ICOM 2730A: How to Program Using CHIRP

In this video, we take a look at how to program repeaters and settings using CHIRP. CHIRP is a great tool for adding frequencies to supported radios.
Thanks again to Natural State Overland for sending us this radio for review.

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[BlackHamRadioUniversity]

Can you show how you connected the radio to the computer?

[Gumby]

Very informative! I am buying an IVOM 2730a this morning.

[chipsawdust]

I have the RT Systems software but don't yet have my radio. I think the RT software does all the same things as CHIRP from what I see here, so it's a matter of what you're familiar with rather than one over the other. Use what you have! :)
Thanks for the video.

[Marty]

So great. I've been dreading the programming. This makes things so much easier. The auto populate options are king. Wow! Thank you. (New HAM. 1 week ago.)

[LrbinMT]

Just helped a friend download from the 2730A and then install repeaters on his ICOM 2730A and then upload to his radio. The 89 comments helped greatly. He runs Apple OS which he could not get to work - as a matter of fact you can't at this time run the Chirp program and talk to the 2730A using the cable he bought.
1. I am running Linux Mint 21.2 on a Thinkpad T440p laptop with Chirp-next-20230404 (since upgraded to 20231003).
2. Using a mouse plugged into the right back most USB port. Probably could have used the trackpad but didn't.
3. Went out to his car and plugged in the programming cable to S2 which is the right most sound plugin looking at the back of the 2730A.
4. Plugged into the right forward USB port with the programming cable.
5. Tried to communicate with radio selecting the USB option (vs TTY) - would not communicate. Followed the on-line Chirp instructions, tried HELP ME for the communications. Lots of turn off turn on 2730A.
6. Finally switched the USB plug to the left side of the T440p, don't know which of the 2 he chose but it all of a sudden started to communicate and we were able to Download from the radio into chirp.
7. Went back to the house, downloaded the repeaters within 250 miles of our location. Had to copy paste to get the repeaters over into the radio program.
8. Went back out to radio and was able to upload without a problem using the same USB ports as before.
9. One thing that happened was he could not switch between program channels until he unlocked the 2730A.
Hope this helps someone.

[Jpryor]

Chirp says click the special channels tap to access c0 and c1 frequencies. Whats that mean?

[shibby]

Which cable did you use to program this radio? I bought the mirkit 6 in 1 which appears appears that it should work but I can't for the life of me get a successful read with chirp or the icom software.

[eyecanseesb]

Using chirp instead of the RT systems software, what programing cable did you use? Was it the RT systems cable?

[WT]

I'm trying to follow your instructions but Win 11 and a new data cable keeps giving me a FileNotFound Error on COM 4. I try to get it to find the port but it can't find it either. Any suggestions?

[nnvr]

Got it downloaded and running last night. CHIRP didn't get me logged on. There confirmation number never came through. grr.

So I have about 200 memory channels saved spread over about 330 slots. Is there a way to download the whole shebang to an application like Excel so I can go through and manipulate it to eliminate the gaps of unused slots and erase duplicated frequencies ? Or am I over-thinking things, as usual. Can I just use them in separate memory blocks and set up my scans of selected blocks?

and back to CHIRP who is now telling me I can't use my e-mail because it is already in use.

[jltg]

Hello! Thank you for your video. When I try to upload data to radio it does it, says reset all, but when I move the memory channels, it only shows two memories without names, and only those two, I’m very frustrated…. Anything would help!

[Blue-Collar-Radio]

I definitely agree that Chirp is the way to go when available. I always feel like RT is running a racket. I shouldn't have to buy multiple versions of software to program different radios that use the same cable. Great video thank you. 73!

[donl]

Great video. Just have a few questions, did you use the USB-29A cable and inserting the 3.5mm plug into SP2 on the radio, and did you have to set-up the radio in “clone mode” per the instruction manual? Thanks for any help before I buy this radio.

[skylerwelch]

I bought the RT system usb cable and I'm trying to program my radio with chirp but it isn't showing any USB ports when I try to import from radio. Any suggestions?

[EJ]

IS there something else that must be set for the initial memory channel to work properly? I have 2 channels entered. But, when I cycle the power, the radio always starts with the last 2 frequencies that were on when I powered down.
Thanks, in advance, for your help, Steve.

[chuck]

Thanks for the video you make it look easy. I can build just about anything but really struggle with this type of stuff.

[scottcooper]

I may appreciate this video more if I get my laptop in the loop. You do a good job making videos! You need to do a basic repeater programming video for IIC 2730A.

[kimkunze]

I've got the IC-2730a and get all the way to and including Upload to radio. It appears that Clone to radio works and completes but the radio display stays in the Clone In mode. When I cycle the power off then back on, the radio Resets All. and then there is nothing in the radio. Any help would be great! 73 N9SDL

[sonnyjrcruz]

Appreciate this video. If I may ask, can I set low power 5 watts during RPT in the receiving frequency and have 50 watts full power to the transmitting frequency. An intent not to build heat on the radio and save on batter draw?

[robertberg]

Can you recommend a cable for using with chirp for this radio. Something that plugs into the head unit?