Thanks, Dave! I have BF-F8HP... the other 8-watt handheld that came out at about the same time as this one I got it before I took my test (I took and passed the Technician and General test) I only listened but it helped know who to talk to on the local repeater when I got my ticket. I now have a Yaesu FT 7900R for my base VHF/UHF rig and an Icom 7300 for my HF rig. I purchased a power adapter for the handheld and an adapter that adapts a PL259 to the radio's SMA adapter. I got a speaker microphone, a magnetic base loaded mobile antenna (also Baofeng and inexpensive) and, for now, use it as my mobile VHF/UHF rig. It works better than I ever imagined it would and my local repeater friends are surprised that I do so well with that rig. The thing had me pulling my hair out a few times at first but it made me learn and now I find it easy to use and program (with CHIRP). I'm glad I got it and they were just $42 on special at Amazon last week so, heck I got another one!
Dave... Can't get your poll to run from my tablet.... so just a couple of quick comments.. First, this is an excellent review. Your reviews are always helpful. Thanks! Second, The radio seems nice, but based on your review I will stick with my Baeofang UV-5R. The only advantage this one seems to have is a little extra power. For me the extra power is a bit of a concern that close to my head or my grand daughters. If you are using it inside of a car with an external antenna the extra power might come in handy. Price point - you can get two UV-5Rs for the price of this one - just sayjng. BTW: A programming cable is a real blessing.... lol Thanks again and "73" - K8LMC
I bought the Baofeng UV-5RTP, which appears to be essentially the same with the exception of the PPT button. ON the 5RTP it is only a single push, not the dual push like on the GT-5TP. I like your presentations because they are good, clear, and concise. I have had the 5RTP about 10 days, so I learned a lot today from this video in helping me use my 5RTP. I've only had my license, KE0WKN, since August 2nd, so I'm pretty new at this even though I'm quickly hurtling towards 70 years young. I believe the alarm feature is a handy feature for disabled people like me and for women and any person of small stature. I was assaulted in 2009, and an alarm would have been welcome ... a gun would have also been welcome, which is why I had my first two concealed carry firearms by the end of that week. Yesterday I received my SWR meter, so I'm going to check the output of my radio, which was advertised at 8, 5, & 1 watt; the manual says 8, 4, & 1 watts. The UV-5R and it's variants all have a button to switch between VFO and MR modes, and a button to switch between transmitting on the top or bottom frequency in the display. I also have the UV-5R that I bought several years ago when I was thinking about going HAM, and I have four UV-5R+ units that I bought for my vehicles. My wife, who isn't interested in HAM radio, yet, frequently travels between grandkids through hilly country where cell phone coverage is sketchy. Kansas has a system of repeaters that are tied together to cover most of the state, especially in the hilly northern part of the state, so I want her to have a radio she can reach home in an emergency. The think I like most about your channel is that you are interested in transmitting information, not with impressing us with how much more you know that us mere peons; there are far too many of those channels. You also assume that a great many of us are beginners, but you don't talk down to us. Thank you. I look forward to your video on programming with the cord. I will check your other videos to see if you have something on programming the UV-5R and its variants. I made a comment recently that I had assumed a new identity, KE0WKN; I attended an informal meeting of the now defunct Great Bend AR group on Saturday morning and realized that I did have a new identity when several members were talking about old members by their call signs rather than their names. "73". KE0WKN.
Great review, you confirmed 2 things about the radio for me, first how to switch between channel and frequency mode, which I'm not crazy about, and whether a person actually needed to input the offset and -/+ into the radio, or just the receive/transmit frequencies. Wish all reviews were as concise as yours. THANK YOU!
Hi Dave, I enjoyed the video. There are so many different models out there, it's hard to tell the differences between them. Videos like yours really help to distinguish differences between manufacturers and models. Regarding the PTT button... I set the top and bottom displayed frequencies to be the same when I am transmitting. That way, there's no way to goof up! I just switch it back to a 2m and 70cm repeater for monitoring. 73, Brett
Thanks Dave!! I am going to do some more research on the GT3TP III, but it is looking better than the 5TP. To many little quirky things with this radio
Finally got a pair so far. Programing is daft. Got a inspiration. I had the computer print out spread sheets with the categories needed to set up radio. Works well at 50 lines in each page. . VOX .. The old man that slept. And had vox set on. was heard around the world. Re Programing is like putting blinders on your horse. KEEPING THE RADIO. ON THE Straight AND NARROW.
A little tip for putting the straps on these: Use one of those blue looped floss threaders from the pharmacy to pass through the tiny hole on the radio then pull the strap lead back through with the floss threader.
