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Import the DMR caller database into your BTECH radio

Import the DMR caller database into your BTECH radio

What this lets you do

Use a current model-matched list, then write only the caller database.

The caller database turns a received numeric DMR ID into display information such as callsign, name, and location. It does not create the talkgroups your channels call, and it does not authenticate the person speaking.

Build or download the list for the exact radio capacity, keep the original CSV, import it into matching CPS, spot-check it, and select the Digital Contact List/database object when you write. Leave the working codeplug alone unless you intentionally changed it too.

Verified compatibility

Choose 200,000 or 500,000 records by radio—not by file size guesswork

DMR-6X2DMR-6X2 PRODA-7X2

Use the BTECH model-aware contact builder where possible. The protected screenshots below show older DMR-6X2/PRO-era tools and remain as visual history; current labels, providers, columns, and import screens can differ.

Model Verified procedure Required version Important difference
DMR-6X2 Import and write the compatible lookup database Current DMR-6X2 CPS Maximum 200,000 records.
DMR-6X2 PRO Import and write the compatible lookup database Current PRO CPS Maximum 500,000 records.
DA-7X2 Tool → Import → Digital Contact List; write the database object Current DA CPS Maximum 500,000 records; export this database separately from the .rdt codeplug backup.

Build, inspect, and import the list

  1. Choose the exact model and capacity

    Select DMR-6X2 for a 200,000-record list, or DMR-6X2 PRO/DA-7X2 for up to 500,000. Do not cut a full file at a random byte boundary.

  2. Keep the source CSV unchanged

    Save the download beside the dated codeplug backup. If you must transform columns, work on a copy and keep numeric IDs as numeric text without scientific notation.

  3. Import with the matching CPS

    Open the correct radio’s working file and use the Digital Contact List/database import tool. Large imports can take several minutes; wait for CPS to finish.

  4. Spot-check the beginning, middle, and end

    Check numeric ID, callsign, name, and location columns. Look for shifted columns, missing leading digits, broken accented characters, or a list that silently stopped early.

  5. Save before writing

    Save the working codeplug under a new dated filename even when only the separate database changed. That record helps you identify which database was paired with the codeplug.

  6. Write the database object deliberately

    Choose the Digital Contact List/database object. Select Other Data or the full codeplug only when you intentionally changed those areas too. Keep power and USB stable until CPS reports completion.

  7. Read back and receive a known ID

    Confirm the database is present, then receive a known DMR station and compare the displayed information with the source row. The record can still be stale; the goal is to prove the lookup works.

Protected original workflow screenshots

Legacy RadioID database dump page
Legacy step 1: obtain a DMR-ID dataset from a current trusted source.
Open full-size screenshot
Small protected legacy contact-list image
Protected legacy image retained from the original article.
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Legacy raw DMR caller CSV in a spreadsheet
Legacy step 2: inspect the raw CSV without changing the required column order.
Open full-size screenshot
Legacy formatted DMR caller contact CSV
Legacy step 3: a model-compatible list after the required field arrangement.
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Legacy CPS Digital Contact List before import
Legacy step 4: the caller database area before import.
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Legacy CPS Import dialog
Legacy step 5: choose the compatible CSV and wait for import to complete.
Open full-size screenshot
Legacy CPS Digital Contact List after import
Legacy step 6: spot-check records after import.
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Legacy Read or Write Objects dialog
Legacy step 7: write the caller database object deliberately.
Open full-size screenshot

Fix the symptom you can see

What happened Likely reason Next check
CPS rejects the CSV Wrong model format, changed headers, unsupported encoding, or shifted columns Download a fresh model-matched file and compare its headers before transforming anything.
Names and locations appear in the wrong fields A spreadsheet reordered columns or parsed commas incorrectly Return to the untouched CSV and use a tool that preserves standard UTF-8 comma-separated fields and quoting.
The import stops before the end The list exceeds the radio’s capacity or contains invalid rows Use the model-aware capacity and inspect the first rejected row instead of forcing a larger list.
Radio shows numbers after a successful write The database object was not written, the list lacks that ID, or the record format is incompatible Read back the database, test a known included ID, and verify the exact model selection.
Channels changed after updating names The full codeplug/Other Data was written unintentionally Restore the untouched codeplug backup, then repeat the database-only write with the matching CPS.

Official manuals, software, and next steps

Questions customers ask next

Is the caller database the same as Digital Contacts in my codeplug?

No. Codeplug contacts are call destinations used by channels and receive groups. The large caller database only adds display information for received numeric IDs.

Does a displayed name prove who is transmitting?

No. The database is convenience data and may be stale or user-supplied. Radio IDs and Talker Alias are not cryptographic identity proof.

How often should I update it?

Update when you need fresher display information, not every time you edit a channel. Keep the source/date so you know which list is installed.

Comments (4)

  • W1MTW Reply

    Any idea when the CPS will be changed to correct the header?

    February 8, 2023 at 9:23 am
  • Jaime villarruel Reply

    When will be for sale and where can I get one.

    February 16, 2023 at 1:30 pm
    • BTECH Radios Reply

      The DMR-6X2 and DMR-6X2 PRO are available for immediate purchase at: baofengtech.com/store

      February 16, 2023 at 1:31 pm
  • mrsstampone Reply

    I purchased this as a home scanner for work purposes but for listening only. I do not want to use it to transmit. I set everything up and added the frequency channel into the software and wrote it to the radio and there is no transmissions. I am not picking up anything. Where can I get assistance to get this to work? I read the manual multiple times and watched you tube videos but the videos are using them at walkie talkies which is not what I want. (work radios have been updated to DMR Motorola Connect Plus TRBO)

    February 18, 2023 at 2:12 pm

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