In CHIRP, select RADIO > Download From Radio Open/Run CHIRP, connect your BaoFeng and plug it into an USB port on your computer.įirst you’ll need to pull a copy of the existing config from your radio to your computer. This cable is plug’n play and should not require separate drivers, but another option is to download the drivers over at, (an awesome BaoFeng informational page).ĭownload and install the proper drivers for your USB cable (probably Prolific). I recommend the above cable since it is sold by BaoFeng and works great with the included FTDI chipset. Programming Cableīefore you can program your radio with CHIRP, you’ll need the BaoFeng USB programming cable.īe sure you buy a cable from a reputable dealer and not a cheap knock off, or you will risk frying something.

CHIRP is available for Windows, Mac OS and Linux, so regardless of your operating system, you are covered.ĭownload the version you need and install it. I recommend CHIRP, to program your BaoFeng, so this post will refer to that software. I’d take an FCC fine over death any day! Preparing to Program Your BaoFeng Software While it’s not legal to transmit on all these frequencies if you are not a HAM or if the device isn’t approved on the FCC Part 95, that really won’t apply after SHTF. The Bands Covered (Not all of these are legal to broadcast on, but listening should be fine – see FCC Part 95 Rules)

It can cover a multitude of channels and frequencies. The BaoFeng UV-5R, is an amazing, yet economically priced radio. It offers an easy to use interface compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux PC’s. It’s used for programming a wide range of amateur radios of different makes and models, and in multiple formats and data sources. CHIRP is free open source software anyone can download. We’re going to program a Baofeng radio with CHIRP software. The Baofeng handheld radios are inexpensive but cover many frequencies, making them the Swiss Army Knives of the budget ham radio community. Want to add all the channels you need quickly and easily? Let’s program a Baofeng UV-5R Radio with CHIRP software to get the job done. It makes sense that your handheld radio should be able to take the place of multiple radios.

Uv-5r chirp programming