Programming software for ham radios comes down to two main choices these days – CHIRP and RT Systems. Having used both extensively over the years, I can tell you each has its place depending on your needs and experience level.
CHIRP gives you a free, open-source option that works with lots of different radio brands. RT Systems costs about $49 but provides a more polished, reliable experience. The choice isn’t always obvious, especially for new operators trying to program their first radio.
I’ve watched plenty of hams struggle with this decision. RT Systems definitely wins on being more intuitive and stable, particularly with newer radio models. But CHIRP remains incredibly popular, especially among budget-conscious operators who run multiple radio brands and don’t mind a bit of troubleshooting now and then.
Let me break down the key differences between these programming options to help you figure out which one matches your needs, technical comfort level, and long-term goals in amateur radio. Having owned and used both extensively, I’ll share what I’ve learned about their real-world strengths and limitations.
Key Differences Between CHIRP and RT Systems
Having used both CHIRP and RT Systems extensively over the years, I can tell you these programming solutions are quite different beasts. Let me break down what really matters when choosing between them.
The Money Factor: Free vs Paid
Simple fact – CHIRP won’t cost you a dime. It’s completely free and open-source, just grab a programming cable and you’re good to go. RT Systems takes the opposite approach, selling separate software packages for each radio model, usually bundled with their own cable.
I’ve heard many hams call this a “time versus money trade-off”. CHIRP saves your wallet but might eat up your afternoon with troubleshooting. RT Systems hits your pocket initially but saves headaches down the road with reliable operation and actual support when things go sideways.
One operator I know put it perfectly: “RT Systems may cost more, but they deal with the hassle of the ever-changing Chinese and Japanese firmware so I don’t have to wait for months”. For many hams, including myself, this reliability makes the investment worthwhile, especially with newer or more complex radios.
What Computer Can You Use It On?
CHIRP runs pretty much everywhere – Windows, macOS, Linux, you name it. Though I consistently get the smoothest experience on Windows, with fewer headaches getting everything configured.
RT Systems mainly sticks to Windows territory. You’ll need Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10, or Windows 11 (32 or 64 bit). A few of their programmers work with Mac (needs MacOS 10.13.6 or higher, 64-bit only), but Linux users are out of luck completely.
If you’re not running Windows, this pretty much makes your decision for you – CHIRP becomes your go-to option regardless of other factors.
How They Look and Feel
The biggest day-to-day difference I’ve noticed is how these programs actually work. RT Systems crafts each program specifically for individual radio models, making everything feel custom-tailored.
One ham I know described it perfectly: “CHIRP is like a Swiss Army knife – a single tool that can get you a long way in a lot of situations but isn’t appropriate for every job. RT Systems is like a handcrafted tool set, designed to make the experience with each radio as seamless as possible”.
This specialized approach gives RT Systems a more polished feel that many users find “instantly usable without a lot of fiddling and fussing around with operating system, comports, etc.”. CHIRP works fine but feels “rough around the edges” and takes more time to learn.
Getting Updates and Support
Here’s where things get interesting. CHIRP depends entirely on volunteer developers – great folks, but they can only work so fast. This means waiting longer for support with new radios or bug fixes.
RT Systems, being a business, pushes out regular updates and keeps up with the latest radio firmware changes. I’ve found this especially important with Japanese and Chinese radios that seem to update their firmware every time I turn around.
The support difference is huge too. RT Systems gives you actual customer service, while with CHIRP you’re hunting through forums and documentation. Like one user said, “With CHIRP you get what you paid for” – both good and bad.
This fundamental difference in how they’re developed really shapes everything from new radio support to bug fixes and long-term reliability. I’ve experienced both sides of this coin personally, and it definitely influences which one I choose for different situations.
When CHIRP Makes Perfect Sense
While RT Systems definitely has its place, I’ve found CHIRP to be the better choice in several situations. Let me share where this free programming software really shines based on my experience.
Perfect for the Budget-Minded Ham
Let’s start with the obvious – CHIRP won’t cost you a penny. Just grab a programming cable and you’re set. I’ve seen this work great for:
- New hams just getting their feet wet without breaking the bank
- Folks with multiple radios who’d rather not buy separate packages
- Occasional programmers who can’t justify spending money on software they rarely use
I really appreciate how CHIRP stays alive through community support. Plenty of operators, myself included, throw a few bucks their way when we can, keeping it going without forcing anyone to pay.
The Go-To Choice for Linux and Mac Users
If you’re not running Windows, CHIRP becomes your best friend pretty quickly. Unlike RT Systems’ Windows-first approach, CHIRP works everywhere:
- Windows (runs smoothest here, I’ve found)
- MacOS (they’ve got a nice unified app now)
- Linux (works with Ubuntu, Fedora, and others)
I’ve noticed Linux users especially love CHIRP. As one ham told me, “Most stuff on Linux truly just works. And when it doesn’t work, you can actually troubleshoot it.” Makes perfect sense – Linux folks already get the whole open-source thing.
