Showing posts sorted by relevance for query chirp. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query chirp. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Baofeng Tech: GMRS-V1

When you don't blog for a couple of weeks, you get really behind... Baofeng Tech announced the GMRS-V1 on October 13. The GMRS-V1 is FCC certified (Part 95A) for use on GMRS frequencies. The GMRS-V1 is also FCC certified for VHF/UHF scanning capabilities (Part 15B):
15 Modifiable GMRS Two-Way Channels (Channels 0-14) - Receive and Transmit
8 Modifiable GMRS Repeater Channels (Channels 15-22) - Receive and Transmit
105 Programmable Scanner Channels (Channels 23-127) - Receive Only
FM Radio
Flashlight
50 CTCSS Privacy Tones
346 DCS Digital Privacy Tones
NOAA Weather Radio Compatible
Tri-Color Adjustable Backlight

Programming can be done via CHIRP.

It's not the same, but it reminds me of the AnyTone Tech multi-service radios. Since it is only GMRS plus scanning, the certification process should have been much less contentious.



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Baofeng UV-3R: Software


[ Don't have a UV-3R yet? Get one here. ]

UPDATE 11-12-12A new version (1.10) has been released under the UV-X4 model. It adds the ability to update the FM Broadcast memories via the software. 
UPDATE 11-10-25: There is now an updated version of the UV-3R software that was released with the UV-3R Mark II - The new software information is *** here ***
UPDATE 11-09-27: As an alternative to the UV-3R software, you may want to try CHIRP. It supports the UV-3R as well as radios from ICOM, Yaesu, etc.
I've encountered two versions of the software for the UV-3R (Amazon). The first version, matching the screen shots below, has the installation steps in Chinese. This version is the one that came on the CD which shipped with my radio. I assume it is Chinese as my computer does not recognize the characters and displays gibberish. In this version the actual software is in English. The other version was the opposite - English installation with a Chinese application. As you can imagine, I stuck with the first version.

I installed the programming software first and assumed I would install the USB driver when I plugged in the radio. You can see the Chinese install below. The middle button in the first three screen shots is the one you want - you can tell by by the "N" that it is the "Next" button. The final window has an option to "C" for "Close" (not shown).







After it finishes installing, you get a folder with the short-cut to start the software.



I then plugged in the USB cable and the radio. When I powered on the radio, Windows detected the new device and started installing it. (Note: I did not do anything to put the radio into programming mode. Some rigs require that, but not the UV-3R.)I must already had the drivers for the Prolific USB to Serial chipset installed as it did not prompt me for any files. When it completed, it told me that the device was ready on COM5.


Next I started the software using the short-cut displayed at the end of the software install. First, I went to the Com Port menu and selected Port to display the Communication Port screen. I selected COM5 to match the information provided when the driver was installed.



I then clicked Device and Read to copy the configuration to the software. I saved the file before making my edits.



Once you've completed your edits, you will want to save the file and then select Device and Write. I recommend saving different versions of the file (perhaps by date), so you can always go back if you break something.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Software One for the Valentine One Radar Detector

I was looking at the KG-UV Commander software again for the previous post about CHIRP and I noticed KC8UNJ's link to his Software One application for the Valentine One Radar Detector. I don't even have a radar detector, but I still think that's pretty slick. If I were a programmer, I think I would have to learn how to work with serial communications - that stuff is everywhere. I would be all powerful if I could talk to machines through the serial port and do database selects, inserts, deletes, and updates on the back-end!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Baofeng UV-3R: Mark II Software


[ Don't have a UV-3R yet? Get one here. ] 

UPDATE 11-12-12A new version (1.10) has been released under the UV-X4 model. It adds the ability to update the FM Broadcast memories via the software. 
With the release of the new Baofeng UV-3R Mark II, the original software has also been updated. (You still have the option of using CHIRP.) And, as usual, Julian is ahead of the curve with his post about the updated software.

