Thanks to Stuart Sheldon, AG6AG for this information.
Category Archives: Equipment
Cheap Like Me
Now you can be cheap like me. In that caste I offer the following tip.
I ordered a couple of cables for my external drives. They came in a nice bag and I decided to use them to store my programming cables for my DMR radios. They seal up nice and hang quite conveniently on the hook I have near my computer. Thus, I can make quite changes in my radios without having to dig around for cables.
Is FCC Enforcement Advisory the death knell for Baofeng?
I will preface this article by stating that I am no lawyer. This article and the information contained, herein, is what I understand from the recent FCC Enforcement Advisory noted. If you have questions, you should contact the FCC. Do not depend on me, the Internet (unless it is the FCC web site) or your Elmer.
The FCC issued Enforcement Advisory No. 2018-03 on September 24, 2018. It begins, “The Enforcement Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has observed that a growing number of conventional retailers and websites advertise and sell low-cost, two-way VHF/UHF radios that do not comply with the FCC’s rules. … These radios must be authorized by the FCC prior to being imported, advertised, sold, or operated in the United States.”
The second paragraph hits home. “Many of these radios violate one or more FCC technical requirements. For example, some can be modified to transmit on public safety and other land mobile channels for which they are not authorized, while others are capable of prohibited wideband operations. Such radios are illegal, and many have the potential to negatively affect public safety, aviation, and other operations by Federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private users. Because these devices must be, but have not been, authorized by the FCC, the devices may not be imported into the United States, retailers may not advertise or sell them, and no one may use them. Rather, these devices may only be imported, advertised, sold, or used only if the FCC first has approved them under its equipment authorization process (or unless the devices operate exclusively on frequencies reserved for amateur licensees or they are intended for use exclusively by the federal government). Moreover, with only very limited exceptions, after being authorized, the devices may not be modified. Anyone importing, advertising or selling such noncompliant devices should stop.”
In case you are wondering what radios are included, they are all Chinese favorites. Baofeng leads the list along with BTech, TYT, Revetis and a number of others manufactured in China.
The FCC advises, “Anyone importing, advertising or selling such noncompliant devices should stop immediately, and anyone owning such devices should not use them. Violators may be subject to substantial monetary penalties.”
Radios that operate outside the amateur radio frequencies require a certification by the FCC or an authorized third party. If it operates ONLY on amateur radio frequencies, then no certification is required. One paragraph of the Advisory explains:
“Amateur Radio Exception. There is one exception to this certification requirement: if a device is capable of operating only on frequencies that the FCC has allocated for use by Amateur Radio Service licensees, it does not require FCC equipment authorization, and an amateur licensee may use his or her license to operate such radios. However, many two-way radios that purport to operate on amateur frequencies also operate on frequencies that extend beyond the designated amateur frequency bands. If a two-way VHF/UHF radio is capable of operating outside of the amateur frequency bands, it cannot be imported, advertised, sold, or operated within the United States without an FCC equipment certification.”
This might sound confusing until you realize that amateur radio is a do-it-yourself hobby and always has been. If you have the capability and can find the parts, you can build your own radio that works on any amateur radio frequency. You do not have to get a certification for it, but you must ensure it is complies with FCC technical regulations.
There was a time when you had to prove that you had an FCC license to purchase equipment. That was not an FCC regulation, just something retailers required. Since the recent dumping of illegal Chinese radios on the market, anyone could obtain a Baofeng or other radio from online sources, such as Amazon, many people purchase them without the realization that they have to have an amateur radio license to operate them.
An amateur radio operator in my area recently relayed a story to me while we were on the air. He asked if I had my scanner on, which I did not. He said that someone started transmitting a conversation on Arizona Department of Public Safety frequencies. DPS called them on it and they disappeared. He noted that it did not sound like a typical amateur radio operator. So it appears that people are purchasing these and plugging in whatever frequency they believe they can get away with.
