MD380 Tools was an experimental firmware for the original TYT MD380 / MD390 series DMR transceiver for the purpose of adding enhanced features. It was originally developed by Travis Goodspeed KK4VCZ with ongoing contributions from fellow hams.

The updated version (Toolz) added over 16 features not found in the original radio, including the ability to load the DMR User Database. (200k)
 
Note: Due to the memory limitations of the VHF MD380, the User DB option is not available.
 
 

What options are in MD380Toolz (TyToolz)

 

For complete documentation with graphics of the added features, follow this link.
 
  

 
 
The firmware was developed by Ty KG5RKI and requires nothing more than a Windows based PC, a programming cable, and about 5 minutes.
 
This software works perfectly on both my Win7 and Win10 PC and the firmware loaded into my UHF MD380 on the first try, but I cannot be responsible for your results if select the wrong options.
 
Here is a link to the software required.     TyToolz v1.08c

Links to the original software (1.08c) and associated files are located at the bottom of the page in 'zip. format.
Load it to a temporary work area, unzip it, and let's get started.
 
Your opening screen will appear as shown. 
 
 

 
 
You must determine which version of the radio you are using.
Note: Do Not select the GPS firmware unless you have the GPS radio. This software will Not add the GPS function to your radio.
 
Only download the appropriate firmware version that matches your radio.
 
Firmware Selection
The default firmware is the stable release of TyMDToolz.
 
 

 
 
(1)   Power OFF your radio.

(2)   Press and hold both the Upper Side Key and PTT button while powering the radio ON. The top LED will begin flashing Red and Green.

(3)   Connect the programming cable to the radio and select FLASH as shown below. When complete, the progress bar will display DONE.
 
 

 
 
Power OFF your radio. This will exit the firmware update (DFU) mode, then Power ON your radio normally.
 
NOTE: If your display is blank after the opening screen, you more than likely selected the wrong firmware for your radio. GPS vs. non-GPS.
Don't Panic... Just start at the top and select the proper firmware.
 
 

DMR User database

 
To update your radio with the DMR User Database, select Download Update. The status bar will indicate when the download to your computer is complete.
 
 

 
 
When DONE appears, you are now ready to enjoy the new functions of MD380Toolz.
 

 
 
Now that the  DMR User database is loaded, here's the menu selection to have it appear on your LCD.
 
Menu
Utilities
(6)  380Toolz
(4)  Show Calls
        TA & UserDB

(15)  CoPl Override
        Callsign + Name

The Call Sign, Name and Location of incoming stations will now appear on your LCD.
 
 

Last Heard

 
 
Here's another bonus with 380Toolz.  "Last Heard". You now have the ability to display the Call Sign of the last person to use a Talk Group. This replaces the Date showing in the lower left corner.
 
Menu
Utilities
(6)  380Toolz
(3)  Date format
Last Heard
 

 

Changing display to White Letters on Black Background

 

Link Here

 

 
 
One of the new menu items controls the Backlight Level. One of the options is Backlight Level Low. The range is 0 > 10. If set to zero, the backlight is now OFF. The issue is that now you can't see the screen to restore it back.
To restore to original settings, try one of these procedures.
 
 
Menu    Up Arrow      (Utilities)
Menu    Up Arrow      (MD380Toolz)
Menu    Up Arrow 5 times  or
                 Down Arrow 12 times  (Backlight)
Menu     (Level Low)
Menu    Up Arrow 2 times  (Level 8)
Confirm
 
I recommend you try this procedure now to verify that it works with your radio while your display is now working.
 
 

My Results

 
 
My personal results have been excellent using this firmware.

I've used both Win7 and Win 10 on both VHF and UHF MD380.

-  The UHF loads both TyToolz and Database perfectly.
-  The VHF loads TyToolz, but not the database due to limited memory.
-  The UHF radio has a 16Mb memory chip, while the VHF has only 1Mb.
 
 
Disclaimer: This firmware has been tested with both 380 and 390, GPS and non-GPS. There's always a remote chance that it might not work with your radio as this is experimental firmware  This is the rare exception rather than the rule.

If this occurs, nothing has been damaged. Reload a copy of the original firmware and all will return to normal.
 

Here is a link to the original TyToolz v1.08c
-   TyToolz v1.08c
 

Firmware Bin Files

The TYT website no longer posts the firmware for these radios. Here are the links to original the 'Out of the Box' firmware from the TYT MD380 / MD390 software/firmware page.

-   gps_fw_031319.bin
-   nongps_fw_031319.bin

Note: The above links are from my personal SW/FW achieve. Although they work on my MD380, I cannot be responsible for their performance in yours.
 
Link to TYT Download page.
-   TYT888.com