Leixen VV-898S programming software
Open WebCHIRPWebCHIRP programs the Leixen VV-898S 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
Leixen 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 VV-898S
- 199 memory channels, numbered 1 to 199
- Channel names up to 7 characters
- Transmit power: Low 5.0W, Med 10W, High 25W
- Modes: FM, NFM
- Bands: 136–174 MHz, 400–480 MHz
- Tone squelch: Cross, DTCS, TSQL, Tone
- Radio-wide settings, not just the channel list
VV-898S hardware
Researched from the sources listed below — spec sheets, manuals and retailer listings — rather than taken from the CHIRP driver. Anything not established is left out.
| Type | Mobile |
|---|---|
| Transmit power | 4–25 W |
| Modulation | FM, WFM |
| Display | Yes |
| Dual receive | No |
| APRS | No |
| GPS | No |
| Bluetooth programming | No |
Frequency bands
| Band | Receive | Transmit |
|---|---|---|
| FM broadcast | 87.5–108 MHz | — |
| VHF | 136–174 MHz | 136–174 MHz |
| Other | 200–260 MHz | — |
| UHF | 400–520 MHz | 400–480 MHz |
4/10/25 W. Dual watch only. Receive ranges are one retailer's; others quote 136–174/400–470 MHz.
Sources: alafone.com · kc1mjp.us
Which VV-898S do you have?
CHIRP has 2 drivers for the Leixen VV-898S, covering different firmware and production runs. The figures above are the VV-898S (stock); open yours directly if it is one of the others.
- VV-898S (stock) — 199 channels, names up to 7 characters
- VV-898S (Dual Bank) — 99 channels, names up to 7 characters
Can I update the firmware on the VV-898S?
Leixen publishes no firmware update for the VV-898S: its radios are programmed at the factory, and their firmware is not meant to be replaced. The VV-898 family uses a one-time-programmable microcontroller.
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 Leixen VV-898S
- Plug the programming cable into the radio and the computer.
- Open WebCHIRP, check Leixen VV-898S 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 Leixen VV-898S?
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 Leixen CPS software?
No. WebCHIRP runs CHIRP's own Leixen VV-898S driver in the browser, so it reads and writes the same codeplug the desktop software does.
How many channels does the Leixen VV-898S hold?
199, numbered 1 to 199 in the channel table.
Can I update the firmware on the Leixen VV-898S?
Leixen publishes no firmware update for the VV-898S: its radios are programmed at the factory, and their firmware is not meant to be replaced. The VV-898 family uses a one-time-programmable microcontroller. 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.