Is the Baofeng UV-5R Ham Radio Banned? Here are the FACTS! 

I love when they "ban" things ... It pretty much tells me I need to own those things.

Cutting the other sides ability to communicate is the first thing the enemy does in battle.

Nearly one year later after this video was made, Baofeng still rules Amazon with tons of models and accessories. I've got a UV-5R-Plus and a Pro, 4-watt, 8- watt models. Everything is still readily available, so I'm still unclear what is happening with these.

One more freedom lost a crime no matter how small

Still being sold on Amazon as of January 14, 2020.

Great video. I’ve had a couple of these for 5+ years. Didn’t know the sale of em was about to be illegal. Glad I watched your video. Gonna grab a couple more ASAP!

Hey, Bryan- Here's a hoot for you- when I was in the U.S. Army my job was "electronic warfare morse intercept operator" 😂😂😂 That should give you an idea how long ago THAT was!!! Anyway, anything you could bring to the channel regarding the licensing process of these radios and the tips on becoming proficient with them would be greatly appreciated. ATB to you & yours!

So the FCC won't let me be or let me be me so let me see... they tried to shut me down on MTV, but it feels so empty without me.

Thanks for the tip I bought mine yesterday📣👍👍🚨

Congrats on getting ur Ham License! General class, awesome. Also, I'd like to encourage all your viewers to get their license, you'll learn a lot of interesting stuff and always be "connected" during disasters etc. Thanks for the video from a fellow Ham (AE4OO) in Kentucky :)

I'm so glad you decided to make a video about this stuff. I wanted to get more knowledge on the subject from an amateurs point of view since there were alot more sophisticated and overwhelming sources out there. I wanted to get myself one of these radios a while ago for the same reasons and was turned away when I found out how strict they can be about licensing and use over licensed required frequencies. I look forward to the coming videos!

Thanks so much for this video. After seeing this, I finally committed to get my license and I ordered a uv-5ra. Didn’t know a radio could be affordable. Got the tech license in November, and have been going to my local radio club meetings. I’m now connected with a whole bunch of new people who are fellow self-sufficient DIYers. Cheers!

Congratulations on passing your test!!! There must be literally millions of the UV-5R's out there now, good luck stopping them being imported. Extremely popular radio here in Australia.

Free software called Chirp for programming,cable and a better antenna!

Great video subscribed and will subscribe to your news letter. Great advice on the radio, I have a couple 5’s and 8’s. Great little starter unit and good for backup.

Thank you for making this video. I did not know anything about this new law. You're awesome, Brian.

Yep they are banned. Just like crack rocks, heroin, meth and running at the pool.

Unelected "officials" in Calif recently decided to begin charging exorbitant fees to repeater stations. Look into that attack.

I bought 2 UV-5R radios last week. I know very little on how to use them. I would love to see more videos on basics.

Very interested in further discussion on this device. Thanks for the information.

Amazon still has them for sale this morning, the first day the ban went into effect.

As of almost a year after this video, they are still available on amazon, just bought mine the other day and am awaiting to ship

Hey Bryan- Great video as always! Many years ago I was licensed however I let the license expire. Both my dad and I are looking to renew our licenses now. These little Baofeng radios are perfect for us guys trying to get back in to HAM then upgrade to a Yaesu, Kenwood, etc later. Looking forward to more HAM related videos from you in the future!

Congrats on getting your Ham Ticket. I've been licensed for 45 years KD5OM. I also bought the six pack a year or so ago and I keep 3 of them in a Faraday Shielded box with redundant shielding hoping they survive an EMP when it happens.

Wow I just watched a video from Canadian Prepper talking about 6 items that may be banned he was spot on.

Just bought mine. Would love a detailed how to, what to do and not do. Thank you much!

