Sorry, let me try again...

None of my 4 radios seem supported by CHIRP. As such, my options are either put in "New" radio requests which I'm guessing is fairly unlikely to be addressed given developer need for physical radio or I can step one-by-one through the various currently supported radios hoping for a match, and at best some sort of partial data/memory support, also not a great choice.

And although I clearly don't know how CHIRP is designed or communication to any particular radio works, as a long time software engineering, I'm guessing there must be some standards, or at least common ground, for data in and out to radios. For instance, CHIRP sends some sort of "Request" down the serial port wire and the radio responds. Or not if the Request is invalid.

My suggestion would add a "Generic" radio choice to the "Download from Radio" option and when selected would show a "Radio" dialog box with setup fields that would be basic to communicating with most radios. For instance, obviously need to keep the "Port" field but replace "Vendor" and "Model" with one or more fields that more directly attempt communication with radio. And if different manufacturers have different protocols then maybe keep Vendor as field but add "Generic" choice for those with new Vendor radios. History developing the over 90 radios should give a good idea of the "basics" that might be needed for simple start of communication with new radio.

Think about it this way - When adding support for a new radio, how does it start? Must be some "standard" basic CHIRP to Radio data communication steps that are common to most radios and form the basic I/O of the development process. Break out those parameters to a generic radio dialog for User experimentation with unknown radios. CHIRP would provide simple window for radio response, if any.

if User communication with new radio succeeds then CHIRP could make some data assumptions and show radio memory in Generic CSV template, Or provide for User feedback to Developer as a head start on official addition of new radio. Remove this feature to a more Advanced area of CHIRP if that makes sense.

Thanks for listenng,
Bob