Baofeng UV-5R Radios Illegal? The Real Story - Ham Radio Q&A 

Hey there new to all this, I've rebuilt small radios before, but as for using them I'm a novice. I do need a HAM license for this yes?

@@bookkeeper1995 you do to legally transmit, if all you do is listen then you don't need one

So im am new to all this and my question is do i need a license to for using not just listening to it.. Baofeng UV5R ... FOR SHTF REASON

@@dgere2 Pretty sure you can use any radio if a life is in danger. As for SHTF purposes who is gonna stop you?

there not illegal..

Omg, now that's funny right there lol

The FCC is a tool of the telcomm industry, as are legislators, that's why we still get the trash calls

Lol my phone rings at least 5 times a day sometimes more spoofing my old home area code. They need to be hunted down and destroyed

I just received 2 calls today. Ridiculous.

They probably knew about it for a while but it is a budget/priority issue

Ya kinda like guns

Wow! My wife and I currently, have General Humm.. I guess that we should pay more for our radios!

@Curtis Sherwood How about screw the law.

@Curtis Sherwood Screw the rules is what I said. I have no reason to insult you.

@Curtis Sherwood Why would you protect rules and agencies that violate property rights ? I have no consideration for groups that violate property rights. Making something illegal doesn't justify the law. If there is no victim there is no crime.

R. W. Careful, we’re getting there!

No darnit!

You gave me an idea.Why not have a cash for clunkers on radios?At least that way the FCC will get some of the radios they don't want gone and in return maybe it could be worked out as a credit towards a purchase of a newer radio from say icom,yaesu,ect if they want to get onboard with it idk

Absolutely! They are assault vehicles.

@@UpcomingJedi Huh?

That's why lawyers should stay away from any executive positions.. They should stay in judiciary and/or legislative.

Law is what regulatory agencies enforce, so yeah, its kinda in "legalese". That's the nature of the beast.

I had questioned how the attorneys were reading the rules. I think they had a special, attorney, dictionary that gave different definitions of words than the standard English language dictionary.

Gary Wheeler The FCC enforces the Communications Act of 1934, as Amended, and as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 47 of the Rules and Regulations.

Nevil: I agree. And Congress gave the FCC to create regulations as well. As part of its mandate. And yes, lawyers speak a special kind of language. An intelligent, sexual, lawyer for instance might have a disagreement with his wife about what "sexual relations" are for instance, regarding their relationships with other people. Sometimes its all about definitions. lol

Shack Ti 1 the USFS is regulated under NTIA not FCC, and has greater latitude. I too work for a government/military agency and we are also NTIA regulated and my work unit uses the Baofeng radios. We programmed ours to our authorized frequencies and power settings. I have my own personal radios (15 total) that I lend out to volunteer organizations for special events and we use them on authorized FCC frequencies and power as well. Money well spent as far as I’m concerned.

@@wilfredosoto2722 no wonder china knows all our classified secrets and has infiltrated our military general staff and ourintel services.

@@gunzmith29r it’s not by use of these cheap radios, that’s for sure. Nothing is being passed along that’s classified at any level when we use them, I can assure you of that, unless needing more volunteers to clean up a mess or needing more porta John’s or parking ushers is classified (it’s not BTW). Anyone using anything less than properly encrypted communication equipment for sending such information would be in the wrong work unit. We don’t handle such information on those radios or anything non-secured. OPSEC/COMSEC is observed at all times. Classified information that the Chinese or any other entity is getting, is happening at a whole different level, way higher than ours and within our government, including the White House, that’s for sure, not from some little cheap radios.

Damn that Obama!

And...thats exactly why i am looking for a bophone that i hear everybody hates because it has a button that shocks everyone else so i can get a clear frequency.

Gene Harmon Bingo. We have a winner. Yes. You are right. It's that simple. Thank you. Saved us 10 minutes right there!

The money is in P25. Why would anyone care about obsolete analog radios?

The thing is analog signals travel further than digital, With digital either you have it or you don't.

Government not allow you listen

Yes Gonzo they did fail because you are using test equipment designed to run with crystal based radio systems when the radio doesn''t have a crystal in it...