To use the software, you will need a few obvious items - the UV-3R (Amazon), the free software, and a programming cable. Download the software here for version 1.09. You can order the programming cable or build one. If you don't have a radio, then you can order one here, there, and yonder.

Before walking through the install, here are some trouble-shooting tips to keep in mind.

  • Make sure the first memory location is populated. It will cause errors if it is left blank.
  • Always read from the radio first and save the file as backup. It is nice to have a known good config. This practice does assume you can read from the radio without writing first.
  • As you may have gathered from the lines just above, sometimes you must write a file to the radio first. An example of this situation is when you get an NKT_3R.EXE Error Signature.
  • Likewise, if you get both rows on the display showing DDD.D25 then try adding some frequencies via the software and write to the radio.
  • Make sure your cable is good.
  • Confirm in Device Manager that the USB driver installed correctly.
  • Verify that the COM Port used by the USB device matches what you have configured in the software - see screen shots below.
  • Set the baud rate to 1200 if you have inconsistent results using the software.

Also, you should note that the old software created ".dat" files. The new software creates ".3R" files. You cannot simply rename a ".dat" to ".3R". However, you can open the new ".3R" files in the old software.

The install process is fairly simple.

I plugged the USB cable into the radio and then into my computer. I turned on the radio and Windows 7 installed the Prolific appropriate driver. In this case, it is using COM8.



As I mentioned in the trouble-shooting, you may need to change the baud rate to 1200. Right-click the device and select Properties. You can change the baud rate (Bits per second) using the drop-down box.




Now that we know the USB driver is installed correctly and which port it is using, we can start installing the software. Double-click the file you downloaded (extracting it from the compressed file if needed - if you need something to open .RAR files, try 7-zip.) Click Next.



If you are okay with the default install location, click Next. Otherwise, use the Browse button to change the location.




Click next to use the default name for the Program Folder that will be visible under your Program Files.




Confirm your settings and click Next.





Once the file copies are complete, click Finish.





You get one more screen showing the version. Click OK to complete the install.




To launch the application, double-click the short-cut it created.


You can click Help then About to confirm the version you are running. If you've installed previous versions, this might be worth a couple of seconds to make sure you have launched the latest one.



Click Settings the Communication Port to make sure your configuration matches the COM Port the USB device is actually using and then you are off to the races!






Monday, January 5, 2015

Squelch Threshold Adjustments

Jim (KC9HI) writes on the Baofeng UV-5R Yahoo Group about making squelch threshold adjustments through a software change to the image file:
"This capability isn't available in CHIRP (yet).

I am working on it and wouldn't mind a few testers. 
The oldest radios must get the settings from firmware and can't be adjusted. My UV-5R with BFB231 firmware can't be adjusted. 
I first tried this out on a UV-82L with success. Then later on a GT-3. Earlier this week, I got to try it on my own UV-82 and BF-F8HP radios. The difference is amazing. I don't know why Baofeng ships these radios with the squelch so "broken"."
 And continues:
"Here is your .img file back with the updated squelch settings. Make sure you have a backup image before you get started. I now have a backup here. ;-) 
I believe that you will now find that Squelch 9 can really squelch out stronger stations and you will have to reduce squelch to 6 or maybe 5 for normal operation.
If you like these settings, don't upload any other image file into your radio or they will be reset to the values in that image file. If you don't like these settings, or that don't appear to do anything, then just upload your original image file and everything will be as is was before."
I'll be following this to see how it develops.

Monday, August 20, 2012

KG-UV920R: Programming from your PC

So the programming software for the KG-UV920R was uploaded to the Wouxun Yahoo Group. And it turns out that Wouxun has called the software: KG_UV920R Commander V0.1.0. Beta - Programming Software by Wouxun. Ed notes that Wouxun is aware they have appropriated the name "commander" that has been used by Jim for his popular KG-UV Commander software for quite some time.

