Watch This Before Buying A Baofeng Ham Radio... Or Another One

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There are some confusing trends in Baofeng Ham Radios that I think I need to speak about. These talking points come directly from the MANY questions I get online. I hope this helps everyone considering buying a baofeng.
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19 май 2021

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Комментарии : 1,2 тыс.

@tylerclark1801 2 года назад

the fed doesnt want you to have baofengs.....buy baofengs

@TheNotaRubicon 3 года назад

I "love" my Boofwang UV-5R !

@d.b.cooper 3 года назад

That’s so Randy! 😂

@d.b.cooper 3 года назад

And thank you, it’s because of you I studied the last 14 1/2 months and finally passed my GMRS exam. (Realizing I don’t have to study)

@d.b.cooper 3 года назад

Hey man still looking for a newbie ride or tour for someone with a stock TRD off-road premium with stock tires.

@HamRadioCrashCourse 3 года назад

Hahah.

@1MinuteFlipDoc 3 года назад

stop petting that thing! you'll go blind!

@turkeytrailhoneybeefarmgeo6292 2 года назад

If you are listening this you are the resistance.

@themueth 2 года назад

Thanks for the check back to earth, I'm new at looking and it was so easy to take off with all the "better" stuff.

@FuZhixiang 2 года назад

I always recommend starters to play with Baofeng for trying the hobby. If their passion wears out fast, the sunk cost will not be a big deal. Otherwise, one year later, they will probably want to change a rig. Then I'll recommend them to buy better ones, letting Baofeng be backup radios.

@mctscott123 2 года назад

One year? I didn't last a month on Baofeng. 😂

@miijjk 2 года назад

why you can't download anything you have to need a computer how come you can't have a simple radio that you put a frequency in and turn it on every video is the same you have to download chirp which is pure BS

@petertyrrell6690 2 года назад

I been involved in amatuer radio since the early 90s. It nice to have a cheap radio with you when you're "out and about".

@miijjk 2 года назад

@@petertyrrell6690 the problem is I'm renting a room from an elderly lady there is no computer accessibility there's no wi-fi she didn't have cable in the house and what's frustrating is trying to get the frequencies download I cannot find one company I can send it to and pay money to do this

@adamarzo559 2 года назад

@@miijjk Can you not budget a laptop in somewhere? If you aren't using it for gaming/gfx/high processing you can't pick up a used laptop that will do the jobs you need fairly easily. As for internet, if you have a phone then tethering is a very viable solution for you. I personally lucked out and managed to get on a plan with 500GB monthly data at 4G/5G speeds. So I am using nothing but tether as my main source of internet as NBN(Aus "Fibre" lol) in my area just doesn't cut it. Even "regular" plans with like 40GB of data per month is enough for things like CHIRP. I am not experienced in using Windows tablets, but maybe there is a possibility those are cheaper than a laptop and you can use that to program your radio? Something worth looking into if budget is a big factor in why you can't have a computer. Good luck mate.

@IrregularInterest 3 года назад

I finally upgraded to a Yaesu FT-65 last year after getting my feet wet with the UV-5R and have been loving the radio. Does everything I need it to do and the documentation and build quality inspire a lot of confidence in me as a newer ham.

@TheAmazingPaulrus 3 года назад

Out of the radios I have, it's been hard to beat the two-pack of UV-5R8W (8-watt version) pack I bought on Amazon. Performs about the same as my first BF-F8HP, which was all that I could find in stock when I made that purchase, and was $30 cheaper per unit. On UHF, they outperform my 5 watt GMRS radios by no small amount, despite being about the same price.

@devincarter801 Год назад

Thank you for letting me know about the UV-5R 8W. I have been thinking about getting a 2 pack of them and I didn't know if they were going to be good or not.

@SatomiForward 3 года назад

This clears up so much for me with amateur radioing

@billbolen8115 3 года назад

I picked up a couple of tri-band Baofeng's, that I use for hiking with my boys since nobody is on 1.25M. My go-to HT is still my Yaesu FT-60.

@SLACKPLAN9 3 года назад

As far as CHINESE radios, my favorite, at this time, is the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus. Granted, we are talking DMR, but, on an Analog side, even if shunned the DMR part, the analog aspect is still solid.

@PelenTan 3 года назад

Excellent. A lot of really good information that clarifies a lot of things. This should be one of the "must-watch" videos for those still on the newer side of ham radio.

@jackK5FIT 3 года назад

More great advice!! I may be the exception but I have 5 Baofeng ht's and 3 QYT mobiles that all continue to work great. I graduated to an ICOM 2730a portable but still use a QYT mobile for digital VHF with my ARES group. Definitely recommend the antenna upgrade for the UV-5R. K5FIT

@txfotog 3 года назад

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for the recommendation on upgrading to a mobile rig fairly quickly...if possible. I do the same any time I get the chance. I started with a Baofeng UV5R, and have an BHF-8+%$& and I have the tri-band model as well. I really don't have an issue with them. I agree with all your points here. I know that doesn't fit everyone's style and that it's a personal preference (hiking, EMCOMM, tactical, etc.) to use an HT and uses vary for different parts of the country and how you use them. But I hear so many new hams trying to get on repeaters and their signal strength is there but their audio is so low that we have to ask them repeat things 2-3 times. I hope they understand we aren't doing that to be mean, and we're trying to explain to them what might be happening but I think some get frustrated and sometimes give up on the hobby. So thank you, as a mentor for so many, for trying to explain about upgrading and not sinking your whole budget into the cheap gear. I hope it helps them. Great content as usual. 73! -Michael WA5AZQ

@ku4uv 3 года назад

The first UV-5R I purchased had a bad internal microphone. I bit the bullet and bought another one, and it has worked great. I have worked the crossband repeater on the ISS with my UV-5r and and an attic 1/4 wave homebrew antenna.