Perfect for Multiple Radio Brands
Here’s where CHIRP really shows its stuff. I have owned and used radios from several manufacturers, and CHIRP handles them all through one interface. No need to buy separate packages for each radio.
Want to copy settings from your Baofeng to your Yaesu? CHIRP makes it simple. One operator I know put it perfectly: “I have a Kenwood D7, D72, D710, and UV5R. CHIRP allows me to copy the same programming to all of them.”
The CSV export feature is fantastic too. I keep one master spreadsheet with all my frequencies, then import what I need for different radios. Saves tons of time when you’re juggling multiple brands.
For the Open Source Believers
Beyond just saving money, some hams choose CHIRP because it matches what amateur radio is all about – experimenting, sharing knowledge, and being self-sufficient. The open-source approach means:
- Anyone can help improve it
- You can see exactly how it works
- You can modify it if needed
- It’s not tied to any single company
Funny enough, one blogger noted, “Amateur radio collectively has never really understood or embraced open source, opting for freeware offerings since the days of DOS.” But CHIRP proves open source can work beautifully in our hobby.
I’ve seen CHIRP grow from a basic tool to something really capable. For hams who believe in open source, it’s more than just free software – it’s supporting what amateur radio stands for.
Why I Think RT Systems is Worth Every Penny
After years of programming radios, I can tell you RT Systems isn’t cheap – but there’s a reason so many experienced hams happily pay for it. Let me share why I think it’s worth the investment, especially for serious operators.
Rock-Solid with New Radios
Here’s where RT Systems really shines – keeping up with new radio models and firmware updates. They support over 500 different radios, and they’re constantly updating their software. This becomes super important with those Japanese and Chinese manufacturers who seem to update firmware every other week.
One operator nailed it when they said: “RT Systems may cost more, but they deal with the hassle of the ever-changing Chinese and Japanese firmware so I don’t have to wait for months”. I’ve been there with the firmware headaches, and let me tell you – having software that just works is worth its weight in gold.
Saves Hours of Programming Time
Want to hear something crazy? A friend of mine reported: “It took me about 30 minutes to program 70 frequencies into an Icom IC-2300h using RT Systems software. Without it, the same programming would have taken approximately 2-3 hours”. That matches my experience exactly.
The software comes packed with time-saving features:
- Channel cloning and batch programming capabilities
- Import/export functionality for CSV files
- Integration with Repeaterbook and ARRL Travel Plus
- DMR calculator to create channels for all talk groups with minimal typing
These features become absolute lifesavers when you’re dealing with complex DMR radios or multi-band rigs.
Real Support When You Need It
Here’s something you don’t get with free software – actual tech support. RT Systems keeps technicians on staff with access to the same radios and software you’re using. I’ve used their support several times and it’s impressive.
I heard about one ham who reported a problem and got a software update the very next day. Another operator shared: “I must have called RT Systems tech support seven or eight times with questions or asking for help. The level of service provided will keep me coming back”. That kind of support is worth its weight in gold when you’re stuck.
Does Things You Didn’t Know Your Radio Could Do
The depth of RT Systems software consistently surprises me. As one user put it, “You never truly appreciate just how much there is to know about your radio until you look through all there is to be programmed”. Couldn’t agree more!
I’ve discovered settings I couldn’t even access through the front panel controls. Some models even get special treatment with advanced features like DMR programming tools with specialized calculators.
Sometimes RT Systems even outshines the manufacturer’s own software. One ham noted it “makes the often arduous process of programming a radio less arduous and less overwhelming”. That’s exactly why I switched from free options to RT Systems for my serious radio programming needs.
Technical Details That Really Matter
Let me share some nitty-gritty technical differences I’ve discovered between CHIRP and RT Systems. These might not jump out at first glance, but they’ll definitely impact your day-to-day radio programming.
Memory Management – The Basics and Beyond
I learned this one the hard way – CHIRP handles basic channel programming just fine, but things get tricky with complex memory systems. Take the Baofeng UV-5R for example – CHIRP limits you to 127 channels, which means careful planning for bigger setups. RT Systems, on the other hand, usually gives you access to everything your radio can handle.
Funny enough, some operators actually prefer older CHIRP versions: “I have found that earlier builds allowed some more changes than later newer releases, so I have back-dated and used earlier versions only”. I’ve done this myself a few times when newer versions got too restrictive.
Special Features – Where Things Get Interesting
Here’s where the differences really show up. CHIRP struggles with digital modes – as one user put it: “Some radios with digital modes are supported, but digital channels are not. Some radios (particularly DMR) are not supported at all”. I’ve also run into issues with SD card support on radios like the Yaesu FT3D.
