Unchained Preppers
Communications => Radio => Topic started by: crudos on September 27, 2012, 12:15:37 PM
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Just received my Baofeng UV-5R+ Plus radio yesterday. It's a micro-sized dual band radio. Can transmit/receive on 136-174 mHz, 400-480 mHz, and receive only on 65-108 mHz. Weighs in at around 6.8 oz., construction seems really durable, and not at all flimsy or cheap. Included some pictures from the internets of the unit. Operation seems pretty straightforward, though for me without any previous HT experience, there will be a little learning curve to the ins and outs of 2m/70cm bands. Bought this radio from eBay (seller: nicheone) for under $50 shipped from China. So far, my I've been monitoring different public safety frequencies around my area (police, fire, etc), also gets NOAA weather stations, and the FM band could also be very handy in gathering more info in a shtf situation. Only had this for less than 24 hours, but am very happy with the quality construction and performance so far. For the price, you can really beat it and not worry about messing up a fancy, more expensive radio. Based on what I've seen and heard so far, would like to get at least one or two more of this radio, plus a couple extra batteries. Next month I am planning on taking my Technician Class amateur radio operator test to be able to transmit legally on the ham bands. Will update this thread with more information and testing results as I learn the radio and it's capabilities.
More in depth reviews of the radio here.... http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/10349 (http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/10349)
The Plus version is the latest greatest of this radio. From previous versions, it updates the case material and firmware. Also the rest of the package and manual is better looking. Can see below what all comes with this version. Doesn't seem to be alot of difference in pricing from older versions and this one, so I'd suggest getting the Plus version.
Think this would be a fantastic budget choice for a BOB/EDC carry radio. The 1800 mAh batteries are under $20 and there is a extended battery 3800/4000 mAh also available for even longer run time.
Radio much smaller than I imagined it being (good thing), my rough measurements put it at 4.25" length without antenna, 2.25" width, and 1.1875" depth. With antenna, total length is around 8.5"
edit: Also has a built-in led flashlight. [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co
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Any luck programming it from the key pad?
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Doesn't seem too hard through keypad. You can also program it through a windows xp machine, but need to buy a separate programming cable though for that. Will probably stick to programming via keypad, which should be fine for my purposes at this point.
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Another useful link for your UV-5R....
http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/ (http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/)
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Thanks Crudos!
I need to take my Technician amateur radio exam too. What book or program are you using?
Thanks again
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Thanks Crudos!
I need to take my Technician amateur radio exam too. What book or program are you using?
Thanks again
Just got this one.... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0872590976/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0872590976/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00)
Also using this site to take practice tests. Able to get 70% without any studying so far.... http://www.qrz.com/ht/ (http://www.qrz.com/ht/)
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Thanks [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co
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Thanks for the review, I'm planning to buy one of these.
Please guys if any of you find a way to recharge this with 12v tell me how
Also it would be great to see how the unit responds to harsh use, like using it under the rain
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Also found an excellent Yahoo Group for the radio....
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baofeng_uv5r/ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baofeng_uv5r/)
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Source of accessories for the UV-5R
http://www.uv5r.com/ (http://www.uv5r.com/)
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It's to bad that one of the accessories isn't a battery attachment that you could use AA or AAA batteries. I have a MINWA MW 5798N battery charger that works on: D, C, AA, AAA and 9 volt rechargeable.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VTG948/ref=asc_df_B008VTG9482206232?smid=AMEAQY81R6T0Z&tag=dealtmp52162-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B008VTG948 (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008VTG948/ref=asc_df_B008VTG9482206232?smid=AMEAQY81R6T0Z&tag=dealtmp52162-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B008VTG948)
It comes with a 12 Vlt plug and a 110 Vlt plug with transformer. I use the charger with the 12 Vlt plug plugged into my 12 VLT system.
As a side note:
I received my charger and it worked for one charge and then failed. I sent it back and received a brand new one. Well that one failed too. So I took it apart and found out that one of the wires had come loose from a poor solder job in China. I re-soldered it and it worked great until it didn't again. Well I took it apart and found another solder point that had come undone. Fixed that point and since then it has worked as a champ.
I have slowly replaced all of my store bought batteries with Powerex Ni-Mh batteries. They are not cheap but they seem to last longer than your typical rechargeable battery and 'store bought... use... than throw away' batteries. Here is a link if you are interested: http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=342 (http://www.mahaenergy.com/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=342)
Sorry, I got a little off topic. ;D
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Look at the Wouxun radios!
