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Written by: Aaron Jones K6ABJ

Programming Amateur Radios: A Beginner’s Guide

This guide explains the basics of programming amateur radios. It covers common settings and terms but does not provide step‑by‑step instructions for every radio model. Always consult your radio’s user manual for details.

For programming software:

  • RT Systems is recommended for Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Anytone, and Alinco radios.

  • Free CHIRP software found on the web using a Google search works well for inexpensive Chinese radios (e.g., Baofeng), but using it with premium brands can permanently damage your radio. Whenever available, choose RT Systems over CHIRP.

This guide assumes you are using RT Systems, though the concepts also apply to CHIRP or manual keypad programming.

 

Step 1: Back Up Your Radio

Before making changes, save a backup of your current settings. In RT Systems, use Communications → Get Data From Radio.

  • With RT Systems cables, you usually don’t need to set the COM port; the software will recognize the cable you plugged in.

  • With CHIRP or other cables, you may need to configure the COM port to manually tell the software what cable to use.

Setting COM ports is beyond the scope of this article.

 

Programming a Simplex Frequency

Simplex allows direct radio‑to‑radio communication without a repeater.

  1. In Channel 1, enter the Receive Frequency (e.g., 146.520).

  2. Set Offset Direction to Simplex. The software will match the transmit frequency and clear the offset field.

  3. Add a short Name (e.g., “Ntnl Call”) to identify the channel.

  4. Set Tone Mode to None.

 

Programming a Repeater

Repeaters require three pieces of information: frequency, offset, and tone. Example: 146.985 (minus), PL 123.00.

  1. In Channel 2, enter the Receive Frequency.

  2. Set the Offset Direction to Minus or Plus. The software will automatically calculate the offset (usually 600 kHz for 2m or 5 MHz for 70cm). It then computes the Transmit Frequency by adding or subtracting the offset.

    • Rarely, a repeater may use an unusual offset. In that case, manually enter the transmit frequency, and the software will adjust the offset fields.

  3. Add a descriptive Name (e.g., “K6SAC Capital”).

  4. Enter the required CTCSS/PL Tone (e.g., 123.00 Hz). The terms CTCSS and PL mean the same thing. This sub‑audible tone allows the repeater to recognize your signal.

  5. Set Tone Mode to Tone. This ensures your radio transmits the CTCSS tone whenever you press the Push To Talk (PTT) button.

Without the correct tone or tone mode, the repeater will not retransmit your signal.

Note: Some repeaters use DCS codes instead of CTCSS tones. These serve a similar purposes, though DCS is less common.

 

Save & Send Your Code Plug

Once programmed, save your file (called a Code Plug) to your computer. Then, under Communications → Send Data To Radio, upload it to your radio.

 

Verifying Your Programming

To confirm your settings:

  • Press the Push To Talk (PTT) button, identify with your call sign, and ask for a signal report.

  • If you hear brief static after releasing the PTT button (a Squelch Tail), you can know you programmed your radio correctly..

  • Avoid “ker‑chunking” (pressing PTT without speaking and saying your call sign). It’s rude and violates FCC rules.

For reliable contacts, join Scheduled Nets—which are organized on‑air meetups at specific times and repeaters. Nets usually begin with member check‑ins, followed by guest check‑ins. Most nets welcome all licensed operators, and will add you to their list of members if you want to check into the net on a regular basis.

 

Final Thoughts

Programming radios may seem technical at first, but once you understand simplex and repeater settings, it becomes straightforward. Back up your data, use the right software, and practice listening and talking on the air. Most importantly—get on the air, experiment, and enjoy the hobby!