Kenwood TS-850 programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Kenwood TS-850 in your browser. It runs the CHIRP project's own driver for this radio, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does — without installing anything.
No driver install needed
Kenwood programming cables use a CH340, CP2102, PL2303 or FTDI USB-serial chip. WebCHIRP speaks to all four directly from the browser, so there is no driver package to download and no Windows version to match. Plug the cable in and pick the port when the browser asks.
What you can edit on the TS-850
- 100 memory channels, numbered 0 to 99
- Channel names up to 6 characters
- Modes: AM, CW, CW-R, FM, FSK, FSK-R, LSB, N/A0, N/A1, USB
- Bands: 1.8–2 MHz, 3.5–4 MHz, 7–7.3 MHz, 10.1–10.15 MHz, 14–14.35 MHz, 18.068–18.168 MHz, 21–21.45 MHz, 24.89–24.99 MHz, 28–29.7 MHz
- Tone squelch: Tone
Can I update the firmware on the TS-850?
The TS-850 has no firmware update: its firmware is written at the factory and is not replaceable in the field.
WebCHIRP does not flash firmware. It reads and writes the channel list and settings over the programming cable, which is a separate part of the radio.
How to program a Kenwood TS-850
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Kenwood TS-850 is selected, and press Download.
- Edit the channels, or pull in nearby repeaters from a directory.
- Press Upload to write the result back to the radio.
Questions
Do I need to install a USB driver to program the Kenwood TS-850?
No. WebCHIRP talks to CH340, CP2102, PL2303 or FTDI programming cables from the browser, so there is nothing to install on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Do I need the Kenwood CPS software?
No. WebCHIRP runs CHIRP's own Kenwood TS-850 driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Kenwood TS-850 hold?
100, numbered 0 to 99 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Kenwood TS-850?
The TS-850 has no firmware update: its firmware is written at the factory and is not replaceable in the field. WebCHIRP does not flash firmware. It reads and writes the channel list and settings over the programming cable, which is a separate part of the radio.