Unofficial compilation note: this library is unofficial material compiled and rewritten by BG7BAG Radio from public sources, for study reference only, and is not affiliated with the equipment manufacturers. For takedown requests, contact contact@bg7bag.com.
Memory channels: from VFO to an address book
Save common frequencies as channels for one-touch recall, scanning and grouping.
Why manage channels
HTs use VFO (a temporary dial) for quick tuning, but common frequencies belong in memory channels: recalled with one key, easy to scan and group. This covers the general method; menu paths differ by model.
Memory vs VFO
- VFO: a temporary dial; lost on power-off or channel change.
- Memory channel: a saved address-book entry that survives power-off, can be named and grouped into scan lists.
- Typical capacity: UV-5R ~128, UV-K5 ~999, Yaesu models several hundred to ~1000.
Naming and labels
Naming channels tells them apart at a glance (REPEATER, WX, EMERG). UV-K5 and Yaesu can be named in bulk with CHIRP; UV-5R names via menu (enable Name, then edit the channel). Use MR (memory) mode to browse by name.
Scan lists and priority
- Put common channels in a scan list (Bank) so scanning only steps through them.
- Priority channel: scanning periodically checks it — good for a repeater or emergency frequency.
- Set unneeded channels to Skip so scanning ignores them.
Practical tips
- Back up with CHIRP to .csv / .img; migrate to a new radio easily.
- Group by use: local repeaters / travel / emergency / family.
- Leave empty slots for quick temporary saves.
- Share one channel table with family or team for smoother contacts.
Compliance note
⚠
Stored repeaters and frequencies must still be compliant: transmit only on legal bands with a licence; do not keep unauthorised frequencies for routine use.
Channels full — what now?
Delete unused ones or export a backup and clear a group; most radios can be organised on a PC with CHIRP.
Can CHIRP move channels between models?
Some fields are common; capacities and fields differ, so check against the target radio after import.