$40 BaoFeng UV-5R Dual-Band Handhelds

[TerryD]

So what am I doing wrong.

Programmed this UV-5R with chirp using info from repeater book dot com for Colorado 2M repeaters. I get the repeater to key but there is no modulation, you don't hear me speak. doesn't seem to mater which repeater i use. I receive just fine. Simplex works just fine.

Do you have the tone squelch set up properly? I messed it up on my Icom the other day and couldn't get the repeater to open for audio.

 

[jerdog53]

Do you have the tone squelch set up properly? I messed it up on my Icom the other day and couldn't get the repeater to open for audio.

I have no idea! Followed the instructions found here. http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_ProgMem.php to the letter and no worky.

I have a UV-5R and these two radios won't talk to each other in simplex or through the repeater.

 

[TerryD]

That sounds like a tone squelch issue. If the receiving radio doesn't get the right tone, the voice doesn't open. Are both radios a 5R?

 

[jerdog53]

One is the UV-5R and the other is the BF-F8HP

 

[TerryD]

I don't have the BF-F8, but do you have a number in the R-DCS or T-DCS in the menu of either?

 

[jerdog53]

That was it!

I had set the TX tone but not the RX, once I did that Bam! Hit the repeater straight away!

The http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_ProgMem.php page talks about the TX setting menu item 13 but not the RX menu 11. I stumbled upon a you tube video that set that and there was my clue.

It works now thanks all!

 

[TerryD]

When you are using simplex, you want those off. That sets a privacy tone and unless you and who you are talking to both set them, you won't hear replies and they may not hear you.

After you make a contact you can both set them and not be interrupted.

 

[jerdog53]

I knot noticed that to! I was then programming the UV-5R to match the F8HP and they wouldn't talk to each other and that was my first thought.

 

[rayra]

Rayra, while it may or may not be better to take your test thru a radio club it's not necessary to do so if there isn't one close by.

There are many Volunteer Examiners in the Los Angeles area and there are quite a few that offer regular tests without needing to join a club.

I believe the ARRL website has a fairly complete list of testing locations that is searchable by location, that's how I found the guys who I tested with in Tempe City.

thanks, but I've found a listing for a monthly meeting / test at a nearby community center in Newhall. I'll contact them when I'm ready to test.

 

[Dmski]

Figured I'd post my Baofeng UV5R setup. I chose to have an external Tram antenna that runs through the ceiling from the rear of my Xterra and pops out on the a pillar. I had to get an adapter from the external antenna to the Baofeng for a few bucks off ebay. Its simply a PL-259 connector to connect to the antenna side and then SMA female to fit the Baofeng. It sits with a cheapo universal phone mount and the mic (currently off) is mounted down on the left side of my wheel. Works pretty well and sound is clear. Haven't been able to figure out the range on it yet.

 

[jerdog53]

I am able to hit this one particular repeater in my area that is 32 miles from me with my Baofeng UV-5R and the stock rubber duck antenna from inside my truck!! I am very happy with this little unit!

 

[CatButt]

Is there somewhere that breaks down all the Baofeng units? The web site looks to be dated and there are several units that are in the $30 to $60 range which is in the same ballpark as far as I am concerned. I want to take some baby steps into this HAM thing and I am a certifiable cheapass...so Baofeng is a win/win for me.

Thanks

 

[Robert Bills]

Is there somewhere that breaks down all the Baofeng units?

There are several variants of the Baofeng UV-5_. All are pretty much the same. What you want is a model with current firmware. Amazon is a good source.

Personally, having owned a Baofeng for a year or so, I would spend the extra money for a basic "name brand" HT such as Yaesu, etc. They are not that much more, and aren't "disposables" with no factory or retailer support like a Baofeng.

After all, if you are going to go to the trouble of studying for the Ham exam and want a transceiver that will work when you need it most, isn't it worth it to buy a quality radio?

 

[CatButt]

There are several variants of the Baofeng UV-5_. All are pretty much the same. What you want is a model with current firmware. Amazon is a good source.

Personally, having owned a Baofeng for a year or so, I would spend the extra money for a basic "name brand" HT such as Yaesu, etc. They are not that much more, and aren't "disposables" with no factory or retailer support like a Baofeng.

After all, if you are going to go to the trouble of studying for the Ham exam and want a transceiver that will work when you need it most, isn't it worth it to buy a quality radio?

The most expensive Baofeng I saw was $60 for a tri band 8 watt model. That is about a quarter of the price of a name brand. I get what you mean, but it seems to me to be a good learners tool/backup/loaner/etc. Unless I am missing something here Baofeng seems like a reasonable unit for it's purpose. While I may be a self proclaimed cheap *** I do like to buy the best quality stuff that meets the needs at the lowest price. I always bring my DeLorme Inreach with me as well as a couple of GPS units...even on the ADV bike...ya never know.

 

[java]

I am able to hit this one particular repeater in my area that is 32 miles from me with my Baofeng UV-5R and the stock rubber duck antenna from inside my truck!! I am very happy with this little unit!

Really? Thats impressive. I was driving with a buddy, also on a baofeng with stock antenna, I could see his truck (1/2 mile maybe?) and he couldn't hear me well enough to understand.

But I have two and they are handy to give a spotter or friend. definitely nice to have for the money