Thanks for the review, I found it surprising that one had to turn the radio ON/OFF to change the Frequency & Channel mode, quite inconvenient. I have today received my first Baofeng radio. Model No: UVS9T and has VFO/MR button which easily can change the mode. I have been unable to get the Chirp software to work with this radio. The default windows 10 driver is installed using com port No:4 I have not installed any software from the accompanying disk as most of it is in Chinese. I believe that the sockets on the side of the radio may be faulty, as I do not get any audio from the earpiece, I understand that the radio communicates with the PC Via audio to serial which may explain why there is no communication between the radio & Chirp when using the comms cable
Thank you for a very good review. I was actually wondering how this one compares to the old UV-5R. Except for the obvious dual PTT and 8W, is there any difference? Again, thanks for easy to follow, good review! -73 de LB3OH.
I wish I could answer. I have so little experience with the Baofeng line (other than owning some) that I can't provide definitive comparison information. 73, Dave
Thanks for the review, David. I think the one critical bit I wish you had covered was sort of "why does this model exist?" That is, what makes it better/different from the other Baofeng's that we've all come to know. I have had UV-5R as well as one or two 8W units. The 8W units all failed quickly, but the cheapie UV-5R is still going. I've disassembled all these radios, too, and they all have very similar circuit boards and layouts -- so they are definitely of a family. So that begs the question: is the GT-5TP really difference, and, if so, how?
I share your thinking. These Chinese radios have so much in common. I don't know why they update models so quickly, or at least update the model number. They have a long way to go to understand the American market. I'm not so much of a VHF guy--I do most of my hamming on HF, and just use VHF to talk with the locals. Radioddity asked me to review these two models, so I tried to do a variety of tasks with them to see how easy or difficult they were to use. I called them as I saw them! 73
Great video however I would like to know how that particular radio compares to the UV-82HP. Seems like they are pretty close to the same radio except The UV-82HP is a 1, 4, 7 watts.
I had a distributor reach out to me to gauge my interest in this radio and I can't seem to determine why we needed another similar radio to the UV-5r? I love making videos on new radios, but this seems like just a minor iteration. Thanks for the review. It confirmed my worries.
Alot of BaoFengs are pretty wide receiveing, but obvious this model is not digital and will not handle trunking. Check out RadioReference for you local frequencies. If there in and around 440, you can probably receive something.
The GT-5R stops receiving if I move and can only hit the repeater in one or two places in my yard whereas the UV-5R doesn't stop receiving but can't hit the repeater. The real power is on a mobile station.
Dave thanks for the review, I did not notice the click for poll option, but I like these reviews even though I am not in the market for such it is nice to know what is available. Could you expand on why you were concerned about the radio being FFC type approved? It is my understanding that HAM gear does not have to be FCC type accredited, so I am assuming your concern was pertaining to using the radio on the GMRS and FRS service bands where they would need to be type accredited. The radio seemed to be very similar to the UV5 (and its derivatives) which brings up the issue that the UV5 on its default settings transmit that alarm when activated so one needs to careful, big trap for the new players. Anyways, great job, keep up the good work, thanks for sharing!!!!!!!! 73
Hi Michael, indeed, *commercial* ham equipment for sale needs to be FCC type accepted. However, that doesn't stop hams from making their own equipment from scratch to their own designs. The ARRL has long been of the opinion that Chinese radios don't really meet spurious emission requirements, but as the Chinese manufacturers get used to the US market, that will improve.
No poll here. :( W7 | FF Kerchunking the repeater, Well to a point it's OK. IDENTIFY at the first and last Kerchunk.. Be proud of your call sign. :) TNX Dave, your'e always helpful. 73
BAOFENG radios in Australia must have a (ce) code shown where the battery compartment to be comply not to interfere or $12.000 fines apply which BAEOFENG dont in Australia beware of EBAY
Dave, based on your review, i bought this radio. I like it but it came without a CHIRP cable. If I remember correctly you said I could buy a CHIRP cable for about $8.00. Instead, I borrowed a CHIRP cable from my Elmer. He said it would work for 99.9% of radios, but, no joy. So I went to buy one online for cheap. The cheapest I found was $26.95 specifically for this radio. Please advise the specific CHIRP cable I need. Thank you Bob K4RDG 73
Danny, watch this video about RF safety: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-E0kK4kgKitM.html. It's the same material for the General and Extra licenses. It tells you where the FCC sets the safety levels, and provides a link to an online calculator. I hope that helps. 73, Dave
It seems to me that the rocker PTT button and the fact that the radio has to be powered off and on to change between VFO and memory would be a pain in the rear to use. I'll stick with my Yaesu FT-60.
