PREPARATION

It is recommended to get familiar with the entire process before you begn.

You should not simply jump in and start playing with programming.

DISCLAIMER

I am not the author of the software program that I recommend here, nor am I an expert in programming software.  The software and procedure I describe here were used successfully to program several Baofeng and Wouxon Radios, but . . .  USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Preparation:

1. Purchase a good USB programming cable:
   • I  STRONGLY  recommend  that you purchase an ORIGINAL cable with either the Beofeng or Wouxon logo on it.  This will come with the necessary drivers and is highly likely to work.  Cheap "No Name" cables often lead to disaster.
   • See pictures in the GALLERY below.
2. Download the Programming Software:
   • Beofeng and Wouxon both offer free programming software.  They are available for download from their web sites.
     • I FAILED TO GET EITHER OF THESE PROGRAMS TO WORK!
   • Many people have successually used "KG-UV Commander", a 3rd party software for programming the Wouxon and Beofang.
     •  I FAILED TO GET KG-UV COMMANDER TO WORK!
   • My favorite (because it worked) is a free 3rd party software called "CHIRP".  This software has several advantages:  
     • First of all, it worked (which is huge)!
     • Second, it works equally well with both Beofeng and Wouxon handhelds, as well as several other brands of handhelds.  
     • Third, you can create one channel file, stored as a 'Comma Separated Value' file (CSV) and use the same file for programing radios of several different brands.  I programmed my Beofeng UV-5R and my Wouxon KG-UVD1P with the same file.
   • DOWNLOAD:  FREE CHIRP SOFTWARE 
3. Make a chart of all of the frequencies you plan to save into the channels of your radio.
   • Include all of the important data that you will need 
     • Channel Number
     • Channel Name
     • Frequency
     • All tone-related information (if applicable)
     • Offset for repeaters (if applicable)
     • See Example in the downloads below.

DOWNLOAD Sample Planning Chart (Excel & PDF):

IMPORTANT:  The chart shown in the two files above is for planning purposes ONLY.  This is not the file that will be used for uploading to the radio.

BTW, we do have a few repeaters in Germany using the 12.5 kHz step channels, but none are within working distance of my QTH, so I did not bother to program them into the radios.  These channels may be easily added at any time because the software enables you to insert channels anywhere you please.

GALLERY:  

Approximate Prices:

• Original Cables:  $15 to $20  (source ebay, September 2014)
• No-Name Clones:   $5 to $15  (source ebay, September 2014)

WARNING:  Do not shoot yourself in the foot by buying a cheap cable!

Software Installation  >