Great review! I'm a licensed ham radio operator (KD2DKO) who favors these Chinese radios over true dedicated ham radios (like Yaesu, Kenwood, etc.) for several reasons. The first reason is the price. These radios are affordable by practically everybody. I remember over 40 yrs ago, when ham radio used to be a hobby for only the most dedicated radio aficionados, which meant a licensed ham had to know Morse code (since it was a requirement as part of the ham radio license test). That limited the amount of licensed hams. The price of ham radios (and their accessories) was also a drawback for many who thought about getting into the hobby, but who could not afford it. Fast-forward to 2020 and the Chinese two-way radio market. Gone are the days of Morse code being needed as part of the ham radio license test. And now we have a market flooded with affordable (cheap in price) Chinese radios, which not only may offer tri-band (2M/1.25M/70CM), but also the ability to program FRS/GMRS and other private frequencies, as well as being used to receive all public FM radio stations, NOAH National Weather service and more. This and other features (such as 10 watts of power) are available on many of the Chinese HTs in the ham radio market today for under $100, while the major players like Yaesu, Kenwood and others, continue to specifically focus their HTs on mostly just 1 specific frequency band, and charge upwards of $250 or more, for far less features. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to own a Yaesu! I know all about their quality. That being said, would I rather pay $300 for 1 5 watt Yaesu tri-band HT (with accessories like extra batteries, external microphone, programming cables, etc. that will wind up costing as much as the radio itself) or pay $150 for 2 Chinese dual band 10 watt (or tri-band) HTs that includes accessories (like extra high power batteries, programming cable, hands-free headset, recharger, etc.)? Is quality REALLY that important? If I can only afford 1 Yaesu, and it breaks, I'll have to wait until it gets fixed to go on the air again. However, if I have 2 of these Chinese radios, and 1 breaks, I'll still have the other...and at the prices they're going for, if one does break, I could simply buy another one. As for the quality, some of these newer radios (like the (RADIODDITY GA-510 for example), are built to last, with rugged exteriors that can now rival some of the higher end radios. No, a Baofeng will never be a Yaesu, but then again, how many more ham radio hobbyists can afford a Baofeng over a Yaesu? These are just some of the reasons why I think the Chinese radio market is getting a bad reputation, while their radios are really very good for those either just entering the hobby, or those who just don't have the money to buy a more elite radio.
Very good review. Helped me a lot in making my decision. I have only one question: would i be able to program Yaesu FT65R to listen to local police, fire and aircraft communications if they are not encrypted? Thanks
I guess most of the Baofeng radios have been declared illegal to use because the are not FCC type accepted and can transmit on frequencies outside what they should be able to transmit on.
@@Coalrollinfurry Illegal to market or import if the radio has not been properly certified (e.g., Part 15), under US laws, regardless of what "license" you might have. Whether you can legally "use" one remains to be seen, under Part 97, if it is "capable of transmission" in other bands.
@@gordy1 The UV-82C may have Part 90 certification, but it is probably void, in light of the fact that Baofeng specifications admit it is capable of transmissions on numerous bands not authorized within Part 90. Simple example, 406 MHz (EPIRB), not to mention FRS and GMRS (462 and 467 MHz).
DMR is developed by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). It is not proprietary to Motorola. Motorola developed Mototrbo using the DMR specs.
Many Yeasu models are now MADE in China. The others are ASSEMBLED in Japan using mostly Chinese components. Granted, the quality control is much better, but in the end, you are getting a Chinese radio. Pofung and Tytera are now the largest end terminal radio manufacturers in the world. Anytone, Tytera, and Pofung make good HT and mobile radios for the money. There are a few companies that make HF units, but I personally like Yeasu (I have the 840) and eventually plan to get an ICOM 7300. You mentioned one really important thing. An expensive radio with a poor antenna system is worth less than a cheap radio with a good antenna. I really like Comet and Diamond.
Even the apple fanbois dont know that thair product are "DESIGNED IN CALIFONIA" but made in china. Its a very shitty and ignorant assumption that chiense stuff somehwo is bad. The thing is, as with amy big manufacturering country, china has just as much expensive top-notch stuff as it has shitty scam deals. No exceptions.
I recently got a uv5r (camo) on ebay for 20 bucks.... digital swr/power meter into a dummy load says 5 watts on 144.250.... bought 3 more of them just to have.... programmed them with all 2m and 70 cm repeaters within 60 miles of my home, also the MURS freqs and GMRS as well (am gmrs licensed) I am totally happy with the uv5r.... little tiny front end scratch but its RADIO! Cannot beat the performance to price ratio!! Liked and subbed! 73's from Walnut, Mississippi KI5GEV
I’m looking at buying a six pack of the cheap radios, it comes out to $21 apiece. Can you give some advice or video on how to program them. I live in East Texas.