This same problem occurs in the Part 95 world, as well. In the new Part 95 rules, the FCC forbids the selling of those combination Family Radio Service/General Mobile Radio Service radios because people ignore the regulation that you must have a GMRS license to operate on GMRS frequencies. You must now purchase an FRS or GMRS radio. The FRS is still licensed by rule, but GMRS DOES require a license no matter what you read on the Internet. The reason is technical. GMRS radio are more powerful and you can set up GMRS repeaters just like amateur radio uses. The difference in repeaters is that the FCC has already set aside coordinated input/output frequencies for GMRS that you are required to use. GMRS repeaters must identify the same as amateur radio repeaters, so you have to set in a call sign for the repeater.
You have NEVER been allowed to use Baofengs on FRS frequencies
I will admit that I put out bad information that was quashed by this Enforcement notice. I do not do that intentionally. I misunderstood some of the Part 97 regulations. I do know, however, that you cannot communicate between Part 95 and Part 97 radios.
Part 95 regulations forbid it.
§95.531 Permissible FRS uses. FRS units are primarily used for short-distance two-way voice communications between individuals. (b) One-way communications. FRS units may be used for one-way communications that are emergency messages, traveler assistance communications, voice pages or brief equipment tests. (c) GMRS stations. FRS units normally communicate with other FRS units, but may also be used to communicate with General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) stations.
§95.533 Prohibited FRS uses. FRS units must not be used for one-way communications other than those listed in §95.531(b). Initial transmissions to establish two-way communications and data transmissions listed in §95.531(a) are not considered to be one-way communications for the purposes of this section.
§95.1733 Prohibited GMRS uses. (a) In addition to the prohibited uses outlined in §95.333 of this chapter, GMRS stations must not communicate: (9) Messages (except emergency messages) to any station in the Amateur Radio Service, to any unauthorized station, or to any foreign station;
This includes using your amateur radio cross-band radio as a GMRS repeater.
Part 97 forbids it.
§ 97.111 Authorized transmissions. (a) An amateur station may transmit the following types of two-way communications: (2) Transmissions necessary to exchange messages with a station in another FCC-regulated service while providing emergency communications; (4) Transmissions necessary to providing emergency communications;
There are groups out there who are spreading the word that you can now talk to FRS radios with your Baofeng on low power because they are one-watt and FRS radios are now allowed two-watts. People have become angry with me and one lambasted me because I told them they were wrong. They said their people studied the new regulations thoroughly. Apparently they did not study the rules above.
They also did not study the technical specifications. Any radio transmitting on FRS must have a fixed antenna. I believe we can agree that you can change the antennas on Chinese amateur radios.
There are other technical specifications, but I believe I have made the point.
The problem that I see here is how can an amateur provide emergency communications with an FRS/GMRS radio if you cannot have a radio that transmits on those frequencies?
Does this mean the death of Baofeng?
What this advisory states is that any Baofeng (or other Chinese radio) you have already purchased probably does not comply with FCC regulations and you should stop using them. You will have to shell out a few more dollars for a Japanese radio that only operates on amateur radio frequencies. You should not dump that Baofeng in the next waste dump yet, however. I am not sure if there is a firmware fix that will make them FCC compliant.
Baofeng sells a GMRS model known as the BTECH GMRS V-1. This radio will only transmit on GMRS frequencies. It still has memory slots that you can program as scanner frequencies. I wondered why they did not program it to transmit on FRS frequencies since they are unlicensed. Someone pointed out the technical detail that FRS radios must have a fixed antenna. You can chance the antenna on the GMRS V-1 to a better antenna.
The run of Chinese radios for sale as of this writing (2 October 2018) on Amazon and other sources are probably illegal. You have to check the specifications on the radio. The RX list can be seven-pages long. That means it can only RECEIVE on those frequencies. The TX, however, must say:
TX 144 – 148 MHz
TX 430 – 450 MHz
If it TXs on any other frequencies, it is probably illegal for amateur use. That is, unless it has an FCC certification sticker with an FCC number that you can look up and check. Be aware that some of these Chinese radio imprint the FCC logo, but have no certification number.
SUMMARY
It is interesting that in previous years the FCC has allowed dumping millions of these radios on the market. All of the sudden, the FCC is enforcing regulations that have existed. I’ll let you work out any political possibilities.
