The following is a piece intended to supplement three readily-available World Wide Web resources:
- How to manually program a Baofeng UV-5R
- Download the free programming software called Chirp
- How to program a Baofeng using a computer
After punching in some frequencies, set the radio up for a ‘tactical’ operations by:
1.) Turning off the lighting in the display, and all beeps and bells and whistles.
2.) Set the power level on low for all tactical frequencies.
3.) Select the narrow band option to reduce the range further.
4.) Use several coats of black nail polish to ‘black out’ the LED light, but better yet is to use JB Weld or another epoxy, to form a cap over two of the small buttons on the side. This in ensures the flashing light and siren are not inadvertently triggered. Be sure not to do this to the big button that is in between the two smaller ones. That one is the Push To Talk (PTT) button. (Unless you do not want that radio to transmit.
Note: Should one find the need to use one of these capped button to access the flashlight or FM radio, simply use your K-Bar to carefully pry the ‘cap’ off. One should always have fighting knife handy for these occasions.
Given the several antennas that usually come on these radios, I would test them, but if not, at least limit the range that the radio will transmit on in the ‘memories’ section in Chirp, to 144 to 153 Mhz, and 430 to 450 Mhz for the most common antenna. The shortest antenna that a UV-5r normally is supplied with is good for only 144 to 148 Mhz, and is no good for the 70 cm band. It is also no good for MURS or VHF business band (itinerants). If you have one of these short antennas on all, and any of your set of radios, then replace it! Standardize every aspect of your radios, so that they look and function the same.
We would not want to shorten the life of the radio by transmitting outside the antenna’s design range. So don’t do so, except in a pinch. The external antenna that can be used on a vehicle, that best matches the Baofeng UV5R’s useful transmit range, is the Tram 1181. This antenna–unlike most antennas offered–is pre-tuned, and could also be used as a base station antenna for either a mobile, or a handheld.
To make full make use of the Baofeng’s range, a discone antenna is necessary. This kind of antenna is suitable only for base stations, and is best as a antenna for scanners, however we are not necessarily interested communicating at the furthest range our equipment is capable of. Just the opposite. We should strive to limit the range, or have a range that is far enough to make reliable communications with those whom we would talk to, and no one else.
Use the correct antenna for the frequency, and the radio will have a longer service life. If it is necessary to transmit on an antenna not design for a frequency, always use the lowest power setting.
If you feel the radio getting warm, then you are talking on it too much. The ‘duty cycle’ or the amount of time one should transmit on high power of 4 watts, is only a few minutes. Set on the lower power setting, and the ‘talk’ time increases significantly, and so does the battery life. We will also limit how many people may listen in, if low power is used. If high power is necessary, let it cool off, lest it may over-heat, and fail.
If an older Baofeng no longer transmits, these make for good receivers to monitor a single channel, or to make slow scanner. I would limit it’s ‘scan’ list to no more than 27 frequencies, or to a list of frequencies that it can scroll though in less than 3 seconds. These 27 frequencies would be my first choice to scan, and are GMRS, FRS, and MURS. Using another Baofeng, I would also scan all the repeaters in the area, and especially the Amateur Radio, and GMRS repeaters, and the national calling frequency for the service, i.e. , 2 meter, and 70cm, and public emergency services frequencies.
Buy extra Baofengs to do service as scanners, and these can also be pressed into the rotation if necessary. Persons on ’look out’ dusty can carry an extra Baofeng, in addition one for monitoring the primary frequency, and for only the purpose of scanning GMRS, FRS, and MURS, and radio traffic that would most likely be used by attackers. Of course a standard scanner would do that job better, but it would cost more, and it will never transmit. All Baofengs used for security work can be set up to scan the same list, so that if necessary, any one on the ‘team’ can scan even when not on ‘watch’. Scanning for traffic will improve ‘situtational awareness’, and may alert to one to trouble in the area, or trouble at your doorstep.
A Uniden SR-30C scanner with a Close Call feature is the good for this work, but I’ll cover that in another article.
