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Programming with CHIRP

This page explains how to use CHIRP with the dedicated driver included with each firmware release.

[!WARNING] Use the CHIRP driver from the same firmware release as the one installed on your radio. Do not use Quansheng CPS. Do not use a generic UV-K5 driver or a driver from another firmware release.

Compatibility

The dedicated v6.1.0 driver supports every official v6.1.0 edition on:

It is not for:

Because this firmware uses its own memory and settings layout, another driver can read or write the wrong data. Always match the driver version to the firmware version, even when moving between official editions.

Do not assume that the older v6.0.0 driver is interchangeable with the v6.1.0 driver.

Before you start

[!NOTE] CHIRP may show this driver as experimental. That is expected.

Upgrading to v6.1.0

Before updating from an earlier firmware generation:

  1. Download the radio with the driver matching the currently installed firmware.
  2. Save that image and optionally export the memory channels to CSV.
  3. Back up the radio calibration with UV Studio.
  4. Flash the chosen v6.1.0 edition.
  5. If required by the version you are migrating from, enter the hidden menu and perform RESET ALL.
  6. Load the dedicated v6.1.0 CHIRP driver and download a fresh image from the updated radio.
  7. Copy and paste the old channels into that fresh image, then upload it.

[!WARNING] Do not directly import an old CSV over the complete new radio image. Copy and paste the channel rows into a freshly downloaded image so the new version’s settings layout remains intact.

Load the dedicated driver in CHIRP

  1. Open CHIRP.
  2. If File > Load Module... is not available, enable CHIRP Help > Developer Mode features first (Help menu), then restart CHIRP.

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  1. Use File > Load Module... and select the f4hwn.fusion.chirp...py file included with the firmware release.
  2. Once the module is loaded, CHIRP should offer the UV-K1 & UV-K5 V3 (F4HWN Fusion) model entry.

[!NOTE] The module filename and CHIRP model label retain the historical Fusion name. The v6.1.0 module is nevertheless the shared driver for all four official editions.

Download from the radio

  1. Turn the radio on.
  2. Connect the radio with either a compatible USB-C cable or a compatible double-jack programming cable on the mic/spkr connector.
  3. Make sure the connector is firmly inserted.
  4. In CHIRP, choose Radio > Download From Radio...
  5. Select the correct serial port.
  6. Select Vendor: Quansheng.
  7. Select Model: UV-K1 & UV-K5 V3 (F4HWN Fusion).
  8. Start the download and wait until the radio image has been fully read.

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[!TIP] If communication fails, disconnect the cable, turn the radio on first, then reconnect the cable. The dedicated driver warns that some setups may fail if the radio was powered on with the cable already attached.

Show the extra fields

After the download, enable View > Show Extra Fields in CHIRP (View menu).

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This is important because the dedicated driver exposes several channel-specific fields through the Extra group. Without Show Extra Fields, some firmware-specific parameters remain hidden in the channel editor.

Typical examples include:

Edit and upload

You can then edit memories, names, and the supported settings.

When you are ready:

  1. Review your changes.
  2. In CHIRP, choose Radio > Upload To Radio...
  3. Use the same port, vendor, and model.
  4. Wait until the upload is fully complete before touching the cable or turning the radio off.

[!WARNING] Leave calibration-related or advanced items alone unless you know exactly what they do.

Beacon identification

The independent Beacon application uses the CHIRP Message Line 1 setting as its callsign. The dedicated driver accepts up to 12 characters in this field.

When Beacon transmits in CALL mode, the firmware converts letters to uppercase, keeps letters, digits, and /, removes unsupported characters, and appends ` MOE. If the resulting callsign is empty, it transmits MOE`.

After changing Message Line 1, upload the settings to the radio before starting Beacon. See Beacon for transmission behavior and safety information.

Good practice

If something looks wrong

Check these points:

  1. the radio is really a UV-K1 or UV-K5 V3
  2. the radio runs the expected F4HWN version and edition
  3. CHIRP loaded the driver from that same release, not another UV-K5 module
  4. the cable is fully inserted
  5. the selected serial port is the correct one