As a die hard analog dinosaur I concur. These beasts were built to survive, and have, I see you've found the RSS that allowed 32 MPL. I think that was the 255 mode version. As the fuzzy clears a bit from my memory, I made an error (or two or more...lol)
A 2k EEPROM can hold up to 64 (not 255) modes if one ventures above the 32nd mode's data space. An 8k EEPROM can hold up to 255 mode w/o the 255 RSS quirks if you venture above the (stock for and 8k) 64th mode's dataspace. The byte that sets the MPL count will go to FFh too, but I think you will run out of codeplug? before you get that many in. Also, I think the max modes the CH will handle w/alpha tags is 224 not 240.
As built? it is a challenge. You cant get to the EEPROM from the "outside" without complying with RSS/SB9600 rules and protocols, and that'a a whole 'nother can o' worms.
An in circuit EEPROM emulation scheme like Casey and Skip are referring to with a accessible port to the outside world, in the case of an ESP32, TCP/IP over WiFi has promise.
I'm not familiar with the ESP device(s), or it's IO capabilities. I had no idea it was a dual core uP at 270mhz.
. That smokes the Teensy devices I was looking at a few years back, although I bet it's a 3v device so there;s some level transition needed as well if so.
