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CHIRP
Programming Software

  
 
 
CHIRP Software Download
 
CHIRP Website

 
Note: Section 4.1
New Frequency Restrictions (2021)
 
 
John 'Miklor' K3NXU
 
 
             
 
1.
   
Getting Started
  1.1   Mixing Old and New Image Files - UV5R Series -   Important
1.2   Latest Daily Build
1.3   How often should I update CHIRP
 
2.
   
Loading CHIRP
  2.1   Windows 10 - CHIRP not loading properly
  2.2   Windows  8 -  Smart Screen
  2.3   Desktop Icon
  2.4   CHIRP Features
  2.5   Message: ERROR Opening File for Writing
 
3.
   
CHIRP FAQs
  3.1   Creating the initial image  < Very Important
  3.2   Message - "Radio version not Supported"
  3.3   Printing the CHIRP frequency list
  3.4   Hiding Unused Fields
  3.5   Offsets & Tones on the spreadsheet will not save
  3.6   CHIRP only shows 21 channels
 
4.
   
CHIRP FAQs - (UV5R / UV82)
  4.1   Same Model Frequency Restrictions   <<<
  4.2   Error Message - "An error has Occurred"
  4.3   Special Characters
  4.4   6 / 7 character LCD Display
  4.5   Alter Squelch Level Range
  4.6   CHIRP Settings vs UV5R / UV82 Menu Settings
 
5.
   
CHIRP FAQs - (UVB5 / UVB6)
  5.1   Error Message - "Unsupported Model"
  5.2   Error Message - "Radio NAK'd block at address 0xF010"
  5.3   Special Characters
 
6.
   
Guides, Examples & Spreadsheets
  6.1   Programming References & Guide
6.2 Column Definitions
  6.3   Programming Examples
       
       
       
       
Getting Started 
 
  1.1   Mixing Old and New  Image Files - UV5R / UV82 Series -   Important
 
- Because Baofeng keeps changing the memory layout of these radios, each firmware version now has to be treated as if it were a different radio. If the firmware version does not exactly match, the upload will be aborted.
 
- Never transfer CHIRP images between old and new radios using an old version of CHIRP.  Even radios with the same model number can have different internal firmware that prevents total image compatibility.
 
- Always do a Download from Radio to create a template for the new radio. Copy and paste the frequencies from an existing image to the new template. Then upload the new template to your new radio.

- Always save a copy of the initial template for the new radio should a recovery need to be done at a later date.
 
- Always
use CHIRP's  Latest Daily Build.
 
Due to firmware upgrades in many newer radios, transferring image files could cause a radio to stop working. If this occurs, refer to Issue #2 at Recovery.
 
 
  1.2   The Latest Daily Build
CHIRP supports multiple platforms. Select the appropriate software for your computer.
 
Win 2K > Win10 installer.exe
Win 32bit stand alone win32.zip
Apple Mac OS app.zip
Linux tar.gz
 
CHIRP now includes a "MacOS Unified Application"
(chirp-unified-daily-yyyymmdd.app.zip) for those running CHIRP on an Apple Mac computer. It is now the "recommended" choice for those using CHIRP on MacOS.

The original (now called the MacOS Legacy Application) build is still available, but can only be run on MacOS versions prior to Catalina that still support 32-bit applications.

The "unified" build also does not require installation of the KK7DS Python runtime that is required by the "legacy" build.
 
 
  1.3   How often should I update CHIRP
NEW CHIRP users should always start with CHIRP's Latest Daily Build.

1.  If you only have one radio and CHIRP works to your satisfaction, it is not mandatory to update, however,

2.  If you have multiple radios, or want to use your current files to update a friends radio, the LDB will prevent cross loading. Trying to load an older image to a newer radio, (even of the same model) may render the new radio temporarily inoperable due to firmware changes in the newer radio.

