UV-5R and Accessories

[Searchboss]

In another thread we were discussing the Baofeng UV-5R Radio and its accessories. I thought I would share some of my recent adventures along this path.

After reading some articles on NC Scout?s website (https://brushbeater.org/author/ncscout/) about using a Baofeng in the field, not something that I anticipate doing as he does, I decided that converting to a BNC connector for a couple of my radios makes sense. The BNC connector is a very commonly used connector by many manufacturers. There are a lot of advantages to standardization. This will allow me to quickly change from one antenna or cable to another without wearing out the connector on the radio. I got some of my ideas from reading his book ?The Guerrilla?s Guide to the Baofeng Radio?.

I recently received an Amazon order containing a couple of 8 watt UV-5R?s https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT5F12BY/?coliid=I1GW9HFZYGWB08&colid=3UQFFFIJRPP1V&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1, some SMA to BNC adapters, and a three-pack of HSY-771N BNC antennas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N3CV8QU?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details along with a couple of extra 38000 mAh batteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M9NXWCJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details.

I then proceeded to add the SMA to BNC adapters to the UV-5R?s as well as a BNC antenna. The initial results are quite satisfactory. They seem to work quite well and it sure makes it easier to take the long ~15 ? inch antenna off the radio when needed.

Interestingly enough, when I opened the box from Amazon there were also two ABBREE AR-771 VHF/UHF antennas in the box which I did not order and were not on my receipt. This got me curious about the efficiency of the different antennas, so I got out my MFJ HF/VHF SWR Analyzer Model MFJ-259B and checked the SWR for the various antennas. I found that all three of the new HSY-771N BNC antennas were close and within tolerance. The ABBREE AR-771 antennas were just barely within the acceptable range as was the Nagoya NA-771 antenna I already had. Then I checked the SWR on the stock antenna that came with the UV-5R and found that it was also within the acceptable range, but not much better than the ABBREE or Nagoya mentioned above. For comparison, I also checked my Diamond SRH77CA antenna on my Yeasu HT that I have used for years and found it was well within the acceptable range. I suppose that this is average for rubber duck antennas on HT?s. 

It will be a while before I can determine how well I like the BNC connectors on a UV-5R as compared to the stock SMA connector. I tend to use a mag-mount antenna on my HT?s when I use them at events at a remote fixed location when working races, etc. I have also used a version of the ?Jungle Antenna? [ https://brushbeater.org/2015/10/15/the-jungle-antenna/ ] that has a BNC connector on hikes and with a SAR team in the past that I plan to try with the UV-5R when the opportunity arises.

How does this information compare to what you have experienced? 

[JohnyMac]

Great information Searchboss 

Thanks for taking the time to do the tests and then post. 

[pkveazey]

Searchboss: I liked your post. I've taken a slightly different approach to connecting other antennas to my Bao Fengs. I found that the little 2 inch piece of crap antenna is just awful. Then the one that is 4 or 5 inches long is just barely useable. Ahh, but the 7 inch and the 14 inch are just fine. I'm not a friend of the push, turn, and click connectors like the BNC though. I carry SMA to SO239 adaptors with me so I can connect to a PL259 connector and use it for a base station or mobile type situation. The one thing I didn't like about the Bao Feng SMA connector is that it is backwards from the Yaesu and other brands of SMA connectors. With that said, I think that in my little package of adaptors I have just about every type that is made. You never know what you are going to run into in a crisis. Wait, wait, wait, I don't have anything that will adapt to an NMO connector. Damn! I hate NMO's.

[Searchboss]

PKv,    I hear you! Getting to the destination is the goal, the path we each take to get there is our individual choice, so it all works out fine. I too, have a bag of adapters for different connectors as well. As you said before, "You never know when you might need them."

[Deathstyle]

I was never big on the UV-5R. Luckily the AR-152 came along and I was happy to invest in that. For now that more than exceeds my current capabilities.


Prolly buy a batch of UV-5rs as handouts w type 81 chest rigs and budget guns for a quick posse militia if needed.

[Jackalope]

     I'm not a fan of the UV-5R either.  I worked with the 5R's regularly, we typically had a 10% annual failure rate.  Yup, you can accessorize them, and they're inexpensive, but all you're doing is putting lipstick on a pig.

    There are better Baofengs, like the AR-152, or UV-9R Pro, and they don't cost that much more.  But at the end of the day, each Baofeng you purchase is helping the enemy.   

     

[Searchboss]

Jackalope, I can?t say that I disagree with either of your comments about ?putting lipstick on a pig? and ?helping the enemy?. The UV-5R is not my primary radio, although it is one of my favorites.

I would much rather buy American if I can, and if I find an American-made radio with similar capabilities at a comparable price point, I will certainly buy it, probably several. I think most Americans would. Unfortunately, I have not found this yet. America does not seem to be a competitor in this market anymore. I would much rather spend ~$30 on a chinese ?disposable? or giveaway radio to obtain the capability it affords than not have that capability when needed due to pride and the much higher cost of buying an American-made radio that is not affordable for many people. This is a sad situation.

I do appreciate your suggestions about the AR-152 and the UV-9R Pro. I had looked at the AR-152 before and decided not to go that route at this time due to cost and the larger and heavier package, but I do like what I saw. I had not heard about the UV-9R Pro before. I just looked at the marketing material on it and it looks like a viable alternative to the UV-5R. I will probably buy one to evaluate soon thanks to your suggestion.