My understanding is, by reading comments on the Amazon listing, is that Amcrest took the easy route and just locked out the frequencies to make the radio compliant.

Actually, what I heard last night at my clubs business meeting was that is was one manufacturer who bought Baofeng parts and made their own radio and then sold it as a Baofeng that caused the problem because they didn't have a license to sell something beyond 1 watt 1 power.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You make the assumption that all people behave the same. You are right, they break laws if they can get away with it. It does not make any sense at all to allow a non licensed person to "listen" with a transceiver.

Aren't you making assumptions that people will break the law if they can get away with it? It makes a lot of sense for people with a non licensed to listen. I just bought one of these cheap units to listen, I have no intention to break the law and transmit. I want to see what it is all about. I want to see what is broadcasting locally and see what people talk about etc...If i find it interesting i will then proceed to get a technician license. I was watching another channel yesterday where he has how to videos for new people like myself to get into it. Then, with the cheap unit once I get licensed i can get my feet wet before I upgrade to better / quality products. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"..Isn't that why there are already laws for that? If they catch someone that transmits without a license they will get in trouble. That is the prevention. We don't ban alcohol for everyone just because they might drive. We have laws against that already yet some still break them. This really is no different. The few that might break the law shouldn't be a reason to punish the majority as a whole.

einyv I will stick to my original position. The problem with owning an amateur radio transceiver just to listen to by a non licensed operator is that he or anyone else would have the ability to transmit. Why not do the sensible thing and buy just a receiver? You are only listening correct? Let's use an analogy to help you see my point clearer. Is it alright for a minor to have an alcoholic beverage in his car even though he does not drink alcohol? He could say the alcohol is for a person of legal age. The FCC could confiscate a transceiver that belongs to a non licensee. Law enforcement folks have a lot of leeway in that area. It would be difficult for you to prove that you would never use that transceiver illegally. I cordially invite you to get a study manual by Gordon West and get a license. We amateurs are very protective of our privileges. There is a lot of illegal activity on 10 meters because CB vendors sell rigs they claim can be modified to work on 11 meters.

So you are saying people who use them on farms, hiking, camping or locally without a license are malicious people? I use mine locally without a license to keep tabs on my 83 yr old father when I'm out and about. BTW even if you are a licensed ham operator you cannot simply use a GMRS or FRS Radio or talk on those bands without a GMRS FRS license, but guess what? Ham operators do. I don't think people go out looking to be malicious on the radio unless they're crazy or a full fledged criminal. The FCC has never fined or arrested anyone for using a Baefang without a license, they have to make that public record if they do. There are no ham operators within 100 miles of where I live and that includes repeater towers that can be publicly accessed. That means my Baefang is nothing but a glorified walkie talkie due to range limitations. As for locally emergency channels like police, fire , EMS as long as I don't interfere with their services or any local business frequencies then I'm not what you consider malicious. Another note is that the Baefang even though they've become somewhat compliant with the FCC can in fact be unlocked back to factory settings like earlier Baefang UV 5 Rs if you have the newer updated versions. While Baefang UV 5R has helped bring in new amateur ham operators the ham community has also been responsible for making new operators quit or go for something else like GMRS/FRS because the older elitist ham operators were condescending pricks. Now that is not to say every ham operator is like that. Back when I ran a cb base station I use to talk to ham operators all the time on my Galaxy base when skip was really bad. None I talked to complained that I was unlicensed because we kept friendly conversations without all the cussing and nonsense, we kept it respectful. Most amateur operators don't ever progress into engineering certification or to talk on the higher bands. Generally they end up dropping ham and going GMRS. I have never witnessed an unlicensed user with a Baefang jamming anyone and I know a few users around my area. In fact we've been talking about investing together to build a local repeater with frequencies that won't interfere with anyone because many fish or hunt around here. Why we can't have nice things is because people take things to seriously and cause grief to others because they feel they're righteously better. Besides, you are more worried about a few unlicensed users on a cheap Baefang then the invaders coming across our borders.

HamAndShortwaveRadio what about the people who dont like the law because they think they're stupid but still comply?

