Category Archives: Amateur Radio

Baofeng BF-F9+ V2 Review

Baofeng BF-F9+ V2
Source: FOSCAM
1-piggieI admit that I find Baofeng models very confusing. I recently ordered the BF-F9+ V2 through Amazon. I thought I was ordering through BAOFENGTECH, but found I was ordering from FOSCAM—a camera company. Such is Amazon. When I look up the images, however, the model I received looked more like the Baofeng UV-5R+.

This is a picture of the BF-F9+ V2 from one company.
This is a picture of the BF-F9+ V2 from one company.

Still it had 1, 4 and 8-watt advertised capability. The UV-5R+ has only 1 and 4-watt power. I was familiar with how to program it already, so I was ready to go.

When I received the unit, I eagerly opened it up and set it up to charge. While it charged, I dug into the manual which was much better than the manual for the UV-82. It could be that I understand more of the terms and specifications than I did when I ordered the UV-82. The 3800mAh battery took longer to charge than I am used to, but that was expected.

Once charged I picked up the radio to try it out. The battery remained in the charger. I tried a number of ways, but I could not get the battery mechanism to latch.

The model I received looked more like this.
The model I received looked more like this.

DISLIKES

The color. I ordered the camouflage model, but the camouflage was a bright green instead of the dull color of my UV-82.

When I removed the screws for the belt clip, they felt wrong. I realized that I was working with a cheap aluminum casing. After installing the belt clip, one of the screws ripped out.

LIKES

I must say that FOSCAM has a good customer service program and immediately took care of the problem. That, unfortunately, meant sending it back. I was disappointed that I had to send this one back.

The radio had a good feel in my hands. I had the CHIRP program ready so I programmed it quickly. The radio seemed to work as advertised although it did not give me much better performance in my apartment than my UV-82. This could be because of the antenna.

This unit had the VFO button on the front to switch between Frequency and Channel mode. This is a desirable feature over the UV-82.

OVERVIEW

The radio seems to work as advertised. The disappointment was the manufacturing defects. I probably could have—I was strongly thinking of—modifying the battery to lock into place. This, of course, would have voided any warranty. I don’t know if a different battery would have worked.

To try to re-secure the belt clip would have been an different matter altogether.

I recommend new Ham operators avoid this Baofeng model. It appears that quality control is lacking at the manufacturer.

ARRL 10 Meter Contest is in the Wings

ARRL-Flag-waving-Large_54The  American Radio Relay League is hosting a 10-meter Amateur Radio contest December 12-13. If they had bothered to check they would have found that I will be busy on December 12 getting my Amateur Extra license. I will not be able to afford any 10-meter equipment until well beyond that. I’ll be ready for the next one.


From the ARRL web site:

The 2015 ARRL 10 Meter Contest is just ahead, December 12-13. This popular event is lots of fun, and you never know what sort of propagation you might encounter on 10 meters.

The ARRL encourages computer loggers to check out the new web-based log uploading facility. It offers quick response and instant feedback, and if your log has a problem, you’ll be able to fix it on the fly and upload the log again on the spot.

For paper loggers or for those using software that does not generate a Cabrillo file, there is a convenient data entry service that converts your log data into Cabrillo format and forwards it on to the ARRL’s log handling service. You also can still submit your log via e-mail.

Whichever method is more convenient, be sure to submit a log, even if you only made a few contacts. It improves the quality of the log checking, and you might even find yourself in line for a certificate! Post any soapbox comments and photos to the ARRL’s Soapbox page.

Baofeng UV-82 review

Baofeng UV-82
Source: BAOFENGTECH through Amazon.
4-hams

Before I even obtained an FCC amateur radio license, I had heard of this tremendous Baofeng radio. Indeed they have become all the rage because of their low cost. The people I know were buying the Baofeng UV-5R mostly because it came per-programmed from their source with what they needed.

I began to work on obtaining a license and ordered the Baofeng UV-82 which was advertised as the upgrade to the UV-5.

When it arrived I immediately studied the features of the radio. It is pretty solid. It is a VHF/UHF radio with an FM radio to boot. It seems to be of solid construction. I have dropped it a couple of times and it still works. Like many other brands, including Baofeng, it can monitor two frequencies.

UV-82C(1)LGDISLIKES

The UV-5 has one feature over the UV-82 that I immediately liked. It has a button on the front to switch between VFO and Channel modes. With the UV-82, you have to hold the MENU key and turn the radio on to switch between these modes. This is inconvenient when you are trying to manually program the unit. Once I programmed it with CHIRP, however, I usually stay in Channel mode so it is not a problem.

Another thing that I noticed is that while I can monitor two frequencies, I can only transmit on the B channel. This could be that while I was playing with the manual programming, I set something that might be causing it. I tried making several changes in the CHIRP program, but nothing seems to work.

This unit, like all others from Baofeng, came with an ear piece microphone which allows me to transmit on either channel with dual push-to-talk (PTT) buttons. This was convenient until it started to give me a buzz in the ear. I mean actually shocking me. The unit itself is supplied with a dual PTT button to transmit on either frequency and there are dual PTT microphones available.

The belt clip does not hold well. I usually wind up carrying the unit in a pocket rather than trying to keep the belt clip attached to my belt.

LIKES

I may be a new ham operator, but I know what I like.

The price of Baofeng cannot be ignored and has led to the popularity of the radio. The price is in the budget of any new Ham radio operator. It has dual-power 1 or 4 watt capability—though I have not tested this. I have not tested the range of simplex operation, but it works well with repeaters.