@ruizhou9612 Год назад

This was a common issue out of the box with firmware bfb 307 to 311 due to poor quality jacks. The jacks need to be closed to put the internal microphone into circuit.

@robertreid3806 2 года назад

Really sound advice, thank you. I'm about to take my Foundation (beginners) Ham exam here in the UK. But there is so much kit on the market, its really brain overload. Thanks for clarifying!

@MrRadioRover Год назад

Lots and lots of good advice and solid wisdom here. Well worth watching. Well done Josh!

@blahblah3786 2 года назад

Thank you for your videos. I appreciate you teaching. I love to learn.

@jamielee8991 2 года назад

I started in the hobby many years ago. My first radio was a yeasu vx-5r. Love that radio. So I picked up a uv-5r as a backup, I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of this radio. I did pick it up in a bundle kit, but my programming cable is a real beofang cable. It does the job.

@richardkroll2269 Год назад

I sold my Yeasu when I left California and now I am in the Baltics and probably won't understand the language of Ham radio operators here but bought a Baofeng to just listen in to content. Renewed my license on-line and will watch a lot of YT to get this one going. Yes, I loved my Yeasu and getting on the Thursday night net in Fontana.

@DETROIT_CANNABIS 11 месяцев назад

What do I have to do to make my UV-5R work with a BF-888s??? I can hear their messages but they can't hear my response?? Chirp and PC?

@jamielee8991 10 месяцев назад

@@DETROIT_CANNABIS sorry for the delayed response, have you checked the the ctcss tones to make sure that the radios can talk to each other properly. Like connecting to a repeater

@kchaney56 2 месяца назад

I took your word about programming cables and antenna's, I bought nagoya 771 and a top cable. Thank you for that advice. The Antenna really helped and the cable has been flawless.

@enriquediaz7547 3 года назад

Agreed. I have a Kenwood thd74a & 2 baofengs. The baofeng holds charge really good! & I can program them all with the serial cable. I bought the it USB charging cable for travel charging.

@lain4231 3 года назад

I've never delved into radio channels on youtube. I work full time as a radio technician (repair/rework) and I am so disconnected from the community. This is great stuff to listen to

@WitchidWitchid 2 года назад

My first VHF/UHF handheld was a Yaesu FT-470 dual bander that I got back around 1989-1990. State of the art for its time it was a true dual bander, crossband repeater, and loaded with lots of other awesome featured. In those days VHFF/UHFF was busy around here with repeaters buzzing and simplex frequencies busy almost all day and night. It was rare you could turn the radio on day or night and not contact someone. These days VHFF/UHF is all but dead around here. Except for a few nets and drive-time activity the repeaters and frequencies are mostly quiet. Around 2015/16 II got a Baofeng UV-5R. I was curious as to how big a piece of junk it was going to turn out to be. On the contrary I was quite impressed. While not quite as feature packed as my old FT470 the Baoifeng was a pretty awesome radio for the price. With a decent antenna it puts out a respectable signal, I always get excellent audio reports, and the reception quality is remarkably good for an el cheapo. It does get somewhat hot during long QSO's particularly when you make moderate to long transmissions. I suspect the heat sinking is not as good as some of the more high end handhelds. However, battery life is pretty good. And after all these years it still works just as well as it did the day I got it. I have dropped it onto hard concrete numerous times and incurred no damage. My main interest in ham radio lies in HF. These days I mainly use the Baofeng for monitoring VHF/UHF public service and utilities. Occaisionally I'll check into a net or jump into a QSO on 2m or 440. Oh yeah, the built iin FFM Bcast receiver has come in handy a few times as well.

@C010rbl1nd 2 года назад

You make so wonderful videos, quality content on youtube is a gem. I have a few UV-5R, I love them, then I have normal 446mhz radios(super cheap once). They are a great tool when riding bicycle with the kids. Instaid of screaming "watch out", just calmly use the radio. "there is a truck about to pull out, stop and wait". Or when we play hide and seek with radios, so much fun. I cheated once and used a camouflaged net, the kids god so bored unable to find me, they went inside and got an ice-cream.

@darrellmillner930 7 дней назад

Much appreciated, have had mine for several years, wish I had watched your video before ordering a new bundle from Am.... just to get the programing cable lol. Keep up the great work and catch you on Discord.

@TheBluebird65 2 года назад

KB7UVZ Thank You for this clarification on Baofeng radio. I have been a Ham for over 30 years but mostly inactive on the air for the last 10 years due to work schedules and equipment breakdowns. My son is a truckdriver and apparently bought two or four of these for scanner and hunting or something but could not figure them out and so sent me two of them about two years ago. I opened one of the boxes and started reading the programing info (UV-5R-MK5) but not having a computer at the time put it back in the box and forgot about them. Now I guess I'll try to locate them and see if they will warm up. Thanks again for the re-awakening. Nolan G

@kove 2 года назад

Thank you for pointing out the problem with the waterproof versions and the connectors. I wouldn't have considered that, plus saved me $15 and gained confidence. If you need advice with lawn care at some point, I'd be happy to return the favor. 👍

@torquemate50 2 года назад

Josh. Thank you. I bought the set and used the original cable as well as their app. What a mistake. The soft had a virus. Then i bought the cable from your site. Programming was solid.

