Baofeng Baofeng UV-82C is FCC Type Accepted Part 90 PLMR Business service

[KI6R]

I've been researching UHF handi-helds for use on a licensed Industrial/Business Pool Private Mobile Radio Service. I contacted Baofeng regarding this:
"I am considering purchasing a quantity of UV-82C handheld radios for use in the licensed Industrial/Business Pool Conventional Private Mobile Radio Service, 462/467 MHz frequency range. Is the UV-82C FCC type accepted for use in the UHF business band? Lastly, does the UV-82C have any moisture/dust/shock specifications. Thank you."
Baofeng response:
"It is Part 90 PLMR certified for use on business frequencies, it also carries an IP54 weather resistance rating."
I tested some Baofengs about 10 years ago and the transmitters were a mess, not make emissions specs. I guess they figured out how to design their transmitters. Does anyone have any experience with the UV-82C in real-world business use outside in day-to-day field operations? Thanks, Ed, SaddleBrooke, Az.

 

[alcahuete]

I own a couple that I use out on my boat. If they accidentally fall overboard, no big deal.

Do they compare to my commercial gear? Not at all. Nowhere close. I guess it depends on what kind of business, but I would much rather use an actual commercial radio.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Does anyone have any experience with the UV-82C in real-world business use outside in day-to-day field operations? Thanks, Ed, SaddleBrooke, Az.

The best thing I can say about Baofeng radios are that they are cheap, that said you get what you pay for. If reliable comms are required, or it is a safety issue, please do not use them, as @alcahuete you'd be much better off spending a little more for a commercial radio.

 

[mmckenna]

I tested some Baofengs about 10 years ago and the transmitters were a mess, not make emissions specs. I guess they figured out how to design their transmitters. Does anyone have any experience with the UV-82C in real-world business use outside in day-to-day field operations? Thanks, Ed, SaddleBrooke, Az.

I "inherited" a remote site at work that had a few UV5R's, and they were awful. Not just by ear, but by actually putting them on a calibrated service monitor.

I've heard people say that they have improved their products, but I'm glad I don't have to find out.
My concern with these from a professional point of view:
If you look at the FCC certification documents at the actual FCC OET page, the emission designators they use for these radios are kind of weird. Not the standard ones you see on good commercial radios.
If all you need is UHF, then get a dedicated UHF radio.
Anything I set up at work gets locked down so end users can monkey around with anything, I'd hate to have to use these and risk someone doing the secret keypress and doing something stupid. After all, the licensee is responsible.
On the ham radio/GMRS side, you can usually tell when someone is using one of these CCR's. Low/muffled audio is usually the give away.
All the extra buttons and features usually result in the end user either getting totally lost, or doing something to the radio to make them not work with the rest of the radios. If you do use these, make sure you lock them down 100% so wandering fingers don't make the radios useless. It is important to understand the FCC rule regarding Part 90 and end users changing radio settings. Low cost doesn't negate those rules.

The UV5R's that I ran across did not stand up to every day use very well. Most of them had cracked cases, physical damage, etc. Maybe these newer models are better, but I've found most of the reviews I've read are from hobby users that don't really have the background to compare to good radios.

I replaced them all with modern Kenwood UHF portables that have lasted for years and actually perform well.

I understand cost is always a concern, but I've found that in the long run, you get what you pay for. You might save them some money in the short term, but after they have to start replacing these frequently, they start to get annoyed. Buying a better quality suitable radio may be cheaper in the long run. There's a lot of good options out there if you look at Kenwood and Icom.

 

[kny2xb]

My concern with these from a professional point of view:

If all you need is UHF, then get a dedicated UHF radio.

The UV5R's that I ran across did not stand up to every day use very well. Most of them had cracked cases, physical damage, etc. Maybe these newer models are better, but I've found most of the reviews I've read are from hobby users that don't really have the background to compare to good radios.

I replaced them all with modern Kenwood UHF portables that have lasted for years and actually perform well.

I understand cost is always a concern, but I've found that in the long run, you get what you pay for. You might save them some money in the short term, but after they have to start replacing these frequently, they start to get annoyed. Buying a better quality suitable radio may be cheaper in the long run. There's a lot of good options out there if you look at Kenwood and Icom.

I'm not an expert like mmckenna & some of the other ops in here, but I agree, get name brand commercial gear

Like so many other users, I started with Baofeng on GMRS & MURS, but when I switched to using commercial gear from Alinco & Icom, I never went back

My UV5R, UV82, & GMRS V-1 are all collecting dust

If cost is an issue, consider looking at used radios

Icom UHF, 16 channel, basic, no display 4-watt h-t, $85.00 each [vs $65.00 for the UV82C] & they'll program up to 16 channels for you

Icom BEARCOM BC100U UHF 450-512 MHz 4 Watt 16 CH

Used Radios has the world's largest inventory of used two way radios and infrastructure, used motorola radios and more. All tested by qualified technicians.

used-radios.com

Or Icom UHF, 128 channel, 4-5 buttons, 8 character display 4 watt h-t $125.00, again they'll program up to 16 channels for you

Icom IC-F4021S UHF (403-470MHz) Portable Radio

Used Radios has the world's largest inventory of used two way radios and infrastructure, used motorola radios and more. All tested by qualified technicians.

used-radios.com

I'm not knocking Kenwood or Motorola, I own Icoms, so that's why I used those as an example, other ops love Kenwood & Motorola, that's fine, I'm sticking with what I know & like

I know I'll probably be frowned upon for my using Part 90 h-t's on GMRS & MURS, but from a quality stand point, & from a happy user view point, I've had nothing but great results from them

73