Baofeng distributors

[yycwrangler]

As someone studying for my license, I thought I would like to pick up a cheap HT so as to be able to monitor dual band communications (2m/70cm) (will buy a mobile down the road). I've been drawn to the Baofeng uv82hp and if mobile would use an external antenna (anything recommendations on a NMO?).

I can't buy from amazon.ca it appears and I can't find any Canadian sites that sell the Baofeng, so I'm depending on ordering from the US. I want a distributor that I know I can work with if there is any problems with the radio and I see two distributors (banfengtech and baofeng radio). Both say they are the main distributors of Baofeng but I'm not sure one is not misleading. Unfortunately I don't know which one..
Amazon seems to have have paired with baofengtech.

Any thoughts on which is the better distributor to deal with and antenna recommendations would be great

Cheers
Al

 

[mmckenna]

No comment on the Baofengs. I think you can do better for a first radio.

As for the antenna, since it's something that will outlast your radio:
Go with an NMO mount. It'll give you the most flexibility in the long run.
Get a -name brand- dual band antenna. I'd strongly recommend Larsen NMO-2/70.
Be aware that Tram and Browning are cheap Chinese knock offs, and not related in any way to the Tram/Browning that used to make decent CB radios.
Spending a little bit extra on the antenna now will give you something that'll last a lifetime. If you go with the cheap brands to save a few bucks, you'll likely be replacing it in a few years.

As for the mount, I'm not a big fan of magnetic mounts. I'm a strong believer in a permanent mount NMO mounted on top of the vehicle. Done properly this will outlast your car. "Fender" brackets are a compromise. Not ideal, but they will work. Magnetic mount should be your last choice.

Get a mount with the right connector on the coax to match your radio. Using adapters on the radio end tends to put a lot of stress on the radio antenna connector. This will lead to an expensive failure.

So, Larsen NMO-2/70 is well worth the investment. In reality they are not any more expensive than the cheap amateur grade antennas. They'll last you a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Get a Larsen, Laird, or Antennex brand NMO mount. Again, avoid the cheap Chinese knock offs. Do a proper install and it'll last the life of your car.

 

[nd5y]

I want a distributor that I know I can work with if there is any problems with the radio and I see two distributors (banfengtech and baofeng radio). Both say they are the main distributors of Baofeng but I'm not sure one is not misleading. Unfortunately I don't know which one..

As far as I can tell both are misleading.

The best source of information if you run into problems is Miklor Information Site, VHF UHF Handheld Radios

 

[N4GIX]

I do know that the one in Texas does honor the warranty. I've exchanged one that was defective with no drama whatever.

 

[R8000]

If you are concerned about finding a source that will honor a warranty, your best bet is to stick with the major ham radio dealers. Yaesu HT's and Mobiles have been on some decent sales lately. I have a UV 5R...hate it. It is dirty on 2M TX for spurs, the wall wart charger almost burnt down my home, PL decode time is horrid. Save your money for a true name brand rig. You will be happier in the long run.

 

[yycwrangler]

Thanks everyone for the feedback...

mmckenna - the only reason I want to go with a cheap knockoff is that I don't plan on really doing any transmitting on it..Just learning/listening about ham..At a later date, I'll be going with a good mobile. My vehicle is a jeep wrangler..probably the worst vehicle for communications. Best place we can mount is driver cowl and a NMO is the route I'll be going. Yes I'll be buying a good antenna as I plan on using it with my mobile down the road.

Nd5y - thanks for the feedback..I'll have a look a Miklor.

N4GIX - great to hear you've used the texas group without issues..

R8000 - would love to buy a more expensive HT. But I really want a mobile and as such, keeping it cheap for now until I save up my pennies

Cheers
Al

 

[K4EET]

I also have a Baofeng that I purchased to test and it is "dirty" on the two meter band as the previous poster said. The ARRL came to the same conclusion, Stay away from that brand.

Your best bet as an entry level radio is a Yaesu FT-60R. They can be had for as little as USD $139 at GigaParts for a used "open-box" radio with warranty (Open Box 5W 2M/70CM HT).

I suggested used open-box from a dealer because that is your best bang for the bucks. The Yaesu FT-60R can be had for about USD $160 if new in-box.

You are going to love ham radio. It is a great hobby!

73 and good luck on the testing! Dave K4EET

 

[K4EET]

Thanks everyone for the feedback...

mmckenna - the only reason I want to go with a cheap knockoff is that I don't plan on really doing any transmitting on it..Just learning/listening about ham..At a later date, I'll be going with a good mobile. <snip>

Hi Al,

If you are truly going to use it for receive only and you want it cheap, perhaps consider the cheapest of all... the Baofeng UV-5RE at Amazon (Amazon.com: BAOFENG UV-5RE Dual Band Amateur Radio with Earpiece: Cell Phones & Accessories).

It's cheap so expect cheap results. But if it's just for the interim...

73, Dave K4EET

 

[krokus]

Most of the larger dealers off used equipment, which could be in good condition. I know R&L and Universal both list their used inventory, with condition reports.

Sent via Tapatalk

 

[billy1962]

You are asking between two different distributors - who clearly state who and what they are:

Foscam: http://baofengradio.us/about

BTECH: https://baofengtech.com/about

-----

Baofeng Tech has actual working knowledge of the products, Foscam does not (anyone can confirm this by an email to both)

The UV-82HP is only available through Baofeng Tech as it is their model - Baofeng Tech also has a warranty form: https://baofengtech.com/product-repair - Foscam is not as clear on their process.

Baofeng Tech also works closely with CHIRP and Miklor.com for documentation and support of their radios on CHIRP

 

[teufler]

I second Baofeng Tech. I bought a f8hp from them about a year ago and have had not a single issue with it.

 

[bama9999]

My UV82-HP and accessories also came from Baofengtech and I've had no issues with any of it either, other than the Nagoya 771 antenna I bought didn't show any improvement over the stock antenna, but honestly I believe that's because the stock antenna is just that good. Everything I've read says the stock antenna's on these models are way ahead of those found on the UV5R's.

I've not had any personal experience with any of the other Baofeng models, other than just hearing others using them over the air, but I think those who've not tried the UV82-HP would be in for a nice surprise if they were to try one.