Programming your Amatuer Radio doesn’t have to be a terrible experience, and having the right software can certainly help!
There’s a few things to keep in mind:
1) ALWAYS download from the radio first, save that file as the original config for that radio, then make a copy of that file.
Modify the copy to whatever you want, then upload that file to the radio.
Most softwares will force you to do things this way anyway, but it’s important to make sure you’re followinf that procedure.
2) It’s always a good idea to organize your files in a neat way so you can easily find them later when you need them. I have one folder for every radio, and inside of that, I name my file names as (radio make_Model – Plan Type – Location/region).
There’s a few things to have ready to go:
1) You’ll need the proper programming cable for your radio,
2) You’ll need the software (see below), and,
3) You’ll need a computer capable of running the software and allowing your radio to connect to it.
There’s plenty of software out there:
CHIRP: A long-time open source project, it’s come a very long way and is now quite robust.
Definitely good for all of the ‘Chinese radios’, most radios can be programmed with CHIRP, so it’s a goodplace to start.
Cost: Free
https://chirpmyradio.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home
G4HFQ software: A solid collection of programs for Yaesu Radios, this software is quite robust and capable.
Cost: Free (you’ll need to register using the website).
https://www.m0lxq.com/g4hfq/index.html
Kenwood software: For all the radios that Kenwood makes, they also offer free software for programming. Robust and capable, but often unclear in their inteface until you get used to it.
Cost: Free https://www.kenwood.com/i/products/info/amateur/software_download.html
ICOM Software: For most of their radios, ICOM offers some programming software.
Cost: Varies, mostly free.
https://www.icomjapan.com/support/firmware_driver/?class=4&open=1#download_result
RT Systems: A commercial outfit that makes their own software and cables, they’re a long-time go-to in the Ham Radio community.
So long as the software and cable work correctly out of the box, you’ll be fine, but I hope you don’t have to ask them for help; their tech support people are very rude and condescending.
Cost: Moderate to expensive, sometimes overpriced.
https://www.rtsystemsinc.com/
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