the radios come programmed or needs to be program? comes's with the software and the usb Cable programmer?
1540567
Its just a simple radio its already programmed. You just choose the channel you want to be on. No software! No usb!
136534
You don't. The radio can be programmed with the keypad. Remember these radios aren't simple walkie talkies. You need an amateur radio license to legally use them.
1716045
I did also buy the software disc and wire thinking I would need it to program the private lines. I used the radios right out of the box and cannot hear anybody else on any of the channels unless I purposely open up the squelch. It turns out I did not need the software or wire.
678450
Software is built into the unit. When you plug into your usb port, the software loads.
2007585
There is software to program the radio. If you look at http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download you will find one of the best programs to use to program the radio.
121541
Easy with cable + CHIRP opensource software. More difficult if you use keypad plus cant set alphanumeric labels w/o software. Ive heard people bitch and moan about programming the uv-5r but i found it incredibly easy, just like the Technical ham radio test.
1852477
Yes the cable is included, you have to have your own transmitter, be sure its one of the models supported.... Great software.
1718244
I think a disk came with the radios to reprogram them with my laptop...might have be an "extra item to purchase" at the time of purchase. I have had mine quite awhile they work great have not had to program them. Hope that helps
1244006
They will work out of the box. But for full functionality you would need a programming cable and relevant software. Well worth getting if only for the voice scrambling facility. Great Radios
919642
Yes. I didn't need it to program tho. Just use cable. Radio. And free programming software
2222952
These Charge in charging stands, which are included. Make sure you get a programming cable, Too.These are nice radios, keep in mind, they are described as having The scrambler function...but all the latest production runs, do NOT. otherwise, the chargers work fine.
1022563
They are built in to the radio pick what you want to listen to and program it
572646
if you buy the programming cable also, or have one from other BAOFENG radios, then it is a good buy. without the cables you may be on illegal frequencies that are in ues by public service departments.
1840507
The computer interface cable is by far the easiest way to accomplish complete programming. That being said it is possible to program every option available on the radio via the buttons on the radio. It is not easy as some of the keys have to be held a certain amount of time to get the desired response. The frequency offset was the most difficult part for me to program.--good luck.
2002448
You can do it yourself. Or download it off the internet. But you need a programming cable. You can get that at radioshake.
121538
The "programming" is not the issue. Getting to the point where you understand the prerequisites is the issue. I strongly suggest that you get a copy of "The (Chinese) Radio Documentation Project" by Lennart Lidberg (the URL that I used is: http://radiodoc.github.com. Time spent in this document is an investment in your radio. After you understand the wiff and poof, programming the radio is duck soup. Good Luck, Have Fun.
390274
Yes. You can program the radios in simplex mode. With the transmit and receive as the same frequency.