Programming a Baofeng radio through its menu system is notoriously difficult. The good news? CHIRP software makes it incredibly easy. This guide will walk you through programming your UV-5R, BF-F8HP, or any other Baofeng radio in under 15 minutes.
What You'll Need
- Baofeng radio (UV-5R, BF-F8HP, UV-82, etc.)
- Programming cable - USB to Kenwood 2-pin (~$10 on Amazon)
- Computer - Windows, Mac, or Linux
- CHIRP software - Free download from chirpmyradio.com
Step 1: Download and Install CHIRP
Visit chirpmyradio.com and download the version for your operating system. Install it like any other program.
Note: On Mac, you may need to right-click and select "Open" the first time to bypass Gatekeeper.
Step 2: Connect Your Radio
- Plug the USB end of your programming cable into your computer
- Plug the 2-pin connector into your Baofeng (speaker/mic jack)
- Turn ON your radio and set to a high volume
- Wait for your computer to recognize the USB device
Troubleshooting: If your computer doesn't recognize the cable, you may need to install a driver. Search for "Prolific PL2303" or "CH340" drivers depending on your cable's chipset.
Step 3: Read from Your Radio
In CHIRP, go to Radio → Download From Radio. Select:
- Port: Usually COM3, COM4, or /dev/ttyUSB0 on Linux
- Vendor: Baofeng
- Model: UV-5R (works for most Baofeng radios)
Click OK and wait. This process takes about 30 seconds. You'll see all current channels loaded into CHIRP.
Step 4: Add Your Frequencies
Now comes the fun part - adding frequencies! You have two options:
Option A: Manual Entry
Click on an empty row and enter:
- Frequency: e.g., 146.520 (the 2m national calling frequency)
- Name: e.g., "2M CALL" (up to 7 characters)
- Tone Mode: Tone, TSQL, or DTCS if required
- Tone: The CTCSS/PL tone for repeaters (e.g., 100.0)
- Duplex: For repeaters, usually "-" or "+" with an Offset
Option B: Import from RepeaterBook
This is the easiest method! Go to Radio → Import from Data Source → RepeaterBook. Enter your location and select which repeaters to import. CHIRP will automatically fill in all the technical details.
Step 5: Upload to Your Radio
Once you've configured your channels, go to Radio → Upload To Radio. This writes your new configuration back to the Baofeng. Wait for the upload to complete, then disconnect the cable.
Test it: Try selecting different channels and verify they match what you programmed.
Essential Frequencies to Program
Here are some must-have frequencies for every prepper's radio:
| Name | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2M CALL | 146.520 MHz | National simplex calling |
| 70CM CALL | 446.000 MHz | UHF simplex calling |
| NOAA WX1 | 162.400 MHz | Weather radio (RX only) |
| GMRS 1 | 462.5625 MHz | FRS/GMRS Channel 1 |
| MURS 3 | 151.940 MHz | Popular prepper frequency |
Pro Tips
- Save your file: Always save your CHIRP file (.img) so you can restore or clone to another radio
- Label clearly: Use short, memorable names like "RPT-N", "SIMP-1", "WX1"
- Order logically: Group repeaters together, then simplex, then GMRS/FRS
- Backup: Export your configuration before making big changes
Ready to Start?
Now that you know how to program your Baofeng, check out our main guide for operating instructions and frequency reference.