Top products from r/Baofeng

Ok, First, you should read. There's a lot of information available online, but this is a good physical reference:

https://www.amazon.com/ARRL-Radio-License-Manual-Spiral/dp/1625950829/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541695126&sr=8-1&keywords=ham+radio+license+manual+2018

Second, a repeater is a station that takes in a signal and rebroadcasts it. Usually it's at a much higher power or better elevation. Elevation, power, and quality of antenna can all make a difference in average distance. Frequency can also make a difference. The radio you're looking at is a 2 meter band / 440 meter band radio. It broadcasts in the VHF (Very High Frequency) range and has a lower range than something in the HF (High Frequency) range. That probably means nothing to you right this moment because you don't have any context to base your knowledge on. But that should give you a couple terms to google.
The next thing you have to know is what repeaters are in your general area. That's a tough one. I am lucky enough to have some awesome ones in my area maintained by some really knowledgeable people. A good reference for what repeaters are in your area is here:

https://www.repeaterbook.com/

Third, the antenna. I got this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-NA-771-15-6-Inch-SMA-Female-BTECH/dp/B00KC4PWQQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541695485&sr=8-3&keywords=nagoya+na-771

It works well.

The way I get that much range is that one of the better repeaters is within 30 miles of my house and is both line of sight and I'm in it's range pretty much all day. Line of sight to the repeater can also make a difference. I'm sure others can suggest various other reading material for you about radio wave propagation and online study guides.

Feel free to PM me with any questions. I'm always happy to help!

Depends on what country you are in and so on.
I have worked professionally in radio for 20 years, I am an RF Engineer and I have government communications contracts in the US.

Assuming you are in the USA, technically the 888 are not legal to use on GMRS but they dd recently pass part 90 certification and new versions should have an FCC ID on them. GMRS is part 95 but may many people have and are using part 90 radios on GMRS because there is a massive shortage in real GMRS radios, The FCC has acknowledged this and seems to not really car much about it as long as the radios are not creating issues in other band like harmonics, etc.

Hams get triggered when people mention baofengs for other use outside of ham bands because they are cheap and originally part 97 ham radios, some hams feel they have been violated by the FCC because the FCC has started granting part 90 and 95 certification on some of these radios. So most of the banter is just hurt feefee's speaking and that typically results in fear porn stories about how the FCC will track you and your kids down and give you all a huge fine for using a non certified radio here and there unscheduled.
I have my ham license and I do not care what people use for a radio, I assume we are all adult enough to be responsible while using a radio, like not talking over someone else, or interfering with service comms like police and fire services. I;m not going to say "He just get your ham license" because I know what its like to have friends and family, some of them may not want a license or they cannot grasp the concept to pass a test, nothing wrong with that not everyone is tech savvy, so you need an easy way out.

GMRS is your best option but you need a license for it, no test, $80 USD and you and your whole family can use it. I reccomend this over a ham license unless you think EVERYONE that will be using a radio can study and pass a ham radio test and remember to follow the ham radio rules..

MURS is 2 watts and you have to use MURS radios but you run a HUGE risk of being on a channel like what Wal-mart uses and if they catch you they can trespass you from their property... They actually think the own MURS channels..

Ok so here is what I suggest, Get a GMRS license, you can goto your local 2-way radio shop (where the police go to have their stuff serviced, not radio shack XD) and ask them to help you apply for a license. they should have no problem with this. Also you can subscribe to the GMRS subreddit.

Now you will need to get some GMRS part 95 radios, Baofeng makes one - https://www.amazon.com/GMRS-V1-Repeater-Scanning-136-174-99mhz-400-520-99mhz/dp/B01LWOLZ8L

This is good because this one will do repeaters where your blister pack cobras and stuff will not. Also this radio will receive VHF and that means it will receive NOAA weather broadcasts.

There are some surplus part 90 radios that have part 95 certification out there but I cannot list them all off, you will have to do that homework on your own.

I would use CB radio for car to car on the road communications and use GMRS HT's for on the ground activity. CB has its perks on the road, you can get traffic reports, speed trap info or just chat with a trucker if you get bored driving XD. CB channel 19 is the main use road channel BTW

You can get your ham license but that is only as powerful as to the fact if you have anyone to contact and you know repeater info for areas you will be travelling in, as mentioned above Would everyone in your family and group be willing, have time and be able to study and pass a ham radio test?

Seriously guys think before you start spewing crap, the OP may have young kids or friends who may or may not be able to understand radio theory well, not everyone is tech savvy in the world, for $80 a GMRS license will allow everyone in your family and group to communicate wit some simple common sense rules..