@LordRa777 9 месяцев назад

Thank you you conveyed so much information in such a small amount of time. This helped me out a lot.

@pale_2111 3 года назад

They brought me into the hobby. Got a few of the Baofeng HT's, mostly the dual band and a tri band. Picked up an FT3D last year after Thanksgiving Black Friday sale and a hotspot a few months ago. Now I enjoy YSF/Wires-X, depending on what I have my hotspot set up for, I do D-STAR as well on my ID-5100A and IC-705. The Baofeng radios i have now are pretty much retired after I got better radios. I'd like to get an 8w Tri Band version, to see if I can hit a few more 220 repeaters in the area. So far, I can get into one with the 5w tri band. Might need a better antenna for 220.

@dark30welderwelding11 2 года назад

To each their own … I don’t want 8 watts of 220 in my face ? Especially with a good high gain antenna

@sdaly5391 3 года назад

I bought a baofeng as my handheld hiking radio and to start off. I don't even have my license yet, but I like to sit back and listen to local repeaters. But when I get my license I plan to put a rig in my truck as my mobile base.

@bobsradio6025 3 года назад

Sean - If you intend to use the HT as a "handheld hiking radio" but you do not have your license yet, what are you planning to do in the event of an emergency? Violate the law? Your mention of a "mobile base" reminds me of some lefty talking about a "fully automatic, semi automatic assault weapon." Keep studying and learn the terminology before making inappropriate statements.

@50shadesofcerakote 3 года назад

@@bobsradio6025 In the event of an emergency, laws go out the window....

@ToolFan68 3 года назад

@@bobsradio6025 Wow, what an arrogant douche nozzle. Jesus, lighten up there ARRL hero. ;-)

@sdaly5391 3 года назад

@@bobsradio6025 well I know in an emergency, of life or property it is legal to use the radio without a license. I did say mobile base, and I meant station. That is on me for not exactly being sober when typing out my comment.

@bobsradio6025 3 года назад

@M. S. - READ the First Amendment. It is about freedom of religion and to not be shut up about it verbally (speech) or in writing (press.) The words "freedom of speech have been taken out of context.

@Lee784447 Год назад

Thanks Josh, I’ve been around the block a few times. I have a old Alinco DX70TH and a Yaesu Satellite radio. I’ve also been in the hobby since the early 1990’s. I bought a Boefang and gifted it to my adult son as he wanted to try to get in the hobby.

@pulpfiction2122 2 года назад

I have 10 UV5-R's, I also got a set of 2 for all my neighbors, and programed them, for Christmas last year. A bunch of us has kids too young for a cellphone, so the radios are great when they go off to play in the woods.

@gonesurfyn 3 года назад

When you go to radiocity, just make sure your antivirus is up to date. They have more pop-ups than a 90's porn cite. The discount code won't work so don't bother and get ready to pay $10 extra in shipping for your $25 radio.

@markr9895 2 года назад

I got my $15 discount and no shipping or sales tax. And I got out with no viruses. Not sure how I did all that, but I feel good about my purchases.

@kyleduffer8898 Год назад

We use the 8w in my hunting club. We get the bulk by from Amazon that comes with all the extras. Yup, the programing cables are crap. I have several, none work. I have one good one I've had for years, works great still. I can clone these easily with chirp. We lose them, it's $20. We do drop them in water, mud, dog pens, deer blood, leave them sitting on dog boxes and take off down the road to have them skid off, we throw them loose in the seat and floorboard and they get stepped on. My kids use them around the house and farm. They are pretty tough. The 8w does have a little extra range, maybe a few hundred yards in the woods, 1/2 mile clear. But that can be all the difference in effective communication. We have a 40km license for the club for up to 150 units. At the cheap price, these radios fit for us. Thanks for the info.

@johnadams673 2 месяца назад

Are your kids licensed hams? Might want to keep them off the air

@kyleduffer8898 2 месяца назад

@johnadams673 apparently you don't understand how group license works. I stated that my hunting club has a license for this entire area. We can use them for 40 km from a certain address, I'm well within the zone. Covers up to 150 radios. We not only use them for the hunting club but also for our Farms.

@johnadams673 2 месяца назад

@kyleduffer8898 respectfully, you are dead wrong. That's not how a group license works at all. Individual users still need to be licensed operators but they an use the groups call sign. They can also allow other individuals to use radios as long as a licensed ham tech is within arms reach. It's possible you have a group gmrs license? That exists for some companies, however it is illegal to use a baofeng or any 8w radio on gmrs. It sounds like you are in violation of federal law and admiting it publicly as well as incriminating your children on a public forum.

@kyleduffer8898 2 месяца назад

@johnadams673 this is an industrial business license. It authorizes the use of the frequency for up to 40 km and a power output of up to 60 watts. For up to 150 units. Hunt Club eligibility is 90.35A. So no, nothing illegal is being done.

@MCGrassblock210 3 года назад

I upgraded from a UV-5R to a Radioddity GA-510, and I absolutely love the thing.

@MauriatOttolink 3 года назад

Used a UV5-2 with biggest Tactical antenna , reviewed by Ham Radio Crash Course and standing on the ground, made a simplex contact to a base station over about 20 miles!

@fomabourne 3 года назад

I have 3 Baofeng's, 2 UV-5Rs, and the DM-1701 - they all work great. The Feng's totally got me into the hobby, and I still use them the most of all my radios on 2m & 70cm

@mohammadbararti5443 Год назад

hi Foma I have a question: is there any difference between UHF frequencies?? for example, I mean is there any difference between 410.5 MHz vs 470 MHz?? I'm a mountain climber and I have purchased a uv82. now I want to know which frequency should I use in mountains and forests to achieve the most range? and also which frequency should I use in outdoor(such as deserts) to achieve the most range? or there is no difference between 410 & 433 & 470 MHz at all !??