Thanks Brian, it's 27 September and I just bought two boufang radios, also I bought a book for the ham license, I am a prepper also and we are on the same page will be looking forward to your videos on the test also programming the radio, have a nice day

Bryan , thanks for sharing, basic use and setup info would be awesome 👍

Congratulations on the passing of your amateur radio license general awesome hope to hear you on the air. De kb7zpb peace from Montana

The reason as I understand is because their broadcast power is way to high to transmit on the FRS band. I'm guessing baofeng is just going to update the firmware on new models

Have a few my self thanks for the info and clearing up any misconceptions have a great day

I love how you respond to as many comments as you can. No matter when the video was uploaded.

Please do a "how to" video!! I have one for emergencies but really dont know much about using it.

I’d love to see a “how to” video! I just got my Baofeng radios, and I’d love to hear your take on it.

Great videos as always!! Could you make a video on how to use them between family members?

Im interested on any videos on all the subjects to do with these radios so please do make more. And thank you for making this video much appreciated.

You can get them on amazon still

Yea, do the video on the ham radio licensing process.

Thank you for the informative video Sir. This video helped me pick a good 2way radio.

Bryan, I bought two sets through your Amazon link - four older children and their spouses. I will keep two units at home and two in our cars. Thanks for this info. My wife and I are part of CERT in Seminole, FL (Community Emergency Response Team). With these radio sales being banned, I let them know so they might purchase them before the end of the month. There was a later release of the same regs, sorry I put my hands on it, while the last day as you stated is September 30, 2019. Since I will have these radios and would like to program them like you did, having one of your tutorials would be great on how to use these. I will then share with each of my kids and their spouses. Thanks...Abe Azar

Ban? I just bought (Dec. 2019) two UV-5R radio's off Amazon. They shipped directly from China (free shipping) and arrived at my door two days later.

10/24/19 you can still buy on Amazon not sure of capabilities. I'll order one and find out.

congratulation on getting you General Class amateur radio license! I'm new to the channel here Hello

Hi folk and greetings from Cornwall UK going to be buying three of these very soon now for my explorations and prepping work

I recently bought several of these radios from Amazon. I just renewed my Ham Radio OPERATORS license. I let my license expire when I was in the Navy during the Vietnam War and I retired in 2005. But I was able to purchase the radios without a license. I have every accessory and a Ham Radio Base stations for my vehicles and house. Advice for all of you on RU-vid LEARN MORSE CODE NOW!

It'a October 18th, 2019 and I just ordered 2 of them on Amazon.

I have these. As you said, comms is a high priority in the prepper community. The best thing I like about these and similar brands, they are manually programmable for most of the functions, certainly the functions I need. No computer software needed in a grid down situation, if programming needs to be changed. The other vital asset of these, they can be recharged of any 12 vdc power source. This is critical to all my comms gear, in a grid down situation. Tried and tested. Thank you for sharing. Great video. 👍🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

Nice vid Bryan, great info. Im checking out the six pack.

Yes, please make a “how-to”

I was thinking about getting a radio to listen in on the ISS. I always had an interest in NASA and space in general.

thank you for the vid i live in the UK , july 2020 ebay are selling v cheap and Amazon , ive got 2 x but yet too work out properly but im learning plus brought the better antenas , Bless and once again ty for the heads up.

I bought one earlier this year and started listening to local ham repeaters. That inspired me to get my Tech license so I could transmit and I highly recommend getting your license. You can download apps on your phone to study so the test is really easy. I've really had a lot of fun participating in local ham radio nets. Having your license is really fun and allows you to test using your radio in different areas to see what kind of range you get etc.

I just searched and they are available on Amazon still.

would love a video on licensing and programming ... thanks for the great vids

Thank you for this video, I've considered buying some of these for a while but have put it off for other critical gear. I had no idea they were gonna be banned.

Yet here it is Corona 2020 and I just bought one the other day (late April 2020) and it is still available and still has all the channels. Cost me $24 on Amazon uv-5r. Good video. Thanks. Gonna buy another now, they might have delayed the ban until this year.

