Been considering purchasing it since after all it's only 40$ on amazon. Has 4 watts output in high power mode and looks to be unlocked right from the factory covering 136-174MHz and 400-480MHz. Also built in FM Broadcast Band radio and flashlight.
Best of all it looks like Amazon doesn't give a shit about proving licensing.
I was thinking of using it for the FRS/GMRS bands and maybe dinking around on the ham bands when I get licensed on some cold day in hell.
Let me know what you guys think.
BTW don't worry, I'm not converting to the dark side ;D
Post by uzi9mmauto on Jan 27, 2013 11:46:37 GMT -6
I bought one and it SQUEELS a lot. I sent it back to CHINA and I havent heard crap in 3-4 months. They havent got it yet. They are light- piece of junk in my eyes. People have hard time hearing me. I had to 'speak up' .. Personally I am not losing sleep over it taking SO DAM loNG for the 'replacement'. I would RATHEr spend 10-30% more and buy TYT or WOXOUN Radios instead. They are DUAL BAND and 'open too'.
Had absolutely no problems with mine so far. I can hit repeaters on both 2m and 70cm up to 25 miles away with the OEM antenna while near a window indoors at full power. Even was able to use a local GMRS repeater to talk to a friend. Programming is a headache at first but after getting use to the menu now I can do it blindfolded. I have owned a few other HTs in the past that were damn good quality by Yaesu and I have to say the UV-5R comes close.
Keep in mind this unit is <50$. That's cheaper than some good GMRS/FRS radios so to say it's a POS is being a bit heavy considering the price. I personally feel for what it cost it's a hell of a deal and a great entry radio for a ham on a budget or someone who wants to use a higher end radio for FRS/GMRS/MURS, though technically it's not certified for those uses but who's looking?
Quality control is a real issue with these chinese radios. I can see why you didn't like the radio as I have been lurking on the yahoo group for the UV-5R and many people have received dud units. I lucked out and got a spot on unit that performs perfectly.
They have made a few newer versions now that have more of the look and feel of the TYT and woxoun units but still at 1/3 of the price. You should remember that.... 1/3 OF THE PRICE.
Usually you pay for what you get and though this radio isn't a 500$ HT, it is a hell of an HT for 50$. You couldn't touch radios like this a few years ago for under a few hundred so for that I am quite appreciative of this so called chinese junk.
Only complaint is the OEM antenna is quite short but it can be upgraded easily to a 1/4 wave whip.
Here's my radio in all its glory next to an equally cheap beer...
It's a fun radio what can I say. Also forgot to mention how nice it is that the keypad lights up at night. Even used the flashlight on top a few times which I never thought would happen. I believe the FM broadcast radio in it also works on the DSP chip. It picks up FM stations just as good, if not slightly better than my Radioshack DX398 which actually makes me cringe a bit considering how much I love that radio. Too bad the HT didn't have a stereo headphone jack though as the FM chip inside of it allows for stereo, but it is mixed to mono through the mic/spk jack.
Post by computerdoc4751 on Feb 16, 2013 8:01:03 GMT -6
I bought one right after getting my Amateur General class license. I can talk thru repeaters on 144 and 440 with the oem antenna, and the repeaters are about 7 miles away. I bought a J pole antenna for it, and can talk about 5-6 miles simplex. Except for programming being really cofusing, it's a great radio for the price!! ( I paid 43$)
Post by cptzulu158 on Mar 17, 2013 11:29:42 GMT -6
SOme of these are ok some are bad. Had a wouxon absolutly hated it. Intermod and poorly filtered. bought a alinco dj-v57t other than sub par antenna great radio. Have a friend that has a baeofang and likes his other than it picks up spark plug noise. Just like chineese pocket knives most are bad but a every now and the you can get a good one.
"As people become more intelligent they care less for preaches and more for teachers."
– Robert G. Ingersoll
Post by cptzulu158 on Mar 17, 2013 11:50:10 GMT -6
Btw, The fcc dont give a rip bout what were doing as long as your not cutting the lips off someones brodcast station or public service. they have been selling export cbs for 15+ years that I know of and every ham radio is modifiable to tx anywhere by removing one diode or cliping a wire etc. Theese guys only care about cell phones and with the budget cuts I am shure they will only become more neglegent. Its like pulling teeth trying to get some ahole ham off the air. It does happen just very very very rarely. sorry I probably got off topic.
"As people become more intelligent they care less for preaches and more for teachers."
– Robert G. Ingersoll
Now the uv5r series are at lowest price. If you like, it will be a best time to get one. But as I know, there are F8HP,or UV5RHP baofeng radio, which enable you to transmit with 8W power. Of course, I am not sure if this is ture or just another re-labeled things.lol
Now the uv5r series are at lowest price. If you like, it will be a best time to get one. But as I know, there are F8HP,or UV5RHP baofeng radio, which enable you to transmit with 8W power. Of course, I am not sure if this is ture or just another re-labeled things.lol