Use the FTDI USB Programming Cable ONLY!!!

An FTDI‑based programming cable is considered the best cable for ham radio because it is the only chipset that is consistently reliable, driver‑stable, universally compatible, and immune to the counterfeiting problems that plague cheaper cables. It simply works every time—especially on Windows—while Prolific‑chip cables often fail, disconnect, or refuse to install drivers.

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1. Rock‑Solid Driver Stability

FTDI drivers are known for being extremely stable and widely supported across operating systems.

• Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux with no hacks or unsigned drivers.

• FTDI drivers are official, maintained, and not blocked by OS updates.

Prolific‑chip cables often break after Windows updates because the OS rejects counterfeit chips.

2. No Counterfeit Chip Problems

Prolific PL2303 chips are the most counterfeited USB‑serial chips in the world.

• Many cheap cables use fake Prolific chips, causing:

  • “This device cannot start (Code 10)” errors

  • Random disconnects

  • Failure to communicate with radios

• FTDI chips do not suffer from this widespread counterfeit issue.

This alone makes FTDI the go‑to choice for ham radio programming.

3. Plug‑and‑Play Reliability

FTDI cables are recognized instantly by most systems.

• No need to hunt for drivers

• No need to roll back Windows updates

• No need to disable driver signature enforcement

For hams who program multiple radios, this is a lifesaver.

4. Better Compatibility with Ham Radios

FTDI cables work reliably with:

• Baofeng

• Wouxun

• Kenwood

• BTECH

• Retevis

• Quansheng

• Icom CI‑V interfaces (via FTDI‑based hubs)

This is why many premium ham‑radio accessory makers (BTECH, Mirkit, VE2DX, etc.) use FTDI exclusively.

5. Cleaner, More Accurate Serial Communication

FTDI chips handle USB‑to‑serial conversion more accurately:

• Better timing

• Fewer dropped packets

• More reliable flashing

• Less chance of bricking a radio during firmware updates

This matters when programming DMR radios like the Anytone 878 or flashing firmware on Baofeng/Quansheng models.

Visit the official FTDI site for more information!