[chirp_users] Can't program BF-888s

[Jim Unroe]

On Sun, Jan 22, 2017 at 5:24 PM, Ed Danaher <ed.danaher at gmail.com> wrote:
> I have a problem getting chirp to download from a Baofeng BF-888s. I wanted
> a UHF only HT and who could resist one for $13. However when I try to
> download from the radio, instantly I get the  message “An error has
> occurred” There is no delay as the computer tries to connect to the radio.
>
> I have used Chirp successfully to program a Kenwood TH-F6A and a Baofeng
> UV5R and am sure the cable is seated securely. I am using the same program,
> drivers, and cable and selecting the BF 888 radio from the dropdown menu. I
> tried putting the radio on channel 16 per bug #1441. It didn’t help.
>
> Before I send the radio back to Amazon, I wonder if there is something I’m
> doing wrong.
>
> Some specifics:
> Desktop is iMac running OS Sierra 10.12.2
> Using Chirp daily build 20170111
> Wouxon cable
> Radios - Kenwood TH-F6a and Baofeng UV5R work fine.
>
> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Ed KV4MI

A similar issue was seen for some Windows users. They had been
programming BF-888s radios fine. They bought new ones and they
wouldn't program. One of the radios was sent to me. It programmed
fine. I have a programming cable with a counterfeit Prolific chip. I
upgraded to the latest Prolific device driver (which is intentionally
crippled for counterfeit chips) and the issue occurred. It seems to be
a timing problem that the older radios tolerated but the new ones
don't. I always recommend the older v3.2.0.0 driver for Windows user
of programming cables with Prolific chips. Not being a Mac user, I
can't really recommend anything.

Jim KC9HI