@HamandShortwaveRadio. One has to wonder has the FCC even tested the new radios from this brand to see if they comply with part 90/95 (I think that's what it's called). These radios seem to be a hit with preppers or those who want to have a way to communicate during an emergency. Many buy them, like me, to stuff them in our BOB's and emergency kits because they can scan, get FM radio, and yes, have the ability to xmit on repeater sites and easy to program with it's cable and software. I set up all mine to only be able to xmit on the MURS/GMRS/FMS freq's (I do have a GMRS license) But no repeater sites. I have a MXT400 and 115 for that if I need it. I do find it amusing HAMops would call the owners of these devices scumbags. I'm sure the makers of ICOM, Motorola or Yaesu repeat these words everyday. It is funny how a "Chinese" company can make a radio that can do everything the big boys can but do it without a 200% markup, except comply with some FCC operating guidelines, which don't really affect anything or anyone when you are standing in your back yard transmitting, even with it's frequency bleed, 5 watts much less 8 isn't going to kill anyone. I'm sure even with some non-leaking modifications, Baofeng could still make a rig cheaper and people (before mentioned companies) will still bitch. As far as the scumbag remark goes. How many times have you corrected your fellow HamOp for not using the proper calling/reply procedure or for not using the proper phonetic alphabet? Last time I looked it up, the rules/regs don't stop the first time you key up your mic. Just sayin.. Seems both sides of the profession could use some cleaning up. 73's

HamAndShortwaveRadio LoL.... what a company man pleb you sound like... thanks for the laugh...

@HamAndShortwaveRadio ok. I changed it to be a more general reference in the profession. I hope that's more accepting to your liking. And I listen to the airwaves a lot, and I hear licensed ham operators complain about these radios. And it's always about the fact that they don't have a license, not the fact that they're using these radios, but they don't have a license. And nothing about the radio operation or complying with the FCC rules regulations. There's a website called woot that sells these occasionally. And it never fails there were be at least two or three ham operators that will get on there and blast the people who are buying these radios. Nothing about The compliance of these radios, but just the fact that people are using them and not getting a license.

Okay this is what drives me crazy - I got a ham license 35 years ago - it wasn't that hard and I'm glad that I put the time in. The rules set up by the FCC say you have to have a license to use them on HAM, GMRS and Maritime services . So why do so many people buy a 35$ radio and just use it where they want and then get mad at the FCC when they say stop it! Why do we have any rules at all? Where do we draw the line? I think it's like cheating. We should all try to do better than that. It's just not that hard to do things within the rules here. Is it? And a final thought. When radios were $200 they were out of the reach of some and people seemed to respect the rules better. Now that they are practically free people seem to equate that with less value within the radio service. I don't know what do others think? I'm not arguing I right I'm just thinking we should respect the rules?

Someone, somewhere, HAS shot one. Lol.

This was actually relatable, now I remember to turn it off when I'm going to sleep.

I'm aware of the "Low Voltage" audible alert. I was sound asleep last night and I heard what sounded closer to " Mobile Tits."

Exactly correct. Have fun like everyone else.

James Hart did you try expanding the range with CHIRP?

Nope because I have no reason too.

In an emergency situation - that's fine!

That doesn't make sense. Marine radios have to be part 80 certified.

In an emergency nobody is going to check for FCC compliance.

Because in a pinch, it can be used as a survival radio. Flashlight, siren, transmitter. Etc.

In hopes that they wont mind you transmitting in a frequency band that you are allocated to 😁.

Michael Rose - You are right

Glad I was able to help. Digging through the legalese was a little challenging, but I believe I have an accurate analysis of what it all means.

It's more relevant than this hobby!!!

capndavey1 still can depending on the radio.

Still can with many. I’ve modded both my Kenwood TH-D74A and Yaesu FT-60R for OOB. (Mainly so they would have the “ability” for GMRS.). It just involved removing one resistor.

re: "That is incorrect. There was discussion about this at the last rule change. FCC rejected the legitimacy of using part 90 equipment on GMRS." Point me to a part 95 compliant repeater. Just about EVERY GMRS repeater is a Part 90 Motorola or GE or Kenwood Part 90 compliant 'box'.