@priyansutank 3 года назад

Will you please make a video on your journey into ham and when first you decided to select ham as a hobby?!! It'll be very inspiring and guiding for beginners...

@TomsLife9 2 года назад

I have a pair of UV-9R radios that I programmed as marine/weather radios and they are indeed waterproof. I always rinse them in the sink after a day out in the salt water and they have also survived a dunk or two in the bay. the only sore spot is that when water gets in/around the speaker grille the audio becomes a lot quieter and a bit muffled. turning up the volume until it dries out can make it usable at least, and blowing into the grille can help clear out the water

@gahvno 3 года назад

The UV 5R was my very first radio when I got my tech about 10 years ago. I wore that one out and got another one after a couple of years. A couple of years ago I got the Btech UV-5X3 because I wanted 220, don't ask me why lol. Even though I got my general just a few weeks after my tech it was just too expensive in both time and money to go into HF, but since I retired last year I hardly ever visit VHF anymore. I have a bBtech UV-25X4 sitting on my desk in the shack hooked up to power and a roof tri-band base antenna, but it's mostly for listening to people chat. It's more like CB than hf, but it's very polite CB hihi. I moved on to Icom and all that fun stuff and that's where I'll stay, but your thoughts on these little cheap radios was pretty spot on. Thanks.

@swbusby 3 года назад

When I was just getting started, buying my UV-5R was perfect. I don't use it very much these days, but it is my go-to radio for casual VHF/UHF scanning when I am away from my station. Now my HT radios include a Motorolla XTS5000 radio for P25, and an Icom ID-31A for D-Star, and a GD-77 (with opengd77 firmware) for DMR. But I have never had any problems at all with the UV-5R, and always found it quite easy and intuitive to work with.

@BeyondF1 2 года назад

Dipping my toe into ham radio. I found this video interesting and informative, thank you.

@joshholtan6901 2 года назад

I’m a bit obsessive about new hobbies so I started listening on a baofeng uv-s9 plus 8w and 3 days later picked up a yaesu ft-4xr from ham radio outlet. In the past I trained as a pilot and I really enjoyed radio work when I was flying. I’m studying for my general and listening at the moment. I love the call signs, it reminds me of aviation so much. I had to call my tail number all the time. So far I very much enjoy the hobby even as a listener.

@bugman8105 2 года назад

One splurge that I did was extended battery that I was able to get with my UV-5R but I always have mine on

@DiggerX 2 года назад

Love my UV-5R for many reasons that I won't talk about on social media, I'm Not Interested in Ham radio at all, I was a Ham and it wasn't as fun as people made it out to be, Ham radio has hidden costs that no one talks about, I.e cost of equipment is crazy high, if you want to talk far away, you'll have to spend lots of money for Radio's, amps, antenna's, etc, talking on repeaters is no more fun than talking on your cell phone. CB is the way to go, for under 500 bucks you can be shooting DX around the world during the solar cycles and talking 20 - 50 miles away (depending on your radio and antenna) to friends when the DX is dead. Ham radio has it's good points but not many. Get a CB and Enjoy Life or get a Ham radio and turn into a Sad Ham because you have spent all your money on radio equipment and now the wife is Nagging at you.

@willdrums7493 2 года назад

just a note, i have a uv10 (literally no different to a uv5r) i just like baofeng radios anyway i was using the 10r and my friend borrowed my uv5r while we were riding our motorcycles and we were in a bush after really heavy rain and it was mostly flooded and we needed to go through a trail that was quite deep in water so we got out the radios and one of us walked through the water to make sure the water was no deeper than the air filters on our bikes (most commonly just under the seat on a dirt bike) and as we were talking over the radios about the water i slipped and dropped my uv10r under about 10 inches of water i grabbed it back out just as fast as i dropped it and i continued to use it and it was fine when i got home i opened it up and dried it and still works to this day well over a year later.

@willdrums7493 5 месяцев назад

@@DylanClements98 wow you have no life xx

@edwardwhite3269 2 года назад

Great Video - Good suggestions - I made my FTDI lead (3Dprinter and arduino FTDI board for 89p) even works well with my Yaesu 817 too

@nordicwolf8808 2 года назад

Thank u for such a simple and to the point explanation. For someone like me who is just curious and want to see if i like this stuff, ur video was very helpful. Thanks

@HamRadioCrashCourse 2 года назад

Thanks Nordic!

@W1NGO_Wadio 3 года назад

That MTR4Bv2 is lookin mighty fine in the background there.

@HamRadioCrashCourse 3 года назад

ThAnks for noticing.

@Michael-nd7gh 3 года назад

Ain't that little red devil a sexy beast?

@nativetexan9776 3 года назад

I have a UV5R and a F8HP and I am very pleased with them both but I would trade them both for another Yaesu FT-65r. The BaoFengs are nice to sit around and tinker with when I come across new VHF/UHF frequencies but when it comes to events, the FT-65 is my go to HT.

@maxverstappennonofficial Год назад

Yeah but the price difference is about 2-3 times bigger. I guess for begginers , an baofeng is just good.

@realtyrocks1969 10 месяцев назад

You'd trade 2 $20 radios for a $100 radio?!! Wo! Didn't expect that. I love my 2 BMX bikes but I'd trade them both for a Rolls Royce.