In summary, stop using Baofengs and other Chinese radios for the time being. You must remember that you are required to allow the FCC to inspect your equipment at any time they request it. So if you are walking through a crowded mall in a QSO, an FCC representative noticing you can walk up and ask to see your radio. I suspect that they will probably give you a written warning. The FCC usually only goes after repeat offenders. You cannot bet your bank account on it, however.
So far, the FCC is going after online sources that are advertising these illegal radios. The most recent is AMCREST industries in August.
If you are planning to upgrade, you are going to have to spend more money. One model that is reasonable is the Yaesu FT-70 digital HT for around $170 to $220. You can get a 2-meter mobile Yaesu for around $150, such as the FTM-3200DR. The Kenwood TM-281A 2-meter is about the same price. If you want a dual-band, the price shoots up to about $350.
With any mobile, you may be able to use the Nagoya antenna you have been using if it is rated at 100-watts. Some of them are. But you might want a better antenna and you will have to add the RT Systems programming software because CHIRP probably does not work with these radios. If you want to use it as a base also, you will have to invest in a power supply. You can find a 30-watt power supply for about $80 online. Those are legal.
FCC Cites Baofeng Importer for Illegally Marketing Unauthorized RF Devices
The FCC has issued a Citation and Order (Citation) to Amcrest Industries, LLC (formerly Foscam Digital Technologies, LLC), an importer and marketer of popular and inexpensive Baofeng hand-held transceivers, alleging that the company violated FCC rules and the Communications Act by illegally marketing unauthorized RF devices. The FCC asserts that Amcrest marketed Baofeng model UV-5R-series FM hand-held radios capable of transmitting on “restricted frequencies.” The Baofeng models UV-5R and UV-5R V2+ were granted an FCC equipment authorization in 2012 to operate under Part 90 Private Land Mobile Radio Service (Land Mobile) rules.
“Under § 2.803 of the Commission’s rules, an entity may not market a device that is capable of operating outside the scope of its equipment authorization,” the FCC Citation said. “RF devices that have been authorized under Part 90 rules, such as the model as issue, must operate within the technical parameters established in those rules.” The FCC also maintained that the UV-5R 2+ is capable of operating at 1 W or 4 W, while the Part 90 Equipment Authorization limits the power output to 1.78 W.
Amcrest conceded that the units were capable of operating on restricted frequencies but told the FCC that, per discussions with the manufacturer, were “only capable of operating at 1 W, the FCC said. The company instructed the manufacturer to fix the problem and later confirmed with the manufacturer that all Amcrest inventory on order and in the future would operate only on 145 – 155 MHz and 400 – 520 MHz.
While the Citation does not mention Amateur Radio, the UV-5R series radios can be programmed in a channelized configuration to function on 2-meters and 70-centimeters. According to the Citation, Amcrest had added a warning in its user manuals and marketing and sales materials implying that the UV-5R V2+ could operate on unauthorized and restricted frequencies, including Part 87 Aviation Services frequencies, Part 80 Maritime Services frequencies, and frequencies reserved for federal government use. The FCC said Part 90 radios that permit the operator to use external controls to program and transmit on frequencies other than those programmed by the manufacturer are “generally prohibited.”
Amcrest told the FCC that it had ceased marketing four models in the Baofeng UV-5R series “a few years ago,” but it did not remove them from its website until last February. Numerous online retailers continue selling UV-5R series radios for less than $25, with some ads indicating that these are “ham” equipment.
Amcrest Industries, LLC, which owns and operates Baofengradio US, is an import, distribution, and marketing company based in Houston, Texas. It also sells hand-held transceivers under its own label.
“While we recognize Amcrest’s efforts to date to achieve compliance with the Commission’s rules, the company must nonetheless ensure the version of the UV-5R V2+ it is marketing operates only on frequencies specified in its Equipment Authorization,” the FCC said in its Citation. The FCC directed Amcrest “to take immediate steps to come into compliance with the Commission’s equipment authorization rules and cease marketing unauthorized RF devices in the United States.” Amcrest could face fines of nearly $20,000 per day if it fails to comply.