Sounds like CB in the 70's. 3 channel Radioshack with a 1500 watt linear. No one in 10 miles could use anything within 5 channels either way.

This is stupid.....

Are you aware that these are FM radios? Amplifiers for FM are seldom if ever linear. There is no need for it.

@@bwtv147, Well okay then I am old school CB radio. Thanks didn't know hand held walkie talkies were FM. I still use AM transmitters receiver's for my R/C planes. You know with the crystals that are set on different frequencies. I reckon it didn't cross my mind but thanks.

Not all hand helds are FM but it's the norm on 2m and 70cm. The Baofengs discussed here are FM.

Yuuuuuuup mine will be here saturday

You are correct. The logo and trademark for Wausau Insurance Companies was based on the Milwaukee Road depot in Wausau and was used in their advertising from the late 1950's through the 1990's. The building is currently being renovated and will soon become a brewpub/distillery.

Thought so. It's just kinda neat to be on a platform as big as RU-vid and stumble onto content by locals (I'm down here by CWA). Anyway, good video, checked out some other stuff on the channel, looks like you're doing well. Best wishes for continued success.

Thanks, it's a small world. I'm glad you enjoy the content.

I don't know the answer, but I surmise it was easiest to just totally block the frequency ranges in the firmware.

Generally you can listen to anything that isn't encrypted. Many police departments are encrypting their signals. When cops don't think they have a listening audience they tend to be vulgar, racist, and sexist. Some have even been overheard discussing crimes and / or coverups in which they participated, Many police departments have been embarrassed by that and some have been sued or had cases thrown out because of overhead conversations. Most states now have laws against listening to encrypted transmissions.

Wow. I have heard of law's where disclosure of information heard over law enforcement frequencies before. Never heard of any prosecutions.

Divergent Droid "EMERGENCY TRANSMISSION USE" generally is a temporary exemption during communication of the emergency event. To be valid, however, the emergency must be such that significant harm to life or property (as defined by Law) is reasonably perceivable. This can include severe weather, forest fire, gross vehicular accident, stranded in the wilderness, gross personal injury or that of other's, robbery in progress, murder or rape, suspected terroristic activities (by others), house or business on fire, roadway sinkhole, bridge collapse, aircraft down, perceived kidnapping, dam failure, active railroad-line issues, active shooter, maritime (boat) severe accident or stranding... the list could go on-and-on. I recall a incident whereby a group of campers were not only totally lost, but one was injured. No cellular or radio. They set a signal fire, but inadvertently ended-up burning down many, many acres. They were rescued. After full review, they were not charged with anything.

To put it simply anything that meets the requirements for a legit call to 911.

Divergent Droid, If you used 10KW for a genuine emergency, without a licence on a ham band, regulations or no regulations , you would receive all the help and services you could possibly handle, maybe MORE! In fact you might be overwhelmed with helpers and need to ask them to back off to allow you hear the help which was most suitable. Just don't try it because your local KFC had closed early!

One of the great things about ham radio operators is the inherent ability to communicate issues of emergency even if, say, cell towers are down. Much respect.

I completely agree.

~€38 and legal as hell, less than that when imported through Chinese shops online but then you pay import fees. Stop babbling when you have no idea. You just cannot do anything else but PMR446 at 4 watt without a license.

Mate in the Philippines, you can buy 1 for more than ₱600 or £9.69 and ₱1,500 or £24.22 for a pair.

An 8 watt BF-F8HP radio is twice the power of the 5 watt UV-5R? I think not, or I really missed something in math class. Seriously though, if you really want a 10 watt radio, look at the TYT TH-UV8000D, the TYT TH-UV8200, or the Wouxun KG-UV9H. Both the 8000D and the KG-UV9H also have the ability to cross-band repeat your signal, easily doubling your range in the field.

@@craigcarnahan7210 WHAT IS THE COST? $$$.