@goinghomesomeday1 2 года назад

Nice video. We use 2 x Baofeng BF-UVB2-Plus. They are a really great radio and fantastic value for the price.

@irishn8 2 года назад

I will attest to the uv-5r surviving a dunk in the water. I left it in my little fishing boat, i went to sea for 2 months while my boat filled up with rain. I got back and found it soaked in the bottom of the boat. Removed the battery, that was bad but after letting the radio dry for a week i out a new battery in and it still worked flawlessly!

@ntag411 2 года назад

The UV-5R is the Swiss Army knife of HAM radios IMO. Like the Swiss Army knife it doesn't do any one thing very well. Yet, because of the small form factor, having it with you is better than the superior tool elsewhere.

@HamRadioCrashCourse 2 года назад

The Swiss Army Knife of ham radio is definately the ICOM IC-705

@kta1540 3 года назад

it is cheap, it does what it supposed to do, and many aftermarket upgrades/cosmetic goods available, very easy to use. it is very good for entry-level for sure.

@Tom-qx5nl 2 года назад

I've got all kinds of portables, mobiles and base radios......the Baofengs are the ones I use the most.

@cheri758 Год назад

I bought my programming cable with baofeng logo for 10 bucks and its fine, works 1st try never had any issues

@PaulGriffith 3 года назад

I have several Baofengs, and they tend to go deaf before my Yaesu FT60R, but I still use them. One thing I've learned, I use my 2m mobile setup as a base at home much more than my HTs.

@leokelly359 2 года назад

I'm a disabled veteran and I am considering dipping my toes into the world of armature radio and being able to study for the test and take it online is a plus for me

@mikebelanger4165 2 года назад

Leo, I think you should at least consider it; I've been interested in the hobby since high school back in the early 70s (when Morse Code was required, but it isn't any more) and didn't do anything until I got my Technician in 2014. I've since upgraded to General and then Extra Class and semi-regularly use our local club's station for contesting (that's just me - you don't have to do that unless that's the aspect of the hobby that interests you). I'm also a Veteran (USAF, CO ArNG and USN) and am enjoying the hobby quite a bit. I'm also a Volunteer Examiner with our club (Yavapai Amateur Radio Club in Prescott, AZ) and help to administer the tests to others.

@wingsofebeggin1002 2 года назад

Imagine commenting "I'm a disabled veteran" as if there was some reason to throw that in there😂.....

@jerry_satcom 2 года назад

I’m retired military with some service-connected disability ratings. Jump on in, the water is nice. Ignore the Summer’s Eves like Christopher. If you worked specifically with radio in the military, amateur radio will feel natural. I was AF SATCOM (2E171) and a RF Transmission Systems Technician (3D173), but no matter what AFSC/MOS/Rating you were, I’m sure you had some radio training. Take a look at the $20 RTL-SDR V3 dongle and also the website at websdr dot org and you can hear amateur radio traffic live all around the world.

@davesleight5799 2 года назад

@@jerry_satcom “Ignore the Summer’s Eves like Christopher” got a belly laugh from that one 😂😂. USN, USS Ranger CVA-61 ATC.

@redskyz483 11 месяцев назад

@@wingsofebeggin1002 There seems to be a huge number of disabled veterans watching RU-vid.

@joeframo3347 11 месяцев назад

Hello Josh you come a long way brother I really love this video and thank you so much for sharing 👍

@michaelpohl348 2 года назад

I started with the UV5Rs... I had one as a base station, one in my car, one to use as a handheld, and one as a spare. I now have an FT3DR, 2 FTM400s, an Anytone, and a few others. I gave my Baofengs to the local HS radio club to utilize. But I also have been recommending the TYT UV88 over the UV5R. $30, it is built much better, and it comes with the programing cable so it ends up being cheaper. But you are right, it's just a Baofeng haha. -K6MRP

@boredinczechia4382 2 года назад

I use Baofeng for airsoft and I am very suprise what it was already able to sustain. Dropped it several times, used it in heavy rain when I was soked through, etc. It is so much, for such a low price.

@floppinfish Год назад

What do you use it for in airsoft? Do you have a license to talk into it? Because it's not legal to use as gmrs.

@alphasheep99 Год назад

@@floppinfish I would guess they probably use it as it's intended as a radio. It has settings that are completely legal and even if you use the 'illegal" channels or whatever how do they know you don't have a gmrs license? They're not going to track you down and it doesn't matter they're not hurting anyone by using gmrs unless they're on the same channel as emergency services and close enough to transmit and receive to them

@BuckingFuffalos69 2 месяца назад

@@floppinfishits against the law the break the speed limit and i bet you do it everyday

@kiwicory100 2 года назад

Sad Hams dancing in the streets singing the praises of Crash Course Josh!!!

@HamRadioCrashCourse 2 года назад

Nah. You know I like Baofengs. I even tell you which ones to look for and not get tripped up by. But let’s be real about what they are.

@CathPrepUni 7 месяцев назад

Great information thanks! Not everyone is a electric engineer, you make it sounds easy.

@edwardagius4379 2 года назад

I have had a Baofeng UV-5RA for around two years. Never experienced any technical problems other than the fact that I have never bothered to program it to get the full from it. Only now I am starting to download manuals and start programming it correctly

@blackhawk65589 3 года назад

The BFR3 is one I would actually recommend since it's uncommon to find 1.25m HT. After upgrading to a Wouxon, I can see why people complain about them. But they are great for getting new operators on the air.