Or better yet, get a frequency counter. Adjust the sensitivity, or use an external antenna. Anything that puts out RF (radio frequency) will show up, including cell phone traffic or drones (2.4Ghz). Look for a pattern of RF signatures, or sets of different frequencies in use, that may be associated with different types of persons, or organizations. But this kind of thing is covered in another article. [JWR Adds: A frequency couter is also useful detecting bugs or “bumper beeper” car trackers.]
Give priority to learning how to program your radio, one way or another, even if you can get to talk on only one channel. If only on one channel, it’ll work. We’ve all been there. That is your starting point on the learning curve.
Study YouTube videos on the topic, learn how to program it manually, and via Chirp. And if it is simply too technical for you at this time, then approach a Ham, and offer them some radios, or cash in trade for their services. Give them a frequency list that you would prefer, and ask for their suggestions. The radio is of little use otherwise. If the programming is not complete, then the radio will not serve at all, or to it’s full capacity. So why did you buy it for? At least one person in a group should have a functional grasp of how to operate the radio if even only on one channel, so that they can train others. Without comms of some form, the ability to warn others of an attack, or danger, is a serious deficit that needs to be overcome and solved, now. I’d consider at least having one air horn, and whistles for all, as two back up means for that purpose. You need redundant means as part of a good commo plan any way. If the Baofeng is too much to handle, get and an FRS or MURS radio that are more simple to operate. We’ll look at pre-programmed, plug and play options that are somewhat of the beaten path as we can get with common radios. These can be another and inexpensive, or not so inexpensive layer of your commo plan.
MURS Band
Of course we know about MURS radios. Here is a high quality fully-compliant 2 watt, 11.5khz band width radio that has less range than a Baofeng, and it is only $189. But you gotta get 2 of them to talk to someone.
And then there is a hand-held radio that accompanies the Dakota Alert Sensors, that sells for only $85. Lower quality, no better than Baofeng, 2 watts, narrow band, 11.5 Khz as specified by the FCC. But it is caveman simple to use, and that could be for you, or someone else in the family, particularly older folk like myself. These are Low Power, Short Range Handheld FRS/GMRS, Their range is 1/4 mile to 2 miles if you are lucky. [JWR Adds: These can be set to teh same frequency as rou driveway alarm, so you can get intrusion alerts and push-to-talk in the same hand-helfd, that you carry on your belt.]
Here is a video of a Range Test.
FRS Band
FRS has the huge advantage of being very low power, but the disadvantage of being ubiquitous, or in that every body and their hunting buddy, and his kid has one, but if used only in an emergency, or rarely, it is worth the risk of short transmissions. Saying “help, come here”, or such is good enough. If you suddenly realize that the Baofeng is simply too much for you, then I would consider the paying more for the Midland GTX series of radio that has FRS/GMRS with the scramble feature that is seldom found on FRS/GMRS combination. The ‘target market’ for these radios are outdoors enthusiasts, so they are somewhat rugged and water resistant, added bonuses. They have rechargeable batteries, but also can accept rechargeable or standard AA batteries. The ear piece is adequate, yet a high quality ear and mic set that have the ‘Kenwood’ plug will work with the GTX. It also has a vibrate alert, and animal sounds that can used as a brevity codes. There are other interesting features as well. If keeping it simple is watt works for you, then this a smart way to go. Of course the simplest option is those cheapo kid toy radios. They work!
The Midland GXT1050VP4 is $73 for a pair. (This has a scramble feature that can be used on very low power FRS, that adds a layer of security.)
The GMRS side puts out about 3 watts, so use that as your alternative frequency, and use a FRS frequency that is limited to less that 500mw, 1/2 watt ERP as your primary. That is, if the range is enough for your retreat, or within your perimeter that should be less than 5 acres. You hopefully have defenses farther out, and not at the ‘mailbox’, so that the 3 watt GMRS frequency that is the highest power setting is probably enough. It has a surprisingly good range.
The big advantage of the GTX is that it has a scramble feature, and a more powerful GMRS output of 3 watts. Be sure to use it. Using the scramble limits your audience, and using low power 1/2 watt FRS and ‘scramble’, make it’s really tough to for others to determine how close, or far away you are, and to understand what is being said. They can ony understand the conversation if they have the same Midland GTX radio that have been on the market for years.
