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Baofeng 888s not receiving any transmissions

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ant888

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Hello, I recently purchased a Baofeng 888s radio, but it seems the radio doesn't receive anything. Is this a broken Radio?

Thanks.
 

SCPD

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While it's possible you received a defective unit, ensure your rx and tx frequencies are properly set, any pl and dpl (ctcss) tones are proper per channel. It's possible you entered the frequency via keypad and it has a improper tone set in dpl or pl.
 

ant888

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While it's possible you received a defective unit, ensure your rx and tx frequencies are properly set, any pl and dpl (ctcss) tones are proper per channel. It's possible you entered the frequency via keypad and it has a improper tone set in dpl or pl.
Wait, this radio doesn't have a keypad At all...
 

jonwienke

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Did you ever program the radio? If so, what frequencies? If you haven't programmed the radio, then it probably isn't set to anything active in your area.
 

ant888

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Did you ever program the radio? If so, what frequencies? If you haven't programmed the radio, then it probably isn't set to anything active in your area.
I didn't, but one of my other radios are programmed to the same frequency. I also forgot to mention, when I push the monitor button, I can receive just fine. It's when I don't have that button pushed... :(
 

NC1

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They could have different test frequencies from the factory. So, channel 1 on the first 888 might not be the same frequency on the 2nd 888.

You will need a programming cable if you don't already have one, and download the latest version of CHIRP.
Then program both radios the same, and you should be good to go after that.
 

ant888

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ah, I'll be sure to purchase that. But, does my radio sound defective by the way I described it?
 

SteveSimpkin

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ah, I'll be sure to purchase that. But, does my radio sound defective by the way I described it?

It is difficult to determine until you look at how it is currently programmed. When you say it receives fine if you press the monitor button, do you mean you can hear voice audio or that you hear unsquelched white noise (static)?
 

ant888

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It is difficult to determine until you look at how it is currently programmed. When you say it receives fine if you press the monitor button, do you mean you can hear voice audio or that you hear unsquelched white noise (static)?
I meant when I transmit on the other radio, and at the same time I push Monitor, I could hear the transmission. When it's done though, I hear the static.

Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk
 

Sconnick

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Mar 5, 2014
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Tough to say...

I meant when I transmit on the other radio, and at the same time I push Monitor, I could hear the transmission. When it's done though, I hear the static.

Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk

It's impossible to determine whether it's "broken" without reading the radio. It could just be that the PL code isn't the same on the second radio. Also, just note that the preprogrammed frequencies from the factory aren't necessarily legal to transmit on in the US. Definitely pick up a programming cable.
 

ant888

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Okay. When I get the cable, I'll be sure to check the PL codes. Thanks.

Sent from my SM-T710 using Tapatalk
 

DotNM

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You'll definitely want to look at, and update, the programming on both radios. If I recall correctly, these radios come with programmed frequencies that require licenses. Using these radios on frequencies you're not authorized to use is illegal and can interfere with legitimate users (which may be life safety such as police, fire, ambulance, etc. depending on your area).

Before using them, be sure they're reprogrammed to frequencies that you are authorized to use (e.g. amateur radio frequencies)
 

cmdrwill

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EXACTLY these radios come with 'test frequency's' programmed into them. You should NOT use them, you need to program frequencies you ARE licensed for.

We have tried to get these ccr vendors to clear out the test programming in the radios before selling them.
 
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