If you are interested in ragchewing you may wish to consider studying for and upgrading to a General license. Once on HF you will never be out of range of someone to ragchew with. For mobile operation you’ll likely have to use a screwdriver antenna since dipoles and large verticals would be unwieldy, so it will still be a compromise antenna, but you will still get out plenty far enough on 20/40/80m on average to find others to talk to through the day and evening. Alternatively, if you have reliable internet service, whether cellular, satellite, or landline, you may wish to look into EchoLink, which is available for mobile devices and desktop PCs, to reach many remote repeaters around the world or look into an internet hotspot for DMR, D-Star, or Fusion and a suitable radio to do much the same thing as EchoLink, but EchoLink has the benefit of being free (or $1 if you wish expedited authentication of your callsign using your credit card for them the confirm your name and address, or you can mail them a copy of your ID as proof and wait awhile). But that can get you back on the air even if located too far from a repeater to reach via radio alone - some purists hate it because of the internet link, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying your ragchews.

I could write a book on Baofeng marketing mistakes. Maybe that will be the subject of a future video.

HUB Colombia Our hunt club bought the older Baofengs (5) We have used them to keep track of each other on a 1600 acre track of land. We consistently get 2 miles of range. 2.5 on a good day. They are great radios. We have never used the 2 meter ham frequency, because we believed that an amateur radio licence is needed.

they are good radios you just have to be careful on what frequencies you operat on and under which part type acceptance. These older radios are ham use only, which means they cant be used outside the ham bands and doing so is illegal. If they say part 90 accepted they can be used on land mobile frequencies but might need a license by the operator.

HUB Colombia ☆Thanks for the info. I don't think a bunch of hunters, in the woods is going to bring down a FCC helicopter with miniguns, blasting us into oblivion. Or, FCC agents fast roping to the ground to write tickets.

You are correct in that a ham license is necessary for the 2 meter band, but there are other unlicensed radio services that would be appropriate for your needs. But you'd be in violation of FCC rule to use a non type-accepted radio for communications. So I couldn't legally tell you that using any of the five MURS radio service VHF channels or FRS radio service UHF channels would a) minimize interference between you and other radio services and b) significantly reduce your chances of running afoul of FCC monitors.

Glad you enjoyed it.

Hi Josh... uv5r is a great little radio for the price. I have had reports that i come thru clear, if not clearer than an icom. As i've said, use radio responsibly and radio be respectable to other radio users/operators, and they will respect you in return! I've programmed my radio to UHF 80 channel, FRS, MURS, GMRS Only!!, and well, to be honest there no one out here that that's on them!!! What i enjoyed most was being just able to tap in frequencies, give them a name (if needed) and yes, i stuffed it up a few times but always made a default backup before doing anything... anyways.... That's why i'm in Hamsphere V1.0, V3.0..but haven't got comfortable with V4.0 yet :( Cheers from Australia! Mick (a.k.a VBQ543) (YEP, quite an old callsign now!) hahaha now off to KB9VBR and thumbs up for his video....

Just watched your video! Excellent! I've always been a typical cb'er, but the funny part was many years ago the Amatuer operators came down to 27mhz bands and we all used to chat... The most important part is, respect the radio and / or operators, and if any disturbances are caused, is to rectify them immediately! Many thanx for your video, and i'm going to share it. The biggest problem with these radios is the WRONG ppl getting there hands on them. :( I use Hamsphere these days, but haven't of late because too many demand "qsl cards" when i specifally said NO, just Qso, so i start getting stuff from 2 months ago demanding a card. These are typically known as QSL card 'hunters' , just to see who can get the most in say a month. Do you use Hamsphere? Let me know... Cheers from Australia Mick (a.k.a VBQ543)

Hey I know that guy!

If the radio is purchased direct from China or from a different importer, then this citation does not apply to them.

Idk I’ll let you know I just got one with an extra batter and some other stuff for $39 and prime shipping. Will be here Sunday.

I'll admit... I finally "lost it" in my long post decrying the LACK of reference to THIS part of the "won't pass the regs" results for the Baofeng. Thank goodness for your more reasonable coverage! LOL

This matches my experience as well with a uv5r

You're going to jail!

