The CHIRP website lists all the radios that it will work on (linked below).Īll you need to program the Baofeng is the software (free), and the programming cable. Baofeng compatibility includes the various UV-5R models, as well as the BF-F8HP (which I have). Okay, CHIRP software works on LOTS of Baofeng radio models (and many other radios). There’s also plenty of online resources to help, if you search for it. Especially if you already understand radio principles. Once you get started, lots of it is intuitive.
Instead, how-to simply add frequencies to your Baofeng radio. This is not a tutorial on all the options.
I’m going to briefly describe (without getting into all the options) how to use CHIRP to simply program your Baofeng. Rather, using an easy-to-use computer program. It’s not by using the front panel menu options. It didn’t take long afterwards to discover how most everyone programs this radio. I bought my first pair of BF-F8HP Baofeng communications radios years ago. So, what’s the best easiest way to program a Baofeng? Chirp software. It takes some getting used to, and referring to the user manual. More specifically, it’s not easy to program a Baofeng using its front panel buttons and integrated menu options. It is a challenge to program a Baofeng radio. Assign the transmit frequency to the channel. Press the button to activate Reverse Mode and display the transmit frequency. Assign the receive frequency to the same channel in Step 6. optional - Enter the transmit CTCSS/DCS code. Skip this step when setting up the channel for the first time. optional - Delete any existing data on the channel to program. If no previous codes exist or when setting up the channel for the first time and no codes are needed, set the menu items listed below to OFF. optional - Clear any CTCSS/DCS codes previously assigned to the channel.
If the incorrect band is chosen for the frequency entered in Step 6, the radio will cancel the operation. Programming data entered on the B Side (lower display) will not be saved. Like the simplex channels, the A side must be used to program the repeater channels into the radio. How to manually program a repeater channel Use the keypad to enter the frequency into the radio. It is highly advised to turn TDR off when programming directly from the radio. If the incorrect band is chosen for the frequency entered in Step 5, the radio will cancel the operation. Toggle to choose 136 MHz (VHF) or 470 MHz (UHF). The A side must be used to program channels into the radio. Press and choose the A Side (upper display). How to manually program a simplex channel Here is a great guide to how to manually program the Baofeng UV-5R, copied below.
Turn this OFF or you'll annoy people quick.īased on a PDF from Jon Perelstein WB2RYV Programming Guide
Sends an end-of-transmission tone after PTT release. Squelch Tail Elimination Repeater – squelches tail noise from a Squelch Tail Elimination – squelches tail noise in simplex. Best left OFF.īusy channel lockout – prevents transmitting when a channel is busy.
Sends a DTMF code on transmit/end of transmitĪctivates the DTMF code on transmit/end of transmit. Choice of English, Chinese, or OFFĪ coded signal that is sent when an “alarm” is activated. Voice confirmation of keypresses/menu selections. Side for transmit after receiving a signal when TDR is on May change the transmit side – be careful with TDR-AB setting* Transmit power (Tap # to temporarily change power)ĭual watch (monitor A and B at same time). If you have a different model that you've been able to use with this cheat sheet, please let me know! So far this has been confirmed to work on the following models. Note: This guide was originally written for the Baofeng UV-5R, but may work on other models as well.