@petertyrrell6690 3 года назад

Great video. The nice thing about Baofengs is that they are simple to use and because they are so affordable, if the unit gets lost or broken, it's no big deal. I leave my Japese portable at home (Forgotten how to use it.) and grab a Baofeng. Thanks for sharing.

@miijjk 2 года назад

No it's not I cannot get any frequencies in mind it's like you have to download a program how come you can't just simply put the frequencies in there and save them

@petertyrrell6690 2 года назад

@@miijjk on RU-vid there is a video that shows you how to program your Baofeng.

@miijjk 2 года назад

There is not one channel on RU-vid that shows you how to do a tide radio td-uv5r

@BillinSD 2 года назад

Yaesu FT-60 is a great radio to have, I also got an Anytone 787 for DMR.

@cvcoco 2 года назад

I got my UV-5R as a learning tool. Its still going like new after 3-4 years and I think I got all possible accessories for it. But I dont consider it anything more than that and what I regret is bothering with it in the first place. Had I known I would absolutely get my license I would have just waited and put the money and research time towards a mobile outfit of real power and features.

@d.b.cooper 3 года назад

Bought my third UV-5R from Amazon and it was delivered to someone else in my neighborhood. Amazon immediately sent me one to the correct address. If it had been from eBay or Wish I would’ve been out that money. Very good that you pointed out Amazon level of customer service.

@ke8mattj 2 года назад

This may be what I'm planning to do with family members who are interested in more privacy when talking on two-ways. Since they're not into it for the hobby, it may just be better to get them into amateur radio instead of wasting money on FRS, GMRS, etc. when they can just take a few nights to study for the tech license, pay the money to take the test, and pay for cheap for the UV-5R to get on a particular VHF frequency when say for example when they are out hunting or doing some other work in the woods.

@stacyadiaz 2 года назад

I bought the UV-5R as a tech when I got my license 4 years ago. It was an OK as a receiver but the transmit side sucked. I also had issues with the crappy prolific driver with the counterfeit programming cable that are all over the net. I kept if for a year then threw it in the trash when the volume pot started making noise when adjusting it. Spend the extra money and get a used radio from another reputable manufacturer or the budget radio like the Yaesu FT-6x series.

@wasylbakowsky5199 3 года назад

That's the reason I got a Baofang, to see if I'm interested in the hobby. Haven't got my license yet, so haven't been transmitting. Once I get it (knock on wood), I'll give it a go, and am willing to go more upscale if am enjoying the hobby and want to continue.

@phlemdog 3 года назад

I was cleaning under my bed a couple days ago, and found a baofeng under there. Had have been under there for at least 5 years, and I don't remember buying it. Only thing I can figure was it came in a battlebox way back when I tried it for a few months.

@duaneshuster6366 3 года назад

It's like finding a McDonald's french fry under car seat throw it out and birds still 3wt it . Just keeps working recharge .

@mrssamwinchester100 2 года назад

Thanks, Josh! I have had a ham license I since 2010, renewed it in 2020, and finally got a radio last Christmas. But there are no instructions on how to set it up, grrr. So as I was looking for those instructions, I found this page. And mine is a Baofeng UV5R. I subscribed and hopefully will get it set up and use it. Thanks for your opinions.

@PeterLawton 2 года назад

I ran across an Amazon page recently that had a download link for the free PDF manual. You might want to look for that.

@AidanShourds Год назад

I just got 3 UV9R plus models and one of them came with the value pack. the cable worked perfectly. Just be aware there are lemons but some still work fine!

@maxheadrom3088 2 года назад

Baofengs sell in Brazil like water in the Sahara. Most people - myself included - use this professionally: schools, bars, restaurants or, in my case, traveling with my brother in 2 cars since nothing communicates faster "exit right now" than a radio. I agree with you on the worth of a better radio if either your professional work or hobby will get better. My problem with the Baofeng was the kenwood connector - the motorola one saved me. Thanks!

@mourneris Год назад

Long before I got any license, I picked up a UV-5R. I listened for almost 2 years before I finally pulled the trigger. Right now, I can't afford to upgrade and yet this cheap little thing allows me to participate in the community and have some amazing contacts and such. It's an amazing piece of tech to let people get a taste of radio.

@superbee6270 Год назад

Hi i am just new to this pages , but what you guys using that radio for ?

@tonyv8925 11 месяцев назад

For a mobile 2m/440 try the Juentai 25watt mobile. I paid $80 and am pleased with its performance. It has the Bao-Feng internals and programs the same as the UV-5R. I have had this mobile for a few years and it still works great!

@jakewright4394 9 месяцев назад

@@superbee6270 personaly: *A back up emergency comms unit (when in areas with no cell signals), *To maintain contact with the person i am a carer for (incase they need an ambulance or have an accident, if i am not in close proximity - as they always are pawning their phone, so some form of regular comms device is needed), *To maintain a means of contact with my girlfriend when we are out in the wilds, and we get seperated for any reason as more often than not - there is usually no cell signals. *Intended for a comms device if SHTF *Listening to other operators via repeaters at home. **Do i intend to get a license? - yes, so that I can also join in with the wider community. and no when i do get my license and go active with the community, i will not tolerate a military style bollocking from any git just because i get some technical term wrong - just because we use radios does not make us the military etc, (yes i heard that take place several weeks ago on a repeater and was discusted with it, as i have seen many complaining that they want more people in the hobby)...after that happened - the repeater went dead for weeks - i sat there and thought to myself "and they wonder why only a few get into it?"

