Step-by-step guide: Save your handheld radio’s factory setup (before you change anything)

This workflow is written to work for most handhelds (ham or GMRS) whether you use manufacturer CPS or CHIRP. The goal is simple: create a “known-good” factory backup you can always restore.

What you need

  • The handheld radio (fresh out of the box if possible)
  • A compatible programming cable (OEM is safest; good-quality aftermarket is fine)
  • A Windows/Mac/Linux computer (whatever your programming software supports)
  • Programming software:
    • Manufacturer CPS (preferred for the first backup), or
    • CHIRP (if supported for your model)

Part 1 — Prep and safety checks

Step 1: Do not edit anything yet

  • Do not start changing channels from the keypad.
  • Do not “initialize,” “reset,” or “write” anything from software.

Step 2: Charge the battery or use external power

  • Ensure the radio battery is well charged (ideally >50–70%).
  • If your model supports external power, use it.

Step 3: Identify the exact radio model and firmware (if available)

  • Note the radio’s exact model name (including “Pro,” “Plus,” “V2,” etc.).
  • If the radio menu shows firmware version, write it down.

This matters because a “close” model is sometimes not close enough in CPS/CHIRP.

Part 2 — Cable and driver setup (most common failure point)

Step 4: Install the cable driver (only if required)

Many programming cables use one of these USB-to-serial chips:

  • CH340/CH341
  • CP210x
  • FTDI

How to confirm (Windows):

  • Plug in the cable (do not connect to radio yet)
  • Open Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)
  • You should see a COM port appear (example: COM3)

If you see “Unknown device” or no COM port, you need the driver for that chipset.

Step 5: Confirm the COM port

  • Note the COM port number (Windows), or
  • Note the device path (Mac/Linux often looks like /dev/tty.usbserial… or /dev/ttyUSB0)

Part 3 — Make the factory backup (Manufacturer CPS method)

This is the best first choice when available.

Step 6: Connect the cable correctly

  • Turn the radio OFF
  • Connect the programming cable to the radio firmly (some need a strong push; some use a side accessory port)
  • Connect USB to the computer
  • Turn the radio ON (unless the CPS specifically says to power on after clicking “Read”)

Step 7: Open CPS and select the correct model

  • Launch the manufacturer CPS
  • Ensure the exact model is selected (some CPS packages support multiple variants)

Step 8: Set the correct COM port

  • In CPS, go to Settings / Communication / Port
  • Select the COM port you identified earlier

Step 9: READ the radio (not Write)

  • Choose Read from Radio (wording varies: “Read,” “Download,” “Read Data”)
  • Wait for completion
  • If it fails:
    • Re-seat the cable at the radio
    • Confirm COM port
    • Try a different USB port
    • Verify the radio is powered on
    • Close CPS, reopen, try again

Step 10: Save the factory file immediately (before edits)

Use a strict file naming convention. Examples:

  • Factory_<Brand>_<Model>_<SerialIfKnown>_<YYYY-MM-DD>.dat
  • Factory_Radioddity_GM-30Pro_2026-01-13.rdt
  • Factory_Anytone_878UVIIPlus_2026-01-13.rdt

Also create a folder structure like:

  • RadioBackups/<Brand>/<Model>/Factory/
  • RadioBackups/<Brand>/<Model>/Working/

Step 11: Export/print settings summary (optional but recommended)

If CPS allows:

  • Export a CSV/channel list
  • Print a configuration summary
    This gives you a human-readable reference even if software changes later.

Part 4 — Make the factory backup (CHIRP method)

Use this when CHIRP supports your radio.

Step 12: Connect radio and cable (same as CPS)

  • Radio off → connect cable → USB in → radio on

Step 13: Download from radio

  • Open CHIRP
  • Radio → Download From Radio
  • Select:
    • Vendor
    • Model
    • Port
  • Click OK and wait

Step 14: Save the CHIRP image

  • File → Save As
    Use naming like:
  • Factory_<Model>_<YYYY-MM-DD>.img (CHIRP often uses .img)

Keep this file unchanged forever.

Part 5 — Verify your backup is real

Step 15: Confirm the file opens and looks complete

  • Close software
  • Re-open the saved factory file
  • Confirm you can see channel data, settings tabs, etc.

Step 16: Create a “Working Copy” before programming

  • Save a duplicate:
    • Working_<Model>_<YYYY-MM-DD>_v01.img
  • Only edit the working copy.

Part 6 — Storage and versioning best practices

Step 17: Store your factory backup in two places

Minimum recommendation:

  • Local folder on your PC
  • Cloud or external drive

Step 18: Use version numbers for your custom programming

Example sequence:

  • Working_GM-30Pro_2026-01-13_v01.img
  • Working_GM-30Pro_2026-01-14_v02_AddRepeaters.img
  • Working_GM-30Pro_2026-01-20_v03_EMCOMMZones.img

Step 19: Never overwrite your factory file

Treat it as read-only. If you can, set the file attribute to Read-only.

Quick troubleshooting checklist (if “Read from Radio” fails)

  • Correct COM port selected
  • Radio powered on
  • Cable fully seated (side accessory connectors are notorious)
  • Correct vendor/model in CPS/CHIRP
  • Correct driver installed (CH340/CP210x/FTDI)
  • Try a different USB port (avoid unpowered hubs)
  • Try a different cable (cheap cables can be unreliable)

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