Ready to flash? You’ll need a few tools and a bit of patience. ATS_EX Firmware for ATS-20 DSP Receiver - GitHub
The ATS20 (often based on the SI4732 radio chip) is a highly popular, budget-friendly portable receiver loved by shortwave listening (SWL) enthusiasts and ham radio operators alike. While the stock firmware gets you on the air, installing an exclusive custom firmware unlock its true hardware potential.
While the firmware is exceptional, there are a few hardware limitations to be aware of:
A large segment of the exclusive ATS20 firmware development stems from Eastern European ham radio communities. These builds focus heavily on maximizing SSB stability, adding fine-tuning steps (down to 1 Hz), and optimizing battery life. ats20 firmware exclusive
At its core, the ATS-20 is a compact, battery-powered SDR (Software Defined Radio) receiver. It builds its impressive capabilities around the high-sensitivity ——a popular, high-performance integrated circuit also found in many commercial portable radios. This chip gives the ATS-20 excellent reception and the flexibility to be re-programmed through its firmware.
Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0) and verify that your cable supports data syncing, as many charging cables lack the necessary internal data wires.
: Custom builds often increase the CPU frequency to improve encoder responsiveness and add battery level indicators (though some may require a minor hardware mod like a resistor or diode). Comparison of Popular Firmware Versions Key "Exclusive" Advantage Target Hardware PU2CLR (Stock/Base) Stability and wide compatibility. ATS-20 / ATS-20+ Goshante (ATS_EX) Best UI; seamless SSB tuning; CW mode support. Arduino Nano Based Harduino Includes FT8, CW, and FT4 decoding features (paid). Advanced Users ATS Mini (v2.28) PSRAM support and colorful screen themes. ESP32-S3 Based How to Upgrade Your ATS20 Firmware Ready to flash
What is the of your ATS20 (e.g., standard black box, blue board, ATS20+)?
The ATS20 firmware exclusive offers several benefits to amateur radio enthusiasts, including:
The pipeline for late 2025 looks promising. Developers are currently reverse-engineering the ATS20+ Rev 4 board to enable: While the stock firmware gets you on the
Upgrading the ATS-20 to this firmware is a core requirement to use it. Because the ATS-20 contains an onboard Arduino (ATmega328P) programmer, the process is simple. Here is a summary based on standard methods used by the community.
The official repository for the ATS_EX advanced firmware.
A collection of libraries and sketches for those who want to compile their own code. ATS_EX Firmware for ATS-20 DSP Receiver - GitHub
Upgrading to a version like offers several features not found in stock versions:
Flashing your ATS20 requires a computer, a mini-USB or USB-C cable (depending on your hardware revision), and the correct software tools. Prerequisites A PC running Windows, macOS, or Linux.