k3cfc
Silent Key
I don't know why you would get the boot. just hang in here.
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BaoFeng UV-5R plus Dual Band 136-174/400-480Mhz Ham Two-Way Radio
- Thread starter SCPD
- Start date
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I don't know why you would get the boot. just hang in here.
new models?
Alot of ads are eluding to 2013 models on the UV-5R as UV-5Ra,b, c, or d
Does anyone know the difference?
What changed from the original?
Alot of ads are eluding to 2013 models on the UV-5R as UV-5Ra,b, c, or d
Does anyone know the difference?
What changed from the original?
NAJM
Member
Why not?
In reply to all the Baofeng UV-5R bashers, i ordered one 2 days ago and i plan to use it in my Contracting Company as an on site radio. I have HT90's CP100's and some Kenwoods. From what i hear, this UV-5R may be the one to replace all my vintage radios and if i can communicate with the site while out getting materials, well that's just priceless. So for $43.00 a piece, i may just buy twenty of them. How could i go wrong? Common knowledge is something that some people don't have. I can't see how you would go wrong for the price and performance. I'll let you know how i like it in a later post. So far, i read good things.
In reply to all the Baofeng UV-5R bashers, i ordered one 2 days ago and i plan to use it in my Contracting Company as an on site radio. I have HT90's CP100's and some Kenwoods. From what i hear, this UV-5R may be the one to replace all my vintage radios and if i can communicate with the site while out getting materials, well that's just priceless. So for $43.00 a piece, i may just buy twenty of them. How could i go wrong? Common knowledge is something that some people don't have. I can't see how you would go wrong for the price and performance. I'll let you know how i like it in a later post. So far, i read good things.
WQPX912
Member
I have recently purchased the UV-5R plus model, and let me say, its built solid, the buttons feel just right, not cheap, the tx/rx sounds great on both ends, the only problem is manual programming radio using the menu on the radio, not so people friendly, but get a cable and use CHIRP programming software and your good to go. Excellent radio for the price, and don't let the "chinese made" scary anybody. The "haters" out there are the people that have the expensive radio's that cost triple of what the uv-5r offers. This day and age, and the economy, i will gladly buy and use this radio!!!
i totally agree
WQPX912
Member
UV-5R Plus
I have the "Plus" model, and it has BFB291 Firmware, and getting the right Boafeng VIP software for the right firmware, and your ready to use VIP software. With BFB291 and later, u can change the UHF freq to 400 to 520 with this software, not chirp. I've have changed it to 520 with no issues. The VIP software is the way to go, easy to program and use. And BFB293 firmware also can change to 520 also!!!!!
I have the "Plus" model, and it has BFB291 Firmware, and getting the right Boafeng VIP software for the right firmware, and your ready to use VIP software. With BFB291 and later, u can change the UHF freq to 400 to 520 with this software, not chirp. I've have changed it to 520 with no issues. The VIP software is the way to go, easy to program and use. And BFB293 firmware also can change to 520 also!!!!!
KC2GVX
Member
I just purchased one and received it today. Can someone share the best way to program it with me? As in what kind of cable and software I need. Thanks! I prefer to do it manually, but I can't quite figure out how to program a local repeater into it.
The answer is 2 posts up. Buy the programming cable, any Kenwood capable cable or the one made for the radio will do and use the CHIRP software. Suggest you join the UV-5R yahoo group as well.
Jeangys
Member
Good Deal I have two of them plus a UV-3R at work Amazing....
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2012
- Messages
- 152
The UV-5R is a VERY good radio...
For the feature set/price is good, but its not a cheap/throw-away as people are saying.
The thing runs very well, with a 3rd party antenna I've seen it out-shoot a Yasu on TX and RX with 5 watts, you'd be surprised with the quality of the radio.
Couple it with a Nagoya NA-771 and an extended battery pack and you've got yourself a real winner.
The battery pack really isn't needed for the sake of power, it does well already.. But the extended battery really makes it feel fuller and brings a nice feel to the radio. (makes it the size of most commercial 2-ways)
No complains here
For the feature set/price is good, but its not a cheap/throw-away as people are saying.
The thing runs very well, with a 3rd party antenna I've seen it out-shoot a Yasu on TX and RX with 5 watts, you'd be surprised with the quality of the radio.
Couple it with a Nagoya NA-771 and an extended battery pack and you've got yourself a real winner.
