Baofeng DM-32 UK Programming Guide: Drivers, CPS & DMR Setup

The Baofeng DM-32 is one of the most affordable entry points into the world of Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). It offers crystal clear audio and exceptional battery life compared to traditional analogue sets. However, if you are moving up from a standard Baofeng UV-5R, the programming process can feel like learning a new language.

Unlike analogue radios, where you can simply punch in a frequency, DMR requires you to build a specific "Codeplug" using computer software. Without the correct setup, your radio will remain silent.

In this guide, we combine the essential driver installation steps with a deep dive into data entry, helping you get your DM-32 on the air with UK repeaters and hotspots.

Before you even open the software, you must ensure your computer can talk to the radio. This is where many users get stuck, but using the correct equipment makes it simple.

One of the major advantages of the Baofeng ecosystem is compatibility. Unlike other brands that force you to buy different cables for digital and analogue radios, the Original Baofeng USB Programming Cable is versatile.

If you already own the official cable used for the UV-5R, UV-82, or BF-888S, you can use it perfectly with your DM-32. However, be cautious of cheap, third-party "clones" found on general marketplaces, as these often lack the correct internal chips required for DMR data transfer. Always ensure you are using a genuine Baofeng cable to guarantee a stable connection.

1. Plug the cable into your USB port (do not connect the radio yet).
2. Open Windows Device Manager and look under "Ports (COM & LPT)".
3. You should see a device like "Prolific USB to Serial" or "CH340".
4. The Fix: If you see a yellow warning triangle next to the device, Windows hasn't applied the driver correctly. Visit the Baofeng support page to download the latest driver.
5. Once the yellow triangle is gone, note the COM Port number (e.g., COM3). You will need this later.

CRITICAL WARNING: Never start a codeplug by clicking "File: New". In CPS version 1.45+, doing this often defaults the radio's internal language settings to Chinese. The only safe way to create a codeplug is to Read from the radio first.

1. Connect the radio to the cable and turn it ON.
2. In the CPS top menu, click Settings -> COM Setting and select the Port you noted earlier.
3. Click Program -> Read Data.
4. Once the read is successful, immediately go to File -> Save As.

Pro Tip: Version Control
Do not just name it "My Radio". Use a timestamp format, for example: M0XYZ_DM32_20251216_1900.
This tells you exactly when the file was made (Dec t6h, 2025, at 7 PM). If you mess up your settings later, you can always revert to this file.
Unlike older analogue models that use .img files, the DM-32 CPS uses specific .data files for codeplugs. Ensure you keep these backups safe.

DMR programming is hierarchical. You cannot skip steps. To create a working channel, you must follow this exact order:

1. Digital Contact (Who you want to talk to)
2. RX Group List (Who you want to hear)
3. Channel (The frequency and technical settings)
4. Zone (The folder that holds the channels)

You cannot access UK networks (like BrandMeister) without a valid ID.

1. Go to Digital -> DMR ID in the left-hand tree.
2. Double-click the first row.
3. ID: Enter your 7-digit ID (from radioid.net).
4. Name: Enter your Callsign and Name (e.g., M0XYZ).

This is your address book. You need to tell the radio who to talk to.

1. Go to Digital -> Talk Groups.
2. Click Add or double-click the first row.
3. Name: Give it a clear name (e.g., World Wide 91). It is good practice to put the number in the name to avoid confusion.
4. Call Type: Select Group Call.
5. TG/DMR ID: Enter the ID (e.g., 91).

Before you start calling out to real people, it is smart to test if you are actually hitting the repeater. Most DMR networks provide a "Parrot" service that records your voice and plays it back to you. This confirms your audio is clear and you are within range.

• For BrandMeister Networks (Most common in the UK):
  The Parrot ID is 9990.
  Important: Unlike normal channels, this must be set as a Private Call, not a Group Call.
  - Contact Name: Parrot 9990
  - Call Type: Private Call
  - Call ID: 9990
• For Other Networks (e.g., DMR-MARC):
  The Parrot ID is often 9998. On these networks, it is usually set as a Group Call.

If you are unsure which network your local repeater uses, check the repeater's dashboard online. If you see Talk Group 91 used for "World Wide," it is likely a BrandMeister repeater, so use ID 9990 (Private).

Navigate to Public -> Channel. You need a separate channel for every Talk Group on every Repeater.

• Channel Name: Use a format like "Repeater + Talk Group" (e.g., London WW or GB7LO 91).
• RX/TX Frequency: Enter your local repeater's frequencies.
• Channel Type: Digital.
• TX Power: Low is usually sufficient for local repeaters; High for distant ones.
• TX Admit: Set to "Color Code Idle". This ensures you don't transmit over someone else's conversation.
• Color Code (Colour Code): Must match the repeater (usually 1 in the UK).
• Slot Operation:
  - Slot 1: Typically for International/National.
  - Slot 2: Typically for Local traffic.
• TX Contact: Select the Talk Group you created (e.g., World Wide 91).

