CHIRP is a popular radio programming application used by amateur radio operators to manage memory channels, repeater settings, CTCSS/DCS tones, channel names, power levels, and other commonly used radio parameters.

The Talkpod A36Plus MAX can be programmed with CHIRP, making it easier to manage multiple channels without entering every setting manually from the radio keypad.

In this guide, the Talkpod Team will walk you through how to connect your A36Plus MAX to CHIRP, read the existing radio configuration, edit channels, and upload the updated settings back to the radio.

What You Will Need

Before getting started, prepare the following:

• Talkpod A36Plus MAX
• Compatible K-Head USB programming cable
• Windows, macOS, or Linux computer
• Latest version of CHIRP
• Frequencies and repeater information you want to program

We recommend using the latest version of CHIRP.

Important: Download From the Radio First

Before changing any frequencies or settings, always read the existing configuration from your A36Plus MAX first.
Website: https://chirpmyradio.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home#google_vignette

The recommended programming workflow is:

Radio → Download to CHIRP → Save Backup → Edit → Upload to Radio

This creates a configuration file based on your actual radio and also allows you to save a backup before making any changes.

Avoid creating a completely new configuration and uploading it directly to the radio.

Step 1: Connect Your Radio to the Computer

First, prepare a K-Head Programming Cable (USB Programming Cable) to connect your Talkpod A36Plus MAX to your computer.

Connect the devices in the following order:

Radio → Programming Cable → Computer USB Port

Make sure the K-head connector is fully inserted into the radio's programming ports.

A loose connection may prevent CHIRP from communicating with the radio correctly.

After connecting the cable, turn on the A36Plus MAX and open CHIRP on your computer.

How to Check the COM Port Number

If CHIRP cannot detect or communicate with your radio, you may need to confirm which COM port has been assigned to the programming cable.

Windows 10 / Windows 11

1. Click Start.
2. Open Settings.
3. Select Bluetooth & devices.
4. Open Device Manager.
5. Expand Ports (COM & LPT).

You should see the programming cable listed with a COM port number, for example:

USB-SERIAL CH340 (COM3)

The exact COM number may be different on your computer.

Remember this COM port because you will need to select the same port in CHIRP.

If No COM Port Appears

If no COM port is displayed, try the following:

• Check that the programming cable is securely connected.
• Try another USB port.
• Make sure the correct USB serial driver for your programming cable is installed.
• Reinstall or update the USB serial driver if necessary.
• Restart your computer after installing the driver.

Once the COM port appears correctly in Device Manager, return to CHIRP.

Step 2: Download the Radio Configuration

Open CHIRP.

From the top menu, select:

Radio → Download From Radio

A connection window will appear.

Select:

Port: Select the COM port assigned to your programming cable

Vendor: Talkpod

Model: A36plus_8w

Then click OK.

CHIRP will begin reading the current configuration from your A36Plus MAX.

Do not disconnect the programming cable or turn off the radio while the data is being transferred.

Once the download is complete, the existing memory channels from your radio will appear in the CHIRP memory editor.

Step 3: Save a Backup

Before editing any channels, we strongly recommend saving a copy of the original configuration.

Go to:

File → Save As

Give the file a recognizable name, for example:

A36PlusMAX_Original_Backup

Keeping an original backup makes it much easier to restore your previous settings if necessary.

Step 4: Understanding the CHIRP Channel Settings

Each row in CHIRP represents one memory channel.

For most users, the following columns are the most important.

Loc

Loc refers to the memory channel number.

For example:

1, 2, 3, 4...

Frequency

This is normally the channel's receive frequency.

For example:

146.520 MHz

For simplex communication, transmit and receive normally use the same frequency.

Name

The Name field allows you to give the channel a recognizable name.

Examples:

CALL

LOCAL

RPT1

CLUB

Clear channel names make it easier to identify memories directly from the radio.

Tone Mode

Tone Mode determines how CTCSS or DCS signaling is used.

Common options include:

None

No CTCSS or DCS tone is used.

Tone

The radio transmits a CTCSS tone.

This is commonly used when accessing amateur radio repeaters.

TSQL

CTCSS is used for both transmit and receive squelch.

DTCS

A DCS code is used.

Tone

When Tone Mode = Tone, enter the CTCSS tone required by the repeater.

For example:

123.0 Hz

ToneSql

This field is normally used when:

Tone Mode = TSQL

It determines the CTCSS receive squelch tone.

DTCS Code

If the repeater or radio system uses DCS, select:

Tone Mode → DTCS

Then enter the required DCS code.

Duplex

The Duplex setting determines the relationship between the receive and transmit frequencies.

None

Transmit and receive on the same frequency.

Normally used for simplex communication.

+

The transmit frequency is higher than the receive frequency by the programmed offset.

-

The transmit frequency is lower than the receive frequency by the programmed offset.

off

Transmission is disabled for that channel when supported.

This can be useful for receive-only monitoring channels.

Offset

Offset determines the difference between the receive and transmit frequencies when using a repeater.

For example:

0.600 MHz

If the receive frequency is:

146.940 MHz

and Duplex is:

-

the radio will transmit on:

146.340 MHz

Mode

For normal analog channels, you will generally use:

FM

or

NFM

Use the bandwidth required by the system or repeater you are programming.