Hello, my brother has a large landscape company , and when the Nextel radios were available t made his life much easier and cheaper then today’s cell phones for an entire force of employees. Is there a two way radio setup that he could use for say ten to twenty radios that will work all the time , up to say 50 miles. We’re in the Philly area a suburb called Washington’s crossing...lol. Because it, WELL IS WHERE HER CROSSED LOL... ITS HILLY. ummm I’d like to help him make his life and business easier, with a bonus of adding this ability to our recent project of preparing our family and friends for emergency or worse situations if you follow... thank you in advance
Hello. I own a Yaesu ft65 and a CRT Fp00. I bought them about 125 € and 48€. When I try to hit repeater about 88 kilometers away, the crt does it as it is expected but the yaesu not!! I am very dissapointed about that. Both of the radios are 5 watts and they are using genuine nagoya na 771 antennas.. The how it is possible, I cannot answer yet...
I have two Baofeng radios, the UV5R-V2+, a second gen UV5R and the BF F8-HP, the third gen UV5R, been using them for years. The local Ham radio club helped me get my license. As for transmitting and receiving I've had no problems. As for Yeasu radio's as some one else pointed out the parts are mostly made in China, then the parts are shipped too Japan where it is put together. And your wife should get licensed if she is going to use that UV5R radio. But tha'ts just my two cents worth. KI7BSL.
@James: True. She needs a ham license. However, the UV-5R is not a legal ham radio, since it is currently in violation of FCC rules prohibiting import of any transmitters capable of transmitting outside of the amateur band (Part 97), unless it also has "type certification" in that other part. The Part 90 certification of many Baofengs is completely void, as the radio violates numerous limits.
Have acquired my call sign and GMRS license, now seeking and debating to either purchase a FRS/GMRS radio or MURS? Seeking advice as participative in Jeep roundabouts jamborees, camping and mountain biking escaped. Seeking suggestions since again assurance getting a suitable means of communication for me, family and friends.
I'm trying to decide between yaesu ft-65r and a UV82HP. Since the UV82HP is lower priced, I'm concerned that it might not be that good. Would I still be good with it?
I just bought a Yaesu FT-60R which for the price, it has much better features than the FT-65. I also have a Baofeng BF-F9V2+ and the difference between the two is like day and night. The FT-60R is a really hefty unit all around.
My off-road club uses cb but are starting to use ham. With the transition in mind I am currently without comms and desperately need it what do you recommended that I purchase if there is a such radio? In cab will do but I really need a handheld to be mobile while spotting the trail for the others in Cullman County Wrangler jeep club. Thanks for your knowledge. Also If their aren't any option for the cb with ham transition could you give a recommended cb handheld. Thanks again.
Great informative video! Thanks for taking the time to make it. Can you answer if there's an option to use a certain frequency to communicate in a certain group? For example if we had licensed operators within our personal network of people. Is there a way to create a customized channel for just us to communicate on?
yes and no. if you set your group to a specific frequency then everyone on that frequency can talk to each other. However technically if anyone else were to scan those frequencies and find the one your group is on. then that person would be able to listen and talk. A far more secure method would be to setup a repeater using 2 radios up on a hill. then you could setup PL tones etc and only people that knew that tone would be able to transmit. hope this helps. I feel bad for everyone in the comments because the OP told everyone to ask questions and he is not answering them.
Good job, good advice. Did some power testing on the 8 watt Baofeng and it is smack dead on 8 watt output. So just because it's Chinese, doesn't mean it's underpowered.
@@cptromero5595: Maybe.....but a good antenna will be a much better upgrade than just increasing the power. If you don't have a good antenna, increasing the power won't make much difference to the range and it could harm some of the radio's components because they are only designed to work with the normal power, whatever it may be.
As a pepper/ Just in case the grid goes out. What radio over all would you recommend ? For mainly just listening in and "use" only if needed. My level of radio use is pretty high, used a lot of HF in the AF and now full time on VHF. Not new to radios, but Ham is different in a way.
$102.00 came with Package Content: 2x Baofeng Radio UV-82 2x 7.4V/1800mAh BL-8 Battery 2x Antenna(136MHz-174MHz&400-520MHz) 2x TIDRADIO Hand Mic. 2x Walkie Talkie Earpiece 2 x (Power Adapter , Desktop Charger) 2 x Belt Clip 2 x Hand Strap 2 x User Manual 1x Programming Cable
I'm developing a quick release mount and exploring the possibility of an adhesive plate that goes on a radio's back panel. This would be instead of the belt clip or buying a dedicated pouch. Similar to how GoPro does it, just beefier. It would allow you to attach, detach, and reattach your radio to your belt, backpack strap, or molle gear in 1 second, and would cost something like two for $10. Would anyone be interested in that? Good idea? Stupid idea? Any input would be much appreciated.
