What Is A Superheterodyne Radio? Is An Expensive Superheterodyne GMRS Radio Better Than A Cheap One? 

I've been a Happy Ham for 40 years.....and that's probably the best answer for that enduring question that I've ever heard!

New drinking game! Take a shot every time Randy says "Affiliate link below 👇"

After spending several minutes in the bathroom "decoding my secret message from Xenu", I can indeed tell you that Randy is the best imparter of information for our eye holes. I don't understand why Xenu is obsessed with Ovaltine though.

One of the advantages of ordering the cheaper radio, from Amazon, is that it is super easy to return.

Everyone: How many times can he say “affiliate link below?” NotARubicon:… hold my Wouxun KG-905G….. affiliate link below 🤣🤣 Keep it up!! Vids are just as entertaining as they are informative!!

I use my $21 Baofeng UV-5R for all my GMRS needs.. It can reach all my hunting buddies, with absolute clarity, over many fars...

Great explanation of the differences between the SOC and Superhet radios. The one thing I'm still not clear about.....Do you have affiliate links for the radios you showed ?????? LMAO

… Affiliate link below… Love your sense of humor

I've been using Baofeng UV-5R radios for years now and I can tell you that they're $100 better than a $135 radio! When we use them, we can hear and understand each other. For what we use them for, that's good enough for me. They work great with the Retivis RT97 repeater as well (Thanks for that recommendation by the way). Love the video as always! Keep up the great work!

As a 50+ year certified future ham operator, I can tell you with absolute authority that the more expensive items are always best at being the most costly items when compared to the least costly items. NotaRubicon is just a shill for non-sponsored videos…..affiliate link below. As his favorite viewer, I am overqualified to tell everyone here that there is an HT radio far beyond $200. I am selling my $190 radio for $1,099. Postage and handling not included.

I have a $30 Radioddity GM-30. I have not notice any complaints when using. It uses a type C USB that I had.

I love these videos. Super-het is all that came to my mind. I do not have a GMRS license, but my UV5R is deaf compared to my Japanese HT. Also, because I am a licensed ham (and thus an "expert" -- as well as his favorite viewer), I can verify that Randy is correct. One downside concerning my very-expensive, super-heterodyne, Japanese handheld is that it came with no wrist-strap.

Thanks for the affiliated links in your video descriptions. I found them quite helpful in deciding which $35 radio to purchase for my initial dive into the GMRS world. In law enforcement we used several different portable radios over my 29 years on the street and yes you can hear a difference between the cheaper at the time Icom inits versus the latest and greatest offering from Motorola. I dont expect much difference between the low end and mid range portable GMRS radios but I shall check back with any earth shattering revelations as I try a few different models from the affiliate links provided. Thank you Randy for your usual spot on commentary!

First, you always make absolutely helpful videos thankyou notarubicon

WHAT....if a homodyne wants to identify as a superheterodyne, will it transmit with more Fars?

Thank you for pointing out the differences between the two radios. Either should work fine in our rural area.

Why do I have a sudden, weird, urge to drink ovaltine?

I’m a Ham and was a military communication systems tech, radio and more. I enjoy the hell out of your radio for idiots explanations. Wish I could simplify explanations as succinctly and humorously. Yes, I do appreciate greatly sarcasm. I was infantry before becoming a technician.

I've been a ham for ___ years and I approve this message. 🤓🙈🧨

Entertaining and informative but thanks for the videos.

“Gooder!” I love it! Reminds me of an argument my older brother and I had when we were toddlers (according to our Parental Units). It went like this: “It’s not a cooker, it’s a crackie!” 😂😂😂🍪

I'm so glad you cleared that up for us. Thanks 73

I don’t know if everyone “gets” your humor, but I love it. Thank you for the channel. Affiliate link below.

That's also my experience. Near a big radio station (100kW) close to my home town I can not hear my buddies on a baofeng uv5r, yaesu ft-65, ft4x, alinco dj500 (all direct sampling) but on a wouxun KG-UV9D+, yaesu ft5d (superhet) I can.

Great video Randy! I love how you've kept this technically correct without going into a whack of stuff that doesn't matter to someone who wants to buy a good GMRS radio.

You should be a comedian. Every time I watch your videos I get great info and always several laughs. One of the best channels on the interweb 😂🤪👍💯🤓

Ya just gotta love those experts and all the joy they bring Randy each and every day. Drink your Ovaltine and by the way... What the hell is a 'redit'?

Love the T-shirt!

As usual, good Vid Randy. With my applications for Off-Roading, Fishing, Hunting and Camping in Rural and Agricultural areas, I am very happy with my very reasonably priced & affordable SOC Radios - a Radioddity DB25-G GMRS Base with a Midland 75-822 CB Base Antenna and 2 BAOFENG UV-5G GMRS HT's with Extended Nagoya NA-7771G 15.3" Whip Antennas. BTW, why didn't you mention "affiliate link below" in this vid? haha!

