Programming Memory Channels

While CHIRP is the most convenient way to program your radio, you don't always have a computer handy. Every GMRS radio lets you program channels manually using the keypad and menu system. It's a useful skill, especially when you need to add a repeater you just found while out in the field.

The general process

Every radio's menus are slightly different, but the basic workflow is the same across virtually all GMRS radios:

1. Switch to VFO (frequency) mode: most radios have a button or menu option to toggle between Memory mode and VFO mode. In VFO mode, you can directly enter a frequency
2. Enter the frequency: key in the desired frequency using the keypad. For example, 462.6500 MHz for GMRS channel 19
3. Set the CTCSS/DCS tone: navigate to the tone menu and set the required tone. Set the tone mode first (CTCSS or DCS), then select the specific tone frequency or code
4. Set duplex and offset: for repeater channels, set the offset to +5.000 MHz. For simplex channels, set duplex to "off" or "none"
5. Set transmit power: choose high or low power as appropriate for the channel
6. Save to a memory slot: use the "store" or "write to memory" function to save the current VFO settings to a channel number

When manual programming is useful

• In the field: you meet someone at a campsite or trailhead who gives you a frequency and tone for a local repeater. Pull out the radio, key it in, save it, done
• Quick tests: you want to try a repeater frequency before committing it to your channel plan in CHIRP
• No cable available: your programming cable is at home, but you need to add a channel now
• Simple radios: some basic GMRS radios (especially bubble-pack FRS/GMRS handhelds) don't support computer programming at all

Common pitfalls

• Forgetting to set the tone: you enter the frequency but forget to set the CTCSS tone. The radio tunes to the right frequency, but the repeater ignores you because it doesn't hear the access tone
• Wrong offset direction: GMRS repeaters use +5 MHz offset. Setting it to negative means you're transmitting on the wrong frequency
• Not switching back to memory mode: after programming, switch back to memory (MR) mode for normal operation. VFO mode is for setup, not everyday use
• Overwriting a channel: pay attention to which memory slot you're saving to. It's easy to accidentally overwrite a channel you've already programmed

For programming many channels at once or maintaining a master channel list, the computer method is far more efficient — see Programming with CHIRP.