Reference
Key Shortcuts & Combinations
Every shortcut, key combination, and programmable action on the UV-K5. Master these and you rarely need to dig into the menu.
F+Key Shortcuts
Press F (the orange key) to arm the modifier, then press a number key within ~2 seconds. The F indicator lights up in the status bar when the modifier is active.
| Combo | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| F + 0 | Toggle FM broadcast radio | Opens the built-in FM broadcast receiver (76–108 MHz) |
| F + 1 | Band selector | Opens the band selection menu — jump directly to a band start frequency |
| F + 2 | Switch VFO A / B | Makes the other VFO active (moves the triangle marker) |
| F + 3 | Toggle VFO / Channel mode | Switches the active VFO between raw frequency entry and memory channel mode |
| F + 4 | CTCSS/DCS scan mode | Initiates a scan to identify the CTCSS or DCS tone on the current frequency |
| F + 5 | Spectrum analyzer | Opens the spectrum analyzer display |
| F + 6 | TX power level | Cycles through Low → Mid → High → Low transmit power |
| F + 7 | Scan lists | Opens the scan list setup for the current channel/VFO |
| F + 8 | Frequency reverse | Toggles listening on the repeater's input vs. output (swaps TX/RX offset) |
| F + 9 | Scrambler | Toggles the scrambler on or off for the current channel/VFO |
| F + * | CTCSS/DCS scan (star) | Same as F+4 on some builds — scan for CTCSS/DCS tone |
| F + MENU | Save to channel | Saves current VFO settings (ChSave) to a memory channel |
| F + EXIT | Delete channel | Deletes the current memory channel (MDelCh) |
Long-Press Shortcuts
Hold a key for ~1 second to trigger its long-press function.
| Key | Long-Press Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| # (Hash) | Keypad lock / unlock | Lock prevents accidental key presses. Status bar shows lock icon. |
| * (Star) | Start scan | Begins scanning in the current mode. Short press of * enters DTMF input mode. |
| 0 | FM broadcast radio | Opens FM broadcast receiver (same as F+0 on some builds) |
| MENU | Assigned function (KeyM) | Activates whatever function is programmed in the KeyM menu item. Default: Monitor. |
| Side Key 1 | Assigned function (Key1L) | Long-press function for upper side key. Default: Flashlight. |
| Side Key 2 | Assigned function (Key2L) | Long-press function for lower side key. Default: Scan. |
| UP arrow | Scan upward | In VFO mode: start upward frequency scan. In channel mode: scan up through channels. |
| DOWN arrow | Scan downward | Same as UP but scanning in the downward direction. |
| PTT + Side Key 1 | Hidden menu (at power on) | Hold both while powering on to access hidden calibration and TX-lock menu items. |
Programmable Side Keys
Both side keys have independent short-press and long-press functions, all assignable via the menu.
| Key | Menu Item | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Side Key 1 (upper) — short press | Key1 | Monitor |
| Side Key 1 (upper) — long press | Key1L | Flashlight |
| Side Key 2 (lower) — short press | Key2 | Spectrum |
| Side Key 2 (lower) — long press | Key2L | Scan |
| MENU long press | KeyM | Monitor |
See the Complete Menu Reference for the full list of assignable functions.
Star Key (*) — DTMF & Scan
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| Short press (standby) | Enter DTMF input mode — type DTMF tones to transmit on next PTT |
| Long press (standby) | Start scan — frequency scan or channel scan depending on current mode |
| Short press (in scan) | Stop/pause scan |
| Short press (in menu) | Enter * character in text input |
Hash Key (#) — Keypad Lock
# long pressToggle keypad lock on/off. When locked, a lock icon appears in the status bar and all keypad presses are ignored (PTT still works). Long press again to unlock.# short pressIn menu: enter # character. In DTMF input mode: enter # DTMF digit.Tip: Lock during transport
Always lock the keypad when carrying the radio in a bag or pocket. Without the lock, body contact can accidentally start a transmission on an emergency channel.
Navigation Key Summary
| Key | Normal mode | In menu |
|---|---|---|
| UP arrow | Step frequency up / next channel | Scroll menu up / increment value |
| DOWN arrow | Step frequency down / prev channel | Scroll menu down / decrement value |
| MENU | Enter menu | Confirm selection / enter sub-menu |
| EXIT | Exit / cancel frequency entry | Go back / close menu |
| F | Arm F-modifier for next key | — |