Baofeng Settings for Packet Radio

Recommended Baofeng radio settings for packet radio operations. These settings disable features that can interfere with data transmissions.

Menu Setting Value
0 SQL 0 (off)
2 TXP High
3 SAVE Off
4 VOX Off
5 WN Wide
7 TDR Off
10 R-DCS Off
11 R-CTCS Off
12 T-DCS Off
13 T-CTCS Off
14 VOICE Off
25 SFT-D Off
26 OFFSET 00.000
35 STE Off
36 RP-STE Off
37 RPT-RL Off
39 ROGER Off

Key points:

  • SQL 0: Squelch fully open to not miss any incoming packets
  • Wide bandwidth: Required for proper packet audio
  • VOX off: Use PTT control from your TNC/soundcard interface
  • All tones off: CTCSS/DCS tones interfere with packet data
  • ROGER off: Roger beep would corrupt packet transmissions
  • STE off: Squelch tail elimination can clip packet audio

Connecting to a TNC

The Baofeng uses a 2.5mm/3.5mm dual-connector (K1 type). The wiring to a TNC is as follows:

Wire color Pin Connect to
White PTT TNC PTT pin (via 2.2kΩ resistor)
Black GND TNC Ground
Red Microphone TNC audio OUT
Transparent Speaker TNC audio IN

The 2.2kΩ resistor on the PTT line is important — it protects the radio’s PTT circuit from being driven directly by the TNC.

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