How to Program QUANSHENG UV-K1 with CHIRP: Complete Guide 2026

How to Program Your QUANSHENG UV-K1(8) with CHIRP

Programming a ham radio manually through the keypad works, but if you want to load dozens or hundreds of channels quickly, CHIRP is the way to go. This free, open-source software makes programming your QUANSHENG UV-K1(8) fast and easy. Here is how to do it step by step.

What You Need

  • QUANSHENG UV-K1(8) radio
  • USB Programming Cable (compatible with QUANSHENG UV-K5/UV-K1 series)
  • Computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux
  • CHIRP software (free download from chirpmyradio.com)

Step 1: Install CHIRP

Go to chirpmyradio.com and download the latest version for your operating system. Install it like any other application. On macOS, you may need to allow the app in System Preferences → Security & Privacy.

Step 2: Install the Programming Cable Driver

Most USB programming cables use a Prolific PL2303 or CH340 chip. Windows usually installs the driver automatically. If your computer does not recognize the cable, download the driver from the cable manufacturer's website.

Step 3: Connect and Read Your Radio

  1. Turn off your UV-K1(8)
  2. Plug the programming cable into the radio's speaker/mic jack
  3. Plug the USB end into your computer
  4. Open CHIRP
  5. Click Radio → Download from Radio
  6. Select Quansheng as the vendor and UV-K5 as the model (UV-K1 uses the same protocol)
  7. Select the correct COM port and click OK

CHIRP will read all the current channels and settings from your radio. Pro tip: Always download from radio first and save the file as a backup before making changes!

Step 4: Add Channels

In the main CHIRP window, you will see a spreadsheet-like grid. Each row is a channel. Fill in:

  • Frequency — The receive frequency (e.g., 162.550 for NOAA)
  • Name — A label for the channel (e.g., "NOAA WX1")
  • Tone Mode — Set to "Tone" if the repeater requires a CTCSS tone
  • Tone — The CTCSS frequency (e.g., 100.0 Hz)
  • Duplex — Set to "+" or "-" for repeater offset
  • Offset — Usually 0.6 MHz for 2m band, 5.0 MHz for 70cm

You can also import channels from CSV files, RepeaterBook, or RadioReference.

Step 5: Upload to Radio

Once you have added all your channels, click Radio → Upload to Radio. CHIRP will write all settings back to your UV-K1(8). When the progress bar completes, your radio is ready!

Troubleshooting

Cable not detected? Try a different USB port or reinstall the driver. Upload fails? Make sure the radio is turned OFF before connecting. Wrong model? Select "UV-K5" in CHIRP — the UV-K1 uses the same programming protocol.

Need a cable? Check our QUANSHENG USB Programming Cable.

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