@v73c Год назад

A few years ago, while working on a commercial mobile project, I learned that cables like you showed for the water resistant radio are patented. Therefore, any use of the connector and layout must be licensed. It was a real P.I.T.A. to get a drive test completed thanks to connector licensing!

@sunsetcarson7913 2 года назад

excellent info will be looking at upgrading

@funkymonkeylovin 2 года назад

Found you through Fieldcraft Survival's video! Glad I did!

@HamRadioCrashCourse 2 года назад

Thanks for watching!!

@burnzy3210 3 года назад

I bought a UV-5RIII during lockdown as a foot in the door to a new hobby.

@iosoi3145 3 года назад

Me too :) Learning what I can. But there's barely any activity on local repeaters, so not sure what else I can learn and do with it.

@burnzy3210 3 года назад

@@iosoi3145 become the activity, you never know who's listening (broadcast at a regular time). Try listening for the ISS too :)

@bobsradio6025 3 года назад

@@burnzy3210 - Broadcasting on Amateur frequencies is illegal. Hams transmit, not broadcast.

@bobsradio6025 3 года назад

Burnzy3210 - The best "foot in the door" to this hobby is an ARRL License Manuel. It makes no sense to buy something before you learn how to use it.

@patrickgerth4570 3 года назад

@@bobsradio6025 We all know the FCC definition of broadcasting. But most people use it as a term for transmitting. So quit being a dork and just have fun with the hobby. I run into clowns like you all the time on the air.

@christophersmith1155 3 года назад

the UV5R cant drop on the sidewalk. i use mine here in nyc and they break. GET the Baofeng BTECH UV82HP. It has a commercial case and higher power. everyone at the high rise construction sites use it. Or spend $800.00 for a Motorola.

@DanielHallmark 3 года назад

I second the UV-82HP. My first ham radio, and I still use it today. If you want to be able to communicate with non-hams, BTech also has the GMRS-V1 and MURS-V1 with the same form factor and all the same batteries and accessories are compatible.

@JamesSmullins 3 года назад

I've got the same one, works out here in the hills of Texas where the 5r falls short.

@tonyv8925 11 месяцев назад

I have two UV-5R's. One I ordered on line, when they first came out. It quit working about 20 days later, so I sent it back and got a replacement...years later, still performing flawlessly...I got a good one, repeater signal reports are excellent audio, good clean signal. Then I bought a second one from an ex security guard...let's say it is different than the first one I purchased...it works just beautiful. I have 2 different model Alinco's that turned out to be junk. One kills batteries (won't even last a year), and the other one just works poorly off of repeaters. I later purchased a Juentai (Bao-Feng internals) 25W mobile. Wow! works and sounds better than my Yaesu 1500M! Thanks for this video.

@JustMe619toby 3 года назад

I started with a UV5R and then got a anytone 878 love the 878 love the menu option .. I even have the yeasu fd4 (I think it is the model-the entry level one)

@edwardmorley8359 3 года назад

I bought two UV9R-ERA Baofeng Radios, largely because they offered the greatest range and battery life of the ones I was looking at, and of all of the radios available, they looked fairly legit. They also have the ability to pick up FM, and the batteries seem to last pretty well when not in use. Still looking at 2 bars on the one I have infrequently tested since I got them, after putting it at full charge, and it's been about 7 or 8 months they've been sitting around with the batteries connected. Overall, they seem to be a pretty sturdy unit, though I haven't managed to pick up much chatter with them the few times I've left them on and scanning. I don't have my Radio Operators license, so that's about all I can do for the moment. The best I picked up was some brief chatter while driving through my neighborhood, which I assume was being picked up from about 4-5 km away, as that's the most likely area someone would have been using a Radio at the time. I haven't had the chance to take them out into the Mountains, or near logging roads, or even just around some local SAR training exercises or something similar, but I did drive a couple hundred km one day, and leave it on for part of that. No hits at all that time; had me wondering if it even worked until I picked up the chatter in my area later. Still have to take the time and learn more about it too; I've got basic functionality down, and that's about it.

@maxverstappennonofficial Год назад

How its still going?

@tonyv8925 11 месяцев назад

I bought an antenna adapter and microphone for my UV-5r and run it off a home brew 1/4wave mag mount on my car. I have managed to make solid connections to repeaters 25 to 30 miles away. I then upgraded to a Bao-Feng (a different name on chassis) 25watt mobile with excellent long range contacts on 2meters. This mobile even has a cooling fan on it. Years later it still outperforms my Yaesu 1500M.

@warrenphillips69 2 года назад

I've got the UV-9R, the splash proof version. I've got that cable and I've had no issues with it and chirp.

@max19970 2 года назад

same here, plug and play

@timmack2415 2 года назад

Throw it in a river and see how "splash proof" it is.

@josephtotter7484 2 года назад

I agree. Stick with a UV5R. I have one as a back up to my Yeasu VX6R. No complaints. Still think the best HH made was the icom ic2gat. Bought one new in 87ish and it's still awesome and 7w for reals :) used it In my styling plymouth reliant station wagon In college. Good times.

@jayprojects9693 3 года назад

7:00 Good point about the programming cable. I got mine in a BF-R3 bundle (love the radio, though); CD wouldn't install, had to manually copy the Prolific driver over, and even with that CHIRP fails to see the radio with it most of the time.

@troyr57 2 года назад

We use the UV 82 version at the Local Volunteer Fire department, along with our Kenwoods, they can handle a little water with no problem.