I called Baofeng, and they confirmed that they are planning to continue selling these radios on Amazon after September. I guess we will see if they get fined.

i thank its because their affordable and nobodys buying the over priced name brands so they either payed or talked the guvment into banning them so they can try to rape yur wallet with their name brand radios

Thanks for the video! I’ve had one of these radios for a couple years now and I’m not sure how to use it properly so any instructive videos would surely be appreciated.

Definitely interested in hearing more about the use and programming features!

that ruling pertains to a few FRS GMRS HT's that have to much power output not the baofeng's

just bought one gunna get a roof mount antenna and set it in my truck with a 12v charger in my glove box

I already have 4 of them. I will like to see more videos on how to operate them. Thanks for sharing.

Good vid, I think you should make more on the licensing process and even a how-to with this model. I just got mine, I think this genre/niche might get way more popular soon.

A few notes. GMRS is licenced. If used in an emergency, PLEASE use the FRS frequencies only, for simplex (radio to radio) Now, if in an emergency you are trying to reach a ham operator on 2 meter thats another story. But just get your ham licence regardless. MURS frequencies are also unlicensed, but like FRS, power limited.

4:28 someone forgot to tell Amazon. January 2020

Hi Bryan, I have wanted to get a set of these radios for some time now, but I kept putting it off. Thank you for sending the link to this video in your email (which I subscribed to). I just ordered a set of 5 for $120 on amazon. Thanks!

Thanks Brain picking up one for me & the wife. Because that all in one package is best bang for the buck. Also share the programming of those. The licensing process would also be great info.

What a crock! Hopefully they'll keep selling the batteries after the ones I have wear out.

They are a great radio. I own one myself. For those who don't hold an Amateur Radio operators License, you can only transcieve on FRS to talk to others for a short range. With Amateur Radio, you can use local repeaters and communicate other licensed hams many miles away using repeater systems. Without a call sign nobody will acknowledge you and it would be illegal to transmit. Become a licensed ham and enjoy the benefits of all the other bands and modes it has to offer.

We use those on our hunting trips. I have used mine in camp and talked to my son about 4 miles away. He thought I had come up on the mountain where he was hunting. I am a licensed ham radio operator, been one since 1996. I am an Extra class and got my license when the FCC still required CW (Morse code) copying to get the General and Extra. The UV5R is an okay radio and would be more useful to a ham radio operator since ham radio VHF and UHF frequencies use repeaters. Repeaters give you greater communications distance. Juddie WD8WV

I’m a general ham. Getting a ham license isn’t hard at all. Download the arrl test prep app and study. It’s word for word on the test as the app. It’s cost 15 bucks to take the test. Get a abreee 18 inch folding antenna for the uv5ra or uv82, a hand mic, programming cable, chirp. Makes a huge difference.

I can still get them now and today's date is 10/30/19

I really love that these radios exist because it is the perfect inexpensive "Entrylevel Drug" for those who are getting in touch with this form of communication for the first time, without wasting too much money and also getinspired to make the HAM radio operator license to use it to the fullest.

Thanks brother a lot I just brought one and I wanna learn more about any tips can help me learn more thanks again

I would like to learn more about the use of my radio and how to get my license. Thanks for the great videos!

Takes you over 4 minutes to "cut to the chase".

Lots of ham radio clubs around and they will help you get licensed !

There is a 8 watt version of this radio, just bought two. Thanks for the tip. I will relay this info to others.

Brian they can still sell if the block off licensed frequencies. Then you down load the soft ware for the total range and that's called a work around,

Get a GMRS license. It covers anyone in your house!! That’s what I did.

Anyone here remember when linear CB radio's were banned???

