One other thing I would like to mention is that when you're programming your radios through chirp you can save that programming file to the laptop and then use that same file to program multiple radios back to back so they all have the same settings. This is especially handy if you have multiple of the same type of radio and also you're going to be passing all these radios to multiple people if you have a group. Much easier to plan Communications protocol and taking care of it logistically to make sure everybody is on the same page per say.
I got my first UV5R 3 weeks ago. I have since gifted one to my girlfriend, daughter, and sister. I now have 4 HAM and 3 GMRS radios in a faraday bag. I’ve got a TG5R coming tomorrow that I’m gonna hook up in my car which already has a nice UHF VHF antenna installed. Got all the different accessories like antennas, batteries, mikes, programmer, and all kinds of adapters. Spent less then $300 on everything!!
I like the Nagoya antenna's and have them on all but one of my radios, on which I have a Signal Stick with BNC adapter. I love the BNC adapter and always recommend it to people.
Thanks Dave. I got both licenses, got general and UV-82HP. So now antenna learning and practice. I’m going all light weight as i need to go away from high tension power lines near house. So the back pack is direction i am going. Now practice. Thanks again
You reminded me on the interface cable. I inherited all the radios my dad had, and my brother must have looked at the cable for the Yaesu VX-170, and deemed it computer gear. I have the radio, and the software. Got one coming. You might find this a bit humorous; another radio I got is a half inch thick, about the dimensions of a credit card, runs on a pair of AA's, and puts out a mighty 600mW on 2m. Unlike the VX-170, 2m is all it does, but there isn't going to be anything approaching long range comms with it.
Great video, Dave. But I am doing my SRO brethren an injustice if I do not once again point out that it would be wise to get a simple dry bag style faraday bag to keep this gear in. One solar flare or EMP blast and absolutely nothing on the table will be worth a pot of beans. These are cheap radios. Keep a set, along with peripherals, and a pocket am/fm radio inside the bag, stored away for emergencies. You will never regret having done this, but you very well could regret NOT doing this. Peace.
I love these videos and they certainly help the dying hobby grow however it remains a hobby nonetheless. In a practical modern day standpoint there isn’t a single HT that will do what a garmin spot or inreach can do. With that said, ham radios are most certainly a fun way to learn a plethora of things while communicating with others learning about the hobby. I truly wish people would be more honest about the fact that it’s simply a hobby more than anything else.
Great video. The one additional item that I might suggest is the AA battery case. If you have an extended power outage or away from power, you can pop in AA batteries and continue to operate.
Would recommend also getting an actual purpose built police scanner like a 436hp. You can monitor local, state, and national digital freqencies which a baofeng can't do.
Chirp will lock your radio if you put gmrs or murs frequency in. Factory reset (menu item 40) then use the three button unlock. Then hand program what frequencies you want.
Hey Dave, I’m guessing that the reason you set up your video shoot the way it was is because it began raining 🌧 on you & you had to find some cover. I say all this because it was hard to see you & everything you were doing. If that’s not the case then just turning that demonstration table around & shooting the other way so the ambient light could illuminate you instead of creating silhouette would’ve been better. Or as you had it with an auto repair clip light with a 100watt bulb 💡for “front light. I hope I don’t come off as a whiny little you know what. I do lighting for a living & I’m just trying to help. Thank you for your persistence & dedication. I have the newer smaller version of these bao-feng radios & this was extremely helpful.
Good video, useful! Please make a video about the use of these external antennas. And of course we must not forget that these radios are not sealed, they let water through. There is a sealed one, for example yaesu vx-6r, but they have a big price!
I love how you apply your mentality to HAM radio too. I've had my license for over 15 years, but never really got into it. You've sparked my interest again though and inspired me to assemble a kit and get practicing with it. Thanks for all your content 73 KN4PYU
totally agree before Dave most info I could find on HAM was more for techies, now his videos help closing that gap showing us technical info but with survival mindset.
Great video I love the UV-5R. However personally I opt to have a radio that is waterproof but I have dropped a couple of radios and gotten them waterlogged.
I'm glad that you mentioned having NOAA programmed in. I have these frequencies in mine as well. One feature that I didn't hear that a lot of users don't know about until they find it by accident is the FM broadcast radio found by short pushing the orange call button above the PTT and direct programming your local favorite music station frequency. I use this feature as a convenience a lot while out tinkering to have some tunes, but it can also come in handy in the event of an emergency to receive important instructions or just to hear news.
Hey Dave, have you heard of LoRa? It's a low powered radio that you can make a self sustaining mesh system for messaging and gps. I'm looking into making some for my kids to have while we are out and about so we can stay in touch in the forest where we don't have cell service.
Hi Mr Canterbury. I live in Tn and I have been looking for a Home base cb the antana and a mic and all the wires that go with it. That wont cost me a lot. I have been wanting one for just in case something happens and i don't have any other way to contact someone. Do you know were i could find one. I dont like the thoughts of ne and my mom not being able to contact someone if at sometime we dont have electricity or a phone. If you can help in anyway let me know thanks in advance.
Realize around you alot of hams cant do nothing for you nor will they do anything for you. Nothing wrong with amateur radio in a emergency sense but as a hobby theres alot of weirdos and freaks attached to the hobby. I mean its to the point that I refused to renew my license with all these old timers involved in the hobby that make it not even remotely enjoyable as a hobby. They end up kibbitzing about how useless and weak they are and its seemingly a hobby to funnel you into drama and listening to old people problems. Not to mention the safety in these current times with your callsign attached to a database where you can be instantly doxxed.
The AA and AAA battery boxes are great too! you can use off-the-shelf batteries including high-cap rechargeable types. Great for long term emergency planning.
Hello David Very comprehensive video! It is a great video for beginners of hamradio! Thank you for liking our Bluetooth programmer! In fact, we are constantly adding adaptable models, more functions and easier operation. We are currently preparing a programming function without network connection, which we believe is very important for the use of walkie talkies by outdoor activists. We hope to hear more voices from users and suggestions on use requirements and functions, which will give us better ideas to improve the product. Thanks again!
You are a great instructor. My dear friend spoke highly of you. Sadly he passed away last year, and I miss having these types of talks. Ive always wanted to learn more about radios. Thanks for the video.
I have been following you since Dual Survival. I have been a ham since the 90's. I love the Amateur Radio videos mixed in. BTW where did you get the cage with handles for your IC705. I know you mentioned it in a video but I cant remember.
Hello David, I look up to you for your outstanding bushcraft abilities. I think you should treat your comms gear the same as you evaluate and consider your bushcraft essential tools, most of the gear you've shown here I will personally not trust in the backcountry and my advice is to anyone think about it twice. Would you go out in the woods with a chinese poorly made survival knife? probably not. Try not to fall in the ham radio hype, research a little bit more and try not to repeat what other "ham" youtubers are doing because they are mostly doing it with freebies they get, which doesn't necessarily mean you can trust the gear with your life. just trying to provide some feedback.
I guess, I was lucky when I bought mine it wasn't locked. I have printed off all frequencies for my area but, I also print off frequencies for anywhere I'm traveling so I have them.