January 2020 - Users - lists.chirpmyradio.com

[chirp_users] Image Files
by Kenneth Strom VA3KRS 20 Jan '20

20 Jan '20

Now that we are on the subject of Image files... I was just programming a brand new Retevis RT3 GPS (TYT MD-380 G) and somehow it bricked up. As I had saved the "fresh new out of the box" Image file I simply resent it to the radio and...reset the radio to Factory specs in mere seconds. BTW this is the only Reset procedure for all DMR radios, no pressing this and that button nor any Menu settings. Still it also works on any radio regardless. Now you know why I cannot emphasize enough saving the original Factory Image file. If by chance you never had one, you can also use the stock blank file from the original Factory (CPS) software and send it to the radio. Then of course, save and label it. Program with CHIRP afterwards and again, always remember to save your new files. If you have to do a Firmware Update, first download the correct software from the Manufactures' Website and check for installation instructions on YouTube. This rarely will you find on the OEM Website or in your Owner's Manual. And again, save this new Image file and label it. There are some Manufacturers' that do not supply any OEM programming software. Sadly, Yaesu comes to mind. Then just simply use the CHIRP or RT Systems software Image file you created. Kenneth Strom VA3KRS

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[chirp_users] Image File
by Dennis Wage 20 Jan '20

20 Jan '20

Lot's of talk about the "Image" .img file. I'd like to get clear on this. The image file is NOT a complete picture of the software on your radio, correct? It is simply a backup of what Chirp can edit (change from default). So downloading from your "out of the box" radio and saving an image file is only to restore the Chirp editable menu settings and the memories back to the settings that came from the factory. As I understand it, Chirp can however upload bad data to the radio, (caused by erroneous user input) that is outside the range of the particular field item it was entered into, and can brick or lock the radio. This image file can fix this, and this only. Do I understand what Chirp image files are? Dennis M. Wage (W9BOQ) 245 Corum Hill Road Castalian Springs, TN 37031 (615) 310-4242 Cell (615) 562-5128 Home http://hammondb3organ.net http://overdubs.net

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Re: [chirp_users] Programming Baofeng UV-5R
by Kenneth Strom VA3KRS 19 Jan '20

19 Jan '20

To start with there are many variations of this popular radio. Check the model number first and go from there. Do NOT ever try to program this radio with the wrong variation programming software. If it is in fact the basic "bare-bones" Baofeng UV-5R, there are 2 variations, Old and New. This can be checked easily. You will have to perform a Firmware test on the radio. Even if it is "new" it may be in fact old stock lying around for years or an old radio. Go to Miklor to check on the radio's firmware version before you proceed. This is very important. The wrong software will brick up the radio. https://www.miklor.com/uv5r/UV5R-FWRelease.php Then you can proceed to program the radio. Like all radios, you must first get an "Image" file from the radio, and then you can program it as you please. Also, this "Image" file will be needed to reset the radio should it ever "Brick" up on you. Just Factory reset the radio and resend this Image file to the radio and all should be okay. In other words you resurrected the dead. NEVER should you buy a radio, take it out of the box and start playing with it. This probably will mess it up internally. ALWAYS first get that "Image" file and THEN program it. This will save you a lot of grief later if the radio acts up. BTW, I have worked commercially on many radios over the past 40 years, mainly Midlands & Motorolas and cannot overemphasize the importance of saving this "Image" file. It is particular to that radio alone only and not the one sitting next to it. Also, if perhaps you have several of the same model radio, save the "Image" file labelled with its' last 4 digits serial number, e.g.: UV5R_XXXX1234.img Then you will know it came from that particular radio. This believe me will save your radio from being a "Brick" or cute-looking paperweight. Note all these recommendations work with all radio Models & Makes, Amateur & Commercial. Kenneth Strom VA3KRS P.S. Cheers to the over-worked Staff at CHIRP who do a tireless job at writing these endless programming files out. Everyday it seems to be a new radio and new model out, mostly tireless variations of one or the other. Regarding DMR radios, most if not all models have very individual programming issues which is why you never see any common software. Even RT Systems keeps postponing any DMR releases due to this. Very few models can even import CSV files, so all mostly are manual programming and DO NOT make any slight errors or the radio simply does not work. Make sure you download the correct Factory programming software for the radio, any Firmware updates, cable USB drivers before you even start playing with its' buttons. If by accident you do then you will have to do a Factory reset before you can even save the Image file. A simple Factory Reset will cure some evils, however that Image file will save that radio. Have a great 2020 to CHIRP and all your Subscribers.

