Chirp and Chinese Handheld Radios

This is to support the discussions on CHIRP and Chinese Handhelds (mainly Baofeng/Pofung and
BTech radios) given at LIMARC on 10/11/2017 and LARK on 10/12/2017

Always make sure you are running the latest version of CHIRP

CHIRP:  http://chirp.danplanet.com/
     there are versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
     you will notice two Windows versions.  One is an installer. This is the easiest way to get going.

CHIRP uses databases from several sources:
     DMR MARC (I am investigating this further)
     Radio Reference (Subscription) Good for municipal and public service frequencies
     Repeaterbook (FREE repeater lookups)
     R-FINDER (From LI resident Bob, W2CYK). If you have paid for the iOS or Android APP
     przemienniki.net  for European repeaters

Programming cables are available from many sources.  Look for FTDI chipsets.  They are more reliable.  I have a universal programming cable kit from Retevis.  Here are a few similar ones for sale on Amazon: https://goo.gl/dKz5sP

The best source for info on Chinese HTs is Miklor.com  Here you'll find reviews and information.  Some of the most useful information here is the comparison of various Baofeng/Pofung radios so you can figure out the differences, and the USB driver troubleshooting guide.

The Tri-Band HT I had that looked like a UV-5R but is actually a B-Tech UV-5X3 is a great little radio.  Available here:  https://goo.gl/cre33a  Currently under $60 as of this writing, and available through PRIME next day shipping!

While you're looking at the '5X3, take a look at B-TECH's other offerings.  They have some interesting radios including the 8-Watt HTs, and some very interesting mobile radios too.

I am testing this tri-band antenna with it (It comes with two antennas stock. One for 2M/440 and one for 220):  https://goo.gl/mmrR81  Keep in mind that most of these radios use reverse SMA (or MALE SMA) connectors so they require an antenna with a FEMALE SMA.  I'll report back on my findings.

Other things that were discussed at the LARK meeting were SDR related:

     OPENWEBRX Project:  http://sdr.hu
     WEBSDR:  http://websdr.org
     Enhanced RTL-SDR Dongles:  https://www.rtl-sdr.com/buy-rtl-sdr-dvb-t-dongles/

Also, for the brave hearted.  Here is the Zastone radio (The Yaesu copy):  https://goo.gl/jCUo4U