Updated video on this subject: • Step by step Programin... Baofeng USB Programming Cable - amzn.com/B00MGVMFO0 Baofeng UV-5R Scanning - setup as a police scanner link to baofeng software download page - drive.google.com/file/d/0B75S...
I use this radio to scan all of the local fire and police frequencies, I just set the duplex mode to OFF to restrict the transmit mode. The scan speed is only about 7-8 channels a second but with only a dozen or so to scan it is plenty fast enough. Be sure to set menu 18 (SC-REV) to 'CO' for scan resume to be in effect, the default of TO will stop scanning on the 1st channel to break squelch.
You should mention that you can only use it as a police scanner is police in your area use the band that this radio can pick up. Many police departments use the 800 mhz band and this radio can't pick that up.
With the boafeng software, go into "other" on the menu and you can make it so it won't transmit at all, or when you put in your frequencies delete the transmit one. that's all i do and it works for me.
The problem today is that most metro areas are on trunked systems and the bigger ones are in the process of upgrading to even more sophisticated dynamic frequency management schemes. Here in SF they're transitioning from Motorola Type II SmartZone to Project 25 Phase I, centered around 852mHz. At least we're able to access the same real-time sources without fear of broadcasting and without the additional expense of a dedicated trunking scanner by streaming an internet feed but it does limit the multi-tasking abilities of our devices.
The nice thing about the CHIRP Software is you can also disable all transmitting all together on both VHF and UHF. I bought this radio due to my working as an Armed Private Security Officer. I recently had a drive-by shooting take place near one of the sites I work at, I purchased this radio so I can use it strictly as a scanner so I can know what is happening around me while working, and I wont transmit until I get my GMRS and HAM licensing. I've really enjoyed the radio for the few short days I've had it so far.
Went to the website you suggested for the baofeng software and when I tried to start it up..... 2 tabs opened up with 2 error boxes and could not get it to close had to shut down my system and reboot
Using CHIRP on the UV-5R how do you (1) delete a channel from the scan list? Also how do I make sure that no ANI OR DTMF tone is being transmitted? I can't even see a way to add the tones to each channel. Thanks for your hep.
I have the radio, I have the cable. All I want to do is have a police scanner! I have no idea how to use CHIRP, I have no idea what all the terminology or jargon is. Can anyone tell me how to make the Baofeng UV-5R into a police scanner, in Lehman terms?
Hey, I know it's been just over a year since this video was published, but I wanted to let you know that you can in fact split the receive and transmit frequencies in the CHIRP software. What is an even better idea though, is that you can actually shut off the transmit capability for specific channels altogether. There are plenty of sources online which explain how to do this, so I won't bore you with the details, but I figured I'd mention it so you won't have to break any rules by transmitting on an FRS frequency with more than half a watt of power.
You might try leaving the transmit frequency blank as well (or is it changing it to 0 MHz?) One of those two methods works on the UV-3R. Then when you try to transmit on a channel for which you are not licensed, it won't transmit at all.
how do you program a frequencey that has 2 numbers then a decmial. I can only do it manually if it has 3 numbers then 3 after the decmial. I am wating for the cable hope that solves the problem.
All the major cities here in ks. Used to b ankle to get police easy they all went digital and now no one knows how to get it or don't want to up grade. Can these get digital or encrypted ?
GTFD8215 did a great job narrating this video. I actually learned more useful tips from this than from the tiresome windbag geeky nerd (who mentioned he was in his bed). GTFD uses the Baofeng factory software, which no one else seemed to like, but it uploads the CHANNEL NAME like I want; I could not get Chirp software to do that. For that, I will use the factory software. Thank you sir.
Well it looks like I'll be getting a cable to program it then. Even though I am fire rescue I'm still not allowed to transmit back to dispatch. If I was an officer and had a car number it would be different.
+Joe Butin No, if you "accidentally" TX on FRS, over 1/2Watt, then you are in violation. If you purposely put in an offset to get to the FRS frequencies, then is is not an accident. (trying to explain from the FCC's POV.) Chirp allows "OFF" in the Duplex column, to block TX on the channel and "(NONE)" in the Duplex column, to disable offset. This differs from the BF-F8HP manual, which says "OFF: Tx = Rx (simplex)". There must be hidden codes, not accessible from the manual programming steps.
I may get one of these radios, I will use these radios for Weather Radio and listening to local police. I won't use it for malicious purposes like that one guy in NYC who faked calls to police and EMS.