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[chirp_users] Delete old messages
by Tom 19 Jan '20

19 Jan '20

It was help greatly if you all would delete the old messages attached to your new one. Those people who get digested messages have to scroll through tall of the old junk to get to the next message. Thank you all.

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[chirp_users] Memory name changes as it moves doing Ctrl-Up
by Rex Theobald 19 Jan '20

19 Jan '20

I've just joined this email list and I don't see a way to search previous posts, so forgive me if this is a duplicate. Is anyone else having trouble because of the problem that I described here: https://chirp.danplanet.com/issues/7027 ? This makes the 'move' function very hard to use because you have to watch as you move the item and be prepared to correct any errors that it commits as it moves. Thanks, Rex

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[chirp_users] Chirp and DM-5R Programming
by IT1 Stuart Blake Tener, USNR 18 Jan '20

18 Jan '20

John, et alia: Thank you for the information, I ordered a new cable on eBay tonight, I hope it works (this auction mentioned ONLY the DM-5R, so I hope it is correct). Thanks to everyone for their replies. 73, Stuart, N3GWG

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[chirp_users] Image *.img files
by Kenneth Strom VA3KRS 18 Jan '20

18 Jan '20

A radio "Image" file is the file you get when download from any radio. You should always download this Image file from every new radio before you play with it. An older radio, say you just bought you should always first read the Owner's manual and do a complete "Factory Reset" before downloading and saving this file. This will remove the previous owner's settings. Label it so and then go ahead write out your new file from it. Go ahead and "send to radio" again saving the new file renaming it as a new filename your choice. You will have now your original Factory Image file for backup and of course, your new frequencies file which you can pull up at will: edit/add/remove frequencies, etc.. Never lose that original Factory Image file. Radios have many Settings, most are fine left alone Factory default. The more complex radios such as DMR/DStar/C4FM/P25/NXDN have many more settings that have to be altered to work specific repeaters, Groups even to make the radio work at all. If you are not sure what a specific setting is, look it up first in the Owner's manual and/or the Internet before you change it. A great way to learn the more Advanced Technical sides of all radios. Kenneth Strom VA3KRS

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[chirp_users] Icom 2730A
by Dave Frick-Wright 18 Jan '20

18 Jan '20

I have been having trouble with getting my 2730 to accept an upload to the radio from CHIRP. I can download just fine, but when uploading back to the radio it hangs, and does a full reset of the radio. I am using a MacBook Air running 10.14.6 . I have tried several different daily builds of CHIRP with no luck. Any ideas? By the way, everything works when I use PC running Windows 10. -- Dave Frick-Wright Milwaukie, OR KJ7DTT

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Re: [chirp_users] programming baofeng uv-5r with chirp
by Amnon Zohar 16 Jan '20

16 Jan '20

On older uv-5r the default range for vhf was 136-174. Now some show 130-179! Does older models support shorter range or is it just different default settings and all support 130-179(or more?)

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Re: [chirp_users] Chirp and DM-5R Programming
by IT1 Stuart Blake Tener, USNR 14 Jan '20

14 Jan '20

John, et alia: Well, I do understand Chirp not supporting DMR radios. I mean, obviously it could but if it does not, so be it. However, your comment about DM-5R radios using a different Baofeng cable is quite interesting! How can I tell (other than just seeing it does not read the radio) if a potential Beofeng cable is the proper one for a DM-5R (say I see it at a hamfest)? I'm on my 4th or 5th Beofeng cable I've purchased and still have none to program this radio! Can I make one? Where can I get one? Thanks in advance! 73, Stuart, N3GWG

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