Tougher and about the same price.
Even has a 12v charger and an battery pack that will accept off the shelf batteries!
I lean towards a very diverse power sources.
Also car chargers and many other fun gizmos
I looked very hard at the Baofeng and The Woxun and the latter won out. Check all the addons.Same basic throw away radio but a better radio and the guy is one of us!
http://www.wouxun.us/index.php (http://www.wouxun.us/index.php)
Might be a few dollars more over the other but a better/tougher radio.
Check out GUERRILLAGEEK a few posts below.
Self Reliance Comm Gear Update, Extreme Value, Wouxun KG-UV6_ Dualband Radio review, Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/my_subscriptions?feature=mhee&s=y3f5C-R1iU3cfm9UeeN5PfRgEY7kB9s5VCgvg3lOoEE (http://www.youtube.com/my_subscriptions?feature=mhee&s=y3f5C-R1iU3cfm9UeeN5PfRgEY7kB9s5VCgvg3lOoEE)
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For the price I paid, (under $50 shipped), still think the UV-5R is a quality deal. Case design and strength seems on-par with other HT's and wouldn't feel bad about rough use with it. And the biggest thing is how small it is, where every ounce counts, but don't think I'm sacrificing vital features for that small size. I am looking at the non-HT Wouxon's for options in my truck and as a home base station. So yeah, thanks for the info and the YT links, will definitely checkout GUERRILLAGEEK's vids.
[URL=http://www.smileyvault.co
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@Fuzzy, hey man that guerrillageek channel is pretty good I suscribed, thanks for sharing
@Crudos, I found a 12v charger for the UV-5R, check it out
http://www.jointchoice.com/goods-420026-12V-DC-Car-charger-for-Baofeng-UV-5R-Wouxun-KG-UVD1P-KG689-CIGARETTE-LIGHTER-plug-Car-charger.html (http://www.jointchoice.com/goods-420026-12V-DC-Car-charger-for-Baofeng-UV-5R-Wouxun-KG-UVD1P-KG689-CIGARETTE-LIGHTER-plug-Car-charger.html)
Can you see a plug for it in the unit? Or that 12v plug should be used together with the base? I think that charger would be pretty useful, it sucks the seller doesn't provide a better product description
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@Crudos, I found a 12v charger for the UV-5R, check it out
[url]http://www.jointchoice.com/goods-420026-12V-DC-Car-charger-for-Baofeng-UV-5R-Wouxun-KG-UVD1P-KG689-CIGARETTE-LIGHTER-plug-Car-charger.html[/url] ([url]http://www.jointchoice.com/goods-420026-12V-DC-Car-charger-for-Baofeng-UV-5R-Wouxun-KG-UVD1P-KG689-CIGARETTE-LIGHTER-plug-Car-charger.html[/url])
Can you see a plug for it in the unit? Or that 12v plug should be used together with the base? I think that charger would be pretty useful, it sucks the seller doesn't provide a better product description
Looks like the car charger plugs into the base that is included with the radio. no where on the radio itself it would plug into. Probably a good idea to pick-up another base, though that is pretty annoying. Here's another option...
http://www.uv5r.com (http://www.uv5r.com)
Scroll down to find the Baofeng UV-5R/UV-5RC 12v Battery Eliminator. Again, not the most elegant solution, but that's what we have to work with.
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Thanks for the confirmation Crudos
Yup I saw that one too, isn't too elegant... but for the price you cant ask much more. I'll get one as a backup
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Crudos,
does your new radio have a location you can fasten an antenna wire if I wanted to string one?
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Crudos,
does your new radio have a location you can fasten an antenna wire if I wanted to string one?
No, you'd probably have to get some kind of adapter to hook up bare wires as an antenna. Or mod an existing antenna somehow.
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Does the antenna unscrew? If so you probably could use a coax connector (PL 7 I think they are called).
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Does the antenna unscrew? If so you probably could use a coax connector (PL 7 I think they are called).
Yes, you can put other types of antennas on. Connection on radio side is SMA male, and the antenna is SMA female. With various co-ax connector(s), you should be able to connect just about anything for an antenna.
From the internets, here's a close-up of the antenna base....
(http://sainsonic.com/zen/albums/SKU/28/28-020/28-020-113/02.JPG)
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Cool no worries... I can adapt a coax cable to that. Thanks man! [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co
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Just a word of warning on the Baofeng chargers.
Do not leave them plugged in unintended.
