Chirp is an open source tool for amateur radio programmers. It stands out for its compatibility with a variety of radio manufacturers and interaction with many different data sources.

Manage a world of radio

Chirp covers a long list of frequencies, as well as different radio types. Another benefit is the possibility of interaction with radio databases found on the Internet

Chirp is a new service that lets you. CHIRP runs on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10. New Mac OS X must install the runtime once before running CHIRP. After it is installed, the runtime does not need to be downloaded or installed each time. Download the KK7DS Python runtime for Mac OSX. OS X support is limited to Intel architecture.
CHIRP is a free, open-source tool for programming your amateur radio. It supports a large number of manufacturers and models, as well as provides a way to interface.

Chirp provides support for a number of different radio brands. Check out their website for the current status; they are always adding more manufacturers. At the moment, they cover the most well known companies, as well as some smaller ones.

The interface is pretty easy to use. Users will note some differences and changes as they attach different radio systems. The broad strokes of the main window will remain straightforward to navigate.

You can query different bases, including RepeaterBook and Radioreference.com and add them to your radio.

If you want to upload data from one radio to another - even if they are different types - you may do so. Saving existing memories from your radios is just as simple.

This gives the false impression that the software and cable are from Yaesu rather than a 3rd party which is a bit misleading. Some RT System's cables such will NOT work with CHiRP under Windows or Mac OS without some additional driver or chip configuration. See FTDI OEM Cables. Therefore, RT System's cables aren't recommend for use with CHiRP. Turn your laptop keyboard into a MIDI keyboard controller. Capture musical inspiration on the go without having to lug along a hardware MIDI keyboard. Just use your laptop's keyboard or mouse to enter notes and chords in any music software requiring MIDI input or providing MIDI output.

On top of all this, the program comes free of charge. The company accepts donations, but you are under no obligation to invest anything to enjoy the benefits it brings.

In general, Chirp is more stable than most official software, making it easier for users to tackle their radio operations. However, you may need to deal with some reverse engineering to make the most of the software.

Where can you run this program?

You can run it on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The program is free of charge.

Is there a better alternative?

No. The main competitor of Chirp, RT Systems, is specialized and only runs on certain types of radios. The main selling point of Chirp is its flexibility.

Our take

Chirp represents one of the most versatile programming tools for handy radio operators. Being free for all types of software, it packs quite a punch.

Should you download it?

Yes, if you’re looking for a straightforward program to handle multiple devices, this is a great program. However, if you want more depth and control, you’ll need a more specialized tool.

What is Chirp?

Turn your laptop keyboard into a MIDI keyboard controller. Capture musical inspiration on the go without having to lug along a hardware MIDI keyboard. Just use your laptop's keyboard or mouse to enter notes and chords in any music software requiring MIDI input or providing MIDI output. Use Chirp to audition soft synth patches in your favorite DAW or recording application. Want to write that masterpiece or work on that string part in your DAW during your cross-country flight? Chirp makes it both possible and easy. The keyboard is resizable on the user's display, and the computer key mappings are shown as labels on the piano keys and trigger pads/controls.

Chirp Features and Quick Specifications

Runs on Mac OS X to 10.9 or Windows XP/Vista/7.
High quality re-sizable keyboard display shows piano keys being pressed with photo-realistic shadowing
Includes 10 programmable trigger pads map-able to any MIDI event-even SYSEX commands
2 controller wheels allow mouse or trackpad entry of any MIDI continuous controller
Installs as a virtual MIDI port-appears in the MIDI Devices menu of any music software application

Chirp Overview Documentation

This section contains general overview information about the Chirp Virtual MIDI Keyboard application.

Chirp Overview Brochure

Chirp User Manual

Chirp for Windows

For Windows users, these documents provide installation and setup help along with troubleshooting advice in case of an issue.

Chirp Installation Guide

Chirp Windows Troubleshooting Guide

Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth Issues

Windows MIDI Port Limits, SongFrame and Chirp

Chirp for Mac

For Mac users, these documents provide installation and setup help along with troubleshooting advice in case of an issue.

Chirp Installation Guide

Chirp Mac Troubleshooting Guide

Chirp Mac Pro Tools Setup Guide

Changing the Default Settings in Chirp Mac OS X Version

Chirp Virtual MIDI Keyboard ControllerReason Setup Guide - Mac OS X

Chirp will run in Trial Mode for 30 days before you need to buy a license key to unlock it. We encourage you to take it for a test drive before you purchase it to be sure it fits your needs. Please refer to the Documentation tab for installation and getting started guides, as well as detailed operational information.

Chirp Build 1.2 Downloads

These downloads work with serial numbers purchased between 2008 and June 2012. The Pace Interlok anti-piracy protection has been removed, otherwise these versions are identical to the current Build 2.0 in functionality. Please EMAIL us at support@tanageraudioworks.comto get an updated license key for Chirp Build 2.0. This is free for previous Chirp customers.

Chirp Example Screens

Examples of Chirp screen shots can be found below.

Chirp Detailed Information

Chirp turns your computer or laptop keyboard into a virtual MIDI keyboard controller with 18 piano keys, 10 drum triggers and all the control you'd expect from a piece of hardware. The program produces no actual 'sound' itself - instead it produces MIDI notes and messages, which in turn 'drive' any music software application, MIDI instrument or plug-in soft synthesizer capable of generating sound from MIDI input. Many music software applications and soft synths include some virtual keyboard capability, but very few allow the MIDI notes to be generated using your computer keyboard. Many limit input to a mouse click, which makes chord entry and real-time playing virtually impossible. Chirp accommodates up to 7 notes on the keyboard to be played simultaneously and in real-time, allowing for even complex 9/11/13 chord entry over 2 octaves.

Chirp was designed to be a low latency controller capable of both supply MIDI notes and displaying played notes from any music application with MIDI I/O capabilities. We envisioned the primary computer platform as a Windows or Mac laptop, and most likely in a remote environment where the use of a physical keyboard is impractical, such as an airplane seat, bus seat (or even your desk at work!) Chirp allows the user to choose which computer keys are mapped to the piano keyboard keys, as well as assign the trigger pads to any MIDI event.

Chirp Features

Ports

16 Channel Virtual MIDI Input/Output Port (installs via driver on Windows or Mac and appears in any MIDI music host application)
Piano Keyboard and Trigger Pads assignable to different MIDI Channels

Keyboard

High resolution photo-realistic display - large and small display sizes available
18 to 21 notes mapped to computer keyboard keys for generating MIDI data with assignable velocities
18 to 21 on-screen keys to display inc

Chirp For Mac