Power

The Power setting determines the transmit power used on that memory channel.

Use the appropriate power level for your operating conditions and local regulations.

Skip

The Skip setting determines whether a channel is included during scanning.

A channel marked to skip will normally be ignored during memory scanning.

Step 5: Programming a Simplex Channel

Let's use 146.520 MHz as an example.

The CHIRP settings could look like this:

Setting	Value
Frequency	146.520
Name	CALL
Tone Mode	None
Duplex	None
Offset	0.000
Mode	FM
Power	As required

Because this is a simplex channel, transmit and receive use the same frequency.

No repeater offset is required.

Step 6: Programming a Repeater

Now let's look at a repeater example.

Assume the repeater uses:

Receive Frequency: 146.940 MHz
Offset: -0.600 MHz
CTCSS: 123.0 Hz

The CHIRP settings would be:

Setting	Value
Frequency	146.940
Name	RPT1
Tone Mode	Tone
Tone	123.0
Duplex	-
Offset	0.600
Mode	FM
Power	As required

The A36Plus MAX will receive on:

146.940 MHz

and transmit on:

146.340 MHz

with a:

123.0 Hz CTCSS tone

This is only an example. Always verify the correct repeater frequency, offset, and tone for your local system.

Step 7: Add or Edit More Channels

Continue entering the frequencies and settings you need into additional rows.

You may organize your channels into groups such as:

• Local simplex channels
• Local repeaters
• Amateur radio club repeaters
• Calling frequencies
• Receive-only monitoring channels

Using clear channel names will make the radio easier to operate after programming.

Step 8: Upload the Configuration to the A36Plus MAX

After checking all of your channel settings, you can upload the configuration back to the radio.

Select:

Radio → Upload To Radio

Confirm the correct COM port and begin the upload.

While the upload is in progress, do not:

• Disconnect the programming cable
• Turn off the radio
• Remove the battery
• Close CHIRP

Wait until CHIRP confirms that the transfer has completed.

Step 9: Restart and Check Your Radio

After the upload is complete:

1. Disconnect the programming cable.
2. Restart the A36Plus MAX.
3. Switch to Channel Mode.
4. Check the programmed channels.
5. Confirm the channel names and frequencies.
6. Check repeater offsets and CTCSS/DCS settings.
7. Perform a radio check where legally permitted.

If you programmed a repeater, verify that the correct frequency, offset direction, offset value, and access tone have all been entered.

Importing Channels from a CSV File

CHIRP also allows users to import channel information from CSV files.

However, a CSV file should not normally be treated as a complete radio configuration.

The recommended process is:

1. Download the configuration from your A36Plus MAX.
2. Save a backup.
3. Open or import the CSV file in CHIRP.
4. Copy the required channels into the downloaded A36Plus MAX configuration.
5. Review the channel settings.
6. Upload the configuration back to the radio.

This helps ensure that the channel data remains compatible with your radio.

Troubleshooting

CHIRP Cannot Communicate with the Radio

If CHIRP reports a communication error, check:

• Is the radio turned on?
• Is the K-head connector fully inserted?
• Is the correct COM port selected?
• Is the programming cable driver installed?
• Is Talkpod → A36plus_8w selected?
• Is another program using the same COM port?

You can also disconnect and reconnect the programming cable before trying again.

No COM Port Appears

Open:

Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT)

If the programming cable does not appear:

• Try another USB port.
• Reconnect the cable.
• Install or reinstall the appropriate USB serial driver.
• Restart the computer.

CHIRP Can Read the Radio but Cannot Upload

Make sure you are editing the radio configuration that was originally downloaded from your A36Plus MAX.

If you are working with a CSV file, copy or import the channels into the downloaded radio configuration before uploading.

Repeater Does Not Work After Programming

Check the following settings carefully:

Receive Frequency

Duplex Direction

Offset

CTCSS/DCS Tone

For example, entering the correct repeater frequency but using the wrong offset direction will prevent the radio from transmitting on the correct repeater input frequency.

Programming Tips

Always Save a Backup

Before making major changes, save the original configuration downloaded from the radio.

Check Repeater Information Carefully

For repeater operation, confirm:

Frequency + Duplex + Offset + CTCSS/DCS

All four settings must be correct.

Use Receive-Only Channels When Appropriate

If you are programming a frequency that you are not authorized to transmit on, configure it as receive-only whenever supported.

Follow Local Regulations

CHIRP allows users to enter many different frequencies, but programming a frequency into the radio does not automatically mean you are authorized to transmit on it.

Only transmit on frequencies and radio services that you are legally authorized to use.

Program Your A36Plus MAX More Efficiently

Programming directly from the radio keypad is useful for quick changes in the field, but CHIRP provides a much faster way to manage larger channel lists.

With CHIRP, A36Plus MAX users can organize:

• Frequencies
• Repeater offsets
• CTCSS/DCS tones
• Channel names
• Scan settings
• Power levels
• Other commonly used channel parameters

The basic workflow is:

Connect → Download → Back Up → Edit → Upload → Test

Once you become familiar with these steps, managing your Talkpod A36Plus MAX channel configuration becomes much easier.

For more A36Plus MAX programming guides, firmware information, and operating tutorials, please visit the Talkpod Support Center.

Talkpod Team