greetings. You are a great help believe me. Been a ham radio operator past 40 years and your reviews are so great and my thanks. Was wondering the output wattage on the speaker. I have a few Baofeng and they mostly have 1 watt output into the speaker and the audio is so great compare to most major brands, without distortion. I was told it has 2 watts of output audio into the speaker but never heard this before. Cannot find any specs anywhere. Would you be able to confirm this? regards
Robert, thanks for your kind words. I have no way of measuring the output wattage to the speaker, but, as you say, it does seem adequate. Sorry I can't provide more info. 73, Dave
Good day once again David. Sorry to come back once again. I just received this radio. What a beautiful audio into this little marvel. One thing i have noticed. In the FM mode, when listening to any fm stations, after 10 seconds on that fm mode, i hear a chirp that goes on every 1/2 seconds. It does not stop. It keeps on going behind the station. A quick chirp. Have you ever noticed this on yours? I have a few UV-82's and the FM is all great. regards. rob
Hey Dave, will you do a review on the Anytone AT-D868uv DMR radio? I can't find a good video on it, the only decent video on it is in Spanish!! No understanding that!! LOL thanks Jacob KM4SIG
ACTUALLY, the VOX feature simply doesn't work. Have you ever tried it? I have to scream at my radios, and even then it cuts off the first and last parts of the transmission. I think it must be for add-on devices. Anyway, check it out. If it worked, I'd use it.
Dave, Thanks for the vid... just received that exact radio you have here... PLEASE do the programming vid - mine came with the software and cable but does NOT seem to "see" the radio. Ran a 2303 chip check... no 2303 chip. Tried to download the latest software, still does NOT see the radio... I've even tried to find the thing using CHIRP - doesn't support the GT-5TP or my GT 3. (latest download was 07/14/17), GROWL. Thanks again!
Thank You David! Sent an email to PowerWerx RE the "Red" Cable and the GT5 and my GT3... Appreciate your response, awaiting your video on programming the GT-5TP! I'd say "73's", but won't be able to take the test for a couple of weeks... so, Cheers!
Dont know if you got sorted or not, I just got one of these and had no problem with the supplied cable. I connect everything and start chirp with radio off and then switch on, and that seems to work fine for me. UV-82 is the version I select to connect and it has been fine so far.
the dm-5r isn't proper tierii even after the firmware upgrade. it transmits on both timeslots, therefore can't be used on repeaters. get the md-380 / md-390 instead.
Wow that is a horrible design feature on the toggling between VFO and channel mode. Even the original UV5R got that right with a real button you can press while its powered on. I still believe these radios are a great deal for the price but they certainly do have some idiosyncrasies. I picked up a pair of the Amcrest ATR-22s somewhat recently and the accessory packs seem to be pretty universal on all of these radios but it lacks a lanyard loop for the lanyard which is okay I suppose but there are some oddities among these radios for sure. For anybody who cares the ATR-22 is just a slimmer BF-888S with a higher voltage(7.4V) battery that apparently is not available alone despite asking for them when I contacted Foscam. I have also found that the Baofeng speaker microphones really suck. Probably better to get another brand with the Kenwood type plug on it. On an unrelated note I am sorry to hear about the Turkish terrorists that hijacked your site. When you called them terrorists I must confess I thought maybe it was simply hackers that took it over but after going to your site and looking around a bit yesterday it appears they are exactly that. I hope you are able to regain control of it all soon.
I'm so bothered that anyone and everyone can just order this with no call sign or license. All frequencies open to transmit on, business band, commercial band, etc. not cool. Anyhow, just my two cents...
I bought the Baofeng UV-5RTP, which appears to be essentially the same with the exception of the PPT button. ON the 5RTP it is only a single push, not the dual push like on the GT-5TP. I like your presentations because they are good, clear, and concise. I have had the 5RTP about 10 days, so I learned a lot today from this video in helping me use my 5RTP. I've only had my license, KE0WKN, since August 2nd, so I'm pretty new at this even though I'm quickly hurtling towards 70 years young. I believe the alarm feature is a handy feature for disabled people like me and for women and any person of small stature. I was assaulted in 2009, and an alarm would have been welcome ... a gun would have also been welcome, which is why I had my first two concealed carry firearms by the end of that week. Yesterday I received my SWR meter, so I'm going to check the output of my radio, which was advertised at 8, 5, & 1 watt; the manual says 8, 4, & 1 watts. The UV-5R and it's variants all have a button to switch between VFO and MR modes, and a button to switch between transmitting on the top or bottom frequency in the display. I also have the UV-5R that I bought several years ago when I was thinking about going HAM, and I have four UV-5R+ units that I bought for my vehicles. My wife, who isn't interested in HAM radio, yet, frequently travels between grandkids through hilly country where cell phone coverage is sketchy. Kansas has a system of repeaters that are tied together to cover most of the state, especially in the hilly northern part of the state, so I want her to have a radio she can reach home in an emergency. The think I like most about your channel is that you are interested in transmitting information, not with impressing us with how much more you know that us mere peons; there are far too many of those channels. You also assume that a great many of us are beginners, but you don't talk down to us. Thank you. I look forward to your video on programming with the cord. I will check your other videos to see if you have something on programming the UV-5R and its variants. I made a comment recently that I had assumed a new identity, KE0WKN; I attended an informal meeting of the now defunct Great Bend AR group on Saturday morning and realized that I did have a new identity when several members were talking about old members by their call signs rather than their names. "73". KE0WKN.
