Baofeng Programming help?

[Bigled1984]

I just bought a Baofeng FM transceiver. Not planning on talking on it since I don't have a license. Bought it to listen and gather information in times of emergencies
(severe weather, blackouts, etc.) However, I have absolutely no idea how to operate it other than tuning into FM radio stations. Any help with setting it up and guidance on basic operating instructions would be appreciated.

 

[sparkydude]

Another fun toy to play with. For programming, manual takes forever, I downloaded Chirp Download - CHIRP

You also need the cable to connect radio to pc . this may work for your radio. Have fun...I did !

Amazon.com: Baofeng Programming Cable for BAOFENG UV-5R/5RA/5R Plus/5RE, UV3R Plus, BF-888S, 5R EX, 5RX3, GA-2S: Tenway

Amazon.com: Baofeng Programming Cable for BAOFENG UV-5R/5RA/5R Plus/5RE, UV3R Plus, BF-888S, 5R EX, 5RX3, GA-2S: Tenway

www.amazon.com

 

[ko6jw_2]

Before you buy a cable and spend time with Chirp you should be sure that the Baofeng can receive your local frequencies. They only cover VHF and UHF conventional systems. No aircraft. No 700/800 systems. Only analog and no trunking. That said, I live in an area where just about everything can be received by a Baofeng and, althoughI am a ham operator, I use mine for listening to local fire, sheriff and EMS channels. Not a great receiver, but it does the job.

 

[Bigled1984]

Before you buy a cable and spend time with Chirp you should be sure that the Baofeng can receive your local frequencies. They only cover VHF and UHF conventional systems. No aircraft. No 700/800 systems. Only analog and no trunking. That said, I live in an area where just about everything can be received by a Baofeng and, althoughI am a ham operator, I use mine for listening to local fire, sheriff and EMS channels. Not a great receiver, but it does the job.

Thats pretty much all I want to do, but I'm overwhelmed by all the technical terms in the manual. I've figured out how to scan, but only get static. Don't know the difference between frequency/channel mode, what step, wide/narrow band, TDR, TOT, R-CTCS, etc., is all about. I am probably the newest person in the world to this. I appreciate the feedback from you two.

 

[ko6jw_2]

It is not easy to deal with all these questions in a short post. Baofeng radios are classified as "Budget and Entry Level" but they are not simple and they are actually harder to program than more expensive radios. By the way, some of the items you mention are not relevant to using the radio only as a receiver.

The thing to know is where you are and what you want to listen to. Private message me if you wish.

You will use the channel mode for listening and scanning. Public safety will all be narrow band. Steps are not too important for the channel mode. Assume 12.5Khz. All parameters are most easily set using Chirp. Many are not needed for receive only.

 

[Bigled1984]

Thanks. I'll order the cable and download Chirp.