What is CHIRP?
CHIRP is a free, open-source tool for programming your radio. It supports a large number of manufacturers and models, as well as provides a way to interface with multiple data sources and formats.
In this article I will describe how to get the latest python3-based CHIRP-Next running on Linux Mint 21.1 Vera.
Before installing any packages ensure that your Linux Mint is fully updated and upgraded with the latest firmware packages.
1. Install distro packages
Linux Mint
$ sudo apt install python3-wxgtk4.0 pipx (Enter)
2. Once installed lets install CHIRP (and Python dependencies)
Download the chirp-20250110-py3-none-any.whl file located under the folder corresponding to the latest date. (Note: Latest date is - 20250131) I downloaded the file to the Desktop of Linux Mint. Easier to locate the file and work from the Desktop. I later moved the file to the Downloads Folder once CHIRP was installed and running.
Before we going to install CHIRP one need to install the yattag package which was not installed in the latest versions of pipx.
I used the following command to install the yattag packages:
$ sudo apt install python3-yattag (Enter)
The packages were installed without any errors.
Now lets install CHIRP
We need to be in the Desktop directory
$ cd /Desktop/ (Enter)
./Desktop$ sudo pipx install ./chirp-20250110-py3-none-any.whl (Enter)
CHIRP will now be installed without errors. Where is it installed? Go to Linux Mint files directory. look for a folder .local and click on the folder. You wil find a bin folder. Click on bin and there is CHIRP. Right click on chirp, click open and then on run and the program CHIRP will open in a new window. You have successfully installed CHIRP.
But wait there are two "pop up" windows. Click OK and also OK for the CHIRP icon to appear in the Linux Mint Menu. You can also add an icon to the desktop. (Recommended)
Time to reboot your machine. Once rebooted you can Start CHIRP via the Desktop Icon, Menu or the Terminal - $ ~/.local/bin/chirp (Enter)
Before you go ahead and program radios with CHIRP there is still two more "issues" that must be addressed for CHIRP to work 100%.
First we need to uninstall a utility program called: BRLTTY This program will prohibit you from accessing the COM port that CHIRP needs to talk to your radio. Here is the command (still in he Desktop directory):
$ sudo apt remove brltty (Enter)
This command will remove BRLTTY from your computer. The BRLTTY program is used by the blind and this program will hog your COM port. CHIRP will not work. Once the program is uninstalled you COM port will be available to use.
The second thing we need to do is to change the $USER that identifies the username of the individual running the command.
Find your username:
$ whoami (Enter)
Your username will be displayed
Now enter the following command:
$ sudo usermod -a -G dialout [your username] (Enter)
Your username will now be active when using CHIRP.
Time to Reboot your computer. Once rebooted CHIRP will now be ready to program the listed radios using CHIRP.
REMEMBER to always make a backup file of your radios cps or code plug. You never know when you going to need it if and when Murphy visit your Shack!
Have fun with CHIRP using Linux Mint 21.1 Vera!!
