Baofeng BF-888S programming

GW7MGW · Dec 14, 2018

I down loaded two bits of software to program the Baofeng BF-888S I started with the dedicated software, on reading frequencies it said VHF but showed UHF frequencies on trying to alter I had to change the band to UHF4 [400-470 Mhz] which auto wiped what was on it, so I entered correct frequencies however on writing the radio did a Chinese announcement and sounded a tone.

So I tried CHIRP this did allow me to write the correct frequencies, however the announcement is in Chinese so I returned to the dedicated software, it will read, but not write. So can't find how to get it back to English.

GW7MGW · Dec 15, 2018

I have found it does write to radio with the HKT-480 program, but it is selective in what it writes. So clear radio and then read to show cleared which it has, load up saved parameters and re-write to radio, the frequencies have been written to radio but still in Chinese language.

RaleighGuy · Dec 15, 2018

GW7MGW said:
I down loaded two bits of software to program the Baofeng BF-888S I started with the dedicated software, on reading frequencies it said VHF but showed UHF frequencies on trying to alter I had to change the band to UHF4 [400-470 Mhz] which auto wiped what was on it, so I entered correct frequencies however on writing the radio did a Chinese announcement and sounded a tone.

So I tried CHIRP this did allow me to write the correct frequencies, however the announcement is in Chinese so I returned to the dedicated software, it will read, but not write. So can't find how to get it back to English.

Using current version of Chirp, load the 888 from the radio, on the left side of the screen you'll see a tab for settings, click on that. The first choice in basic settings is to enable voice, the second lets you choose English or Chinese.

GW7MGW · Dec 18, 2018

I have tried looking at settings in Chirp, there are no options given, just a blank window. With the HKT-480 Radio Program SoftWare 888 I can save settings, then clear radio, test it is in fact cleared, the load up saved settings, alter to English and up load to radio, it will upload all frequencies but not change language.

I think what I need is saved settings from some one else's radio and try loading them in?

Also some times it goes to transmit without touching PTT.

KK4JUG · Dec 18, 2018

What frequencies are you trying to enter? If I remember correctly, the 888s are UHF only.

RaleighGuy · Dec 18, 2018

GW7MGW said:
I have tried looking at settings in Chirp, there are no options given, just a blank window.

I think what I need is saved settings from some one else's radio and try loading them in?

Also some times it goes to transmit without touching PTT.

The tx issue sounds like a problem with the radio, not the software.

Send me a pm and we will figure out how to get my code plug from chirp to you.

GW7MGW · Dec 18, 2018

I have been trying to enter the PMR446 group of frequencies, I also tried other 70 cm frequencies, took them out to try today, had to switch them off, as they would without touching them start to transmit. The idea was to keep in touch with my wife while on out push bikes. So I can simply say stop please my chains come off etc. Can use phone in most places, but one has to stop to answer it.

GW7MGW · Dec 19, 2018

Thank you to N1GAW I got the file and uploaded to radios, untouched, then switched off and on, still in Chinese and downloading from radios found frequencies had changed to those on your file, but nothing showing where you had all the language settings, and still radios from time to time, go into transmit without touching the PTT and with nothing plugged in, seems these radios are useless, I have it seems bought faulty radios, the Chinese I could live with, auto transmitting I can't.

khaytsus · Dec 20, 2018

You've just turned vox on... Look in the settings again.

GW7MGW · Dec 22, 2018

You are correct vox is on, however un-tick and write to radio, the read again, and it is ticked, can't turn it off. In CHIRP it is in settings which it will not show. So yes that is reason why it goes to transmit, but can't turn off I will try with head set, maybe less sensitive? I have also tried changing gain for VOX what ever I do stays at 5. I tried changing the file NIGAW sent me to my frequancies and English with VOX off and it changes frequancies but VOX stays on and language stuck in Chinese.

khaytsus · Dec 22, 2018

GW7MGW said:
You are correct vox is on, however un-tick and write to radio, the read again, and it is ticked, can't turn it off. In CHIRP it is in settings which it will not show. So yes that is reason why it goes to transmit, but can't turn off I will try with head set, maybe less sensitive? I have also tried changing gain for VOX what ever I do stays at 5. I tried changing the file NIGAW sent me to my frequancies and English with VOX off and it changes frequancies but VOX stays on and language stuck in Chinese.