Not much you can do with a 2-meter whip
Nagoya NA-771 15.6″, Dual-Band, about $17 dollars
Diamond SRJ77CA 15″, Dual-Band, about $28 dollars
Nagoya NA-24J 16″, Dual-Band, about $18 dollars
As you have gathered by my series of articles, I’m pretty much relegated to going cheap. I use Baofeng, for the most part. You know the rubber duck antenna that comes with most radios are not great. That is putting it politely. Thus the after market whips.
Nagoya is the official antenna for Baofeng. They are designed to fit all models of Baofeng and work on the new GMRS V-1 by BTech—which is really Baofeng by another name. I saved my pennies and recently purchased the Diamond SRJ77CA which has a reverse SMA to fit Baofeng.
When I originally bought the UV-82, I purchased the Nagoya NA-771 15.6″ whip. I used it on UV-5rs, the BF-F9 and the UV-82HP and GMRS V-1. It works good on each and much better than the rubber duck that comes with the radio. I’ve not been nice to the antenna but it seems to have held up good for over a year.
The next purchase was the Nagoya NA-24J. It is a very pliable antenna. The problem is that the audio reports with it were not as good as the NA-771. It did not seem to have the range of the 771. I tried it as a scanner antenna, but it seemed to pick up a lot of noise.
Recently I purchased the Diamond SRJ77CA 15″ with it’s claimed 2.15 dbi gain. Amateurs know what “dbi gain” means. If it had any gain over the NA-771, I did not notice it. It performs as good as the NA-771, though. I’ve closed the car door on it a couple of times and can’t find a nick on it.
In summary, if you want the Diamond name, go ahead and spend the money. The NA-771, however, performs just as well and is cheaper than the other two. I cannot recommend the NA-24J.
Midland MXT90 GMRS not good out of the box
An advantage of having a GMRS license is being able to test GMRS equipment. I was hopeful when I saw the Midland MXT90 GMRS Micro-Mobile manufactured exclusively for Walmart. I was hopeful because I am always looking for good equipment at a good price for emergency use. Unfortunately I was disappointed.
The MXT90 is a small mobile 5-watt with the 15 GMRS channels. Channels 1-7 are the shared GMRS/FRS channels and 15-22 are the channels for licensed GMRS users only.
The unit features:
- 15 GMRS Channels
- 10 NOAA Weather Channels
- 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS/104 DCS)
- Monitor Function
- Keypad Lock
- Power HI/LO settings
- External Speaker Jack
The MXT90 does NOT have repeater capability built in. It comes with a nice microphone and is sturdy. It also comes with all of the mounting hardware like any radio.
The manual is complete and well-written. Although I believe there is a mistake in the manual concerning GMRS licensing. If you are familiar with GMRS handy-talkies, you should know that channels 1-7 are shared GMRS/FRS channels. Channels 8-14 are reserved for Family Radio Service and 15-22 are strictly licensed GMRS channels. A GMRS licensee can operated on channels 1-7 and 15-22 on high power. Radios with FRS will not allow you to set channels 8-14 to high power and are limited to around 1/4-watt. The manual states that you must have a GMRS license to use channels 1-7. I believe (and this is my own, unverified opinion) that is incorrect. Since these channels are shared, a non-licensed person should be able to use them on low power ONLY. This is one of the things I am trying to verify through reading Part 95, Subpart A concerning GMRS.
The operation of the unit is easy and then menu functions are easy to memorize once you get used to it.
I immediately tore the package open and started to experiment. It is a standard 13.8-vdc plug which goes into the cigarette lighter or accessory plug. The mag-mount antenna is small and has a long enough cable to reach through just about any vehicle.
I scanned through the NOAA channels. It would not catch any of them. Later I attached a dual-band Baofeng antenna I had and was able to scan and find the ones I usually find in my area. At home I powered it with my Fatmax battery booster. I was not able to do a proper test right away, since there are not many GMRS licensees in my area. I did scan and received some people on radios.
