- 25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable
- Channel Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz
- Frequency Range: 136-174 / 400-480MHz
- 128 Channels 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS
- Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby
You would be hard pressed to get a better dual band HT for $62. This radio has international settings, meaning that the entire frequency range from 130-174mhz and from 400-480mhz is open to both TX and RX. This means you do need to be careful as a Ham license only allows you to TX on 2m from 144-148mhz and on 440 from 420-450mhz. The radio is not FCC certified to transmit on any of the Marine VHF, MURS, FRS/GMRS, or business radio or emergency services radio frequencies that lie in these frequency ranges and operating in those frequency ranges with this HT will expose you to FCC action.
You definitely will need the programming cable as the included directions are not enlightening for programming the radio with the keypad. The programming software for the radio is a minimal spreadsheet program. There are better free aftermarket alternatives (there is an active Yahoo group devoted to this radio, there are plenty of Youtube videos, and there is an aftermarket programming package called CHIRP which is a better software program). Make sure that you firmly attach the cable as failure to attach the cable properly will lead to frustration.
The stock antenna is ok if you live under a repeater. For those not living under a repeater an aftermarket antenna is a good upgrade.
For operational purposes the radio transmits and receives quite well and will operate for quite some time on the rechargeable battery that is included with the radio.
For $62 you also have a radio that if it should fall into a lake, get lost or some other calamity strike you can replace it.
Buy BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM Ham Two Way Radio Now
The Baofeng UV-5R is not an APX7000, so if you're expecting that, you're not going to be impressed. If you want a good, reliable inexpensive dual band HT that is in fact a COMMERCIAL (it IS FCC part 90 certified) Radio, this is for you. Out of the box, it comes complete with a good 1800mah lithium ion battery, belt clip, hand strap and drop in charger. If you're familiar with commercial radios, you'll feel at home programming the UV-5R with the free software, but you'll need to purchase a USB cable if you don't already have one (this radio uses the same 2-pin Kenwood LMR style cable that Wouxun, TYT and many others use). The cables are less than $20.
You get 128 channels with any combination of VHF or UHF channels. Another plus is the radio ACTUALLY SUPPORTS NARROWBAND, INCLUDING SPLINTER CHANNELS. This is a HUGE plus if you want to use the radio to listen (or transmit, if you're authorized) to public safety after 2013 when the FCC mandates narrowband on VHF and UHF. Many agencies are also going to channel steps most ham radios cannot properly tune (e.g. 154.8225). The UV-5R uses DSP, so it has great audio on both transmit and receive. Reports I got about my transmit audio were great, and I noticed if I spoke loudly, the DSP did a good job of attenuating the voice to a tame level.
The display is fairly easy to read, and for it's size the keys are easy to press. What I really like is the large volume knob with integrated power switch, no accidental turn off of buttons! The PTT key is easy to actuate and you don't get fatigue for long conversations. Speaker is loud, though I don't think it has the 1 watt of audio the specifications state. It is loud enough to hear in a crowd or driving down the road with the window open. Construction of this HT is solid, does not feel like a $50 radio, more like a $150 radio.
The only downsides are the poorly written manual, but hey, this is a $50 radio not a $500 radio. If you've used LMR type radios, you'll be able to get around in the software, the menu system also lets you control many of the radios' features. It does have an FM radio, which actually has great sensitivity, and the flashlight feature is easy to actuate using the lower side button and actually comes in handy.
All in all, this is a great ham HT that has the unique ability to LEGALLY operate on part 90 (commercial) frequencies (for those duly authorized), has great performance, and a long battery life. For the price, you cannot go wrong with it. I would buy another and probably will.
Read Best Reviews of BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM Ham Two Way Radio Here
You get what you pay for. Not for a newbie when programming since the instructions are half a step above useless, and definitely translated. Some of the voice prompts are still in Chinese (low battery). You can get help from some internet user groups specifically for this radio. Programming the repeater offset in memory mode is not what I expected, and not in the instructions... you program the channel twice, once for receive, another for send. You really need to program the channels from a computer. I spent the extra money to get a USB programming cable to match, and downloaded the programming software from one of the user groups. From what I read it was worth getting the genuine cable. Some others commented they bought cheaper versions that turned out not to be compatible with the USB drivers.
I do like the voice prompts... you can use it in the dark, or one-handed without looking at it.
I wanted an inexpensive backup, and that is what it is. Seems to be sturdy, and does the trick, but my 25 year-old Kenwood still outperforms it on 2M.
So far, I am still glad I bought it for a backup.
Want BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM Ham Two Way Radio Discount?
Excellent handheld!
I disagree with others on the complexity of programing, I would characterize it as different.
If you know what repeater offset is, then you'll have little difficulty programing this unit.
If you don't, then just use it in simplex mode, the way it came out of the box.
Other makes are more automated, however if you know what settings you want the features are clear and present.
All of this at the price point of the competitors battery.
Five stars is not enough!
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I'm no expert on HAM HT radios, but for the price, this is a fantastic little radio. I have another common Chinese brand and I think this one beats it hands down. It is smaller\lighter and looks better. Sound is clearer\louder. Reception is stronger. And it has better features. I would highly recommend it. But, purchase a programming cable and download the PC software. That is a much easier way to program the radio.