You must have some really oddball 888 device. Mine all work just fine. Have you tried turning off VOX on the radio? Set the radio to channel 1, hold the PTT and MONI buttons and turn it on. That should toggle VOX on or off.

And for english/chinese, same thing but on channel 15.

jaspence · Dec 22, 2018

Deleted

cmdrwill · Dec 23, 2018

Those radios are not aproved or certified for PMR446 use.

KK4JUG · Dec 23, 2018

I looked at a pair of my friend's 888s and I can't see where they're approved for anything. The OP may have some paperweights now.

(In defense of my friend, he bought a pair when they first came out and had to dig down into the bottom of a box to find them.)

khaytsus · Dec 23, 2018

KK4JUG said:
I looked at a pair of my friend's 888s and I can't see where they're approved for anything. The OP may have some paperweights now.

(In defense of my friend, he bought a pair when they first came out and had to dig down into the bottom of a box to find them.)

They're FINE for ham use. No, they shouldn't be used for other services. Everyone always has to dredge that up as if nobody knows that.

GW7MGW · Dec 23, 2018

khaytsus said:
You must have some really oddball 888 device. Mine all work just fine. Have you tried turning off VOX on the radio? Set the radio to channel 1, hold the PTT and MONI buttons and turn it on. That should toggle VOX on or off.

And for english/chinese, same thing but on channel 15.

Spot on, radios now usable, at last I can use the local repeater again, 73 GW7MGW, ex VP8BKM and VR2ZEP.

P.S. Did upload with HKT-480 Radio Program SoftWare and it confirms VOX is now off, and English voice. Are there any other radio short cuts?

KK4JUG · Dec 23, 2018

Okay, I take back all the bad stuff I said. There's a whole different set of rules because I just noticed you're on the other side of the pond.

khaytsus · Dec 23, 2018

GW7MGW said:
Spot on, radios now usable, at last I can use the local repeater again, 73 GW7MGW, ex VP8BKM and VR2ZEP.

P.S. Did upload with HKT-480 Radio Program SoftWare and it confirms VOX is now off, and English voice. Are there any other radio short cuts?

BF888 BF888S User Manual - Miklor

A few, but those are the most useful ones.. Maybe the scan one, if you want to use a scan function.

GW7MGW · Dec 24, 2018

Thank you, just found user manual under the plastic tray in box they came in, and KK4JUG not permitted in UK for transmitting on PMR446 group of frequencies, technically it needs the correct label, however nothing to stop
listening to the genuine PMR446 radios the grand children have, and unlike the genuine radios I can also talk on repeater with same radio.

I don't know what the low power is, don't have adapters to use the VSWR meter so could be over the 500 mW limit, but even if it is, it would not be far over limit, so I would not expect our authorities to really be worried about not having the required label.

KK4JUG · Dec 24, 2018

GW7MGW said:
Thank you, just found user manual under the plastic tray in box they came in, and KK4JUG not permitted in UK for transmitting on PMR446 group of frequencies, technically it needs the correct label, however nothing to stop
listening to the genuine PMR446 radios the grand children have, and unlike the genuine radios I can also talk on repeater with same radio.

I don't know what the low power is, don't have adapters to use the VSWR meter so could be over the 500 mW limit, but even if it is, it would not be far over limit, so I would not expect our authorities to really be worried about not having the required label.

That's fine. When I noticed you were in the United Kingdom, I bowed out because I'm not familiar with the laws there and I certainly don't have a dog in that fight.

Baofeng BF-888S programming

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