham Band
Hytera MT680 F4 : 405 – 475MHz Ham band covered!
Hytera MT680 F5 : 806 – 870MHz cannot be SW expanded in Ham Band
Adaptation for Ham Radio Use
As Hytera TETRA terminals are quite rare on the open market, and the prices of programming cables and Radio Programming Software (TETRA CPS) are prohibitively high for the ham community, purchasing a Hytera TETRA radio requires careful consideration. Additionally, there are no readily available hardware or software modifications for TETRA radios outside of the factory band. Therefore, potential buyers should weigh the cost, necessary expertise, and time investment against the radio’s specifications and its adaptability within ham networks before making a decision.
Programming
To program the Hytera MT680, you will need a compatible programming cable, Hytera Tetra CPS software with the right License file, and for firmware upgrades, depend of existing radio firmware you need Hytera TETRA Upgrade Kit and the right upgrade package file.
Hytera MT680 CPS and radio firmware are quite low in options restricting user to basic settings but per total is a radio that worth to be owned.
Please Note! Hytera MT680 CPS and radio firmware are quite low in options restricting user to basic settings and most of the FW’s will not allow to use multiple freq with same GSSI!
Please refer to the Radio Quick Start Guide
Programming Cable
Programming the Hytera MT680 is a straightforward process thanks to the availability of dedicated programming cable.This cable facilitate seamless communication between the radio and programming software, allowing users to customize settings, configure channels, and update firmware with ease. Depend of the radio FW and CPS used, if radio do not enter in programming mode, it can be enetered manually by typing *#03#
Programming Cable for use:
Radio Programming cables are not the same as Hytera DMR series!
You’ll need : Hytera PC35 Programming cable (USB to serial)
Antenna Considerations
For the Hytera MT680 radio, two types of antennas are applicable: mobile and base station antennas. When selecting an antenna, it’s important to match it to the radio’s operating frequency
Pinout
Accessories
N/A
Operating Procedures
Please refer to the user manual Here
Interfacing with Ham Radio Networks
Hytera MT680 integrates into various HamTetra environments, demonstrating reliability in Direct Mode Operation (DMO), Trunked Mode Operation (TMO) and DMO Repeater Mode, ( do not work as a DMO repeater ).
Note that Hytera MT680 does not have a factory default “COR” pinout on the rear accessory connector!
Compatibility with Other Radio Manufacturers
The Hytera MT680 interface with radios from other manufacturers, ensuring interoperability and compatibility across diverse communication systems.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance, including battery checks, firmware updates, and cleaning, ensures optimal performance and longevity of the Hytera MT680. In the event of issues or malfunctions, troubleshooting procedures provided by Hytera or the HamRadio community can assist in diagnosing and resolving problems effectively.
Please note that the Hytera MT680 has reached its end-of-life (EOL) status
* We do not provide programming software, licenses, additional information, or technical support beyond what is available through above published information!