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Baofeng Static on Baofeng 888s

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nd5y

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inexpensive Baofeng UV-5R can operate on multiple bands (which would enable us to try multiple options, assuming the radio is decent), but it looked like it would be very complicated for first time radio users to operate.
If you had problems with the BF-888S then the UV-5R will not be any better.
 

alcahuete

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We have more than $10, but we don't have more than $35 each.

Hate to say, but in that price range, you are going to be limited to the Chinese radios (lower end ones at that) and bubble pack GMRS/FRS radios. You see how well those are working for you. There is not going to be some magic radio in that price range that is going to fix the issues you are having.
 

chief21

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Using the 888 software, it was apparent how to set the squelch level, but I don't see how to do this on CHIRP.
I just had a peek at the user manual for the BF-888 and, incredibly, it states that setting the squelch level can only be done in software. Setting the squelch level would be considered a basic radio function that should be capable of adjustment on the radio itself. Unbelievable!

As to CHIRP, the Miklor site suggests that current versions of CHIRP have squelch adjustments under the "Settings" tab, but apparently each radio model is a bit different, so you might have to look for it.
 

RFI-EMI-GUY

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I just had a peek at the user manual for the BF-888 and, incredibly, it states that setting the squelch level can only be done in software. Setting the squelch level would be considered a basic radio function that should be capable of adjustment on the radio itself. Unbelievable!

As to CHIRP, the Miklor site suggests that current versions of CHIRP have squelch adjustments under the "Settings" tab, but apparently each radio model is a bit different, so you might have to look for it.

Motorola radios have long dispensed of the squelch knob. Which is a shame because sometimes noise levels are high on a portable. You now set it with RSS/CPS or a tuner.The default I use is to set the squelch to threshold on the bench.
 

Phil-Hogan

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I just had a peek at the user manual for the BF-888 and, incredibly, it states that setting the squelch level can only be done in software. Setting the squelch level would be considered a basic radio function that should be capable of adjustment on the radio itself. Unbelievable!

As to CHIRP, the Miklor site suggests that current versions of CHIRP have squelch adjustments under the "Settings" tab, but apparently each radio model is a bit different, so you might have to look for it.
The Baofeng 888 Programming Software allows you to set squelch, but the radios operate even worse when I use their software than CHIRP. From what I read, CHIRP does not support squelch settings on the 888s

Interestingly I had an electrical outage at home yesterday, so I took the time to test the radios without any WiFi or other RFI/EMI coming from my house. The subjective audio quality was better, the static was less, and I was able to transmit from inside to outside beyond 300 feet. However, I still think these are not good enough to use for us.

Failing any final words of wisdom or insight, I'm ready to give up on these.

Thank you all again for taking time to reply and offer suggestions.
 

DeoVindice

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I just had a peek at the user manual for the BF-888 and, incredibly, it states that setting the squelch level can only be done in software. Setting the squelch level would be considered a basic radio function that should be capable of adjustment on the radio itself. Unbelievable!

As to CHIRP, the Miklor site suggests that current versions of CHIRP have squelch adjustments under the "Settings" tab, but apparently each radio model is a bit different, so you might have to look for it.

The only handhelds I've worked with that allow squelch to be controlled on the radio are Kenwood low band portables. Everything else treats squelch as a set-and-forget item to be programmed by the system administrator. I can't say I've ever had an issue with that implementation, but UHF isn't exactly a high-noise band.
 
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