I guess we should just be happy they didn't call it the Commander CHIRP programming software.

I also see you can get the USB programming cable on eBay now.


Updated after posting: VA3ISP has a fix for an import error when trying to use the software with an Excel file.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Puxing PX-888K: Follow-Up 2

Good things come to those who wait... Hans has completed his full review of the Puxing PX-888K. He's taken the original post and expanded on it. He still gives it a thumbs up:
"I like the Puxing PX-888K, but the radio is not without flaws. Phase noise is generally low, but the signal is not entirely clean. TX audio is muffled. The jacks for connecting programming cables and headsets can give you trouble later in time. Harmonic suppression is fine though, and the receiver is quite good. RX audio is brilliant – the most beautiful sounding audio to date. 
In spite of the price I can still recommend this radio, but using a good speaker/microphone is recommended."
Having never used one or even seen it in person, my contribution to the discuss of the PX-888K is: I like the green color. It has cool retro feel to it.

I did just check CHIRP again and did not seen other notes about adding support for the PX-888K.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Baofeng BF-F8HP:Unboxing

Here are a few obligatory unboxing pictures of the BF-F8HP (along with a few of the UV-82C in the group shots) from BaofengTech.

I've fired up CHIRP and have a few repeaters setup. So far, so good!













Reads "Baofeng"


Reads "U - V Antenna"


















Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Puxing PX-888K: Follow-Up

Hans previewed the Puxing PX-888K and I linked to his post. I even made fun of the fact that you could get a free shirt or jacket if you bought them in bulk. Some how I missed his follow-up of the actual review - Review Puxing PX-888K Part I - First Impressions. (No Part II yet, but he did mention the PX-888K in August when talking about the MYT-Q2.) Here are some key parts from his review:

Good build quality, nice features (like CTSS, DCS, DTMF, 1750 Hz burst tone, ANI), easy programming and "pleasant" receive audio, but "TX audio is still muffled, and the lack of highs makes your transmission hard to listen to."

The lone review by KD8DVR on eHam.net gives the PX-888K a thumbs up. He seems happier with the transmit audio - just comments it is a little "bassy." He's also posted a more detailed review on epinions.com. He specifically mentions that he has no trouble with the muffled audio that is common to Puxing. He does wish the battery life was better.

As with most Chinese radios, everyone is unhappy with the scanning speed.

The PX-888K has Part 90 acceptance - FCC ID: AUJPXDZ888K001. If you go to the FCC site, and search for AUJ in the Grantee Code  field, you can see the documents submitted for approval including pictures, manuals, etc.

Surprise - there is a Yahoo Group for the PX-888K! Only 77 members and 131 posts as of right now.

Current price is $80.00 with speaker mic at 409Shop. Or $89.95 at Kight Radio if you want a US dealer.

One update, there is still no CHIRP support, but it is on the list.

Here is the usual unboxing video courtesy of the 409Shop.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Baofeng Tech: UV-5X3 Tri-band HT

BaoFeng Tech has announced their new lasted HT... the UV-5X3 tri-bander (Amazon $64.89).
From the press release:
"First and foremost, the UV-5X3 was built by adding filtering and support for the 220MHz Amateur band. The original UV-5R was a 4-watt dual-band radio; while the UV-5X3 can now output 5-watts on VHF and 4-watts on both 1.25M and UHF. The UV-5X3 focused specifically on the amateur band frequencies of the 1.25M band during design. The UV-5X3 supports: 65-108MHz (RX only - FM Radio), 130-179.99MHz (RX/TX), 222-225.99MHz (RX/TX), and 400-520.99MHz (RX/TX)"
The announcement also talks about simplified scanning, the option to sync the display (channel name and frequency), CHIRP as the programming software, and more.



