The various models of Baofeng handheld transceivers keep popping up everywhere. At prices less than $50, radio amateurs (including veterans and newbies) are scarfing up these radios. See my postings or check out PD0AC’s blog for more information.

Also very frequently, the new owner of such a radio finds that they cannot figure out how to program it. Of course, the solution is “use the programming software” which is often helpful (and often not). The really gnarly problem that usually surfaces is getting the programming cable to work.

Baofeng BF-T1 UHF single-band walkie-talkie, licensed for use, from 400 to 480 Mhz with 1 watt maximum.This set is sold unconfigured and requires the optional USB programming cable, to program the frequencies on BFT1.Comes with: 1 Baofeng BF-T1, 1 Li-ion 1500mAh battery, 1 Belt Clip, 1 Manual (English), 1 EU charger (100V - 240V), 1 headset, 1 strap.Range of walkie-talkie: 500m to 1km. This software is used for UV-5R III, F8+ III, UV-S9 Tri-band Radio Download: BF-888S: English: This software is used for BF-888S, BF-888S plus,BF-R5,BF-T99 Radio Download: UV-82: English: This software is used for UV-82, Misuta 82 Plus Radio Download: UV-3R+ English: This software is used for UV-3R+ Radio Download: UV-6R: English: This software. Baofeng Programming Software Freeware Rapid Sequencer Programming Software v.1 Rapid Sequencer Programming utility, which once developed, will expedite the development of PLC Sequencers (or Drums). Download and install USB cable driver software For Windows XP, 2000, Win98: usbXP2K09.exe 3,051,929 bytes ver. 04/29/12 For Windows Vista, Windows 7: Baofeng-Driver-Vista-Win7.exe 2,065,563 bytes ver. 00/00/12 Download all 3 Baofeng BF5R files into a directory on your PC BF5RCPS.CAB 2,523,748 bytes ver.

It appears that many of the cheap Baofeng USB programming cables use a clone of the Prolific PL-2303 chip that is not supported by the latest Windows driver. This Miklor web page does a good job of explaining the driver problem and giving some helpful advice. (Actually the Miklor site has tons of information on these radios, so check it out.) I’ll also note that the same cable can be used to program a Wouxun radio, so the same remedies apply. Using the info on the Miklor site allowed me to get my Baofeng/Wouxun cable working with my old Windows XP computer. When I bought a new notebook PC, it came with Windows 8 installed, which I later “upgraded” to Win 8.1. (I will spare you the sad story of dealing with Win 8 and 8.1) Anyway, I have not gotten the Baofeng cables to work on Win 8 or 8.1, even following the Miklor advice.

I started using the Chirp programming software, an open source application that supports a wide variety of radios. (I have found the supplied Baofeng and Wouxun software to be, uh, well, crapware. It can be made to work but it is a pain.) While the Chirp software is not bug free and is in perpetual beta, it basically works well and does a great job of supporting a wide range of radios. I noticed that the Chirp Cableguide recommends the use of programming cables with an FTDI USB chip. I found this one on Amazon for $19, a little more expensive than the cheapo cables but not bad. I plugged it into my Win8.1 computer and it started working immediately. I did not load any drivers, Windows actually did its job and took care of it for me. In minutes, I was programming a variety of Baofeng and Wouxun radios. Success!!!

My strong recommendation at this point is to use the Chirp software and get a FTDI-based programming cable. You will be a much happier Baofeng or Wouxun owner.

Baofeng 9100 Software English

73, Bob K0NR