pugslyyy
Expedition Vehicle Engineer Guy
That's how it worked with me. Couple of guys in my club got it and the rest of us were on CBs... within the course of maybe a year we were all on 2m.
$40 BaoFeng UV-5R Dual-Band Handhelds
- Thread starter mhiscox
- Start date
That's how it worked with me. Couple of guys in my club got it and the rest of us were on CBs... within the course of maybe a year we were all on 2m.
Robert Bills
Explorer
I have had no issues with my Baofeng HT. Sure there are better units, but it serves its purpose.
RobRed
Explorer
I'm not chiming in to ******** on anyones parade but let's be informed.
Just to point out where I'm coming from:
20 new HAMs as a direct result of my requiring them on trips I lead.
My Stable of radios:
Yaesu FTM-350
Yaesu FT-60
Yaesu VX 3
Yaesu VX 8D (sold)
Icom ID5100
Baofeng UV5R (gave to buddy - mostly works)
Baofeng UV5R (Dead Mic / Bad freq drift)
Baofeng UV5R (Dead Mic / Bad Charger / Intermittent Battery)
I'm not claiming every Baofeng UV5R is bad but even when they are working 100% there is a clear difference between it and say the FT 60... The Yaesu sounds better (TX/RX), stable on frequency, consistent output power and much more rugged @ $150... yep 3x the cost of a Baofeng UV5R.
I was recommending the Baofeng UV5R to new hams on my trips as a low cost way to get on board but the reliability is bad. I consider comms a major safety item.
Just to point out where I'm coming from:
20 new HAMs as a direct result of my requiring them on trips I lead.
My Stable of radios:
Yaesu FTM-350
Yaesu FT-60
Yaesu VX 3
Yaesu VX 8D (sold)
Icom ID5100
Baofeng UV5R (gave to buddy - mostly works)
Baofeng UV5R (Dead Mic / Bad freq drift)
Baofeng UV5R (Dead Mic / Bad Charger / Intermittent Battery)
I'm not claiming every Baofeng UV5R is bad but even when they are working 100% there is a clear difference between it and say the FT 60... The Yaesu sounds better (TX/RX), stable on frequency, consistent output power and much more rugged @ $150... yep 3x the cost of a Baofeng UV5R.
I was recommending the Baofeng UV5R to new hams on my trips as a low cost way to get on board but the reliability is bad. I consider comms a major safety item.
pugslyyy
Expedition Vehicle Engineer Guy
Do you still need to replace the antenna on this one or is it better?
jerdog53
Explorer
I have no idea, I use an external mag mount antenna when using mine mobile and it works perfect proven 8 to 10 mile range in the mountians.
TerryD
Adventurer
Well, I got it programmed last night after some driver issues with my programming cable. Overall I'm very happy with this little $30 radio so far. Upgraded antenna, mic, and all (not arrived yet) I'm in this thing for about $72.
The FM receiver for music and receiving the WX stations will be awesome on outings and trips. I can clip it to my pack when hiking and have the mic on the strap. Also, my 8y/o has taken an interest in it this morning so I may be tutoring her in it soon.
The FM receiver for music and receiving the WX stations will be awesome on outings and trips. I can clip it to my pack when hiking and have the mic on the strap. Also, my 8y/o has taken an interest in it this morning so I may be tutoring her in it soon.
troyboy162
Adventurer
in case you feel like paying more this radio you can pick it up for $85 here:
http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=296_35&products_id=1274
and per there advertising if your friends are on GMRS/FRS you can "just switch it over to those channels".
Joking aside its a real blessing to see the baofengs on the trail. I can finnaly hear what people are saying.
http://www.ruggedradios.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=296_35&products_id=1274
and per there advertising if your friends are on GMRS/FRS you can "just switch it over to those channels".
Joking aside its a real blessing to see the baofengs on the trail. I can finnaly hear what people are saying.
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
Any context you might share. What sucks about it?
Some good tips on using Chirp for programming
How to install the Baofeng USB programming cable and software
Example:
Additional Instructions for Windows laptops *
On some laptops, the device manager may indicate the cable is installed correctly, but CHIRP may not detect the COM Port. This may occur if Windows Power Management is enabled on the device. To activate the cable, go to the Device Manager and right click on Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMX). X denotes the COM port number. Click Properties on the pop-up menu. Click the Power Management tab. Remove the check from the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click Apply or Save.
How to install the Baofeng USB programming cable and software
Example:
Additional Instructions for Windows laptops *
On some laptops, the device manager may indicate the cable is installed correctly, but CHIRP may not detect the COM Port. This may occur if Windows Power Management is enabled on the device. To activate the cable, go to the Device Manager and right click on Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port (COMX). X denotes the COM port number. Click Properties on the pop-up menu. Click the Power Management tab. Remove the check from the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click Apply or Save.
jerdog53
Explorer
BF-F8HP
So I picked up a BaoFeng BF-F8HP over the holiday and it is just like the UV-5B that I have. Chirp doesn't work with it, tried to load it the same way I have loaded the 5B and chirp shuts down unexpectedly. The two radios talk to each other without issue and the radio receives once manually programed for the one repeater I use locally. The chirp site list the F8HP as a compatible unit (in daily builds) so what gives?
So I picked up a BaoFeng BF-F8HP over the holiday and it is just like the UV-5B that I have. Chirp doesn't work with it, tried to load it the same way I have loaded the 5B and chirp shuts down unexpectedly. The two radios talk to each other without issue and the radio receives once manually programed for the one repeater I use locally. The chirp site list the F8HP as a compatible unit (in daily builds) so what gives?
Vicreo A Legarreta
Vicreo
is the same as the baofeng different brand