3.  The LDB may include new models, as well as refinements and enhancements such as the Baofeng squelch level adjustments.
.
The advantages of using the Latest Daily Build far out way the disadvantages. It's a quick update and it is not necessary to remove the old version to install the new one. CHIRP will override the old LDB.
 
 
       
Loading CHIRP
 
  2.1   Windows 10 - CHIRP not loading properly
Windows 10 seems to have a talent for corrupting the "chirp.config" file.
Just delete it and CHIRP will create a new one.

Tip: The chirp.config file is in the same folder as the debug log file.
The CHIRP "How To Report Issues" page shows you how to find the debug.log file.
 
 
  2.2   Windows 8 - Smart Screen
Staring with Windows 8, a 'feature' was added called "SmartScreen" which may block CHIRP from loading. If this occurs, SmartScreen can be disabled as follows:

Open "Windows Action Center" and "Change Windows SmartScreen" settings.
 
 
  2.3   Desktop Icon
If CHIRP does not put a desktop icon on your screen, you may need to create one manually. This can be done as follows:
 
Go to Windows START (in the lower left)
Select: ALL PROGRAMS
Open the CHIRP folder to display the contents.
Right click on the CHIRP program Select:
SEND TO / Create Desktop Shortcut.
 
 
  2.4   CHIRP Features
CHIRP software has many features, some of which are not available using the Baofeng factory software, such as:
  • Uses the familiar RX frequency and ± Offset for repeaters
  • Upper & Lower Band Limits for TX on VHF & UHF
  • TX Inhibit for Scanner Only frequencies
  • Remembers the COM port setting between sessions
  • Remembers last folder loaded or saved to between sessions
  • Supports serial ports up to COM256
 
  2.5   CHIRP Message: ERROR Opening File for Writing
When loading the latest version, you may see the above message if CHIRP is still running.
 
Files that the installer needs to replace are locked while they are running so an error similar to the following will be generated when the installer tries to delete them.
 
The software needs to be closed before the update can take place.
Refer to the following LINK.
 
 
       
CHIRP FAQs
 
  3.1   Creating an initial CHIRP image
CHIRP supports over 450 makes and models of radio. Even if a radio has the same basic appearance and model number, there’s a good chance that the 'image' files are not compatible. 
 
You must first create an initial template for your specific model. This gives CHIRP a starting image of your radio and firmware. This is done by selecting the Radio tab in the CHIRP toolbar and perform a Download_from_Radio. This loads your radio's initial parameters.
 
Note: After creating the initial image of the radio to be updated, Do Not select File / New. This is used for creating .csv files, not image files.
 
After your desired frequencies, tones, etc are entered into the template, you can now perform an Upload_to_Radio.
 
If you have a CHIRP image from another radio, you can Cut / Paste the channels from your old image file to the new template.
 

  3.2   Message "Radio version not Supported"
Your may running the wrong version of CHIRP. You must load the Latest Daily_Developmental_Build  (see top of page)
 
 
  3.3   Printing the CHIRP frequency list
With the frequency list displayed on your computer
     Select: FILE / EXPORT
     Select the Location where file is to be saved
     Select: .CSV format and SAVE
You can now alter the appearance and print the .CSV file.
 
 
  3.4   Hiding unused fields
There is a View tab at the top. Select Hide Unused Fields.
This will hide fields that are empty making diagnostics a bit easier.
 
 
  3.5   Offsets & Tones on the spreadsheet will not save
If this should occur, delete and re-enter the entire line, then save.
 
Note: After entering your information, you must click on another line for CHIRP to know your entry is complete.
 
 
  3.6   CHIRP only shows 21 channels
This is the Default Memory Range displayed for new installations.
You will need to change this to show the desired range to appear on the CHIRP spreadsheet. 
 
The Memory Range tab at the upper left of the spreadsheet will show the number of channels to be displayed. Enter the desired range and click on Refresh.
 
