Baofeng UV5R

[nd5y]

So why is this radio not part 95?

It can't get certification for MURS because it can operate on other frequencies and puts out more than 2 W.

It can't get certification for FRS because it puts out more than .5 W, has a detachable antenna, and can operate on other frequencies.

It might be able to get certification for GMRS. I don't know what the requirements are for GMRS. Some other Part 90 commercial radios are also certified for Part 95 GMRS. Maybe the manufacturer just never applied for it or maybe it doesn't meet the technical requirements.

 

[GKolo]

I have the radio and use it as a back up radio and also have all our mutual aid departments programmed in it, Its perfect for this.
Just looking for a good site to download the programming software for it.

 

[jb59]

I have been looking at one of these BaoFeng radios as a prepper commo backup. I don't possess a HAM operator's license but am looking into that right now. Just curious if this would be good as a backup for just in case TS really did hit the fan. I don't think being certified on HAM at that point would be an issue.

 

[AgentCOPP1]

I have been looking at one of these BaoFeng radios as a prepper commo backup. I don't possess a HAM operator's license but am looking into that right now. Just curious if this would be good as a backup for just in case TS really did hit the fan. I don't think being certified on HAM at that point would be an issue.

There's nothing illegal with buying it obviously so long as you don't use it under normal conditions. However, your radio will be of absolutely zero use to you if you don't possess the proper radio skills required to communicate with repeaters (which really will be your only hope). Getting a tech license allows you to learn this stuff properly and be tested to make sure you know it well. You can't just buy a radio and expect it to work if you don't know how to work it.

You're right that you don't need to be a certified ham to use a ham radio if your life is in danger, however I strongly recommend you at least study for the tech test so you know the basics of radio communication (if you don't already).

If you want my honest opinion though, you'll want to invest in a CB radio as well because it's a widely-used radio service that actually has the potential to propagate much farther (ie longer range) than the VHF/UHF bands. There have been stories about truckers getting stuck in snow drifts out in the middle of nowhere using their CB radio to contact someone across the continent to get help. This is a fairly rare event but it is possible, but the possibility of having that kind of contact on the VHF/UHF bands is next to nothing. The more options the better.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

So far, Lubbock county sheriff's office has bought 300 or so. Some of the fire stations have bought a few in the county. The school districts have bought some. They are actually quite popular.

A lot of areas in west Texas are just starting to adopt P25 (and even trunking) so stuff is still linked to the analog stuff so it's still quite usable.

Houston lost a lot of expensive radio's that just walked away during the power outages/hurricanes. About 10 months ago, they bought 5000 UV-5R's...

Sent from my ME173X using Tapatalk

 

[bimmer124]

The big question....

I recently purchased a Baofeng UV-B5. While programming the radio I ran into a unique issue and have been tearing my hair our all afternoon. Someone Help Please.

The issue...20cm is on top and 2 meter is on the bottom.

This needs to be reversed. 400000
147000

Please let me know how to accomplish this and thank you in advance.

 

[N4GIX]

Um, there is only one memory bank. Any frequency programmed can appear on the "top" (A) and/or the "bottom" (B).

I say "and/or" because you can easily display Channel 15 in both A and B at the same time!

 

[N4GIX]

It might be able to get certification for GMRS. I don't know what the requirements are for GMRS. Some other Part 90 commercial radios are also certified for Part 95 GMRS. Maybe the manufacturer just never applied for it or maybe it doesn't meet the technical requirements.

Part 90 and Part 95A requirements are mostly identical. Where they differ is that Part 95A is not subject to the narrow banding mandate. To be frank, there's really no good reason for requiring for the manufacturer to pay the testing lab to make what amounts to a near xerox copy of their test results.

 

[KC4RAF]

Bimmer124,this thread is about the Baofeng UV-5R

and not the UV-B5 you have. Your post is number 46. Start a new thread stating what you have and you will have a more exposed thread for replies.

 

[dadonkadonkas]

One of my radios is a BaoFeng UV-5R that I have programmed via CHIRP. The BaoFeng works well if programmed accordingly.

Note the following about the UV-5R:
VHF: 136-174 MHz(Rx/Tx) and UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx)

Thus, you can technically transmit and receive on any transmissions on these type of frequencies. I only have my GMRS license and cannot transmit/utilize unless it is a serious life or death situation. You do not need a license to transmit IF it is truly a *life or death situation*.

I'm a VFF and we were able to respond seamlessly to a call. Individual kept a radio on hand to bypass the 911 middle man.

 

[robertmac]

I recently purchased a Baofeng UV-B5. While programming the radio I ran into a unique issue and have been tearing my hair our all afternoon. Someone Help Please.

The issue...20cm is on top and 2 meter is on the bottom.

This needs to be reversed. 400000
147000

Please let me know how to accomplish this and thank you in advance.

An example of the problems with everyone and their dog having these CCR. I can imagine the huge problems communicating when TSHTF!

 

[DickH]

An example of the problems with everyone and their dog having these CCR. I can imagine the huge problems communicating when TSHTF!

What does that comment accomplish except to demonstrate your bias against these radios.
Do you even own one? Do you know how they sound and the build quality?

Why not look at the positive aspects. If you wanted to monitor your local police or fire or other services but you could not afford a real scanner, wouldn't it be advantageous to buy a Baofeng for $30 or so? Sure, they are not perfect, but the UV-6 is a much better scanner than previous models. See my write-up on it in this forum.

 

[robertmac]

What does that comment accomplish except to demonstrate your bias against these radios.
Do you even own one? Do you know how they sound and the build quality?

Why not look at the positive aspects. If you wanted to monitor your local police or fire or other services but you could not afford a real scanner, wouldn't it be advantageous to buy a Baofeng for $30 or so? Sure, they are not perfect, but the UV-6 is a much better scanner than previous models. See my write-up on it in this forum.

Did I mention anything about the 5R? Yes, I have owned them and other CCRs. However, I do know how to program them and what is legal to use where. My comment was directed at those wanting to use these and any radios when the ****F. Just look at the number of threads on problems programming these CCRs. Will they even be useful in a "life or death situation"? Programmed correctly or not. The radio spectrum will be full of ****F types yapping over others, not on right frequencies and the list goes on.

 

[DickH]

Did I mention anything about the 5R? Yes, I have owned them and other CCRs. However, I do know how to program them and what is legal to use where. My comment was directed at those wanting to use these and any radios when the ****F. Just look at the number of threads on problems programming these CCRs. Will they even be useful in a "life or death situation"? Programmed correctly or not. The radio spectrum will be full of ****F types yapping over others, not on right frequencies and the list goes on.

Yes, those are valid concerns, but there's nothing you or I can do about it.
That's why I prefer to look at the positive things rather than the negative.

 

[MStep]

UV-5R Is The Best

The UV-5R is truly an amazing piece of equipment, considering that it sells for about 30 bucks and comes with the battery, drop-in charger, and earphone/mic, and transmits and receivers across such a wide swath of frequencies. As a licensed ham, I use it on 2 meters and 440, but I also have all my local PD and FD frequencies programmed into the radio for monitoring only.

With the free CHIRP software, you can turn off the transmit capability on any of those public service frequencies that you have programmed in, so you don't get jammed up with local authorities who might be curious and want to "take a look" at your radio.

Really makes you wonder what "The Big 3" (Kenwood, Yaesu and Icom) actually pay to have their radios manufactured, considering that Baofeng can retail their radios at $30 USD.