This Guy is Insane in the Membrane !🤪

Radios are very much like firearms. There are pistols that are inexpensive, but they get the job done, and there are expensive models that spend most of their time in a safe. Baofeng makes a very nice "executive" model, the UV-H6 that outputs close to 9 watts and a chunky camping model (the H7), which also is great for connecting to repeaters (if they're close enough). I've never needed anything more than these cheap models...but I may find a need if I put a few pennies ahead.

Ralphie: "I want an Official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle." Mother: "You'll shoot your eye out!"

Receiving a pair of Retevis RB17P GMRS radios this weekend. My first GMRS HT's. Last I had was a CB. So ,yes I'm a NOOB. But you have Randy to thank for that. I have my FRN from the FCC (feel like I'm back in the Military with all the acronyms) and getting my license this weekend, barring my SS is enough. So see you on the Flip side. And thanks, Randy. Tom In Southern Arizona

Thanks for the plugs. And you're not affiliated Affiliated answer

Hey, I found that question on the gmrs group and the guy who asked the question saw Randy's video and replied. Such a small nerdy world we live in - on the internet. meggabah71 wrote: Wow I’ve never started a fight that ended up on RU-vid! Thank you all for your honest responses. I figured there was a difference between the overall quality of a more expensive radio than the less expensive radios. I just wanted to get some honest input from users that were not monetized by RU-vid or sponsored by retailers. Since I myself make a living selling products I can say this in all honesty. I tell the truth regarding the products I sell. However I do not have experience with less expensive versions sold at other stores. So hence the question. Buy the way I do watch your videos and consider you to be very knowledgeable and honest. But let’s all be honest here. Money is being made with the videos. “ affiliate links below”.

Thanks for the video!!

Awesome videos on GMRS.

“I’ve been a ham for x number of years”, and you are spot on Ran-Man!

Ham here. Over summer my Boofwang would get that bleed-over when I keyed up the CB radio in my work vehicle. I don't have a super heterodyne radio, but I'm looking into upgrading my HT or getting a mobile radio soon. Yes, ham is different from GMRS, but I feel like something as general as the type of hardware carries over pretty well between the two services.

None radio post. ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR PRESENTATION. You make radios cool to review.

Note that the BTECH GMRS-Pro radio has a special magic type circuit that makes it capable of transcievership with the Andromedia Galaxy.

It is on the fringes where you will notice any difference. I am about 100 miles from the nearest SWCRS repeater. My Baofeng cannot receive anything from it. However, with my Wouxun KG-UV9G communication with that repeater is good and clear both ways. Of course the Wouxon KG-1000G base station and roof mounted antenna is crystal clear. My Baofengs work just fine for anything up to about 2 to 3 miles same as the Wouxon.

I got bored, winter, MN. And got a uv5r. It may be cheap and direct conversion. But it's got a much hotter front end than my dedicated midland weather radio.

I have my glass of Ovaltine in hand and ready to learn. May zenu be happy.

Good video Randy @NotaRubicon Productions

Picked up first mobile radio, a TYT TH-7800. Noticed it recieves far better than my Baofengs. Read the manual and it says "double conversion super heterodyne." There is a major difference. Even on 5w it hits way more repeaters cause it actually picks up the signal really good.

Thanks to YOU, I now have 2 HT radios - BTECH GMRS Pro (SOC) and a WouxunOCEAN KG-UV9G Pro (SUPERheterodyne). I did a couple of radio checks with both and those on the other end said that the KG-UV9 Pro sounded much stronger and cleaner and the receiving signal/clarity was better as well. For a 5 watt unit, the KG-UV9 Pro does a real good job for me. Seems I might be sold on the SUPERHeterodyne radios now. Yes the SH radios are a little more money, but when it comes to the difference of transmitting and receiving clearly, it's worth it, IMHO. Your mileage may vary.

That t-shirt is excellent.

"A crummy commercial" Great video.

I like my kg905g and my baofengs. My kg905g definitely feels sturdier than a baofeng. Both have their place. 👍

If someone overpays for a radio will it sound better to that person? My thought is that is what they likely will believe 😂

I have the 905 G and I've been really happy with it.

You failed to see the original problem is that it the person asked on reddit.

I have $30 Baofengs and I have a KG935, bought on your recomendation, and I can certaily tell the KG935 is a better radio. Eventhough it is still a SOC radio, it sounds better and sometimes transmits much more clearly to the reciver, thus more data that suports the theory " You Get What You Pay For". The "Fengs" are great with my grandsons so it they break it, who cares, and when I am on my clubs GMRS repater I go the the 935.

You’ve caused a large number of [actually smart] people to THINK VERY CAREFULLY before posting comments to avoid any risk of coming across as an “expert” and risk being pinned. Thank you, that is all. (Whew! 🤤)

So with my research on the notarubicon RU-vid channel I've looked seriously at the Midland MTX 500 and the wouxun kg1000. For my opinion the kg1000 would be a better fit for me. I like the fact that the kg 1000 is a super heteradine radio and I love the detachable face and I like the fact that it's less expensive than the Midland MTX 500 that I believe is a soc radio. How is it that the Midland MTX 500 is more expensive than the kg 1000?