You have a valid Federally issued Amateur Radio License and call sign. (This is not a CB license either, like they used to issue decades back.) You actually have to take a test., and pass it. Your local Ham radio club should give classes for the test. You will also need to pass the test for the license class you want to operate the frequencies on. It's pretty easy now that they dropped the Morse Code requirement. for some of the license classes.

M Blake Jr yes, they are on amazon

yup just got one a few days ago

Jerry, You are correct. There is a lot of confusion between Part 90 and Part 95 certification and I also got caught up in part of it. You would assume that a Part 90 radio would be GMRS compliant as the GMRS frequencies are listed in a table in the document. But the device also needs to adhere to the extra regulations set forth in Part 95, hence dual certification is necessary.

KB9VBR Yeah, one would definitely think so. I have also before, corrected myself on it by reading FCC regs, re-questioned myself and thought that was the case after watching the video, re-read the regs, etc. There is a Latin phrase that lawyers use similar to “pseudo-legal” that I can’t remember at the moment to describe something that isn’t fully “legal”, but at the same time isn’t something that isn’t enforced. I’ve used Part 90-only radios for GMRS before and as I was considering setting up a GMRS repeater myself. I found most of the ones sold for GMRS use were only Part 90. That was a question I asked Bridgecom about their Part 90 repeaters. As you said, it can get murky. Have a good one.!

I've heard other make the same supposition, but I'm not sure if this is totally the case. Amateur radio has been growing, there are more licenses issued than ever before. I think the truth will be known in a few years when it comes time for license renewals. Will we see a lot of attrition or will people stay in and active because equipment is cheap?

Digger DanielG Just took off PTT and Call button from my Baofeng radio. Disabled transmit both VHF/UHF using CHIRP.

Digger DanielG explain "abuse" please. Does that mean "harmful interference" or transmission without a ham license? If there is No Harm, there is No abuse. Just making that clear for fellow human beings.

Thats why a majority of fcc cases involving harmful interference are committed by none other then licensed hams... you dont have to be a model fuckin citizen to get licensed.

we get some dipshit noobs from time to time that bought a 20 dollar bao and started taking shit until we ask for a callsign... instant fail

Phant4sm but every call sign just about is in a public database.. I just steal other people’s call signs when I decide to troll repeaters... that way if they reporting my trolling to the FCC that operator gets in trouble not me..

I knooooow. They're sooo fabulous . . .

REALLY ? thats your comment ? You moron

Birth Control Glasses 👓 😆

To follow your analogy: a man sold you a fishing pole with a dozen hooks on the line. The game warden said that equipment isn't allowed, so now the pole only has a half a hook with no barb. To your second part, ham radio sales may be slow, but the commercial market is certainly strong as ever.

Didn't quite understand the pole with half a hook. If you have a radio that covers every band under the sun but you are only approved only one band. As long as you only use that one band your good. Most radios were over priced, but you had little choice. The Chinese with their lower price and lower quality has shaken the industry up. These cheap radios have opened the door for those on the fence to try out ham radio.

Indeed. Upon getting my license I went to the now defunct "alphabet" store in Seattle to buy a Yaesu radio. Very FIRST thing the salesman did was ask me "if I wanted him to cut the yellow wire". I turned around, walked out and never went back. I worked hard to pass my Ham license. I had no intention of supporting the illegal sales dealers. He never even asked me if I was licensed. Some of us do have integrity.

Scott the big problem with these radios is/was that they could do all of that stuff WITHOUT MODS and they specifically violated regulations in several places. (Like 4 watts on FRS and non-fixed antennas.) It wasn't the Ham manufacturers who complained because there was nothing wrong about the radios' operation within the ham bands, so complaining about "out of ham band" operation wouldn't have changed they cost or the way they could be used on the ham bands. Ham manufacturers had nothing to gain by complaining because all of those other things could have been eliminated and the radios still sold as $30 ham radios.

Regulations and patents/copyrights mean little to the manufacturers & importers of these radios.

Cb is a completely different service not only is it am but its in the 27mhz region while baofeng and vhf high stops at 136, low vhf is a different story but no one is accessing repeaters in america with a citizen band radio.

also these are not scanners and do not operate on the 700/800/900 mhz or trunked services, to purchase a transmitter as a scanner is the exact reason these radios are being referred to as such. you have 32 views on QRZ now, your welcome.

