Baofeng Baofeng UV-5R Emergency Freqs Programming Help

[TheScarceMan]

Hi all. I'm new to the amateur radio scene and new to programming. I picked up a UV-5R Plus and am just trying to play around with programming it with Chirp. I've already figured out downloading from the radio, modifying a .CSV file and uploading to the radio. I pulled a CSV file off some website. It seems to be the same one that is posted on many sites and includes all kinds of "have this in case of emergency" type frequencies. FRS, GMRS, MURS, PMR, etc.. The problem I'm having when I look at this file is that regardless of the frequency, whoever authored this file always has the rTone, cTone and Dtcs data fields filled in which doesn't seem right to me. Again, I'm a total newb but was hoping one of you guys would take a look at the attached file and tell me what you think? Am I crazy? I know there are legalities with transmitting on some of these frequencies. I don't plan on it. I'm just in learning mode here and find the best way for me to learn is to understand what is right and what is wrong and try to work it out as best I can. Thanks!

 

[vagrant]

I have many radios. I would never reach for one of them first if I had an emergency for various reasons. I use a Garmin Inreach SE+ device. I currently use a monthly subscription plan that I can turn on/off. I will probably switch to their annual plan by summer.

As to tones, they may be filled in but grayed out (not active). With FRS, GMRS and MURS, you don't necessarily need to use tones. Still, many do so that they avoid hearing others not using their same tone. Keep that in mind. You may transmit on one of these license by rule services, but no one may hear you if they have tone squelch enabled and you are not using the same tone.

I expect others will soon chime in about the legality of that particular radio, but it is an inexpensive first time out learning tool. Perhaps read the following Wiki articles to learn more about the tones you are referring to in your request.

Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

DCS - The RadioReference Wiki

wiki.radioreference.com

Pack a lunch and makes some coffee if you want to really want to do some reading:

A historical and technical overview of tone squelch (PL, CG, QC, CTCSS, etc.) systems.

 

[hill]

That radio isn't Type accepted for most of the frequencies, even if it will work on them.

FRS radios are required to have non-removable antennas and only 2 watts. MURS needs a certified radio and only these frequencies can be in the radio. PMR is for overseas in Europe and these frequencies in the USA are within our Ham Radio 70CM band and require a licensee.

Many of them also require a licensee, GMRS, Ham, and Part 90 frequencies. This radio can't be used for GMRS (Part 95), Part 90 or Marine VHF (Part 80), so that only leaves Ham Radio.

Also in closing these cheap radios make a bad radio to depend on in emergencies with their low quality. They may work or they will fail.

 

[TheScarceMan]

Thanks for all the comments. I appreciate it. Again, I'm trying to understand the file I found, not because I am relying on it, but as an exercise to help me learn. I'll definitely take what you all have shared and start applying it (and reading!).