There have been 4 unconfirmed reports of them starting on fire. Unconfirmed means I have not seen the fire dept report but have had 1 user tell me his started burning as it was sitting on the end of his reloading bench while he was sitting there. (not reloading at the time but charging a radio)
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Thanks for the heads up. I usually charge mine while sitting on the computer, so I keep on eye on it pretty good. Heard there might be lose solder joints in some chargers, but unsure which batch of UV-5R's they are from.
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How does it sound? You listening to any Commie Propaganda?
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How does it sound? You listening to any Commie Propaganda?
Sound quality is good. Been listening to local repeaters, and public service stuff. No commie propaganda yet, lol.
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You're really missing out buddy!
Voice of Havanna has a great program about shortwave radio and the jazz.
Voice of China is a blast to listen to, lastnight they had an hour long program about overeating hosted by a 2 chicks and a dude who couldn't get past "don't ask, don't tell." It was fucking stupid buddy. They think they have their finger on the pulse of American culture and that they are cleaverly sneaking in propaganda.
RT has a great broadcast too.
Just be careful with that Red Radio, you'll be suprised at how often you find yourself agreeing with it ;)
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Thanks for the info. Ive been looking at that one and similar but know nothing about them.
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You're really missing out buddy!
Voice of Havanna has a great program about shortwave radio and the jazz.
Voice of China is a blast to listen to, lastnight they had an hour long program about overeating hosted by a 2 chicks and a dude who couldn't get past "don't ask, don't tell." It was fucking stupid buddy. They think they have their finger on the pulse of American culture and that they are cleaverly sneaking in propaganda.
RT has a great broadcast too.
Just be careful with that Red Radio, you'll be suprised at how often you find yourself agreeing with it ;)
I assume you got your new shortwave up and running then? [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co
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Maybe.. I might have found the stinking switch they hid in the battery compartment that keeps the radio from working.
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To be honest I am not 100% delighted with my Grundig G3D.
The antenna is weak which has got me thinking about replacing it with a real antenna but it is the classic telescoping stereo style.. so it's going to be a real bitch of a job.
I'll tell you that I am enjoying the hell out of building antennas though! [url=http://www.freesmileys.or
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Antennas? Check out: http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/shortwave-antennas/ (http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/shortwave-antennas/)
The CC SW Reel Antenna is a convenient and inexpensive way to improve the reception of any shortwave radio. Just attach the end clip to the telescoping antenna of your radio and extend the antenna up the wall or to a window. Comes in a sturdy case for portability. Size: 4" W x 2.9" H x 0.8" D.
Features:
Capacitor loaded for best performance
23 Ft. long, smooth action roll-up wire
NEW! Spring-loaded clip; attaches to any retractable antenna
One year warranty
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I used an old spring to hold mine onto my antenna but I like the id style clip.
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Update....
Since I've gotten the radio, the button that activates the FM receiver portion of the radio doesn't work anymore. Based on what I'm reading, it's a bad switch, and not at all common, and not a huge deal breaker. Also improved the antenna with a slight longer one, that cost me all of $3.50 on eBay. Even without the FM radio part, everything else functions great. I can listen in to various public service frequencies all over the two counties I live and work in. Still haven't gotten my Technician level license yet, due to a scheduling snafu on my part. When tax refund season hits, I will probably buy another one. Also looking into getting a base station-type unit. I have one in mind, but it's so new, it's not in full production yet. So will wait a bit to let others get the bugs figured out. It's the Anytone AT-5888UV made in China.
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Thanks for the update buddy, I makes buying one easier when someone has already gone though this.
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I got mine in the mail and am impressed by it's size. I'm looking for a 20 round AR15 mag to put it in.
Still to green to the radio world to know if I like it yet but I can listen in on local PD for 20 miles which isn't a bad thing ;)
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OK...OK I need one now! That's it...I ain't going to be the last kid on the block without one...Dang!!!
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I would also suggest upgrading your antenna. Search for, "J0125A" on eBay. For under $5 shipped, it offers a improvement on the one supplied with the radio. It is slightly longer, but offers a bit better performance. Love this little radio, fits easily in my edc bag, so much so, I forget it's there.
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I went with this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008Y2SPH6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008Y2SPH6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00)
I am still waiting for it to get here from Amazon. So far so go though, I am listening local PD from 25 miles out.
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TG, looks very similar to the one I mentioned. Keep us posted on how it works out for you.
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So far so good Crudos, I still haven't played with programing the radio. After reading the reviews I've concluded that if I am going to have trouble it will be there.