Jerry: Around here most LE and Fire went APCO25 and all of my 150Mhz stuff went back to Ham service. I bought a new scanner, got it working, and nearly everyone went fully encrypted.... I've been a Rent-A-Car and a Ham for more than 50 years, and the handhelds made for good scanning and access to local repeaters. No more....

I don't have the answer to that. I would presume that they changed the firmware, so forcing it by software would be quite a low-level process.

you can program it to not work

Yes, software and a matched antenna for the frq.

YES, Chirp will allow full control, so you can program certain (illegal), like emerency service that it will not transmit! :)

Different countries have different regulations when it comes to amateur radio equipment. Amateurs in the US may possess commercial equipment capable if transmitting outside the amateur radio bands, but they may only use the equipment on the frequencies that they are licensed for.

Cory Boy

I'm form the Philippines there is no rules

@@TroN_Nradio_Alastor transmitting here in Baguio without any licence. Nobody apprehends me and my colleagues (who i dragged them into the hobby) because we stay at 460-470Mhz including PLs. Were all waiting for our NTC Licensure Exam in hopes to get B or C Class. 73

@@2mdjr532 we also use pmr446 and frs frequencies are license free

@@TroN_Nradio_Alastor oh, i was expecting that PMR446 is not in use HI HI. Are there Amateurs that use the frequencies from 170-174Mhz?, thanks for the response btw. 73

it’s*

Yeah, I saw the same thing. It was a 'story' from a ham radio parody site: hamhijinks.com/fcc-orders-cease-and-desist-of-all-baofengs-because-too-many-hams-accidentally-transmit-that-awful-siren-tone-on-local-repeater/

Its a parody site.

No doubt the FCC would be the last thing to worry about. But at a time when ham radio was beginning to be looked at as too old fashioned and out of date, the Baofeng radios came along, and were one of the things that caused a new interest in the hobby. So for that, I say that the Baofeng radios are important to our hobby. Everyone does not have the income to pay 250$ for a handi talky right now, but most can scrape up the 30$ to pick up a low end 2 meter fm radio and start to be involved in ham radio.

I didn't take it as criticism. And I agree, that the ARRL has fallen down on the job horribly. What used to be a group dedicated to serving the ham community, is now more of a political lobby group interested only in taking in members dues and trying to remain relevant. You might consider going for your general license, and then going on HF bands. They are much more efficient, and you can always find someone to talk to. I have to admit I am not as active on the bands as I used to be. I have so many hobbies, it is hard to devote time and money to all of them, and so some of them had to fall on the sidelines. But I still monitor the local fm repeaters, and take my radio with me on vacation. If ever you do decide to join the ham radio bunch, I hope you find them to be welcoming. That is how it used to be, but lately, I am sensing a bit less enthusiasm for new people. But that is probably just in my area. Anyway, good luck with what ever you do. KA8KRV 73's.

The bigger problem is that ham operators are a bunch of cowardly snitches.

Wire Works its not i repeat NOT illegal. I have motorola mobiles i purchased from police auctions that technically work the same bands there just not programmable without a computer.

What's wrong with RCI radios?

Kyle Sonsalla Nothing wrong with the radios, they're just not FCC approved.

Wire Works Sounds like you'd love my Stryker SR-955HP lmao

Rangers are smuggled in by claiming that the radio is some other kind of equipment than what they truly are. Customs will and do inspect shipments of imported goods and regularly find unauthorized and illegal imports, including Ranger radios, which are seized, impounded, and destroyed. But, customs cannot catch everything. Sort of like the question a police officer allegedly responded with to the man he was writing up for a speeding ticket, when the speeder pointed out the other speeders driving by. Officer: Did you ever go fishing? Speeder: Yes. Officer: Did you catch all the fish in the creek?

Naw, it's just how we like to spend our Sunday

It's all fun and games till someone drops a Baofeng.

That's very common. Urban environments have buildings and interference that will limit your range. Range up to a mile is typical for a handheld in these places.