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USB Cable and Programming Support
Having trouble getting your computer to recognize your programming cable? You are not alone. This is the most common and frustrating part of programming a new radio. This guide provides all the info you need to get your cable working.
Most issues come from two things: the cable's internal chipset and the driver that lets it talk to your computer. As licensed hams, we've fought this battle, too, which is why we now stock reliable, modern cables.
The "Easy Button": Our Verified Cable
Save yourself the headache. Many cheap, unbranded cables use counterfeit Prolific or older CH340 chips that are notoriously difficult to get working on Windows 10, 11, and macOS. We have sourced and verified our Retevis-branded K1 cables to use a modern, genuine Prolific chipset that is stable and reliable.
Buy Our Verified K1 CableThe Basic Programming Process (A High-Level Guide)
Once your driver is working, programming any radio follows the same 6-step process. Never try to write to a radio before reading from it first!
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1️⃣
Install Your Software Install your programming software (like CHIRP or the manufacturer's CPS) *before* plugging in the cable.
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2️⃣
Install the Correct Driver Use the links in the "Driver Downloads" section below. This is the most important step.
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3️⃣
Plug in Cable & Find Your COM Port Plug in your USB cable. Go to Device Manager in Windows and look under "Ports (COM & LPT)". You should see your cable listed with a port number (e.g., "Prolific USB-to-Serial (COM3)"). Note this COM port number.
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4️⃣
Read From Radio Open your software, select the correct COM port, and click "Read from Radio." This downloads the radio's current channels; save a backup file at this point.
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5️⃣
Make Your Changes In the software, add your repeater frequencies, channel names, and set your preferences.
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6️⃣
Write To Radio Once you are finished, click "Write to Radio" to upload your new file. Your radio is now programmed! (Be sure to save, but a different file name to not overwrite the original.
Driver & Software Downloads
99% of all cable problems are driver-related. Windows will often auto-install the wrong one, which you must manually fix in Device Manager. Here are the links you need.
- CHIRP Daily Build (Recommended Software): The best, free, open-source software for most ham radios. Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. We recommend the "Daily Build" for the newest radio support.
- Modern Prolific Driver (For Retevis Cables): The correct driver for our modern, verified Retevis cables. Works on Windows 10/11 and macOS.
- Legacy Prolific Driver (The "Fix"): The famous driver "fix" for most older or counterfeit Prolific cables that will not work on modern Windows.
- CH340/CH341 Driver: The correct driver for CH340/341 chip-based cables (the other common type).
A Final Note on Driver Support
As this is a free resource page, we cannot provide one-on-one technical support for troubleshooting third-party cables or software. There are too many hardware and software combinations. This guide contains all the driver links and information we have to help you. If you are still stuck, the simplest and fastest solution is to purchase our verified, modern K1 cable, or look to community support such as YouTube, Facebook, or other radio related forums. While we will never turn away an email request for help, we may not be able to efficiently support you.