The next chance I had to do an actual test was on a recent trip to Utah. My companions and I were in two vehicles. I used the mag-mount antenna that came in the package and they were on a small Motorola hand-held. The audio was very good until they got a few miles away. That could have been the limitations on the hand-held, though. It turned out to be useful in an emergency situation we faced.
The manual does tell you how to purchase a better antenna, but for $99 I feel that better antenna should have been included. I would not recommend purchasing this unit.
That being said, Midland is not a poor radio manufacturer. They manufacture citizens band radios and other GMRS Micro-Mobile models. I checked their web site and found they have two other models with higher power. They have an MXT105 model which is essentially the same as the MXT90 sold through Walmart.
The MTX115 is a 15-watt model which adds repeater capability. It also has a USB charging port for mobile devices. This model comes with an antenna which probably works, but I suspect you will probably want to purchase an upgrade antenna. This model is $149.00.
Midland also offers the 40-Watt, MXT400 Micro-Mobile with the repeater capability also built-in. The only problem is that it does not come with an antenna, cable or antenna mount which must purchased separately.
If you go to their site you can find their latest in citizens band gear.
Midland is not the only manufacturer of GMRS and CB radio equipment. I only add the above information to this article since you might want to go with a higher power GMRS or citizens band equipment. The advantage of mobile radios is that you can create an effective base unit by purchasing an appropriate power supply and antenna for your home. If you must evacuate, or just chose to use it while driving, you can simply unplug the unit and plug it into your car; providing you set it up with an appropriate antenna and power plug.
No matter which service you choose to use, you should do some research. Questions on amateur radio gear can be directed to your local amateur radio club. You probably have one local to you. If you have friends that operate other radio services, you can ask them what they use and what they like. It boils down to the fact that it is your money purchasing the radios.
FCC Denies Expert Linears’ Request for Waiver of 15 dB Rule, Petition Pending
The FCC has denied a request by Expert Linears America LLC to waive Part 97.317(a)(2) of the Amateur Service rules limiting amplifier gain. Expert, of Magnolia, Texas, distributes linears manufactured by SPE in Italy. Its waiver request, filed in June, would have allowed Expert to import an amplifier capable of exceeding the current 15-dB gain limitation as it awaits FCC action on its April petition (RM-11767) to revise the same Amateur Service rules. That petition remains pending. Expert has asserted that there should be no gain limitation on amplifiers sold or used in the Amateur Service. Most commenters supported Expert’s waiver request, but a couple of commenters—including FlexRadio—demurred.
“In light of the conflicting comments regarding the desirability of eliminating the 15-dB limitation, we conclude that waiving the limitation at this stage of the rulemaking proceeding would prejudice the rulemaking proceeding and prematurely dispose of commenters’ concerns,” the FCC said in denying the waiver. “Moreover, we agree with FlexRadio that granting Expert’s waiver request while the rulemaking petition remains pending would provide an unfair market advantage for one equipment model over other manufacturers’ RF power amplifiers that would still be limited by [the existing rules].”
The FCC said it would rather give full consideration to “the pending issues” and apply the result of the rulemaking proceeding to all Amateur Radio Service equipment. The Commission said rule waivers “generally” are not warranted “merely to accommodate technical parameters that are based solely on harmonization with the manufacturer’s products available abroad.”
The FCC said a minority of those commenting on the waiver request expressed concern that eliminating the 15-dB limitation would lead to an overall increase in power levels, “including transmissions that intentionally or unintentionally exceed the maximum power limit.”
In its April rulemaking petition, Expert maintained that the 15-dB gain limitation is an unneeded holdover from the days when amplifiers were less efficient and the FCC was attempting to rein in the use of Amateur Service amplifiers by Citizens Band operators.
Although the FCC had proposed in 2004 to delete the requirement that amplifiers be designed to use a minimum of 50 W of drive power—and subsequently did so—it did not further discuss the 15-dB limit in the subsequent Report and Order in that proceeding.
Expert has pointed to its Model 1.3K FA amplifier as an example of a linear “inherently capable of considerably more than 15 dB of amplification,” which would make it a suitable match for low-power transceivers now on the market.
The full Report and Order can be found on the web in PDF format at, https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-06-149A1.pdf.