If you are using a personal Hotspot (MMDVM) at home:

1. Set RX and TX frequencies to be the same (Simplex).
2. Most hotspots require Slot 2 for all Talk Groups.
3. Ensure your Color Code matches your hotspot dashboard (usually 1).

Your channels will not appear on the radio screen unless they are in a Zone.

Go to Public -> Zone.
Name the Zone (e.g., Home Hotspot or London Repeater).
Select your channels from the "Available" list and click the Right Arrow to move them to the "Channel Members" list.
Use the Up/Down buttons to reorder how they appear on the LCD.

1. Connect the radio and turn it on.
2. Click Program -> Write Data.
3. Click OK on the dialogue box.
4. Wait for the "Write Successful!" message. The radio will reboot with your new settings.

Users are often interested in understanding how to set up and manage encrypted communications using the DM-32. Unlike basic analogue radios, the Baofeng DM-32 supports AES-256 encryption for private communications, which is a significant upgrade for security teams.

Here is a step-by-step guide for encryption setup:

Connect and Read: To start, users need to connect the DM-32 to their computer using the programming cable. Open the CPS software and always read from the radio first. This ensures you are working with the correct firmware data.
Create the Key: Encryption must be enabled in both the CPS and the radio settings. Navigate to the "Encryption" folder in the software tree. Create a new key and select AES-256 (this provides stronger security than basic scrambling).
Assign to Channel: You cannot just create a key; you must apply it. Go to your Channel settings. You must create and program an encrypted channel in the DM-32 by selecting your new key in the "Encryption System" dropdown for both Transmit and Receive.
Save and Write: After programming the DM-32, do not just unplug it. Users should save the settings to their computer (creating a backup .data file) and then write them back to the radio to finish the process.
Final Test: Testing the encrypted channel is essential. You will need a second DMR radio programmed with the exact same key to ensure the encryption is functioning correctly on the DM-32.

Many users are seeking solutions for specific problems encountered while programming the DM-32, such as language settings and file compatibility issues with programming software. Although users may experience software bugs, driver issues, and complexity when programming the Baofeng DM-32, these challenges can generally be overcome with the correct hardware and specific software workarounds.

Here are the fixes for the most reported problems:

1. The Scan List Disappearing Bug
There is a specific quirk in the software logic. A known DMR CPS bug causes scan lists to disappear if assigned while creating a new frequency. To avoid this frustration, it is recommended to set the scan list to "None" initially when creating a channel. Save the channel first, then go back and assign it to a scan list afterwards.

2. Radio Stuck in Chinese Language
If your radio resets or a codeplug upload goes wrong, the menu may switch languages. To change the language on the DM-32, users can navigate to the settings menu and select the language option (look for the gear icon if you cannot read the text). Alternatively, you can force English in the "Optional Settings" of the CPS software before writing to the radio.

3. File Compatibility Errors
It is vital to understand that the DM-32 requires specific file types for programming, such as .data files for codeplugs, which differ from other Baofeng models like the UV-5R (which use .img files). Users have experienced compatibility issues with programming software, particularly when trying to use files from different Baofeng models. Always start with a fresh "Read" from your DM-32 to generate the correct .data file structure.

Answer: This is usually a "Group Match" error. Even if the frequency is correct, DMR radios stay silent if the incoming signal's Talk Group isn't in your RX Group List. Ensure you have created an RX Group List containing the Talk Groups you want to hear and assigned it to the channel.

Answer: Yes. To transmit on amateur frequencies, you need a valid Amateur Radio Licence issued by Ofcom. If you are using this for business, you require a Business Radio Light or Simple UK licence. Listening (RX) is generally permitted, but transmitting (TX) without a licence is illegal.

Answer: Yes! If you own the Original Baofeng USB Programming Cable, it is fully compatible with the DM-32. This is a significant benefit of sticking with genuine Baofeng accessories, as one cable can program your entire fleet, from the analogue UV-5R and UV-82 to the digital DM-32.

Answer: The vast majority of UK DMR repeaters use Colour Code 1. However, this is not a universal rule. You should always verify the details of the specific repeater you are trying to access via the UK Repeater website or the BrandMeister dashboard.

Answer: This indicates a communication failure.

• Check that the cable is pushed firmly into the radio (listen for a 'click').
• Ensure the correct COM Port is selected in the CPS software.
• Make sure you are using a high-quality data cable, like the original Baofeng cable, to ensure data integrity during the transfer.

Answer: The DM-32 is a UHF/VHF business radio. Unlike the UV-32 o, it does not support Air Band reception.