Two way radios

Ham radio operators I know are using these, and seem to think they are ok, except they are very difficult to program through the keyboard. But if you get the cable and software to program with them with your PC, the programming isn't too difficult.

The only recreational band I know of that doesn't need a license is the family radio service. I believe that radios for this service are supposed to only work for family radio service. So I would think these multi-purpose units wouldn't be allowed for that use.

I believe the main CB-like activity still around is ham radio, which requires a license. You can find out about that at http://wwww.arrl.org

I believe they will transmit on GMRS as well, and the FCC has basically stated that although technically there is a license required, they are not interested in processing those requests. I have been known to be wrong.

I have read that FRS is limited to .5 watt output. So transmitting at 8 watts would probably bleed all across the channels.

I have several. I use them for listening to my GPS radios. I use them on HAM frequencies, I use them on GMRS.

They are great little radios and there are a bunch of nifty, reasonably priced accessories.

The price is amazing. I have seen them for $34 on Amazon Prime.

I bought a programming cable ($8) and have used both Chirp and the manufacturers software. Not too good, but again for the price I guess it can not be beat.

M

Thanks for the input. Who did you purchase from...BaofengRadio.us or BaofengTech?

I bought a couple for work after reading recommendation on this site (may have been Mr. Silver). I'm a new company/ trying to stick to the budget.

Amazon. 2 uv-5r's with bells and whistles. to the house for like 80 bucks (included programming cable and software). sorry Motorola but, 300 for one doesn't work when you've been making them for 30+ years.

First impression: WAY too much other stuff going on made them a pain in the @zz.

fm radio, siren, frequency mode, channel mode, led flashlight w/ beacon function, 12+ keys on the front face... just too much.

carried them to the site, preferred to leave them in the truck. but, the spendthrift in me started to go to work (can't spend money just to leave it in the box). started searching the web and found a page somewhat devoted to them.

this page has a downloadable, annotated, users manual (fills in the translation gaps and is very helpful). it's also where you can get the "chirp" programming executable.

Pick your model.

also tells you how to deal with current windows non-recognition of aftermarket usb chips!!!

So, I programmed 4/5 channels to what were touted as military simulation frequencies on the web (air soft, paint ball, etc.). put the things in channel mode and LOCKED the keypad!

They've been good, useful and strong (send/ receive wise), so far.

I have to say they are a little flashy for my personal taste (shiny chrome face doesn't feel right after years of flat black).

The remote mic/ speakers that came in the deal (Motorola style) don't always seem to work. some web info says they may not be a good fit from the factory (you need to scrape away plastic to get them to seat properly). But, that's a streamer off the handlebar that I don't really need.

If I was looking at a year of backlog, I'd buy Motorola (maybe kenwood) without blinking. On a dime, these are doing fine. time will tell on lifespan.

These radios will be mostly for personal use, but I do plan on testing them out at work. I ordered 2 of the BF-F8HP 8 watt models. I also ordered 2 of the 15.5" whip antennas to play around to and see how far they will go for personal purposes. The 8 watt models cost twice what the UV-5R radios cost (which may defeat the purpose), but I had a gift certificate that I have been holding onto since Christmas.

I understand they are cheap radios that will not stand up to the Japanese radios.
If they work out, I'll probably give one to my brother and buy another for my dad.

What I'd like to do is mount an antenna on the truck, then send the audio to my amplified CB speaker. I'm thinking I could make a holder for it that would fit in my cigarette tray (ya I have one of those in my truck). I would use a hand held mike like a CB. I have read that if you mount too much of an antenna on them, they start getting noisy.

The ones I have don't seem to have a squelch knob. They have been noisy.

They seem strong and you're upping the wattage. Would like to hear how it turns out.

On sending the Rx to an audio amplifier, be careful. You don't get a line out feed; so, you'll be amplifying an amplifier.

Breaker 645.250 😀