One way to extend the range of these ‘bubble pack’ radios in a neighborhood network, as part of a base station, is to mount an external antenna high up outside, and use a scanner, or a Baofeng as a receiver. Listen to the incoming traffic on the scanner or handheld, and talk to the other station with the Midland GTX handheld, or use the Baofeng or other brand handheld attached to the external antenna, to get the greatest range. There are also high gain GMRS antennas that can be used. This one is high gain and rugged. Mount at least 20 feet high to get the most range out of it.
This is a secure as it gets for this category of simple radios. Baofengs are not for everyone.It is best that the user learn how to use whatever radio they can master, even it is only an FRS radio. Any device is good to have only if it can be used. Keeping it simple is usually the right choice, and it must be ‘stupid simple’ for the least skilled member of the team. If you are ham, then there are other options for communicating at longer distances, but at home, the lowly FRS radio that can be used by all, is the best choice. The security team can use something more sophisticated. However, the Baofeng can be programmed to be simple to operate, and as a single channel radio that is almost foolproof, so don’t discount tehm as “too complicated.”
Distance Communications for a Family
A set up in complexity is getting a license for GMRS radio. For 80 bucks, and some paperwork will get you a license for not only the family, but also extended family that is good for many years. This means a programmed and high powered GMRS radio capable of transmitting 50 watts can be used to communicate to friends and family within a 25 mile radius, and even further if there is a GMRS repeater in the area. Most handhelds are not programmed for repeater use, but the Baofeng can be, but there are some programmed hand helds that can use GMRS repeaters.
The default, or commonly used tone for most GMRS repeaters is 141.3. The owner of the repeater can use any tone they care to, and so can you, if you’d like a semi-private network. Even if you do not need the complexity, and range that comes with using a repeater, these radios have the power to talk 25 miles, or more simply by selecting a channel 1 thru 8, and you are in business. Used as a base station, the powerful mobile GMRS radio on a good antenna can talk to the Midland GTX, or lower powered ‘bubble pack’ radio, at much greater distances that a GMRS to GMRS handheld can talk, at least three times the range. So one base, plus a box of cheep handheld GMRS radio, and you got both short, and medium range comms.
A coupel of examples:
BTECH Mobile GMRS-50X1 50 Watt GMRS Two-Way Radio, GMRS Repeater Capable, with Dual Band Scanning Receiver (136-174.99MHz (VHF) 400-520.99MHz (UHF))
GMRS Repeater-Capable Handheld.
CB SSB
Perhaps a better long/mid range way to communicate that is off the beaten path, and more obscure than either of the previous options is CB radio with single side band (SSB). These have the equivalent of 12 watts of power and transmit on modulation mode not available to standard 4 watt, 40-channel CBs that are common. At least they were common, but these days CB is mostly a trucker thing, and even they have moved on to other VHF options. There are tons of dusty CBs in boxes, but half of them have succumbed to the dust of the ages and no longer work as they did when stored, and they may not have a functioning antenna either. Good luck with that. In many areas of the country, CB is mostly forgotten, or in disuse. And fewer yet have CBs with SSB!
Standard CBs broadcast no more than 4 watts and in AM mode, or AM type of modulation. A regular CB, cannot talk to a CB using SSB. This has become quieter part of the spectrum that is affordable and license-free, and the most secure place for unlicensed users, especially if a horizontal polarized antenna used. I have been buying CBs at yard sales for years, and I still do not own one that has the SSB feature. SSB CB is not a common radio. Unfortunately I am unaware of a hand held option. However, use the antenna from a handheld CB on a small mobile CB with SSB, and use a day pack as a way to carry it. Or just use the SSB CB for a network, or for base (house) to mobiles (car), and a MURS or FRS/GMRS handheld for around the ranch. I would not use handheld CB unless out in the boonies, and these are typically big bulky bricks to carry around. And there short rubber ducky antennas are way too short to be decent radiators. However, there are fewer low power CBs in use than another license free option.
