Programming with CHIRP
Setup & Programming
CHIRP is a free, open-source radio programming application that lets you configure your radio's channels, power levels, tones, and other settings from a computer. Instead of navigating menus on a tiny screen, you edit a spreadsheet-like interface and upload the configuration to your radio over USB.
What you need
- CHIRP software: download from chirpmyradio.com. Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Programming cable: a USB cable that connects your computer to the radio. Many radios use a proprietary cable, so make sure you get the right one for your model.
- Drivers: some cables require drivers (commonly Prolific or FTDI USB-to-serial drivers). Install these before connecting the cable.
Check compatibility first. CHIRP does not support every radio. Before buying a programming cable, check the CHIRP supported radio list to confirm your model is listed. Some radios have full support, others have partial or experimental support.
Basic workflow
- Connect your radio to the computer with the programming cable and turn the radio on
- Download from radio: always read the current configuration from your radio first. This gives you a baseline and prevents accidentally wiping settings you want to keep.
- Edit channels: set frequencies, channel names, power levels, CTCSS/DCS tones, and duplex settings in the spreadsheet view
- Upload to radio: write the updated configuration back to the radio
Programming GMRS channels
For each channel in CHIRP, you'll typically set:
- Frequency: the transmit/receive frequency (see the channel tables)
- Name: a label like "GMRS 19" or "RPT 19" for easy identification on the radio display
- Tone mode: set to "Tone" for CTCSS or "DTCS" for DCS if the repeater requires it
- Tone value: the specific CTCSS frequency or DCS code. Check our CTCSS/DCS cross-reference for tone codes across different radio brands.
- Duplex: set to "+" or "-" for repeater channels (5 MHz offset on GMRS), or leave blank for simplex
- Offset: 5.000 MHz for GMRS repeater channels
- Power: set the transmit power level (varies by channel, see tables above)
Tips and common mistakes
- Always download first: read from the radio before making changes. This avoids overwriting settings you didn't intend to change.
- Save your file: CHIRP can save your channel configuration as a .csv or .img file. Keep a backup so you can restore it later or clone the setup to another radio.
- Correct COM port: if CHIRP can't find your radio, make sure you've selected the right COM port (Windows) or /dev/ttyUSB device (Linux/Mac). Try unplugging and reconnecting the cable.
- Radio in programming mode: some radios need to be in a specific mode or menu to accept programming. Check your radio's manual.
- Duplex direction: for GMRS repeaters, set duplex to "+" with a 5 MHz offset. Getting this wrong means your radio transmits on the output frequency instead of the input, and the repeater won't hear you.
Radios with dedicated software
Some radios have their own manufacturer programming software in addition to CHIRP support. For example, the Wouxun KG-1000G Plus comes with Wouxun's own software that can access advanced settings not available in CHIRP. If your radio has dedicated software, it's worth trying both to see which gives you more control. The manufacturer's software sometimes exposes model-specific features like power-on messages, display colors, or firmware updates that CHIRP can't change.