Good video But I would suggest getting the " chirp " software ( it is free to download ! ) . It has a lot more features than the Baofeng software and is easier to use ! For instance , I saw where you programmed in a bogus walkie-talkie frequency to keep from transmitting on a police or fire dept. frequency . that is still illegal . You would be transmitting at more than the legal power limit for that frequency . In the " Chirp " software , in the " duplex " column , select " off " for that channel . If you accidentally push the PTT button , the radio will " beep " , but will not transmit . I just programmed my Baofeng BF-F8HP that way , and I'm guessing it should work on the UV-5R ( not having any experience with a UV-5R , I am guessing of course , the firmware may be different ) Cheers , take care , and have a good day !!
u seem like u know ur shit....im highly considering pulling the trigger on the UV-5R today.....either that or the uniden BC75XLT which is just a scanner but i like the idea of being able to transmit if i do decide to get the license or if im with friends with walkies and im the odd man out without one. I would be able to get their freq, and get on it but u seem like u know ur shit..i downloaded the chirp software already and stuff
Well actually transmit if you need help (life or death type not a flat tire call AAA for that) That is why it has that ability. The UV-5R is for the outdoor persons who like to have a backup communication device besides a cell phone in case the cell phone gets broken lost or can not reach a signal. Otherwise get a ham radio license for certain frequencies.
Hey love all your videos. Can you share the link to the site that you used to program your radio. I have one but i used chirp, which as you stated doesn't let you change your transmitting frequency. I looked all over the manufacturers website and could not find it
Travis Paul Here is the link to Baofeng software download page. I downloaded the "UV5R_W64" for my radiowww.baofengradio.com/en/services.asp?BigClassName=Programming%20Software
Travis Paul I just discovered how to program in a tx frequency that is different from the RX frequency with the CHIRP sotware. I have created an updated video. there is a link in the description above. I totally agree the Chirp software is better than the Baofeng software
Possible helpful note from a noob - My chip screen didn't have Tx frequency column. I found that I had to change the duplex to "split" and that made the offset column the Tx frequency column.
Hi I have the same exact radio and I was messing around in the settings now it won't let me input and frequencies or go to settings I can only use flash light emergency on and off please help
I recently purchased and I've only picked up two ham operators and noaa. I have input the frequencies of local fire, police etc.. but nothing is coming over the air ways. Do I need the software in order to receive transmissions? I manually programmed and not hearing anything. Also on local pd, it says cancel on the last digit. I changed my step to each degree but still nothing. Any suggestions? Also can I program this radio to another bafeng by using an empty frequency for each handheld so I can say going hunting use it as a walkie talkie>Thanks for the help
Times are changing. Most of the public service agencies (police, fire, etc) have now moved off the simplex frequencies to digital scrambled trunked systems (more channels, more security). Those simplex frequencies remain, now largely unused. Scanners capable of receiving (and unscrambling) those trunked systems are very expensive ($500-$1500).
Alright, need some help here... I have a UV-5R radio. Now when I last plugged it in. I had a problem. It went into PTT and constant transmit and caused my PC, monitors even Webcam to bug out and shut down my pc. I'm sure that it isn't supposed to go into PTT and constantly transmit or attempt to transmit when it is plugged into the PC. I'm using a Baofeng data cable I purchased. Could it be the cable causing this? I've been trying to find the answer to this problem but am at a loss.. Any help would be much appreciated.
I have one question.. actually a couple. How easy would it be to just be next to a train and scan and pick up the radio frequency? And would I be able to save that frequency?
years ago you could buy a think book of frequencys ,just page through until you found your region,i have one,but i have a buddy thats a fireman he has a list of frequencys.
I just got one. Just like the one you have. It didn't come with the software though. I programmed a police frequency for the town I live in. I can still hear the police talking. If I push the Push to talk button will they still hear me?
+capt421 YES... and you are most likely breaking the law if you are transmitting. I would highly suggest you get the cable and program the software to avoid the possibility that you will broadcast illegally.
sure . we can keep in touch. One other thing is also awesome is connection your base to the internet and using your base through internet repeaters :) Have you heard of that ? Another interesting way of talking through repeaters to other countries while your base is connected 24 hours a day :) so when your mobile and you have friends like in other countries like Germany or Spain pretty neat :) 73's good day
You can disable the transmit for any channel. To do this, in the Duplex column (of Chirp), select "off" and the radio will not transmit on that channel. I keep my channels setup in a .xls spreadsheet, save the spreadsheet to a .csv, then import the .csv into Chirp.
