The article was done using the Anytone AT-D878 but will apply to many other models from Anytone, Alinco, and BTech.

To get to the preferences menu click Settings and then Radio Menu Settings.

Encryption Tab

Once the new window pops up, which can take a minute while loading all the preferences, make sure you are on the Encryption tab.

Encryption Type – Allows you to enable digital voice and data encryption.

Common Encryption – Only functions when communicating between AnyTone-to-AnyTone radios.

AES Encryption – Functions when communicating between Motorola and AnyTone radios which have both been set up for encryption.

Setting Up Encryption

1. Choose Encryption Type AES.
2. Choose an ID.
3. Create a 64-character Encryption Code. This can be letters, numbers, or other characters. If you do not enter 64-characters, the rest will populate with 0’s.
4. Create more encryption keys if necessary.
5. Click Close at the upper left of the Settings screen. From the options, click Apply changes and Close to exit the Radio Menu Settings.
6. Write to Radio.
7. You will need to set up the rest of the process on the radio.
   1. Set the radio to a digital channel.
   2. Access the Settings Menu.
   3. Select Chan Set.
   4. Select Digi Encrypt.
   5. Select the AES Encryption ID that you set up above.
   6. Once the ID is selected you can go back to the main menu.

Remember this Encryption Key ID AND Encryption Code and process will need to be set up on at least 2 radios that can operate in digital modes for them to transmit/receive the encrypted communication. I would recommend using two of the same model for testing as encryption signaling can vary between manufacturers.

You may need to update to the latest Baseband for this to function as well.

The FCC only allows encryption on business bands.

Chris Wagers / June 2024