Now I need to get a licence...
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I haven't programmed mine yet. But do have some public service frequencies memorized. I already mentioned the site previously, but this is an excellent resource to help owners of this radio....
http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/ (http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/)
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Straightprep designated frequencies? :D
I also just got a Uv-5r+. Nice little radio, although I have no experience with them.
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Got one at christmas with a spare batt and a lapel mic. Just need to get a license (for now) and figure out how to really program this thing... and some good frequencies. I got the programming cable and software but the dang thing wont read the radio on my computer. Not sure...
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So I've had my radio for a while now. It's been beat-up, thrown around, and still functional. I usually keep it in my edc bag to and from work. The upgraded antenna works great and is very durable. As noted previously, the only thing gone wrong is the button that activates the FM radio stopped working. I'm tempted to take it apart and tinker around with it, but haven't had the time. This summer I'm looking to put up a fixed 2m/70cm antenna on my house for the radio to hook into. Been looking around for decent vehicle mounts, but haven't found anything that screams, "This is the solution!" yet. It's doesn't have all the bells and whistles of radios that cost many times more than this, but for a durable, cheap, lightweight form of communication in your AO, I can't say enough good things about it. It's NOT a long, or medium range solution, just to be clear.
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It does sound like a good mobil option though.
Thx for the update Crudos!
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What sort of extra antennas can you get for these? And any way to boost the power (legally, for now) to increase its range?
I'm kinda stupid when it comes to commo ::)
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As you eluded too, it's all in the antenna. That and a whole host of other factors for range, e.g. ionosphere, sun spots and even cloud cover.
Crudos has the right idea in 2m/70cm antenna.
Many years ago I had a illegal ham radio on our sail boat. Illegal as I didn't have a license - We pretty much just listened to it (Pretty much). Between the mast head and the aft turnbuckle we had isolators. So the SS aft shroud was our antenna. We would use a tuner to help to zero in on a signal.
Although I am not an expert (Clearly) I am sure if you had a tuner attached to your antenna you would be able to do the same thing. You will need a good ground too...Like a 8' copper grounding rod pounded into the ground. On the boat, we had a torpedo shaped grounding shoe affixed to the side of the keel.
It's all fun stuff... [URL=http://www.smileyvault.co
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Once I get out of school and start making the cash I really need to get into commo hardcore.
Danke for the tips!
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ALthough I don't know the lingo I am sure they make a booster that will allow you to turn up the power on your output.
But the truth is that you can't legally broadcast without a licence because this unit is 4watts if I remember correctly.
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Looks our favorite cheap radio company has some different (new?) models out. Been seeing the UV-B5 and UV-B6, and the UV-82 (or 86?). The UV-82 model looks like it has more powerful battery and slightly larger frequency range. Haven't been able to get much info though so far. All these have hit the streets in the just the past couple of weeks, I think.
If your looking for cheap, but decent commo solutions, these Chinese-made radios are hard to beat. You can score the UV-5 series all day/every day on eBay for well under $50 shipped.
And no, I am not a representative of the company, but if they wanted to send me a case of brand new UV-82's..... :lmfao:
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Found a link with slightly more information plus comments from people more knowledgeable than I on the UV-82 and ham radio in general....
http://hamgear.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/baofeng-uv-82/ (http://hamgear.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/baofeng-uv-82/)
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Hey Crudos, the UV5R is able to scan? I always wanted to buy one but I continually procrastinate it :D
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Hey Crudos, the UV5R is able to scan? I always wanted to buy one but I continually procrastinate it :D
Yes, but I haven't tried it yet. On my list of things to do.
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Here's a review of the new Baofeng UV-82, which some have suggested was just a re-casing of the now-venerable UV-5R radio.
http://hamgear.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/review-baofeng-uv-82/ (http://hamgear.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/review-baofeng-uv-82/)
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Hey Crudos, the UV5R is able to scan? I always wanted to buy one but I continually procrastinate it :D
It does scan and will monitor two set freqs. I would get one APX.
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I already bought one so I can torture test it, is on its way :D
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I think you are going to love it.
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I played a lot with it and is awesome.
I wanted to write something about it, so to do something different I wrote about the bad things of this radio, here is the thread.
http://unchainedpreppers.com/forum/gear-review/bad-things-about-the-baofeng-uv5r/ (http://unchainedpreppers.com/forum/gear-review/bad-things-about-the-baofeng-uv5r/)
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I do not want to poop on the parade here but just offer an option.