Hey, here in Austria the police frequency is under the range that you can input into the keypad without canceling (frequency 122 MHz | minimum input frequency 136 MHz) is there a way I can set the limit to a lower level?
I have a Pofung UV-6R, actually 3 of them, and I've programmed all my local PD and FD frequencies in and it does work and receives the traffic on each channel UNLESS I am scanning. When scanning the scanning never stops. I have a Radio Shack scanner nearby and it works perfectly but this UV-6R won't stop scanning when it should. Why would this be? I'm not using any CTCSS or tones of any type although I want to. I was hoping to get a cheap scanner that would work with CTCSS so that I could filter out the annoying squelch sounds that sometimes happen due to nearby equipment. I've tried my other UV-6Rs and they do the same thing so I don't think its a defect. Thanks.
on the gt3 is there a way to fix the squelch to open without pushing the moni key? i see the receibe light but on several frequenciws i have to hold moni in and i have squelch set on 1
if ur at a park for example...and there are kids playing with regular walkie talkies....how do u know what frequency they're on so u can program yours to it? Like how did you know which one that other radio was on? This thing seems cool and very cheap to own but seems very complicated compared to like the Uniden BC75XLT which you don't need software for, and you can just press scan and pick stuff up
Okay so just be be clear that if I have my local Fire/Rescue Dispatch programmed in first day I get it if I hit the PTT that will transmit to them? Because if that's true that is a big problem that so 12 years end up buying one of these and watches a RU-vid video showing them how to input a Frequency and then press PTT while emergency crews are broadcasting and the kids start being idiots telling them so shut up or worse... Man this is a bit worry some that I could end up pressing the PTT by mistake while doing something and listening.
having the same problem when attempting to access the Baofeng website. Wonder if someone unplugged China? I found a download link on this site baofengtech.com/download it appears to be the US Distributor for Baofeng
Yes, you can do this. If your PD still uses FM frequencies (as do some very small towns do (due to budget and equipment costs), then yoiu are able to use any FM receiver as a scanner (as long as that transceiver has a scan capability). My area uses p25 Phase I Digital com. That means any analog radio will not work. Havng done some research on the p25 system (trunked) I can see why PD(s) go to it. It does allow a multiple of PD(s) to use the same trunks and still provide com to an entire area. It works for multiple agencies to use the same trunk system. Research your local PD and see if it still uses analog com traffic. If it does, then you can. If it uses digital systems, then you have an analog scanner and you must invest in a digital scanner.
+XeX Chris The 74 page BF-F8HP manual is available online. I understand it is far superior to the UV-5R manual. For all practical purposes, the manuals should be identical. (except the power settings) Briefly: Tones are used to tell a repeater to allow you access. Tones are also used to make your radio ignore incoming transmissions from people not using the selected tone. (does not make your comms private - only prevents you hearing other people's chatter) Note: you can also make your radio refuse to transmit, if the frequency is already busy, using "BCL" (Busy Channel Lockout)
well they must have done something with the download software because all I get are question marks. Instead of file edit program other it is just ????? ??????? ???? ????? . Happen to know any good link now since this is a year old. My search brings up nothing. all I am trying to do is stop transmitting, but it seems that the uv5rv2+ does not do that. Chirp no help at all either.
think I had that issue before... seems like there was an easy fix... maybe it was because the cable was not plugged in before I started the software... I was also started the software and found myself in the chinesse laungage... it was a bit of effort getting it back to English
My brother has talked on his over 1/2 mile with many objects in line of transmission for FRS / GMRS Most FRS/GMRS are line of sight , Great advantage find the highest point to transmit As for 2m & 440 its endless as long as you hit the repeaters . . . Just dont talk on unauthorized channels without proper license .