Here are some web resources for you:
A Beginners Guide To SSB CB Operation
Why You Should Invest Or Upgrade To A SSB CB Radio
Uniden mobile CB with SSB (single side band)
Baofengs, the most versatile
A Technician license from the FCC makes it legal to be a ham, but does not instantly make the person competent. It can be like processing a surfboard in the middle of the desert. The experienced Ham will understand that. Find an experienced General Class Amateur to help you. For instance, ask the guy who taught your “Ham cram” class. He is there to help. I often program radio for others, and am a ‘sucker’ for another radio in my box, and have spent hours programming cases and cases of Baofengs, Wouxons, mobiles etc, and there are more on the way. Provide the programming cable for your radio, and the software if it is not included in Chirp.
I’ll assume that you bought a few Baofeng UV-5Rs before the sales ban went into effect. For now, use MURS channel 1. Enter 151.820 into the VFO (variable frequency oscillator), by pressing the orange button thingy marked ‘VFO’, and you are good to go! Do not be afraid to turn the radio on, and monkey poke the buttons to see what it does. If the siren goes off, simply turn the radio off, and it will reset. No, the FCC will not come to looking for you.
Here is an example of a frequency list prepared for a prepper/survivalist radio network.
Tunnel Rabbit, “out”.
Although in a gray area to discuss, because it is not legal to use except in waterways, are Marine Band radios. It would be illegal to use these during normal times outside of waterways. However, one could use the other license free options now, and have a set of Marine Band radios stored away should the country fall apart. These radios are pre-programmed, and can be water proof to a depth. The handheld’s transmit at a maximum of 5 watts, and the ‘mobiles’ can transmit at a maximum of 25 watts, and have range similar to the 2 meter Amateur Band, if a repeater is not involved. Pre-made antennas are available. These radio are available at various prices, including affordable prices, and are easy to use.
I see other omissions and errors, and when and if found, I’ll try to fix it up. Please let me know.
Thank you for writing this well written and informative article it is very useful for me
Thank you for this article. I was able to buy some of these radios, but I have no experience with them, so you are providing people like me a valuable service.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
OK, professionally I’ve been talking on radios all my life. I’m talking CB / Ham as a kid of 14, to airplane (33 years professional pilot, retired American Airlines Capt 1988-2018), Army SF before that. and 10 yrs of Law Enforcement in there somewhere. When it comes down to what to buy and all the technical stuff, I’m lost. Subsequently, I read a great review so I buy a few of the radios. I think I have about 40 radios now, multiple manufactures. I know some are “cheap type” intended for around the ranch, but I do have a dozen of this radio, and a few of the of the higher end ones. IS THERE A BOOK you all would recommend to explain all this techical stuff in plain English? YouTube helps, but in a SHTF me may not have YouTube.
Thanks for this article. I’m looking forward to everyones suggestions.
Hi Gregory,
I too have boxes of the stuff, some of obscure manufacturers purchases long before the inexpensive Chinese SDR radio craze. This is problem for even a radio-geek, as anyone can forget the particulars of this or that model, and it take some reorientation to finally remember how all various brands and models work. This is an unfortunate situation as it does complicate matters. It is necessary to sort this out, and simplify.
I will presume most folks have the ubiquitous FRS/GMRS of various makes. For the most part, these have been designed to be as user friendly as possible. This means the learning curve will not break one’s back. You will likely be able to figure this type out. One should be able to turn them on, and set them to a common channel so that each and every radio talks to each other. Go through and test each radio to make sure they ‘talk’ to each other. FRS/GMRS radios mostly have the same channel designation for the same frequencies. FRS Channel 1, should be the same for all of this type of radio. Reading the manual for one, should familiarized the reader, more or less, with all radios of this type. For the purposes of planning, these can be designated as Group #1, one layer, or a class of communications via radio, of shortest range variety that is best for use within a perimeter.