The battery pack really isn't needed for the sake of power, it does well already.. But the extended battery really makes it feel fuller and brings a nice feel to the radio. (makes it the size of most commercial 2-ways)
No complains here
american121
Member
BaoFeng UV-5R plus
I've passed the Technician exam and awaiting my Call Sign. In the mean time, I have purchased two of the BaoFeng UV-5R plus units. I do have a GMRS license and have successfully tested the transceivers on GMRS frequencies and have grown to admire them. Listening to area Repeaters is working great.
Now, how did you configure the UV-5R+ to be Repeaters in the 2M & 70CM bands? That is an interesting concept (for the price).
I have the PC Baofeng programming software & USB connector in working order.
I've passed the Technician exam and awaiting my Call Sign. In the mean time, I have purchased two of the BaoFeng UV-5R plus units. I do have a GMRS license and have successfully tested the transceivers on GMRS frequencies and have grown to admire them. Listening to area Repeaters is working great.
Now, how did you configure the UV-5R+ to be Repeaters in the 2M & 70CM bands? That is an interesting concept (for the price).
I have the PC Baofeng programming software & USB connector in working order.
Bazel
Member
Newer Baofeng and Amazon bait and switch
THe current updated model of the Baofeng is the UV5RE. Be careful if you buy on Amazon, the dealers advertise a price as low as 44 dollars but then make you buy all the stuff that generally comes with it, data cable, antenna and so on. So in the end it costs more like 75 or so dollars. Also, you can't tell what comes with it by reading their stuff, for instance some venders charge extra for the charger and battery!
Be careful cause Amazon is about as good as the Baofeng radio, it gets it's high rating based on fact that it saves you money and works good enough to be a good value but still has problems.
THe current updated model of the Baofeng is the UV5RE. Be careful if you buy on Amazon, the dealers advertise a price as low as 44 dollars but then make you buy all the stuff that generally comes with it, data cable, antenna and so on. So in the end it costs more like 75 or so dollars. Also, you can't tell what comes with it by reading their stuff, for instance some venders charge extra for the charger and battery!
Be careful cause Amazon is about as good as the Baofeng radio, it gets it's high rating based on fact that it saves you money and works good enough to be a good value but still has problems.
american121
Member
Baofeng from Amazon
What I ordered from Amazon was the UV-5R Plus (new for 2013) which has BFB297 installed. It came equipped with a battery charger at a price of $50. In hand, the radio has a definite feel of quality.
I haven't received my Call Sign yet, so I haven't tested transmissions on Ham frequencies.
Having a GMRS license, configured the Baofeng for 462.700MHz, High Power, stock antenna, and tested in a suburban area.
At 1.2 miles, the signal was strong on both ends.
At 1.9 miles, I could not reach my wife who was also using a like configured Baofeng.
I take it that the Baofeng is simply not engineered to transmit efficiently on this frequency or the radio is experiencing a quality issue.
Receiving on the 2M-70CM bands and higher frequences is great with the stock Baofeng antenna, but with the radio capable of transmitting only 4 Watts, I thought that upgrading the antenna would boost the radiated power.
I purchased a SMA to BNC Baofeng kit and a Diamond RH77CA (BNC) antenna from American Radio Supply. In this configuration, I have no reception on any channel and thus, I did not attempt to transmit.
What do you think? Have I wasted my money attempting to ease into Ham Radio with the Baofeng?
What I ordered from Amazon was the UV-5R Plus (new for 2013) which has BFB297 installed. It came equipped with a battery charger at a price of $50. In hand, the radio has a definite feel of quality.
I haven't received my Call Sign yet, so I haven't tested transmissions on Ham frequencies.
Having a GMRS license, configured the Baofeng for 462.700MHz, High Power, stock antenna, and tested in a suburban area.
At 1.2 miles, the signal was strong on both ends.
At 1.9 miles, I could not reach my wife who was also using a like configured Baofeng.
I take it that the Baofeng is simply not engineered to transmit efficiently on this frequency or the radio is experiencing a quality issue.
Receiving on the 2M-70CM bands and higher frequences is great with the stock Baofeng antenna, but with the radio capable of transmitting only 4 Watts, I thought that upgrading the antenna would boost the radiated power.
I purchased a SMA to BNC Baofeng kit and a Diamond RH77CA (BNC) antenna from American Radio Supply. In this configuration, I have no reception on any channel and thus, I did not attempt to transmit.
What do you think? Have I wasted my money attempting to ease into Ham Radio with the Baofeng?
Bazel
Member
New Baofeng UV5RE
THe newer Baofeng UV5RE appears to have resolved some issues of the past. I haven't done a real thorough test of all this yet but here goes.
