OK, I figured this out.  A typical very stupid user error.  

The correct software is their BF-480 software.

Setup up the com port, pick BF-480 and the VHF or UHF frequency range you want.

Select Read from Radio.

Next, pops up the 'BAR' that we are used to seeing.  For old farts like me, I just sat their and stared at it.  For a LONG time.  Days, weeks.  :)

It never occurred to me to hit the OK button.  I did get pretty good at hitting the Cancel button though.  :)

Ok, head between legs.  

As you were.... Mike va3mw

On Sat, Dec 28, 2013 at 10:23 PM, Michael Walker <va3mw@portcredit.net> wrote:

Thanks John

I have seen that as well.  For the one that I get a Chinese Character set, I have been able to change to English.  The one program I think that can do it has Zero characters on it (english or chinese) and everything is replaced by a ???.

Again, I apologize for taking up the space on the Chirp reflector.

The best I can tell is that the actual program is called BF-480 based on what I found on 409Shoppe's site.

I know the port and the cable work as I can use the same cable and same port (FTDI) to read my UV-5R with Chirp.  I also know they aren't holding open the port as I do close down Chirp before testing.  I have even tried after a reboot with the BF-480 software being the first code used.  

My note to self will be to check the Chirp support hardware list first before ordering new hardware!  :)

Mike va3mw