Initially I tried manually programming and through YouTube videos on the UV-5 and other sources, I learned to manually program. When I worked with the CHIRP program, it seemed that I could not get through no matter what I did. I contacted my source, BAOFENGTECH, via email and was surprised at the quick response. Their Tech Support worked with me on several solutions. Ultimately I found that the repeater was not working. Once I got the unit programmed, everything opened up. I learned a lot from my first experience with this radio.

I purchased a microphone/speaker separate from the radio and, eventually, a mobile antenna for the VHF/UHF range. Even with the rubber duckie, I was able to make the repeater and communicate from inside my apartment. It currently serves, mostly, as my base unit until I can upgrade.

I purchased the camouflage version and the pattern is good and the radio seems durable. I take it in the woods when I walk my dog. I get good radio operation, but I am only two-to-five miles from the repeater. In my car with mag-mount antenna, I seem to reach about 13-miles when traveling to Flagstaff. Of course, there are obstructions in-between. Traveling toward Ash Fork I would probably do better. I have reached a repeater in Seligman about 35-miles away when I position just right in Williams, but with a weak but readable signal.

The FM radio is useful, at times. While listening to the radio, a call on VHF/UHF will interrupt the radio function. After a short duration, it will return to FM mode.

The radio also has a flashlight function with a strobe for emergencies.

Many people buy these to use as low-cost scanners. You can program in local first responder frequencies. You do not need a license for this and you can set it up so that it does not accidentally transmit on those frequencies. If a local emergency arises, this could be a good source of information for you.

PROGRAMMING

I was able to learn how to program it and load frequencies into memory in the VFO mode. I practiced this while waiting for my license. Once you get the hang of it, it is easy to do.

I recommend, however, if you plan to use this or any other radio that you get a cable and download the CHIRP program. There are several complaints about the manufacturers program that you can download for your particular unit from Baofeng. I have never tried it, but you can see the reviews online.

One thing to check with the CHIRP program is whether or not your radio is on the list. The information on the CHIRP program can be found HERE. This, of course, means buying a cable.

OVERVIEW

Interestingly my source no longer offers the UV-82, but the UV-5 still sells strong. I have seen two UV-82s offered for the price that I paid for one on Amazon—but in black, not in camouflage. I am so impressed with this radio I am considering purchasing the two as back-ups.

The battery seems to last. I run it all day a couple of days in a row before requiring a re-charge. I turn it off at night for obvious reasons.

The reception on the FM radio is better than other radios I have experienced. There is some static in some of the stations. Of course I did not purchase it to listen to FM radio. In the CHIRP program you can disable it. I have accidentally activated it and the alarm, as well.

Baofeng is popular because of its price with UV-5s running around $30 on average. This unit cost me around $68. I later had to purchase the programming cable for about $15. I added a plug-in microphone/speaker. I obtained two for around $6. Shipping, of course, is additional. I would recommend checking into a belt holster rather than depending on the provided belt clip. I bought a Naoya UT-72 mag-mount auto antenna to be used with another radio that I purchased for around $16.

For about $100, a new ham can get on-the-air with this model. This model rates 4 hams.

Participated in SKYWARN recognition day

skywarnI am trying to get my web site and blog to work. In the meantime I am writing articles about my experience.

I received my Technician Amateur License, often called a “Ticket” by Ham radio operators, in October. I took the test Flagstaff in mid-October and less than a week later I was on the air with my Baofeng UV-82.

I actually obtained a call sign for GMRS first—WQWI485. It cost me $90. The Ham radio license cost me $15. Of course you have to take a test for this license and Morse code (called CW by Ham’s) is no longer required. I will get into this later, but suffice it is to say that there is an economic lesson here. $15 (it could be up to about $25 in your area) versus $90. I’ll let you do the math.

I was in the Village of Oak Creek when I received word of my license and call sign KG7YDJ. I still stumble over it when I say it even though it is easy to remember. I received my first QSO (meaning contact) with KGYOH in Munds Park. A few days later I received a QSL card. QSL means acknowledge contact and Ham operators send cards to each other for events and so forth. I’m still working on mine.

I have worked several repeaters around Arizona. I have participated in several nets. I have heard about contesting and upcoming events such as the National Parks on the Air sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League. You can participate and get special awards, cards and certificates.

There was a good example today. I was unaware of the SKYWARN Recognition day. I happened to be monitoring the local repeater and heard WX7FGZ calling to make as many QSOs as possible. The call sight WX7FGZ is a special call sign assigned by the FCC just for this special event. The NOAA, who runs the SKYWARN system, out of Bellemont, Arizona was part of the event.

I responded and was informed I earned a certificate. The problem is that I cannot find the link to print it. But I’m still looking.

It is worth noting that the SKYWARN organization is an amateur radio organization which reports unusual weather phenomena in the area. NOAA even provides free training for those amateurs who just happen to be weather buffs. It is one of the many amateur organizations that provide community service.

Of course you won’t be asked to run into the middle of a tornado or hold a metal rod in a lightning storm. This service, however, can save lives. In a rural area, for example, you might be the first one to spot a tornado. Imagine calling it in and saving lives. In fact a few years ago Bellemont was the center of just such an event. If I had my ham license then, I could have tuned in to find out exactly what was going on.

There are many more service organization that you can participate in. You can find out more, and how to get your license, at the American Radio Relay League.