And other ‘special’ frequencies for SHTF comms and such… Others include MURS, local Fire, EMS, Sherriff. Another for Maritime Marine radio channels. I keep a number of pre-programmed files, each with their own uniqueness. Here’s a screen capture of a Baofeng that was setup for GMRS / FRS frequencies:Īs good practice, you might save the file, just in case. How do you do that? Well, on the CHIRP menu bar, click “Radio”, and then “Download From Radio”. Upon completion, the current programming of your radio will be displayed on the screen. The first thing I typically do is pull in the data from the Baofeng. After that, turn on the Baofeng and turn up the volume knob nearly all the way (assures good digital communications back-and-forth with the PC running CHIRP software). Then plug the other end into the Baofeng radio. How to Program a Baofeng Radio With CHIRPįirst, connect the USB end of the programming cable to your computer. 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.

Chirp mac baofeng