Really look forward to your vids. They make me feel all warm and fuzzy. No Homo………Dyne 😉

Heterodyne, suPer heterodyne, homodyne... are there bi-dyne radios?

You Tell 'Em, Sensei! Give 'Em Hell! BTW, I wish, "some people", would pick up a book, i.e. GMRS for Dummies or something, and edumacate themselves, learn the hobby, and not waste other's time. Just Try People...

Man buns and cry easily...lololol!

Randy. I have the Radioddity GM30 radios. They work very well, except when I’m on a road-trip in my 2015 Corvette. There seems to be interference that makes receiving sound like the voice is under water. This only happens inside of my Corvette. Would a superheterodyne radio, like the KG905G possibly eliminate this issue? Of course, moving the antenna to the outside would probably help, but a mag mount will not work on a Corvette. So, I’m wanting to try getting away from the SOC format in hopes of avoiding this weird interference. Any thought? Thanks, and by the way, I really enjoy your videos!!!

Grate video. I don't even own a radio or even need one, but I do enjoy these videos.

Baofeng/SOC - handgun 50w mobile super het - sniper rifle

Love you Randy! You make me a Happy Ham! 😊

I watch @NotaRubicon videos for the comedy and the amazing information he provides. Keep up the good work.

UV-5r (and similar quality radios) is extremely vulnerable to RFI. For instance, mu UV-5r picks up emissions from my modem, up to 15 feet away from the modem. Other UV-5r owners have reported that other devices in their house caused problems. For "most people" the cheaper radio will suffice.

Whats the brand and where can i get that $135 radio?

I propose an experiment. Test a Baofeng then send it to me. I will then sell that Baofeng to you for $1000. Then do another test.

Radios aside, I must own that shirt.

Love the T-shirt sir!!!!

I have a couple Baofeng's and they tend to go completely deaf when connected to my large outside antenna, yet they transmit good far's but receive worse than when on their little rubber ducky antennas. They all seem to suffer that as well as my dual band QYT mobile radio. Works well in the car with the mag mount external antenna but rather deaf in my house on the outside base antenna.

A love the Chinese made bafoon radios too! 73

I love Wouxun as far as Chinese brands go, but that BTech GMRS Pro with APRS-like data is a gamechanger.

yup. I got 6 baofengs for emergency use as perimeter commo after 3 yrs I opened them and started playing. uh, yeah, this radio is super capable now I'm a ham enthusiast edit. I'm in rural area and my 771 antennas do great.

The more Views you get the Better the Reception you will have.

Haha! Love your video's Randy!😄 All I know is that man-bun's channel all RF into the brain and turns grey matter into troll gunk. 🧠

it tastes good and also invokes a guilty feeling since it contains seemingly a lot of sugar in the form of table sugar, maltodextrin, and molasses.

I enjoy your videos and it makes me laugh when you talk about the smart asses out there. They really not smart enough to just get along.. still can't get this Chinese radio to pick up much but we're going to get a larger antenna..lol

"Hamsplaining" Hahahahaha!! I love it! 73 de WB4DW

Thank you

This video must be a monodyne soc youtube video because I can't seem to find any of the affiliate links over all the noise.

Rugged radios is a prime example of more expensive for the same quality and a lesser expensive radio because they are the same radio just blue.

I miss tube based Heathkit recievers.

Love my kg935 gmrs radio. Only one i ever tryed

hey, i have that shirt...

You are hilarious!!!! liked and subscribed!!!!!

Gosh I am so sorry to tell you I paid over 200.00 with tax and shipping for my Wouxon 9GX. Did I pay too much or did I get something that you don't know about. Actually I don't even have it for it is back ordered for 14 weeks so my new 9GX superheterodyne radio must be really good for a lot of us have it on order. I bet it was talk a lot of FARS farther than your 35.00 radio. And I think it comes with manual in English too.

"Hamsplaining" ima use that

A kg 935 g is a super..the same plus is direct conversion..which is best?

more money = better filtering and better receive. Icom ID52 is almost $700. everyone I know just uses their ham radios.

Love the content!

Is this for all HT's or just Ham? Is a HT CB worth it, or are they not strong enough?

yep, good nbs video

I want to know where he got that shirt 🙂

Where can I get a KG905G??

Thank you for deconfuqulating the confuqulation surrounding this issue. Question; Does a $300 deconfuqulator deconfuqulate any better than a $59 or $125 confuqulator? Asking for a confuqulated friend...

Good video 😊📸😊

Quality over quantity

5:45 totally faked me out. Some sort of Pavlovian mind trick.

Meh. I own a $35 Baofeng, a ~$100 Wouxun, and a fancy Motorola HT1250 that was 3 or $400. All of these radios have similar reception. The Motorola has much better selectivity and spurious signal rejection. But that's the only major difference and most people would never notice it. The Baofeng is a better value. That whole radio costs less than the new battery I need for my Wouxun.