This allows you to preview a specific range when making changes without scrolling though your entire spreadsheet. Your other programmed channels will not be lost even though they do not appear in that range.
 
       
CHIRP FAQs - UV5R / UV82 Series
 
  4.1   Same Model Frequency Restrictions (2021)    < < <
New FCC guidelines may restrict the frequency range of ham band radios being imported to the United States.
144-148MHz and 420-450MHz
 
Although the CHIRP image will load into the radio properly, the radio's firmware may block the transmit side.  The receive channels will still function normally for monitoring, allowing NOAA, etc to be programmed.
 
This is a firmware change that CHIRP is unable to change.

As these radios are sold worldwide, the frequency range restrictions will more than likely apply to the region of sale.
 
 
  4.2   Error Message - "An error has Occurred"
 



This is not actually an error, but more an information Flag.
 
Reason: Your UV5R radios have different firmware versions.
 
Impact: ALL data has transferred successfully with the exception of those fields in the Settings / Other Settings tab. In most instances, this data remains unchanged. (i.e. Power On Message)
 
Result: By not transferring these fields, it allows you to use the same image file to update multiple UV5R radios having different firmware releases.
 
Note: Always use CHIRP's Latest Daily Build
 
 
  4.3   Special Characters
CHIRP supports:
   All Upper Case letters A > Z     Numbers 0 > 9
   Most special keyboard characters  @  #  &  (  )  -  /  etc.
 
Note 1: CHIRP Settings / Basic Settings / Display must be set to Name to view Alpha in the display.
 
Note 2: CHIRP will not accept lower case letters a > z in the Channel Name field but will accept them in the Power On message.
 
Note 3: It has been noted that newer UV5R series radios only support 6 characters in the LCD.
 
 
  4.4   6 / 7 character LCD Display
Older UV5R firmware releases allowed CHIRP to assign 7 character Alpha Numeric names in the display, while the factory software only allowed 6 characters.  Recent firmware changes now limit both the factory SW and CHIRP to a maximum of 6 characters.
 
 
  4.5   Alter Squelch Level Range - NEW
The squelch levels 1 through 9 currently make little to no difference when selected. CHIRP has recently added a way to resolve this by letting the user select the Range of the squelch control.
This is explained in detail with graphics at:
     Squelch Level Range Set
 
 
  4.6   CHIRP Settings vs UV5R / UV82 Menu Settings
A link to the Radio Reference page explaining this cross reference as well as other helpful information can be found HERE
 
 
       
CHIRP FAQs - UVB5 / UVB6 Series
 
  5.1   Error message - "Unsupported Model"
UV-B5 firmware bug. This occurs when uploading to the radio with Work Mode A and/or B set to Channel Mode.
 
To correct:
   Run the OEM software.
   Download from Radio.
   Change setting to Frequency Mode Upload file to Radio.
 
 
  5.2   Error Message - "Radio NAK'd block at address 0xF010"

Some more recent UV-B5 / B6 radios ship with only 27 menu options as compared to the 29.
Menu 24 (TX-AB) and Menu 29 (Companding) were eliminated.

When using CHIRP, the above message can be ignored. r /> All data has transferred properly.
 
 
  5.3   Special Characters
CHIRP supports Upper Case A > Z    0 > 9   _ - + * /
 
CHIRP Settings / Basic Settings / Display must be set to Name to view alpha in the display.
 
 
       
CHIRP Guides, Examples & Spreadsheets
 
  6.1   CHIRP References & Guide
Definitions to each of the CHIRP fields can be found HERE.
 
 
  6.2   Column Definitions
A link to Understanding CHIRP's Columns can be found HERE.
 
 
  6.3   CHIRP Programming Examples
Spreadsheet examples can be found HERE.
 
 
       
PESONAL NOTE: There is no charge for CHIRP. These guys put in a lot of time as a Labor of Love and a small donation thru PayPal is a great way of showing your appreciation and saying thank you.
 
 

 
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