+Trooper Alan if you are meaning digital as in marco channels used by most state public agencies . they can be made to receive them . but i would advise you do at your own risk ..be sure your legally allowed to have in your possession .I'm not fan hacking into it but you can there are folk reported that you can add a chip also to over ride base uv 5 model . i can not speak on any of model after that . few my friends have done the above i myself even thou i could legally have it i choose not to ..we just use them talk back and forth on campus to avoid boss laughs
Yes! However many of these are out dated even though they have "been updated." For example, my fire department was previously on VHF (150's) but moved to the 7-800 trunk system about four years ago despite what is shown on radio reference.
im thinking of buying a baofeng,i do have a uniden bearcat base scanner,i had it for 20 years still works but like to get a cordless scanner if my power goes out,how many frequencys can you add to it? my bearcat scanner is 12 band 200 channels
Well, it still not as good as a real scanner. Baofeng scans the frq's you input, but my old scanner Pro-51 can scan frq's between range or limits. So, it's good for finding active frq's in my area, may be not listed!
pressing the F/A button and then the Menu button on the Baofeng UV-3R will scan frequencies. I've found pd frequencies from doing this. I would imagine there is a similar way to do this on the newer style radios as well.
+GTFD8215 I have a question... when i am in channel mode with my UV-5R and i am scanning, when i receive something i need to press MonI button in order to listen. Do you know how to turn this off?
+Jerj100 that does not sound right..... wonder what would happen if you reset the device to factory defaults.... If you still have the issue I would suspect that you have a bad device.... but please note I am not a radio expert......
+Jerj100 When scanning, does it receive, then timeout and start scanning again, even though the incoming signal is still active? If so, go to menu item "SC-REV" (scanning resume method). If it is currently "TO" (Time Operation, scanning resumes after fixed time has passed), then select either "CO" (Carrier Operation, scanning resumes when signal disappears), or "SE" (Search Operation, scanning will not resume...until you press and hold *scan) Since this is a global setting, it will affect all channels with scan enabled (not skipped), until you upload to the radio again (unless you download from the radio first, make any channel setting changes and upload to the radio).
+Jeffrey Franck Most public safety channels in my area are not digital yet. ALL of our county police, EMS, and Fire departments are running on analog still as it is expensive to switch. The State police are the only ones who operate in my area using digital. Our Police departments will be switching soon but our Fire and EMS recently decided to continue on analog for now. In other words it is highly dependent on where you are...
I ask noob Boafeng question is there away block a channel were all i'm getting is static ..I realize it getting faint signal of sorts just plain annoys me . I already walking around the campus with one radio blaring that if fell in lake on campus i surely be found at 10 foot depth . . Our boss tad to cheap monitor local agencies around us(act like he pays for dang thing were state agency with micro manger who walks are in dark ages still he got have his hand in 50 pots .). my self and few other guy taken to purchase our own radio so we have a hope and a prayer to know what or were other agencies are going when we hear a siren near campus in hopes maybe we can escort responding fire or ems or additional local police to correct building and rooms . as said above our boss is cheap reads his security manual from flintstone days . were in year 2000 we still use crystal radios think my radio would be considered lethal weapon if i try to board a airplane ..
also before anyone use the frs or gmrs on boefang make sure you buy fcc license for frs or gmrs so you dont get introuble to op this type radio on frs you need to be license to op the radio
If you're transmitting more than 500mw or .5watt you need a license. This radio does minimum 1watt... www.fcc.gov/general/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs look about 3/4 down the page for a paragraph titled "GMRS and FRS Dual Service Radios"
oh they care, give them enough time, transmit enough and they will nab you... just get the damn license, it's only $15 unless you don't think you are smart enough to pass the exam.
It's stricter than that. You can only use a FRS radio to transmit on FRS frequencies. It's completely illegal to use a HAM radio to broadcast on FRS or GMRS. ham.stackexchange.com/questions/623/using-my-baofeng-uv-5r-to-talk-to-walkie-talkies
It's far more than transmit power, the device needs part 90 or part 95 certification, and an integrated non-detatchable antenna, and cannot be capable of being programmed outside the allowable frequencies. So this radio CAN NEVER be legal on GMRS or FRS, and is really only legal on ham bands in the USA.
could you help me set mine up to use as a scanner i live in Hobbs New Mexico and i dont understand much of it on everything you need to change in order to get police traffic
i have a older bearcat base police scanner,im thinking of buying a baofeng radio and using it as a portable police scanner, because if power goes out i can use the baofeng for backup
Need help ive got.my radio scanner and opened it up but its froozen on a channel with 155.500 top and 438.500 on the bottom and i cant get it to do anything. Its says frequency mode when i turn it on but thats it nothing else happens no matter what i press. Any ideas ?
+farkkis I would expect so... I have repeated this same procedure on several different models of Baofeng Radios. If you have different models though you will want to create a new profile for each by first receiving the program from the radio. I would not try loading the same program to different model radios