@vintageguitarz1 2 года назад

Great video as usual, I started in HAM when I was 10 on our family farm in Illinois with my Grandfather, 5 Grand Uncles and my dad (farmers have always been big in HAM, some cases the only comm on farms 80 years ago), I'm 73 now. My 3 different Baofengs ( UV-5R, 8HF, and UV-5R +PLUS) Have been beyond faithful for 7 years for the oldest, and the Tx spectrum is more than good 'nuff for a handheld that sees some rough duty like hunting and 5 day hikes. So, I disagree with your assertion that the Baofengs are only a beginner radio, if it's been faithful WHY move up? Yeah my wife bought me Yaesu handheld, feels a bit nicer, looks nicer, but it doesn't do anything more than I and probably 60% of handheld users need 99% of the time! So .........

@mandaloresmercy Год назад

Picked up my first amateur radio and it's a Baofeng UV-S9 Plus. Maybe it's new? Chirp recognizes it as a BF-F8HP It's basically a UV-5R, uses same programming cable, adds some waterproofing, adds a USB charging cable option which I LOVE for being on the go for days at a time and I want to take them kayaking and outdoors. Found for $27 on Amazon. UV-5R online support and Baofeng has introduced me to this hobby on a good budget. 👍

@claytonchristophersen1633 2 года назад

I have the UV9R Plus Bao it also has Fm Radio and a Torch Works well , tremendous little rad for camping . Battery is very good i have the Bao cable not yet used had it for about 3 yrs was about $55 AU about $35 US

@chrisquick7160 2 года назад

I love my Baofengs. I don't care what people say.

@Buzzygirl63 3 года назад

I bought a UV-5R+ last year as a backup for my Yaesu FT60R. I mostly use the Baofeng to listen to local weather radio, a local fire dispatch and a couple repeaters. The Baofeng I have actually has a pretty good receiver, and pulls in all the same stuff the FT60R does. Both have aftermarket Nagoya antennas. I bought it mostly because it was cheap ($25) and I wanted to play around with CHIRP. I'm not a prepper type but we're heading into severe weather season where I live so if one HT's battery dies, I'll have another ready to go.

@thinmizzy365 3 года назад

I have the Yaesu ft70. The battery is garbage. I use It as a scanner. Pretty much the opposite of you. 😂

@rogerrabbit80 3 года назад

Check out the available battery packs for the UV-5R. For $5-$10 you can get a case that allows you to run a UV-5R on AA or AAA batteries. Toss the radio and a 24 pack of alkaline batteries in something waterproof, and there's your backup communication.

@MauriatOttolink 3 года назад

Jackie LaVaque Perfectly true. The UV-5R is very sensitive and will hear everything that the FT60 does but it will cave in, in the presence of a nearby VERY strong signal, which your FT60 will handle OK. I mean nearby in frequency and/or nearby in distance. The problem can be solved (very well) by the use of a band pass filter screwed into the Baofeng before the antenna but it's another piece of gear. You may have to make one because they rarely appear on sale and cost more than the UV5-R if they do.

@sarfios 2 года назад

Can you share the attena details here?

@rgbking488 4 месяца назад

@@sarfios yeah, would be nice to have the antenna details

@anthonymarino4260 Год назад

Thanks for your experience

@WolfQuantum 3 года назад

I'm glad you showed the TYT UV88. Don't know how you like it, but mine has been awesome. I had three Baofeng UV-5R, I gave two of them away and have one tossed in an ammo can with some other stuff I run my TYT UV88 24/7 swapping out the battery at bedtime and keeping it by the bed at night and on me all day. I've dropped mine several times on concrete and it still looks new and works great. I've had it running over a year now. I've logged way more hours on it than on my base or mobile VHF/UHF radios. Cleaner, better signal working the repeater than the Baofengs. I can also use it anywhere in the house and do. With the UV-5R I had to stand in the driveway to talk on our weekly net with the repeater about 4 miles away. Like it so much I bought a second one just to have on hand. I've found them for $29 shipped free. I had been using a TYT UV8000E prior. The UV88 is such I haven't felt the need to upgrade. Totally agree to get the FTDI cable. After the headaches with the "Prolific" cables and drivers. I even have FTDI for my Yasue FT2900. Also BIG praise for hamstudy.org! If I need a new HT antenna it will definitely be a Signal Stick. 73

@d.b.cooper 3 года назад

“UV-10R Larger Pweor”!

@jeepstr73 3 года назад

I bought a UV5R when i got my license in 2013 carried that every day for 3 years till the volume started to go in and out making hard to hear without playing with the volume to make it louder. I bought a UV82HP from Btech on Amazon. bought a singal stick antenna and been carrying that radio everyday for the last 3 yrs and having the same exact issue as the UV5R. I did buy a Btech 25x2 mobile to use in a UHF/VHF go kit I am still planning to make. I just put that in my Rav4. I am thinking about getting the Anytone HT since we got a lot of DMR repeaters in my area. have not heard too much on their reliability yet for EDC. The cheaper Yeasu radio might be better but still researching.

@pattersonlax48 2 года назад

I have a Anytone mobile AT-D578 and a Baofeng UV5r. I ran over my Baofeng in my tahoe on accident. lol. It still works. I still play around with my Baofeng and I am still learning it. I know quite a bit about it. But I use it when I go for a walk in the woods and just let someone know I am exploring and to listen for me. Usually looking for stolen cars or hunting. Cell phone service in my neck of the woods is almost non existent, and I live in NY.

@scottcoash1462 2 года назад

I new to it and just did my GMRS license. Not doing the Ham thing, but it seams like a lot of the GMRS radios also double as Ham. I will be attempting the whole Chirp programming very soon. I appreciated our site and your knowledge.