Saturday, May 31, 2014

Tiny 2M Receiver

I was running the other day while listening to my iPod and was wishing I had a 2M receiver in that form factor. I thought it would be nice to listen to have the option of listening to the repeaters. (Even a UV-3R would be too big for my ideal running companion.) My 6th generation iPod Nano uses the headphone wire as the antenna, but I prefer the physical buttons of my 2nd generation iPod Shuffle. Being able to easily start or stop a scan while on the move would be great. And while I am dreaming, I want to use CHIRP to load the repeater frequencies.

Anybody seen anything close to what I'm talking about? Am I the only one that would be interested in this sort of device?

(This reddit post got me thinking about this again. I think about lots of things while I run, but that's not the best time for me to record them for later.)

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Baofeng BF-T1 (BF-9100)

Some interesting stuff about the Baofeng BF-T1 that Ivan Hazelton shared* on the original BF-T1 post:
Good news! With the programming cable you can program this little rig with 20 channels 400-520MHz and 130-174MHz. Now be aware that the antenna is ... sub-optimal for the 130-174MHz so a suitable replacement will need to be MacGyvered. It'll be great to have a little, >$20, 4oz, disposable, dual band rig. It goes by another name BF-9100A, and the software to program it can be found here or direct linked here (.rar file).  The cable does use a fake PL-2303 serial chip, so you'll also need the drivers off the same page, or direct linked here (.rar file)
Direct link to BF-9100A/BF-T1 Manual (.doc).
Also, it has CHIRP support.

*I've done some editing so the links work.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Baofeng GT-3: Review by W9MDB

Mike (W9MDB) shares his thoughts on the GT-3 on a post to the UV-5R Yahoo Group:
"My observations so far. 
#1 Same poor performing antenna as what people refer to as the UV-5R "stock"antenna (it's the Baofeng UV-5R Logo antenna)
#2 Battery/charger is not compatible with UV-5R batteries at all - nomodification possible that I see
#3 Speaker sounds a lot better to my ear (I have some high frequency hearingloss and I hear more low freq on the GT-3)
#4 Had to trim my FTDI cable jack as the radio case around the jack is atouch deeper than the UV-5R so the top pin wasn't seating fully
#5 CHIRP speaks to it as a UV-5R
#6 Firmware is BFS311 and reports as BFB297 on power up so should be fullycompatible with UV-5R
#7 The GT-3 software has one more menu than the UV-5R for setting freq rangeotherwise it's identical that I see.
#8 The specifications in the manual are identical to the UV-5R.
#9 I'm seeing better FM performance on my UV-5R then the GT-3. Stationscoming in weaker on the GT-3 with both radios using identical Diamond RH771antennas. My experience contradicts Jerry's review.YMMV apparently.
#10 I'm questioning the weather resistance. I don't see a lot of differencefrom the UV-5R. The speaker grill is quite open and you can see the LEDlight through the microphone hole. The keys don't look like they are sealedto the case. I suppose they might've coated the board (haven't taken itapart yet to see)..that would be the only thing I can think of that mightmake it more water resistant than the UV-5R.manual/box says nothing aboutwater resistant.
Software available here if you want to try the Baofeng VIP software
http://www.radioddity.com/downloads
Mike W9MDB"

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Baofeng Tech: UV-50X3 Tri-band Mobile

Baofeng Tech follows up a big Amazon Prime day with the announcement of their new tri-band mobile: the BTECH UV-50X3. So let's get to it...

- It is on sale now for $339.
- It looks a lot like the Vero TelecomVR-6600P.
- 50 Watt TX on VHF/UHF
- 5 Watt TX on 220 MHz
- CHIRP compatible day 1
- VHF/UHF Crossband repeat
- Full duplex
- Separate head unit
- Separate volume, squelch, wide/narrow filters for each VFO
- 1000 Memory channels
- RX:
-- 5-1.71MHz (AM Radio)
-- 76-108MHz (FM Radio)
-- 108-135.995MHz (Air Band (AM))
-- 136-250MHz
-- 300-399.995MHz
-- 400-520MHz