That is the Wouxon radio. Twice the price but tougher and 2 great programming programs. We are talking a $100 or so radio though.
My buddy has the Baufang and let me get the model on antenna he switched to and gets much better performance. I just looked at my notes and all I wrote down was the maker and that was Diamond walkie dualband. Did not write down the model number.
Not sure about the Baufeng being able to limit power output but the Wouxun does and I see that as a great plus. There may be time where you just want to put out a half watt. Even at that I hear the radio spotter drones will spot your transmission in under a second. May be rumor, I dunno.
The good options on both radios are the FRS freqs you can operate on or at least listen to. That along with CB comms will give you more info about your close area which may be more important than the shortwave telling you whats going on in France.
I'll post that diamond antenna model next time I talk to him. Said it gave him better reception (repeaters he could not hear before) and longer range.
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Yeah, I heard a lot of guys claiming that changing the original Baofeng antenna they got way better performance.
Just the other day DVCPrepper was telling somewhere about the Wouxun radios being good, maybe you can write a review about it guys :D
The Baofeng can limit the power output from 4W to 1W just with a key press, and also can transmit both in VHF and UHF bands.
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Fuzzy: Wouxon are also decent fairly cheap radios, no doubt. Probably some features better than the bargain UV-5R variants. That said, I have yet to see another radio that gives so much bang for the buck. And if you accidently lose it, drop and break it; it won't kill your bank account trying to replace it, unlike some pricey Yaesu rig. Would love to see someone do a review of Wouxon radios as a comparison.
The stock antenna is okay on the UV-5R, but definitely get a performance boost by changing it out. Somewhere in this thread, I listed the one I bought super cheap.
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My brother has a Baofeng UV 5R. There is no sound coming from the speaker. I tried to reset it by holding in the FM button when I turn it on and it will not reset. Has anybody had this issue with there's?
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Check this thread:
http://forums.radioreference.com/budget-entry-level-transceivers/255927-baofeng-uv-5r-no-sound.html (http://forums.radioreference.com/budget-entry-level-transceivers/255927-baofeng-uv-5r-no-sound.html)
A guy mentions a cable got lose, you can try plugin a earphone and and seeing if there is audio that way.
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THX APX.
I tried that last night and still no sound. I sent a email to BaoFeng last night.
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The current latest greatest of the Baofeng family of hand-held radios....
http://www.americanpreppersnetworkradionet.com/2014/08/baofeng-adds-8-watt-handheld-radio-to.html (http://www.americanpreppersnetworkradionet.com/2014/08/baofeng-adds-8-watt-handheld-radio-to.html)
http://www.miklor.com/COM/Review_F8HP.php (http://www.miklor.com/COM/Review_F8HP.php)
I've been holding off on getting more of these little radios because of my personal economic situation, but looks like Baofeng has upped the game and actually listening to it's customers.
:thumbsup:
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I don't care what anybody writes/says, I love these little HAM radios. Here is the new 8W radio via Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAULSOK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MAULSOK&linkCode=as2&tag=httpki4heeblo-20 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAULSOK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00MAULSOK&linkCode=as2&tag=httpki4heeblo-20)
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It would be nice to see a real review of them, miklor review sucked.
I think they still have "the alarm" and the easy to turn on flashlight problems
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OK. I read most of the other posts so I thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I have about 20 UV5Rs. None of them cost me more than $30 each. I bought them from Amazon. The only problem I've had with any of them was one of them had a scratchy volume control. I gave it away to a prepper friend. The early ones had an S meter that was wide open or off. The latest ones have an S meter that actually works. I've been a Ham since 1973 and have seen it all and done it all. The UV5R is the biggest bang for the buck yet. However, they do not like water. I keep a fully programmed UV5R in each vehicle, on every family members bugout pack, and lots of extras as backups. I also have a ton of extra, fully charged, large and small battery packs. The extra long 14 to 15 inch antennas turn these little radios into monsters. The wife is also a Ham so we both keep one with us at all times. I have 2 computer programs for them. The only program I like is CHIRP. CHIRP can make that nearly useless squelch work like its supposed to. CHIRP can also program just about every other radio I own. If you have more than one UV5R, don't try to just dump the contents of one into the other. If they have different Firmware the radio will stop working and you'll have to download a Factory Image and undo the mess you made. Just upload the contents of the radio into CHIRP to create an image. Then change the contents of the image buy copy and paste from the other radio's file.