Yaesu FTM 3200DR Transceiver Review
Just to prove I don’t just buy BaoFeng, I was going to do a review on the FTM-3200DR that I purchased. In this months issue of QST, I found they already reviewed it. Here it is.
Of course they cover just the basics. I purchased my radio used through a local Ham operator for a few dollars less than the going price about six-months ago. You can find them as low as $150 at GigaParts.
The unit is VHF only, but it is solid. It’s audio quality is so much better than my BTech UV-2501. The microphone is much better quality than the BaoFeng UV-2501 microphone. The keypad works much better. That is, of course, to be expected.
I did test the digital mode with my friend and was able to talk over 20-miles away on SIMPLEX. If memory serves, we had to use the high power mode of 65-watts.
The problem is that it is VHF and most of the people setting up Fusion repeaters establish them in UHF. It does not transmit digital pictures as do some of the higher end Yaesu models. It does not have APRS built-in. I do not know enough about the digital mode to comment much more on that feature.
The analog side, however, works great. It is relatively easy to program. It cannot be programmed with CHIRP. You can order a programming package from RT Systems for about $50.
I accidentally transmitted briefly without the antenna connected, once. I do not recommend you try it. You note that I said I did it accidentally and briefly. Amazingly it still worked without any noticeable degradation.
I use it mainly in analog mode, though with my current antenna I receive a lot of static receiving long-distance signals. When used with my local repeater it sounds great.
I really recommend new amateur radio operators look into this unit as a first mobile. I use mine on a power supply obtained through the same Ham friend. It is around the same price as the BTech UV-2501. Most of the repeaters I use are VHF, so this is not a problem for me. The FTM-3200DR, however, is more solidly built. I believe any amateur radio operator will find it is a good value.
BTECH GMRS-V1 Not Rocket Science
UPDATED: 11/20/2016; 20:24
SOURCE: BaoFeng Tech; $54.99 + Shipping
As we all know by now, BaoFeng is increasing power and audio quality on all of their radios. This includes my favorite model—the UV-82. With the new UV-82HP, I guess the question at BaoFeng was what to do with all of the UV-82 models laying around.
The answer was to turn them into Part 95 machines.
BaoFeng Tech now offers the GMRS-V1 preprogrammed with the GMRS and eight repeater channels. The rest of the slots are available for programming for receive only. It can be programmed with the free CHIRP program.
The GMRS-V1 is identical to the UV-82 except for the BTECH label. It comes with the FM radio. It has the flashlight with strobe mode. It even has the alarm which broadcasts over the GMRS channel just as the amateur version does on amateur frequencies. The keypad on the GMRS-V1 is identical to the UV-82. The battery and charger are the same. You should even be able to use the battery eliminator for the UV-82. It even has 1- or 5-Watt transmit power.
You could also use the cheap external speaker-microphones available online, if you choose. I recommend against it because it sounds as bad as when they are used for amateur radio use.
It comes with the seven channels that are used for FRS/GMRS. This corresponds to channels 1-7 on the blister-pack models that you purchase at Wal-Mart. So technically anyone can use these 7-channels on low power. Channels 15 through 22 are also preprogrammed with the GMRS channels which requires a GMRS license.
CHIRP allows you to change the names of the channels, the CTSS tones and all of the other setting of the preprogrammed channels, but not the frequencies. The rest of the 128-channels can be programmed to scan only. You cannot set them to transmit. Thus, you can program the NOAA and emergency channels into the other slots and use it as a scanner. In fact I am a little disappointed that they did not preprogram the NOAA channels in.
Because the antenna mount on the GMRS-V1 is the same at the UV-82, there is another advantage. You can use your existing 70-cm Ham antenna (or install another antenna outside) to eliminate radio interference from items inside your home. I used this to test against store-bought FRS/GMRS combination units and the audio seems to be fair.
My interest in the GMRS-V1 stems from the fact that I obtained a GMRS license before I realized that I could get an amateur license cheaper. I can use this one on the road and make contacts on repeaters just by knowing the channel numbers of repeaters along the way. That is if they are open systems. Some are closed, some are members only (paid members only) and some are private. Since it acts as a scanner, as well, I can free up channels on my amateur radios for amateur use.
