Hello,
I am just getting into Ham, searching for a starter radio on a relatively tight budget, and have decided to go with something I can afford now vs saving for several more months. While I've done quite a bit of research, I cannot seem to find any posts here or elsewhere describing the diference between the Baofeng and Waccom UV-5r / UV-5r 5W radios available from 409shop.com. They appear to be the same rigs with the only noticeable differences being the Waccom is rated at 5W vs Baofeng 4/1W, and of corse the brand names. My concern is that most of the available reviews and documentation I have found is for the Baofeng and I do not want to get caught with a difficult to support Waccom (in the US) product if it is not interchangeable with the Baofeng. That said and for the price (same), I am leaning toward the Waccom - if for nothing more than perhaps an updated version and an extra W.
Waccom - WACCOM UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio x 1pc - 409ShopUV-5R www.409shop.com
Baofeng - BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio x 1pc - 409ShopUV-5R www.409shop.com
I sure wish I could afford a fancy, rugged new (or slightly used) Yaesu VX-8DR, but that's just not in the cards at the moment.
In any case, thank you in advance for your knowledge.
Looking forward to sharing the air vs just listening in
ps - please forgive my likely ignorance - I am a noob
I am just getting into Ham, searching for a starter radio on a relatively tight budget, and have decided to go with something I can afford now vs saving for several more months. While I've done quite a bit of research, I cannot seem to find any posts here or elsewhere describing the diference between the Baofeng and Waccom UV-5r / UV-5r 5W radios available from 409shop.com. They appear to be the same rigs with the only noticeable differences being the Waccom is rated at 5W vs Baofeng 4/1W, and of corse the brand names. My concern is that most of the available reviews and documentation I have found is for the Baofeng and I do not want to get caught with a difficult to support Waccom (in the US) product if it is not interchangeable with the Baofeng. That said and for the price (same), I am leaning toward the Waccom - if for nothing more than perhaps an updated version and an extra W.
Waccom - WACCOM UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio x 1pc - 409ShopUV-5R www.409shop.com
Baofeng - BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band UHF/VHF Radio x 1pc - 409ShopUV-5R www.409shop.com
I sure wish I could afford a fancy, rugged new (or slightly used) Yaesu VX-8DR, but that's just not in the cards at the moment.
In any case, thank you in advance for your knowledge.
Looking forward to sharing the air vs just listening in
ps - please forgive my likely ignorance - I am a noob