Baofeng software UV-[nn] (where [nn] = 3R or X4) has these although listed
differently such as duplex/offset as separate entries for rx/tx freq sets. In
addition UV-nn includes setting the basic setup items like Freq Range, scan
setups, vco setup for both UHF and VHF vco's (rx freq, tx freq, encode, decode,
power, fm wide/narrow, VCO step), squelch, VOX, ToT, channel mode (vco or memory
mode), backlite setting, key tone, busy lock, and save function.
These additional options in UV-[nn] are downloaded and saved/uploaded in Chirp,
but not independently settable. They must be manually entered each time they
need changing. Maybe that can be changed in future versions?
UV-[nn] is far more comprehensive and useful for initial setup whereas Chirp is
easier to use (copy and paste!) and far more flexible for general updating those
99 channels. Please note that you must download from your radio’s memory before using the
programming software to initialize, or preset, some basic parameters the software requires to be
successful in uploading to your radio.
USB drivers are available for most chipsets used in USB cables for Unix/Linux
operating systems if not already a part of the operating system.
Why doesn’t Chirp or Boefeng software always keep
my settings?
Both of these programs (Chirp and UV-3R/UV-4X) require some settings FROM THE RADIO to
operate properly. This is why you download the frequency data that’s in the radio to the program
FIRST - before changes are uploaded to the radio. This will pre-load some needed items
required to successfully re-load your radio. Save that first file under a name that you know are
the initial settings. For the first programming session, use the ‘factory’ software (i.e. not Chirp) to
allow any initial setup changes to be saved.
Then you need to restart the software in order to allow any changes in the ‘ini’ file (“setup.txt“
located in the program folder) to take effect before changing anything else. Program your setup
preferences and channel memories and save this file under a new file name.
Then upload to the radio with the new settings and memory assignments.
Since Chirp is a much easier program to use for various memory programs (long live Copy &
Paste!), and has tabbed options for many programming versions, we will next Download the
frequency data in the radio into Chirp - this program also needs the basic setup info from the
radio to function correctly.
After Chirp has the basic setup info (including any changes you have made in the ‘Setup’ file),
UV-3R FAQ v. 2012-01-27
Page 17
