Newbie HELP requested for Baofeng UV-5R+Plus

[lylebrous]

Hello,
I am very very new at this and need some guidance and if possible a hand getting these radios programmed correctly. I have the USB cable as well as the Baofeng software and Chirp software. I am able to connect to the software, so that part is not the issue.

I bought these radios with not enough knowledge of what I was getting, my bad! Anyhow, the purpose intended for these was work communication. We have a warehouse and we originally had Motorola FRS radios. Those did the job alright, but the batteries wore out and the chargers broke over time. Nevertheless, I would like to program these radios to work with the best range possible. We are located in Oakland County, Michigan if that helps. I really do not care about the pretty colors, etc. I just want to be able to broadcast and receive with the best signal. We have 5 of these radios.

I know this is a stretch, but I really could use some help getting these setup. Being able to listen to other channels may be nice as a hobby, but my first use is work. If anyone is available to help me, that would be just awesome. I can be reached via email at lyle at fabulousevents dot com.

If this is posted in the wrong area, please accept my apologies and direct me in the right direction.

Much appreciated,
Lyle

NOTE TO READERS: I have been told that these radios are part 90 certified and that I can use them. I am just lost on the details.

 

[spiritwolfpr]

Welcome to the Club!!!

 

[cifd64]

Dont like being the bearer of bad news but these radios are only Part 90 for certified for Licensed Commercial operation. FCC ID. ZP5BF-5R and ZVMUV-E5.

Not being familiar with Chinese radios, I would suggest doing an advanced google search for assistance. Yes, the directions may be in Chinese.

 

[cifd64]

Repeater Programming of the Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band 2M & 70cm Transceiver -- AF5DN - YouTube

THis may help you.

 

[lylebrous]

Thank you for the links. From much of my reading on the forums, many have been using this radio. How can I figure out a frequency that is not being used on a repeater?

Again, I am not that bright when it comes to radios.

 

[millrad]

The UV-5 radios are essentially supposed to be ham radios, but they're far more broad banded than just the ham frequencies. My advice is to be very careful about what frequencies you choose to use, to avoid interference with others who are licensed to be there. You might stick with the FRS channels or possibly the MURS (Multiple User Radio Service) channels just for that reason. Repeaters seem entirely out of the question without being licensed.

 

[ramal121]

Your best bet would be to use a business band "dot" frequency. Except for MURS, they would all require a license from the FCC.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_band

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Darth_vader]

Read this; it'll tell you how to program it: http://mistman.pdp10.org/pub/radio/baofeng/baofeng-uv5r-eyes-free.txt

Just remember to set the transmit power to LOW (MENU, 5) (one watt) and the bandwidth to NARROW (MENU, 3) (2.5 kHz) before actually storing a frequency in memory if you're using it to work MURS or FRS. You can leave it set at the default WIDE (five watts) and HIGH (5 kHz) if you're working GMRS, but in a warehouse high power might be pretty excessive and just drains your battery more quickly.

It's actually fairly easy to program by hand, especially after you do about five or six frequencies. Different, yes, but not nearly as complicated as people seem to make it out to be. It can be very time consuming, though, if in a moment of clumsiness you should accidentally hit "RESET" (40), "SET ALL" then have to reprogram 100-some odd frequencies by hand out in the field, but that's another story...

Just my £0.02 worth.

 

[WB4CS]

Stay out of the 144-146 MHz and 420-450 MHz range. Those are for licensed amateur radio use only.

As for the rest... those radios are only Part 90 certified for public service and licensed commercial radio use. If you use them on FRS, GMRS, or MURS, or any random frequency just know you're responsible for knowing the rules if the FCC pays you a visit. FCC fines are not very cheap.

On the other hand, you could do some research before you buy something so you'll know to get the correct radio for the job.

Without getting an FCC license, you're stuck with the license free radio services of FRS and MURS. There are FCC approved radios for both radio services that you can buy online. The radio you have is not what you need.

Good luck.

 

[lylebrous]

How much is a license?

 

[WB4CS]

Stay out of the 144-146 MHz and 420-450 MHz range. Those are for licensed amateur radio use only.

Typo, and too late to edit my post. That should read: stay out of 144-148 MHz and 420-450 MHz range.

 

[WB4CS]

How much is a license?

Here's a good place to start finding info:
FCC: Wireless Services: Industrial/Business: Licensing

I'm not sure if that's the correct business license you'd need, but if you search around the FCC website you'll find lots of information to get you started.

(I'm assuming you're located in the US)

 

[lylebrous]

Yes, I am in the US.

 

[lylebrous]

Seems like a lot of work for 5-6 radios in a warehouse.

 

[Darth_vader]

"How much is a license?"

Presently $85 for five years on GMRS. There's been talk of reducing or eliminating it outright, but I wouldn't count on it happening within my lifetime, and I'm 30. MURS/FRS cost nothing and usage is unlimited.

HAM ticket pricing can fluctuate depending on any number of factors like who's running the quiz, where it's being held, the present sea tide, etc. and you can't use HAM for business, anyways. That, and as WB4CS stated, just avoid the HAM bands. (Generally speaking, there's not usually anything terribly interesting or worthwile to be found in those bands to begin with these days.)

You made a very good choice. The haters and trolls are going to say what they will and there's no stopping them, so don't let their narrow views sway you. The UV5R is a proven excellent performer on MURS when operated within the limits (1 watt, narrow BW on 1-3) and on GMRS, and may well suit your mission perfectly. Best of luck.

 

[WB4CS]

You made a very good choice. The haters and trolls are going to say what they will and there's no stopping them; the UV5R is a proven excellent performer on MURS when operated within the limits (1 watt, narrow BW on 1-3) and on GMRS, and may well suit your mission perfectly. Best of luck.

We can always count on you to provide information on the illegal use of radios Keep up the good work of misinformation!

It doesn't matter how much you don't like it Darth, the UV5R is not Part 95 approved for MURS, GMRS, and FRS. But hey, if you want to recommend something to someone that could get them a several thousand dollar fine from the FCC, good for you bro.

 

[Darth_vader]

Thanks for proving my point.

 

[lylebrous]

Everyone, thank you for your replies.

Darth, can you email me directly so we can chat? email me at lylebrous at gmail dot com

Any replies here will generate more negative and I would like to stay out of that.

 

[SCPD]

"How much is a license?"

Presently $85 for five years on GMRS. There's been talk of reducing or eliminating it outright, but I wouldn't count on it happening within my lifetime, and I'm 30. MURS/FRS cost nothing and usage is unlimited.

HAM ticket pricing can fluctuate depending on any number of factors like who's running the quiz, where it's being held, the present sea tide, etc. and you can't use HAM for business, anyways. That, and as WB4CS stated, just avoid the HAM bands. (Generally speaking, there's not usually anything terribly interesting or worthwile to be found in those bands to begin with these days.)

You made a very good choice. The haters and trolls are going to say what they will and there's no stopping them, so don't let their narrow views sway you. The UV5R is a proven excellent performer on MURS when operated within the limits (1 watt, narrow BW on 1-3) and on GMRS, and may well suit your mission perfectly. Best of luck.

What you failed to mention is GMRS CAN NOT be licensed for business use and yes they will be caught and fined a hefty sum,I caught a business 2 days ago doing this and schooled them about it and they understood and immediately ceased operation after being given the Part 95 rules.

 

[SCPD]

Everyone, thank you for your replies.

Darth, can you email me directly so we can chat? email me at lylebrous at gmail dot com

Any replies here will generate more negative and I would like to stay out of that.

Sounds like we have another one who wants a work around of the rules and doesn't care to listen to the facts and only wants a way to use something illegally.