^^What he said. I don't have a Baofeng, but I've read up on them.

You need the programming cable if you want to name your saved channels.

Also, get the $20 programming cable, not the $9 one, unless you're really good at device driver debugging. The cheapo cables have knockoff chips in them that are not supported by the official drivers. It's a headache.

THIS should be the legit cable. SHOULD be.

Happy hamming!

EDIT: Second also on using CHIRP. The Baofengs are well supported by that software, and it's cross-platform, unlike the manufacturer's software.

I only wish the CHIRP guys would choose to support the TYT U/V HTs sometime this decade. :'(

Welcome!

The link you posted doesn't work. It got truncated somehow. Try pasting that again in the comments.

I always recommend the Baofeng UV-5R to the budget-minded. It costs $27 and is pretty good in performance (from my use and from what I've heard from others). With the stock antenna on this radio, you should be able to get a few miles of range in open spaces. You can upgrade the antenna to a "quarter wave" antenna to better that range. The higher up your antenna is in the air, the farther out you will be able to reach with your radio -- UHF/VHF radios are all 'line of sight'.

You will also be able to use local ham radio repeaters in your area to talk to people around you. Repeaters will greatly enhance your range as they are typically built on tall towers or hill tops. You can look for repeaters in your area on RepeaterBook. Under "band", select 2m or 70cm (the UV-5R supports both bands)

However, you're going to need a ham radio license (at least a Technician class) to transmit. Also, your family is going to need ham radio licenses to transmit. If this does not work for you, I would recommend FRS/GMRS radios or CB radios which can be used without a license.

If I understand it correctly, in Canada GMRS does not require a license. You cannot use the F8HP because it is not type-accepted for
GMRS, but Baofeng does make a GMRS type-accepted radio that I believe is legal for use in Canada: the GMRS-V1. You'll need to double check Canadian regulations on GMRS, but that is probably the safer legal option. It's 2W to be compliant with limits on GMRS outputs, but that will still get you pretty good range.

Edit: fines for business caught doing illegal stuff are usually harsher, so I'd make sure you double and triple check Canadian law to make sure you are in the clear for anything you decide on, not just rely on what people tell you.

If you are going to transmit on simplex frequencies then you don't need the CHIRP software.

If you only plan to use a couple of repeater frequencies then you can learn how to program it manually. It is a very frustrating process compared to other handhelds like Yaesu and Kenwood.

I have a couple of Baofeng radios which I want to use on a number of repeaters and found it so frustrating to do the programming manually that I use CHIRP. I'm also a member of a RACES team so I have a number of repeaters programmed into my Baofeng radios and the best way to get it done correctly and in a timely manner was to use CHIRP.

One word of caution DON'T GET KNOCK OFF CABLE. Most of the time they don't work. Only get the GENUINE programming cable made by BTech. Here is the link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Programming-BaoFeng-Kenwood-AnyTone/dp/B00HUB0ONK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1527191826&sr=8-4&keywords=baofeng+programming+cable

Good Luck,

Scott - K7JSG

Generally, UHF is better suited to urban environments. The shorter wave length of the frequencies has an easier time of being reflected and bouncing around off glass windows and other metal surfaces to reach the repeater or other intended station.

Almost all the Baofeng HT's (handheld transmitters) are dual band and will work on VHF & UHF. Personally, I would recommend the Baofeng BF-F8HP 8-watt model. It can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-BF-F8HP-Two-Way-136-174MHz-400-520MHz/dp/B00MAULSOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501540520&sr=8-1&keywords=BAOFENG+f8

If the 1.25m band (220 MHz) is popular, you can look at the the UV-5x3 tri-band model. It can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-UV-5X3-Watt-Tri-Band-Radio/dp/B01J2W4JUI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501540679&sr=8-1&keywords=UV+5x3

Was going to recommend Amazon, but just discovered the U.K. Version sucks...

I got my first magmount last week :
Nagoya RB-50 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J9EGGDW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_wVOsxWHR3Zwl8)
Works great so far!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUB0ONK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 that's the one I bought. No driver needed. However, make sure that you really have the portion in the HT seated very well and snug. On my first few tries mine wasn't really plugged in well, though I thought it was impossible to be more so. Really make sure it's snapped in there. Though that Amazon page says no drivers needed, and it was true for my El Capitan Mac, you would need one for linux.

FYI there's also this one, I do not own it, but it's Baofeng's version of a "commercial" mic. Reviews are good, just again, FYI.

http://www.amazon.com/QHM22-Platinum-Rainproof-Shoulder-AnyTone/dp/B00Z4X3MM6

Why don't you get one of these for $19. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LMIBAZW/

It also prevents the ptt button from being pressed constantly from the grounds for the mic/speaker grounds being bridged.