Squelch sensitivity seems to be better and you don't have to put it on 9 all the time.
Volume know now turns down lower than you can hear
The Chinese lady inside now has help and they put an English speaking lady in there to do the talk menu stuff.
The instructions book that comes with it is in well written english just like other american radios, but this is not a completely good thing as it must of been written by and engineer, so explainations aren't always obvious.
Hand/radio programming is a pain, so I have ordered the data cable for the computer, plus some things can't be programmed if you don't do it by computer. I think dual frequency repeater type stuff is one of the things you need a computer for.
THe newer Baofeng UV5RE appears to have resolved some issues of the past. I haven't done a real thorough test of all this yet but here goes.
Squelch sensitivity seems to be better and you don't have to put it on 9 all the time.
Volume know now turns down lower than you can hear
The Chinese lady inside now has help and they put an English speaking lady in there to do the talk menu stuff.
The instructions book that comes with it is in well written english just like other american radios, but this is not a completely good thing as it must of been written by and engineer, so explainations aren't always obvious.
Hand/radio programming is a pain, so I have ordered the data cable for the computer, plus some things can't be programmed if you don't do it by computer. I think dual frequency repeater type stuff is one of the things you need a computer for.
k3cfc
Silent Key
As with most ht's simplex is limited. there designed for repeater use.
donnie_ke6don
Member
FWIW, I recently found out about these Chinese radios while stuck in Utah due to medical issues with my DW.
Taking a chance, I ordered the Wouxun kg-uv3d from Power Werks along with accessories I felt I would make use of.
I'v been using it as a mobile and have gotten good reports on it from the hams I have talked to.
I'v had the radio for about three months and so far I'm happy with it.
The only problem with this particular radio is, for whatever reason, the manufacturer put a reverse SMA mount on the radio.
I believe the rest of the line has the conventional SMA antenna mount.
The above is JMHO.
Taking a chance, I ordered the Wouxun kg-uv3d from Power Werks along with accessories I felt I would make use of.
I'v been using it as a mobile and have gotten good reports on it from the hams I have talked to.
I'v had the radio for about three months and so far I'm happy with it.
The only problem with this particular radio is, for whatever reason, the manufacturer put a reverse SMA mount on the radio.
I believe the rest of the line has the conventional SMA antenna mount.
The above is JMHO.
Bazel
Member
Female SMA isn't that unconventional, Boafeng, Wouzan, and Kenwood are three that use it. Some people think it is an advantage because it puts less strain fitting in the radio from the antenna or is at least better supported by being in the case.
rfradioconsult
Member
I don't see the reason for folks bad mouthing the current crop of import radios. When I first started in the two-way field in the 60's we were installing new Motrac's and HT200's were the very latest in technology, most of what we maintained were tube type equipment equipment with vibrators and dynamotors for power supplies and took up a substantial amount of space in your car trunk and provided you 1 channel at 30 or maybe 60 watts.
Times have changed, the current crop of import radios is just part of the change, why some people bash change, if they are comfortable with their choice of a radio good for them. It is a lot like driving down the road we see people driving a diverse selection of automobiles, from Smart cars to super sized SUVS, everybody can choose what they drive, so let's not critique what radio a person chooses to own, just because a product originates from China doesn't automatically make it a inferior product, look at all the products that are produced by Foxconn.
Personally I own a couple of Wouxun's and a couple of Baofeng's, in addition to several so called "commercial" radios, just my choice and my opinion, after 45 years in the radio business.
Times have changed, the current crop of import radios is just part of the change, why some people bash change, if they are comfortable with their choice of a radio good for them. It is a lot like driving down the road we see people driving a diverse selection of automobiles, from Smart cars to super sized SUVS, everybody can choose what they drive, so let's not critique what radio a person chooses to own, just because a product originates from China doesn't automatically make it a inferior product, look at all the products that are produced by Foxconn.
Personally I own a couple of Wouxun's and a couple of Baofeng's, in addition to several so called "commercial" radios, just my choice and my opinion, after 45 years in the radio business.
W2NJS
Member
I have a fairly new UV-5R whose sticker inside gives an FCC Part 90 certification number. I wish that people who don't know what they're talking about would check things such as this before they mouth off and put false information on this Board.
Bazel
Member
Those folks aren't that far off target, Baofeng put out the radio and has been constantly tweaking and fixing the bugs and got the certification later on. So some radios may not be certified and Baofeng UV5r is a work in progress.
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