First, get a list of the repeaters or simplex frequencies you wish to program into the Baofeng. In
addition, you will need:
●
A programming cable - USB connector on one end, the four-conductor plug on the other
end. Yaesu programming cords will not work, as the connections are different.
●
Programming software for the Baofeng. Download it from various sites. You will also
need the driver software for your cable.
You also need the information to enter into the program:
●
Receive frequency for the repeater.
●
PL tone, if needed. Omit for the simplex frequencies, of course.
●
Offset
direction - plus or minus. Zero for simplex.
●
Shift value for transmit. Usually 600 kHz for 2 meters, 1.6 or 5 MHz for 70 cm. You then
add or subtract this from the receive frequency, as appropriate. No shift is needed for
simplex channels.
First plug the USB connector into your computer. We are running Windows, of course. Your
computer should detect the connector. If it asks for the driver software, set to the location where
you have downloaded the driver software and install the driver software, as prompted. This will
only need to be done once.
Open up the computer system settings and find out which COM port has been assigned to the
USB connector. Make a note of this. In the future, save yourself some trouble and always plug
the USB connector into the same jack on the computer.
Now, plug the four pin connector into the microphone jack on the Baofeng HT, and turn it on.
Bring up the Baofeng programming software. Set the port drop-down to the value you found
before. Clicking on a previously saved file won’t work. You have to open the file from within the
control program.
Now, you are ready to program your Baofeng. Key in, line at a time, the receive, transmit,
transmit tone (if needed), power (high, usually), and wide/narrow - wide setting. You will not
need the receive tone, unless you have a repeater that uses tone controlled squelch.
The option functions at the top are self-explanatory. The "Priority Channel" is the equivalent of
a "dual watch" on most other HTs. If you want this feature, set that box to the desired channel
number. The time-out-timer (TOT) should be set to something like 120 seconds. The VOX
should be off, unless you like VOX. A squelch level of 2 or 3 usually works well. For LEO
satellites, set this to zero. The frequency range should be set to V+UHF1.
Save the file you have created with a convenient name for future use. The "Device Write" option
writes to your HT. If you already have something stored in your HT, do a "Device Read" and
save this before you do the "Device Write."
It is convenient to have a number of different memory files for such things as locations you
regularly visit, weather channels (NOAA in the USA), LEO satellites, or public service monitoring
UV-3R FAQ v. 2012-01-27
Page 11