A list of current repeaters can be found at myGMRS.com. Local GMRS groups in different States publish repeater information including usage requirements.
The other reason for my interest in GMRS radios is for emergency use. Access to these radios is relatively easy and cheap for a family. In fact many families have and use these radios in normal communications. So those that have them can contact the established emergency center for help. These radio are also commonly used for neighborhood watch programs.
Use of two of the shared FRS/GMRS and two of the strictly GMRS channels are restricted along the Canadian border. Remembering this is important for a GMRS license. From the FCC web site:
GMRS channels Along the Canadian Border
GMRS applicants must certify that they will comply with the requirement that use of frequencies 462.650, 467.6500, 462.7000and 467.7000 MHz is not permitted near the Canadian border North of Line A and East of Line C. These frequencies are used throughout Canada and harmful interference is anticipated.
BaoFeng UV-82HP: Much improved
$62.89 + Shipping
Two things really got me into the idea of amateur radio. The first was February 25, 2015 when “vandals” cut a fiber optic cable in Phoenix severing phone, Internet and credit card and debit services to northern Arizona. The second was my introduction to the BaoFeng UV-5R. The interesting part was the capability of programming the unit. Some further Internet research (After February 25, 2016 of course) revealed that amateur radio was much more advanced than I realized.
As I explained in an earlier article, I chose to go with the BaoFeng UV-82 for my first radio. I received it, programmed it and was listening in before I actually obtained my amateur license. I had to get a little help from BaoFeng Tech technical support, but the minute I received word on my license I was on the air.
I continued to purchase BaoFeng mainly because I am not rich. Not always from BaoFeng Tech. I have tried the UV-5R, BF-F9 V2+ (really a knock-off of the BF-F8HP) and the UV-2501 mobile unit. The UV-2501 makes a great portable emergency unit.
I broke my original UV-82 after about six-months of dropping it on the ground. Not intentionally, mind you. I’m just clumsy sometimes. But it held up pretty good overall.
I was finally able to replace it with a UV-82HP and was pleasantly surprised. Except for the fact that I thought I was buying the camouflage model and accidentally ordered the black. Still looks good.
When I go for new BaoFeng radios, I usually go through BaoFeng Tech because they seem to have the latest. You can go through my previous article to get the particulars of the UV-82HP because it operates exactly the same as the old unit. I even programmed it with CHIRP using my old cable and old UV-82 CHIRP image. I had to add a line, of course, for the new power level. The HP adds 8-watts to the 1- and 4-watts of the older model.
The surprise was when I went to operate it. My local critic, Ted KF7QPG, kept asking if I was on my Yaesu FTM-3200D that I use as a base. He mentioned that I usually sounded muffled, but the audio on this unit was clear. That is with the built-in microphone, not with the Kenwood mike I reviewed. I confirmed that in another QSO with J.D. N6IME. J.D. mentioned that a friend of his recently acquired the tri-band BTECH UV-5X3 ($59.89 + Shipping) and that the audio quality was much better than previous UV-5R style radios.
Another good thing is that the battery from my broken UV-82 fits the HP model, so I had an instant back-up battery. I do not know if the antennas are interchangeable because of the higher wattage. I have to remember to drop a line to BaoFeng Tech and ask.
Almost all of the radios coming through BaoFeng Tech are either tri-band or tri-power. It seems that, also, BaoFeng tech is improving the audio quality of their newer models. You can still find older models through Amazon and other online sources. They are okay if you are really on a budget. If your budget can stand just a little more strain, however, I would recommend that you check the BaoFeng Tech web site for the latest models.
Their tech support department, by the way, responds quickly to emails. I have received a reply in as little as six-hours, but usually within 24-hours you will receive some reply.
I will note that there are better hand held radios that do more. For me, it becomes a choice of loosing a $300 radio or a $70 radio. If you are just interested in making contacts and talking with friends, you really cannot beat the price. Especially if BaoFeng continues to improve.
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