How-To CSV Import Channels for the GMRS-PRO & UV-PRO

This is a comprehensive tutorial that walks you through creating, importing, and exporting channel lists for both the GMRS-PRO and UV-PRO radios. These steps are valid for the radios’ companion apps on iOS and Android.

Overview

Both the GMRS-PRO and UV-PRO share a similar firmware foundation and mobile app interface, making the channel-import process nearly identical. Here are the main differences:

• GMRS-PRO
  • Focused on FRS/GMRS frequencies (462–467 MHz)
  • Anything outside the core GMRS range must be configured as “RX Only”
• UV-PRO
  • Supports transmit (TX/RX) in these bands:
    • VHF: 136–174 MHz
    • UHF: 400–520 MHz
  • Receive-only on:
    • AM aeronautical band (108–136 MHz)
    • FM broadcast band (88–108 MHz)
    • 350–520 MHz (for extended receive coverage)

Important: Both radios have 30 channels max per channel group (firmware limit as of now).

Setting Up Your CSV File

Before you open the app, you’ll need a correctly formatted CSV file. You can find a sample CSV file here. If you’re making your own from scratch, follow these guidelines:

1. Frequency Columns
   1. Use integer format, no decimal.
   2. For example: 147015000 instead of 147.015 (this represents 147.015 MHz).
2. CTCSS/DCS Columns (tx_sub_audio, rx_sub_audio)
   1. CTCSS: Enter as a five-digit integer for standard tones.
      1. Example: 15140 for 151.4 Hz.
   2. DCS: Enter as DCS xxxN or DCS xxxI.
      1. xxx = DCS code (e.g., 023, 114, 311, etc.).
      2. N = Normal polarity, I = Inverted.
   3. TX Power
      1. “H” (High) or “L” (Low).
   4. Bandwidth
      1. Often 25000 (25 kHz wide) or 12500 (12.5 kHz narrow).
   5. Scan Field
      1. 0 = OFF, 1 = ON.
      2. If set to 1, that channel will be scanned when “Scan” mode is enabled.
   6. Other Columns (sign, tx_dis, mute, etc.)
      1. •0 = OFF, 1 = ON.
3. Follow the sample CSV to keep the same header names and column order.

Note: The app may reject CSVs that have extra/unrecognized columns. Match your CSV fields to the sample template.

Using the App to Import Channels – Access “Channel & Groups” or “Channel Groups”

1. Open the Radio App
   1. Pair/connect your radio via Bluetooth.
2. Tap the Gear Icon or Settings in the top-right corner of the channel list.
3. Select “Channel & Groups” (or “Channel Groups”).
   1. You’ll see options for:
      1. Import From File
      2. Import Device Channels
      3. Switch Device Channel Group
      4. Channel Group 1 (or any existing groups)
4. Choose “Import From File”
   1. This opens your device’s file browser.
5. Navigate to Your CSV File and select it.
   1. The app will parse the file. If there’s a formatting issue, you’ll see an error.
6. Verify Channel Preview
   1. After a successful import, the app should display the channels (frequency, name, CTCSS/DCS, etc.).

Switching Channel Groups on Your Radio

1. Still in the “Channel Groups” Menu: Look for “Switch Device Channel Group.”
2. Tap the Desired Group you want active on your radio.
3. Confirm. The radio’s main channel screen (home screen) should now display the channels from that group.

Testing & Troubleshooting

1. Check Your Frequencies
   1. Make sure your CSV used the correct integer format (e.g., 147015000 for 147.015 MHz).
2. Verify CTCSS/DCS
   1. A mismatch here can block reception or cause interferences.
3. Squelch Settings
   1. If you’re not hearing audio on a channel, you might need to adjust the squelch (in the app’s “Settings” > “Squelch Level”).
4. Firmware Version
   1. Ensure your firmware is up to date (displayed in “Settings” > “Firmware Version”). Older firmware may not support all CSV features.
5. Group Channel Limit
   1. If you only see 30 channels, and your CSV had 50, the radio might have imported only the first 30. Create additional groups to accommodate more.

Congratulations! You’re now equipped to create your own channel lists in a CSV file, import them into the GMRS-PRO or UV-PRO, and organize them into channel groups. Whether you’re adding a receive only channel, GMRS repeaters, or VHF/UHF ham channels (on the UV-PRO), this flexible import/export feature makes it quick to manage your entire frequency lineup.