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Baofeng BaoFeng UV-5R MK5

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spcindywx

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Hi there,

I am new to amateur radio (I dont have my license to transmit yet), and was wondering if the BaoFeng UV-5R MK5 is a good radio for beginners. (I did some research and found out about the BaoFeng scams, but found out that Mirkit Radios are safe.) I am currently interested in listening to the fire dispatch frequencies in my area, which are not digital, and this radio picks it up very well.

Thanks!
 
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chief21

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I'll try to answer your question in a (mostly) non-judgemental way...

Because of their low cost, many new hams purchase Baofengs and other low-cost Chinese-made radios, commonly known as CCR's. They are, without a doubt, an inexpensive entry into two-way radio. And, mostly, they DO work. Unfortunately, however, their quality level has been questionable. Lots of reports of off-frequency operation, transmit spurs, frequency instability, poor receivers, and so on. The user/programming interface on these radios can be confusing, and most CCR's are considered throw-aways since there is no warranty service available in North America. You also mentioned your desire to monitor the fire channels... because of their extremely slow scan rate, most CCR's make terrible scanners.

If you're just sticking your toe in the ham radio waters, perhaps a super-low-cost radio is all you're looking for. If, on the other hand, you're fairly confident that you want to move forward in your amateur radio journey, you likely wouldn't be satisfied with that Baofeng for very long.

Choose wisely, grasshopper.
 
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spcindywx

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Joined
Dec 26, 2020
Messages
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Location
Indiana
chief21 said:
I'll try to answer your question in a (mostly) non-judgemental way...

Because of their low cost, many new hams purchase Baofengs and other low-cost Chinese-made radios, commonly known as CCR's. They are, without a doubt, an inexpensive entry into two-way radio. And, mostly, they DO work. Unfortunately, however, their quality level has been questionable. Lots of reports of off-frequency operation, transmit spurs, frequency instability, poor receivers, and so on. The user/programming interface on these radios can be confusing, and most CCR's are considered throw-aways since there is no warranty service available in North America. You also mentioned your desire to monitor the fire channels... because of their extremely slow scan rate, most CCR's make terrible scanners.

If you're just sticking your toe in the ham radio waters, perhaps a super-low-cost radio is all you're looking for. If, on the other hand, you're fairly confident that you want to move forward in your amateur radio journey, you likely wouldn't be satisfied with that Baofeng for very long.

Choose wisely, grasshopper.
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the info!

I am considering ordering a programming cable to completely disable transmitting for the time being. I really dont want any accidents resulting from the quality of the radio :LOL:! I am considering getting a more advanced radio in the future, and a license of course.

SteveSimpkin said:
A few reviews and opinions:
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I will definitely use this when purchasing my next radio.
 
U

UnableToSync

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Feb 3, 2021
Messages
5
Location
Liberty, South Carolina
I too am new to Ham radio. I understand the quality issues of the CCR radios but a disposable is a decent start..
I bought the Mirkit Baofeng UV-5R MK5 but I am having difficulty finding the correct programming download, Chirp, and/or firmware. Is there any advice as to which to use and a reliable place to get it?
Also I noticed that this model does not have the ”Band” button that I have seen on many radios, but is described in the manual to be used to TX/RX repeater tones...
Please forgive my noobish understanding, everyone is a noob at something....
Thank you for your help and advice!
 
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chief21

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Unfortunately, it seems as if there are nearly a million variations of the Baofeng UV-5R, and many of them have different buttons and slightly different menu options. This makes it difficult to offer any online advice unless one has the same model radio.

As to software, I would try the CHIRP configuration for the standard UV-5R and see what happens. As to firmware, I have read that the UV-5r family firmware can't be upgraded.
 
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GlobalNorth

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There are aging hams and estate sales if low cost is a priority. Check with clubs to see if they have donation sales - hams upgrading gear can donate old gear and it gets sold to fund the club and their activities or to new amateurs entering the hobby.

You can actually get first rate gear at low prices if you are willing to work with stuff from earlier decades.
 
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UnableToSync

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So I went to the FCC licensing search, entered the FCC ID on the label, below is a pic of the result...

Is this a cause for concern??

Please advise...
 

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N

nd5y

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Wichita Falls, TX
UnableToSync said:
So I went to the FCC licensing search, entered the FCC ID on the label, below is a pic of the result...

Is this a cause for concern??

Please advise...
Click to expand...
You entered it wrong. Try this:
Grantee Code: 2AJGM
Product Code: UV-5R

The hyphen (-) is part of the product code.
The label on the radio has the FCC ID misspelled. The - is in the wrong place. That could indicate it's fake.
 
U

UnableToSync

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2021
Messages
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Location
Liberty, South Carolina
nd5y said:
You entered it wrong. Try this:
Grantee Code: 2AJGM
Product Code: UV-5R

The hyphen (-) is part of the product code.
The label on the radio has the FCC ID misspelled. The - is in the wrong place. That could indicate it's fake.
Click to expand...

I see, well had the hyphen been in the right place I probably would not have entered it wrong.
Thank you for the correction.

All of you guys have been great help!! Thank you very kindly!!
 
AK9R

AK9R

Lead Wiki Manager and almost an Awesome Moderator
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Good to know that the Baofeng importers are keeping their senses of humor:

1612391574957.png
So, the radio is OK to use under Part 90 using an emission designator of 5K20F3E which is FM voice with a bandwidth of 5.2 kHz which is less than the narrow-narrow bandwidth that we may see in the future or 301HF3E which is FM voice with bandwidth of 301 Hz. Yes, 301 Hz. That makes no sense.
 
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jaspence

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Mar 21, 2008
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Michigan
A popular choice of many on the forums is the Yaesu FT-90R. More money, but great reputation and proven quality dual band HT. See eham.net revues for owners comments.
 
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