Great video even though back in 2019, would be great to see a how to USE; Keen to understand if you had issues with the programing software with any bug or viruses

I’m not try to be PC, but I really enjoy the diversity of your channel.👍🏻

I've been a ham since I was 12, lord 48 years - wow! Holding the general license. Those handhelds (ham term folks) are truly made to keep your family together when we have a SHTF day. You want the different parts of the spectrum. This units lowest freq. is the 6m ban, vhf in the range of and your longer antenna is about a 1/4 length for that frequency. NOT a bad choice to a group traveling within 4 miles of each other. Then you have the entire 2 meter band which has thousands of repeaters across the country, expect to get 6 miles from a repeater, with understandable audio into the repeater. And remember, the repeaters can easily broadcast 15 -20 miles, so just cause you hear them super loud and clear (5by5) doesn't mean it can hear you. and talking low power (QRP) I worked all 50 states and 150 countries with 4 watts on a Heathkit Morse code (CW) I built myself probably around 13. The solar activity was incredible then, I had daily chess games on 10m band (just above CB radio) with the Soviet Union, England, South Africa. Absolutely zero signal on the radio, but we heard each other perfectly. Of course, we haven't had any solar activity, which charges our atmosphere and allowing radio waves to once again rise like a Phoenix. I was solid at 40wpm Morse code (receive) anyone can slap out 40wpm on a keyer. It's cool with code, first you hear individual letters, that's 5wpm, then you hear words pop in your head and at 40wpm you are hearing sentences, just popping into words. I'm sure you were proficient to the degree the Scouts wanted?? Keep us informed, I'm sure a good percentage of your views are ham. There's no better bug-out thing than a 3.5m to 10m solid state radio, don't go with tubes because you can't recapture the energy fast enough. Oh... tip of the day: If you fall and get separated from your phone up to about 20 feet away. To your phones trigger word, you can do this:" HEY SIRI, CALL 911 ON SPEAKER" the ON SPEAKER allows you to hear the person loud and clear and they can hear you. Hope that's helpful to your subs!!

Please do the video on the ham radio licensing process.

Congrats General! Just getting my technician and maybe general license myself!

I bought one of these about 5-6 years ago fromthe college of Berkeley in California. It was for commerical and private use. The bonusfor mesas the option they gave was an e eternal atennia that you could throw over tree limb for better reception. I am still thinking it was a great gift I give.. I got the Motoralo talkabout for us. I need to program still. But we get weather channels and Am FM channels with programming it. I feel it is going to be necessary to have these..

got one and like my ar will never be given .....

There is a reason why the FCC is cracking down on these. First, FRS and GMRS equipment need to be type accepted by the FCC. For example, FRS rules state power output must be 0.5 watts (1/2 watt), must have a non detachable antenna, and must operate in only narrowband mode. They do this so someone can’t buy a bubble pack radio and hook it up to a 15db gain beam antenna on a 100 ft tower and talk 40 miles. There are many many other reasons why the FCC is cracking down in these, but that is just one example.

Another great video

I have about 6 of them, they are handy and robust, various aspects of performance are poor but they are difficult to resist at the price. I personally use Chirp to program them, they are handy little radios to monitor systems I work on. Well done on your licence.

Please encourage your viewers to get ham certified with a "Technician" license which is the easiest of the 3. Also, did you know that you can obtain a GMRS license for everyone in your house and your extended family for$70 from the FCC? There is no test involved for GMRS, just pay the fee and wait a week for your email with the license. Good info, but we need more info on the ham and GMRS license process 😁

Large parts of The CB radio community has been operating illegally since the 70’s with almost no enforcement.

I just got 2 UV-5R off of Amazon here in late November 2021. So far they are still selling them. 👍

Would really appreciate an instructional video on the Baofeng. Thank you.

This isn't a government conspiracy. It was pretty common in the past for cheap bubble pack GMRS radios to be able to transmit on the FRS bands. Unfortunately folks don't obey the wattage restrictions.

mafia making it tougher to communicate without their oversight/eavesdropping. Gee, I wonder what they (mafia) got planned that citizen communication would be a bad thing? Good luck folks, peace

I love the channel God-bless you pal . I think you should do break that on the radio.. Basics how to program to the let stuff there's other channels that have done it but it's very complicated for me anyway..

Thanks for posting the info. I had my FCC license once upon a time and let it expire. I need to do some research. You're most appreciated!