• Table of contents
• Baofeng UV5R / UV82 (and variants)
  • Common Errors
    • Error has Occurred, Could not open Com Port x
    • Run-time error 8020: Error reading from comm device.
    • Cannot Start (Code 10) in Windows 8
    • Support errors
    • Fail Connect with Transceiver (UV5R / UV82 series)
    • Store the file name in nullity
    • Cable without Echo Loopback
    • Driver Issues

Baofeng UV5R / UV82 (and variants)¶

This page provides general tips and troubleshooting for the Baofeng UV-5R, UV-82, and related radios (See Baofeng_UV5R_Variants). The UV-5R is the base model for a lot of variants, so this page will apply to many more people than just those with that specific badge on their radio. This information is a summarized version of the Miklor page on the subject. Go there for more detailed information

Common Errors¶

• Radio Did Not Respond
• Unable to Program
• Radio did Not Ack Programming Mode
• Radio did Not Ack first command
• Radio Radio refused to enter Programming Mode

This is a very common problem. Slightly offset audio jacks could be the problem. Make sure the connector is snapped in all the way. Some cables require a really hard push to snap in that last 1/16 inch. One indication is that the transmitter may be keyed. A slight trimming of the cable's plug side and edge may be required.

The GT3 and similar radios with optional case designs may require a slightly different approach to trimming the cable. The cable cannot seat properly, not because it is misaligned, but rather the ridge on the case may be protruding out too far.
The cable may still need to be trimmed, but from the cable tension area. Here is a Graphic and Possible Solution

Error has Occurred, Could not open Com Port x¶

Each USB slot is connected to a separate com port to avoid conflict. Changing your USB slot will change the com port number.
After making this change, you must unplug and replug your USB programming cable for the new com port number to be effective.

Run-time error 8020: Error reading from comm device.¶

Cannot Start (Code 10) in Windows 8¶

Error occurs if Prolific driver version is higher than v3.2.0.0
You need to Downgrade to v3.2.0.0

Support errors¶

• CHIRP does not support my (Model Radio)
• Radio Version Not Supported
• Failed to communicate with radio: global name 'vendors' is not defined

These messages are generated if you are running a much older version of CHIRP. You must upgrade to CHIRP's Latest Daily Build.

Fail Connect with Transceiver (UV5R / UV82 series)¶

This message is generated by the Factory Software. It can occur when:

1. (UV-5R) Incorrect software version for your firmware release. BFB290 and_prior, and BFB291_and_later require different software. They are not interchangeable.
2. Your radio is not turned ON when trying to program.
3. You are receiving a signal while trying to connect. (tune to a quiet channel or remove antenna.)
4. Your cable is not plugged in all the way. (See above)
5. This can also occur if other software is running on your PC that may be loading down the CPU. Close ALL unrelated software and try again.

Store the file name in nullity¶

Occurs when trying to save a data file using the Factory Software.
This error occurs when you don't have a valid filename for the file being saved. The filename entered MUST include the .dat suffix. filename.dat

Cable without Echo Loopback¶

This indicates that the RX and TX serial lines have not been connected together with a loopback device (a plug that connects the RX and TX lines of a serial port connector for testing) so the characters being sent on the TX line are not being echoed back on the RX line.

Driver Issues¶

Many of the inexpensive programming cables are not the bargain they appear.
Due to Prolific USB/Serial chip 'clones' found in generic USB programming cables, an older driver is required in lieu of the driver now automatically supplied by Windows. for more detailed information