Orders ship from the USA, Orders of $25 or more qualify for FREE Shipping in the USAHow to Import CHIRP Channels Between Radios
Move CHIRP channels between different radio models safely.
Do not clone a complete image from one radio model into another. Use CHIRP’s Import tool to move compatible channel rows into a fresh image downloaded from the destination radio.
Never upload another model’s complete .img file.
A UV-5R, UV-82, BF-F8HP, BF-F8HP PRO, and every other model can store settings differently. Cross-loading a full image—or even an image from a different firmware revision—can corrupt settings or make the radio unusable.
The correct CHIRP import workflow
Example: moving channel memories from a UV-5R into a UV-82. The same method applies to other CHIRP-supported source and destination radios.
Connect the destination radio
Choose the exact vendor and model in CHIRP, then use Radio → Download From Radio. This creates a new tab with the correct memory structure for the destination.
Save a clean recovery copy
Use File → Save As before changing anything. Keep that original image in a safe folder so you can restore the radio if needed.
Clear the destination channel rows if desired
Select only the channel-memory rows in the destination tab, then delete them. Do not replace radio-wide settings with settings from the old model.
Import the source image
In the destination tab choose File → Import, select “CHIRP Radio Images (*.img),” and open the source radio’s saved image.
Review CHIRP’s compatibility choices
Confirm the destination memory numbers, skip unsupported channels, and review frequency, offset, tone, mode, power, and scan-list behavior before accepting the import.
Upload only after reviewing
Save the new destination image under a new name. Then use Radio → Upload To Radio with stable power and the radio connected directly to the computer.
What CHIRP can—and cannot—translate
- Channel frequencies, offsets, tones, names, modes, and power levels can often be mapped.
- CHIRP may translate unmatched power levels to the closest supported option.
- Radio-wide menus, button assignments, zones, firmware features, and vendor-specific options may not transfer.
- Any channel outside the destination radio’s supported range will be disabled or must be removed.
Three checks before every upload
Exact model selected
“PRO,” “HP,” “V2,” and generation names are not interchangeable.
Correct cable and driver
A charging cable is not a programming cable. Avoid loose USB hubs during writing.
Legal channel plan
Importing a frequency does not make it legal for your radio, service, or license.
Why can’t I simply open the old image and upload it?
A complete CHIRP image contains model-specific configuration beyond the visible channel spreadsheet. Importing rows into a clean destination image lets CHIRP translate only compatible memory data.
Will high and low power settings transfer?
CHIRP attempts to map power levels to the closest level supported by the destination. For example, a source radio’s “High” may become “Mid” if that is the nearest equivalent. Review every imported channel.
Can I move channels between different firmware versions of the same radio?
Use the same safe workflow. Download a fresh image from the destination radio and import channel rows. Do not assume complete images are interchangeable across firmware revisions.
Where do I get the correct software for my BTECH or BaoFeng model?
Use the BTECH programming hub to choose your exact radio and see whether it uses a Bluetooth phone app, CHIRP, model-specific CPS, or a dedicated DMR/firmware repository.
Still choosing a cable or a more modern radio?
See the model-matched download hub first. If you want cable-free setup, compare current BTECH radios with Bluetooth phone programming.