Very helpful; this is the kind of info I was looking for. Cheers! I'm studying to get my amateur technician license now and just purchased the FT-65. Was trying to decide if it was worth it over the cheaper UV-5R.
I would imagine if the grid goes down a guy won’t need to worry about router wifi noise it won’t be working. What I would like to know is how would you protect your radio from an EMF so you can talk after the event.
@@tornad8063 Thanks for the information. I did Google it and here is the result for others to follow should they wish to do so. Cheers 🍻👍 youtubershamfest.com/2020/08/25/ham-radio-emp-kit-the-tactical-trash-can/
@@tornad8063 I’m glad there’s still people viewing older videos and commenting on old comments. Just means that these things are still important. Take care and God bless.
If the Baofeng radios create static when other electronic devices are around wouldn't that make them a good indicator for when other unwanted electronics are around ?
Great information, but I have a question. How good is the analog reception in DMR radios compared to that of analogy radios? For example, if I bought the Yaesu FT2DR or the FT3DR, and the internet was down, would they pick up and transmit analog as well as a FT65R?
You seem to allude to a possible loophole that might allow a non-licensed operator to use ham frequencies. (Or did I misread that?). Can you elaborate?
Not only do you need a HT Ham radio, you need a CB single sideband radio as well. All my CB radios have been modified (by me) to go above the 1-40 channel bullshit. I have also unlocked the RIT or clarifier on the radio as well. You end up talking to more Ham radio operators above channel 40 than anyone else. I used to modify radios for people when I had my radio shop. Back in the mid 70's I'd do a radio for parts (a few resistors and a couple of SPST switches) for $20.00/radio. I had plenty of business. Everyone who operates a radio needs to know how they work and how to modify them for their own personal use.
but you need a license to practice and ACTUALLY know how to use it in the real world!! You can't just watch a bunch of youtube videos, then suddenly "expect" to be able to use it during an emergency! That's not how it works.
Exacto!. Es conversión directa!. Yo tengo uno de recepción Superheterodina " Quansheng TGuv2 plus ". Me llegó ayer y estoy súper contento con él!. Mucho más barato que Yaesu " 55€ " y mejor recepción y transmisión. Ya que sale con 10w en H y además tiene 3000mha de batería 😍👌👉💪
You have to pass a written exam administered by at least 3 Volunteer Examiners. Shoot me an email and I will send you some info with links to help you get study material, take practice tests, and find a test session near you. gmiller266@gmail.com
I am an ignorant at radios. I will try to study and get a HAM license. Which radio would you recommend? Baofeng UV-5R or BTECH DMR-6x2? Thanks for the advice!
DMR is quite complex. If these two are your only choices, the UV-5R. If you can spend a bit more, get a Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, or Alinco this is marketed to amateur radio operators.
Start with the 5R and get a Nagoya whip antenna and a Commountain external speaker mic. Total cost will be around $70. Avoid the DMR-6x2 for now. I am an Amateur Extra and am still struggling with DMR after a couple of months. The learning curve is very steep.
I started with a Baofeng and its a good radio, yes it can transmit outside the legal bandwidth, but only if you program it too. A better radio would be something from a company called TYT. So if you dont know if you want too stay in the hobby or just needing something small, go with a Baofeng. I recommend the BF F8-HP, I don't know if it really puts out 8 watts but I know it puts out more then my 5 watt radio. Hope this helps.
1.... To say a particular battery can last more than double , double what ? You didnt mention the controlled battery figures . How long do standard batteries last ? What usage can you get out of a standard charge ? ....2.. What radios are best used for what situations ? I.e , For seas , aviation , hand gliding , fixed wing , hiking , whats best ? 3.... what line of sight range do these radios have ( Excl Ariel range extenders ) ...4... ease of use , which is easiest to format for the layman ? No offence mate , but this "review" is anything but . have you perhaps considered another hobby ?
Just how long did you want this video to run? 3 days to REALLY cover every detail and situation? Get real. It was damn good for what it was meant to be.
@@Swoop180 First of all, I made a mistake. This was before I purchased the radio. I picked up two FT60Rs. My wife doesn't have an amateur license yet... That the reason for the question. I found out how to hack the radios but I let them do it for me at the store. I am using RT software and USB cable to program it. I am still learning. I am setting them up for Satalite work by using one for receiving and the other for transmitting. Using an Arrow duel band. BTW...GMRS works. I want to be able to listen to aviation but I think I need a different antenna ..
:) it's Baofeng - not pronounced Baofung sorry ... hehehe ! 1. Baofengs are usually disposable radio's .. Great for the Buy. Does the Job from a prepper stand point. Great to have with your Emergency Kit basically. Generalizing all Baofengs. 2. Yaesu 65R - Great Radio - Better for Preppers though it's not IP67 in Calamities Stand Points. 3. Raidoddity - Great Commerical Radio - Perfect Radio for Preppers from a stand point. 4. DMR sounds like a Machine Gun :)