RT Systems typically handles everything your radio can do. One operator summed it up perfectly: “I have used RT-SYS and Chirps and the only reason I used RT-SYS is because chirps does NOT make a HF software”.
Keeping Up With Firmware Changes
This is crucial – I’ve been burned by firmware compatibility issues before. RT Systems stays on top of updates because, well, that’s their business. One ham noted: “For the newer radios, RT Systems usually has the software ready before Chirp which is not surprising since they make a profit”.
But here’s something interesting – some operators swear CHIRP does a more thorough job once it catches up: “As Chirp comes online with the matching software it seems to me that it has fewer holes or missing parts for a particular radio”.
Moving Settings Between Radios
CHIRP really shines here. I consistently get excellent results copying settings between different brands and models. One operator’s experience matches mine: “I have a Kenwood D7, D72, D710, and UV5R. CHIRP allows me to copy the same programming to all of them”.
Both programs handle CSV files, though they do it differently. While “Transforming from an RT Systems CSV to a CHIRP CSV should be very scriptable”, most of us would rather avoid that kind of technical hassle. I know I would!
How to Choose Between CHIRP and RT Systems
After using both programs extensively, let me help you figure out which one fits your situation best. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way, so hopefully my experience can save you some headaches.
How Comfortable Are You with Technical Stuff?
Be honest with yourself here. I’ve seen plenty of hams get frustrated trying to save money with CHIRP when they really just wanted something that worked out of the box. If that’s you, RT Systems might be worth the investment. As one operator told me, “I’d rather upgrade at a time of my choosing than wait and be forced to do so during a contest.”
That CHIRP warning screen scared me the first time I saw it: “I was put off by the CHIRP disclaimer when you launch the software that says, in essence: ‘You may brick your radio'”. If seeing that makes your stomach turn, that’s worth considering.
It doesn’t have to be that scary though, it just takes a tad more knowledge and that is easy enough to find…
You certainly don’t have to buy a book to learn to program CHIRP, but if you want the ultimate cheat-sheet it absolutely makes it easier. Getting Started With CHIRP Radio Programming walks you though the entire process explaining each step as it goes to make sure you can get up to speed fast and easy. You can see a basic example of programming a radio with CHIRP on my article How to program the BaoFeng BF-888S radio.
Look at Your Radio Collection
Here’s something I learned along way – count your radios before deciding. CHIRP lets you program different brands through one interface, which becomes more valuable with each radio you own.
One experienced ham put it perfectly: “You’ll have to buy separate software packages from RT Systems for each radio”. I did the math for my shack, and those RT Systems packages would add up fast. Take a minute to calculate what your total investment would be.
Think About Where You’re Heading
This is bigger than just programming software. Are you the type who wants to understand every aspect of your radio, or do you just want reliable communications? I remember one wise old timer saying, “I always ask them what they’re going to do when something goes wrong—and we know that at some point, something is going to go wrong”.
If you’re like me and enjoy tinkering and learning, CHIRP’s open-source nature offers great opportunities. But if you just want things to work consistently, RT Systems might be your better bet.
Time vs Money – The Real Trade-off
One ham nailed it when they called this a “time vs. money dichotomy”. Simple choice really:
- CHIRP: Free but expect some troubleshooting
- RT Systems: Costs money but saves headaches
I’ve used both enough to know that “setting up a radio shouldn’t take more than 10-15 mins” once you know what you’re doing. The real question is how much you value your time versus your money.
The Bottom Line on CHIRP vs RT Systems
Having used both extensively over the years, I can tell you there’s no clear winner here. Each one shines in different situations, and I’ve had both great and frustrating moments with both.
RT Systems has saved my bacon countless times when working with newer radios or complex digital modes. Yes, it costs money, but that polished interface and rock-solid support make it worth every penny for many operators, myself included.
CHIRP, on the other hand, has been my go-to for managing multiple radio brands. Sure, you might spend some time troubleshooting, but the flexibility it offers for cross-radio programming is fantastic. Plus, you can’t beat free.
Here’s my practical advice after years of using both: Think hard about your specific needs. How comfortable are you with technical challenges? How many radios do you own? Where do you see yourself heading in ham radio?
Simple fact – you’re not locked into either choice forever. I started with CHIRP myself, moved to RT Systems for a while, and now use both depending on the situation. Some operators stick with CHIRP for years, others swear by RT Systems, and plenty use both like I do.
Bottom line? Pick the tool that matches how you operate. The best programming software isn’t about features or price – it’s about what lets you spend less time programming and more time actually enjoying your radios. For me, I use CHIRP for the majority of my radios because I don’t tend to work with them that much, but the two or three I use all the time, I have the RT Systems software for them.