I've used it with good success for aprs from my phone and transmitting other digital modes from my computer.

This is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013WPA6YO/

Says it works on the UV’s I’m using it on a BF-F8, works great still.

Wait, you probably meant... vs a UV-82. Yes.

I ordered from amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007H4VT7A) and didn't have any problems shipping to Ottawa. Exchange, shipping and duty pretty much doubled the price in CAD though, but still pretty cheap.

I went with the cheaper cable at first, and it worked with the Chinese software. After contacting the manufacturer, they recommended a different cable which worked like a champ.

That app looks pretty good, would it be compatible with the Baofeng cable: https://www.amazon.com/APRS-K2-Connector-BaoFeng-APRSDroid-Compatible/dp/B01LMIBAZW

I had good luck with this one. I plugged it into my windows 10 machine and Chirp worked without any driver download or install, just using the generic FTDI driver that bundles with windows.

ETA: This is with a BaoFeng BF-F8HP as the target.

I just ordered my direct from Baofeng for 24.98. Baofeng has a Amazon Store Setup. Here is the direct link: https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-UV-5R-Dual-Radio-Black/dp/B007H4VT7A

It came in 2 days, brand new in the box and works great

These go on the radio (pack of 2 but only need 1), and fit flush.

Then for the antenna you'll probably want these, they're not gapless on the antenna side but some heatshrink over the connection would hide it fairly well I imagine.

Check out the Nagoya NA-771 antenna, its a direct screw on replacement. It will pick up weaker signals the standard antenna more clearly.

https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-NA-771-15-6-Inch-SMA-Female-BTECH/dp/B00KC4PWQQ


If you're referring to transmitting with more power, the best option is to get a repeater. GMRS licensing allows up to 50 watts on a repeater.

Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-701C (Commercial Frequency Tuned) 8-Inch Whip VHF/UHF (155/455Mhz) Antenna SMA-Female for BTECH and BaoFeng Radios
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AX3AYOK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bb9PBbJ916DPC

Or

Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-717 8.5-Inch Super Whip VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) Antenna SMA-Female for BTECH and BaoFeng Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQAY7WI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9a9PBbJC50SVF

Is this the one you're talking about?

BTECH QHM22 Platinum Series IP54 Rainproof Shoulder Speaker Mic for BaoFeng, BTECH, Kenwood Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z4X3MM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wGB8Cb3D40FV0

I've seen them with number buttons, which this one doesn't have. Not a big deal?

As for the antenna, would that be for general use, or with your UV5R? Would an antenna like that be overkill for the 5W the UV5R spits out?

my uv82 is programmed for 469.550mhz, if i get this nagoya 701c thats tuned for 155/455, would that affect my tx/rx? im trying to replace my stock antenna for better signal. does 155/455 mean just those two frequency or frequencies around them?

https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-NA-771-15-6-Inch-SMA-Female-BaoFeng/dp/B01AX3AYOK/ref=pd_rhf_sc_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=D6SBZ6PC67ZVTZRQ7612&th=1

Very true, I seem to be unable to find another of the same battery that came with the F8HP; you think this would work?

I spent about $90 total, and put this Nagoya half wave on to this 5" mag mount and it's working really well for me.

Edit: I forget to add these coax adaptors which are useful for all sorts of applications

Then I would seriously consider the BTech UV-5X3 Tri band HT. I have two of them, and I have been very pleased with both the radios, and BTech (BaofengTech).

Something spammy about both links with that extra facebook id parameter added.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B07ZH7Q1ZS (make sure you know what you're clicking)

When I bought my cable, I was cautioned to only buy the cable from Baofeng themselves, and that knock-off cables wouldn't work. I don't know if that's a legit issue, but I didn't risk it and bought mine straight from Baofeng on Amazon. Maybe that's not your problem, but it could be.

Compact Speaker Mic with Reinforced Cable for Baofeng Radio BF-F8HP BF-F9 UV-82 UV-82HP UV-82C UV-5R UV-5R5 UV-5RA UV-5RE UV-5X3 V2+ and Arcshell TYT Wouxun Kenwood Radio, Shoulder Speaker Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5LJ0YR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.TL0BbSCXBTPZ

I have have this one and it works well for me. There is a little pop when audio comes in.

I am on windows 10 and have this added to my cart on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUB0ONK/ref=crt_ewc_title_gw_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AA3MGRC7F9EI2

Would it work?

Anything sold by BaoFeng Tech on Amazon is genuine.

Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-771 15.6-Inch Whip VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) Antenna SMA-Female for AnyTone, BaoFeng, and Yaesu https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC4PWQQ/

> I'm 99% sure the 888s requires one of the side buttons pressed while turning on to program.

Nope. I've configured ~ 10 of them. If you use a legitimate FTDI cable, you don't need any special tricks. Just plug it in, turn it on, and sync.

Uniden BC75XLT. You can probably score a used one for ~$50 on eBay/craigslist/ham swap meet.

If you need to monitor multiple channels and you don't need to transmit, then what you're looking for is a scanner.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A1VSO9M/

There's this cable. You set your VOX level so the audio triggers it. I haven't gotten it to work with APRS on my phone yet, but I've only tried once or twice.

From the radio you need this
sma to bnc adapter
then
pl259 to bnc cable
to go to the
swr meter then you need
this F adapter to your standard tv coax going to your antenna

with these parts you can reuse them over and over for antenna projects instead of spends a lot of money on just one antenna you may not wind up using. also you should use any coax you have now and figure out what coax you will need in the future instead of buying new coax since you are inexperienced

UV-5RA?

https://www.amazon.com/GMRS-V1-Repeater-Scanning-136-174-99mhz-400-520-99mhz/dp/B01LWOLZ8L ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5LJ0YR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Only $45

BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MAULSOK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aDVfAbDCQJW0J

Here is the mobile version of your link

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D86IKIQ/ref=psdc_172530_t1_B00GNVJ8IU

The Motorola RSMs only work with Motorola radios. The btech one can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-QHM22-Platinum-Rainproof-Shoulder/dp/B00Z4X3MM6

I use one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019YJMRZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_dp_F3gBybGGPVN1C

​

You can plug in a set of iPhone earbuds with mic and it allows you to hear and transmit.

Model: UV-5R V2+
Freq: 136-174Mhz/400-479.995Mhz
FCC-ID:ZP5BF-5R
Firmware: BFB297 (used this method)
Antenna: ~4.5" FM/136-174/400-520MHz Female SMA

Vendor info:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HX03AMA/
$33.99
June 29, 2016
Sold by: CameraTec
USA -> USA shipping

Was gonna potato for scale but went with the standard.
UV-5R V2+

> 82X3GT22

first link if you scroll down shows the deal and code.

second link ends up here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B07ZH7Q1ZS

"Multimode" by Black Cat Systems

BTECH APRS-K2 Cable

Edit: Sorry, I have SSTV on the brain and could have sworn that's what you asked. Not sure if Multimode does APRS.

For race track comms you would not need the updated gear. It is for pulling in weak signals from farther away. But if you really want them:
https://www.amazon.com/DHT-LLC-AD075-Convert-Adapter/dp/B00CVQK466/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539919285&sr=8-3&keywords=baofeng+bnc+adapter&dpID=512eaHTlUAL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

and

https://www.amazon.com/Antenna-HYS-771N-BNC-Handheld-Radio/dp/B01N5Y8H9L/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539919513&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=2m+%2F+440+antenna+with+bnc+connector

Yea the problem is probably your cable; it was sold by Tenway, not by Baofeng. This is what you should get.

If you use low power you are obeying all the rules for MURS

Buy a programming cable and get chirp, you'll be able to use your computer to program the frequencies in.

The radio isn't approved for MURS but realistically no one is gonna hunt you down unless you go grossly over the power limit.

Of course a getting a technician license is the best choice, however, it would be kind of hard to get everyone in your group licensed.

Saw post on the other sub. Thought you would be here. This one is the one everyone seems to go with. Short of a hard mount and an adapter. There are fakes so be sure to get the real one. Be aware the comments cover all the antennas listed.

This bad boy right here
BTECH QHM22 Platinum Series IP54 Rainproof Shoulder Speaker Mic for BaoFeng, BTECH, Kenwood Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z4X3MM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zYMXCbV4MABYS

That's what the FAQ already says, but it fails to acknowledge that there are baofeng radios certified for GMRS, which was my point.

I would put it the other way around: it's the counterfeit chips that cause the problems because they do not work with the drivers built into the OS.

Are the third-party drivers for these cables even signed?

If you get a genuine FTDI cable it will work with Windows 10 right out of the box. You won't have to install any sketchy drivers that may put your computer and personal information at risk.

This is what I just got for my first HT:

• UV-5RV2+
  
• Nagoya NA-701 8-Inch Whip
  
• FTDI Authentic Genuine USB Programming Cable
  
  I bought the cheap $5 cable first but it didn't work on my Mac so I returned it. This one works no problem. I had no reason to get the 5RV2+ over the plain 5R; the 5R is slightly cheaper though.