The next step in manage your pile of radios is to collect the next type of radios that have the most features, or is presumed to have similar capability that is different from Group #1. Initially look for the length of the antenna to be approximately the same length. However, there is not always a direct correlation, but it is a good first step in the sorting out business. These will most likely be VHF business band, or 2 Meter Amateur Band radios. Using the manufactures name and model, attempt to find and download the manual for each of these radios. Based upon the available literature, we can determine if these are Amateur radio or Business Band. If one pile is bigger than the other, learn how to use the bigger pile first. They will have much in common. If most of the radios turn out to be VHF business band, see which one can be manually programmed, and set them all to one of the MURS frequencies.
Many business band radio cannot be programmed manually, but need a computer, cable, and software. If there is enough of a certain make and model then it might be worth the trouble, however, if the radios have been in storage for more than 5 years, the batteries would have degraded. Even if they charge up, the duration of operation would be likely unacceptably short, and like the rest of us, we are only going to get older and will only continue to run out of juice. If the radio does not accept AA batteries, then I would run out and buy as many Baofeng UV5R’s as I could afford before the FCC sends sellers threatening letters. The cost of replacing the batteries of the higher quality radios that are not user friendly, will exceed the current price of 2 Baofengs, and it will still be difficult to use. Technical support for Baofeng is voluminous in comparison. It is the AR-15 of radios.
Some of the radios that we are unfamiliar with could prove useful latter. Some business band radios such as the old ‘wide’ band Kenwood’s are now illegal to use, as now all business band and Public Service bands are now required to have ‘narrow’ bandwidth transmitters. Yet these old Kenwoods, and other of the same generation, are manually programmable, and can be use on 2 Meter as well. I would save these. However, the batteries are now degraded, and it is more practical to buy Baofengs at this current moment time….
Inexpensive SDR radios have changed the game, and perhaps simplified the problem. A radio is only going to be as reliable as it’s power source. If it does not take common AA batteries, and has is not a lithium-ion battery, then if I could afford to do so, I would immediately buy Baofengs that are less than the replacement battery on something I do not know how to use, and standardize on particular model that is modern and common, or in wide use, that is potential source of interchangeable parts for long term sustainability. This platform is the Baofeng UV5R.
http://www.arrl.org and find their list of books for Ham operators. You might find what you are looking for there.
Good article TR. I’d recommend radios in layers of three (triad). Three frs to line of sight neighbors, one of those has a baofeng. Three baofengs to one quality HT vhf/uhf (I’ll use Yaesu). Three HT Yaesu to one Yaesu mobile/base. Three mobile/base to one HF/Vhf/uhf mobile/base. And so on. That would also apply to patrols. Two baofengs can also be linked into a primitive repeater that can be left on a hilltop/ building top. Amazon has simple wire harness. I emphasize, don’t operate on ham bands without a license during
normal times. Hams will usually be nice a time or two and try to help you get a ham license. But, will track you down and get you a costly FCC “ticket” if you ignore them. I’ve seen it done. The ham technician license is easy to get. Most ham radio operators would be happy to mentor a new licensee.
I sort by capability, then by numbers of a type or kind, rather than quality. If of low, or even high quality, those assignments might be issued replacement parts to support that operation that is most important, i.e., an LPOP.
As an humorous thought experiment to illustrate, over a 5 or 6 gallon bucket of water, hold the antennas of two radios. One would be a Yaesu, and the other an expendable Baofeng. Simultaneously, release the grip on the antennas allowing both radios to become submerged at nearly the same time. Then immediately remove both radios from the bucket of water, and turn the radios on. If one produces the magical smoke that is wafted away in the breeze, do not send that radio to an LPOP. If both radios produce the magical smoke, or are otherwise, ‘deader than a door nail’, send replacement parts, or better yet, a complete spare radio to that important post. Hopefully there is a spare Yeasu to send. We would not want excited persons attempting using a radio, or any equipment that they are not fully competent to operate under dress. Equipment should be standardized if at all possible.
Home brew repeaters could be used, but only on a limited basis, and best if on harmonically compatible frequencies, one being UHF, and the other VHF to avoid the destructive effects of dissonance. A one third step is compatible. 146 Mhz x 3 = 438Mhz is harmonically ideal. 151.820 x 3 = 455.460, is best, yet 449.950 would good enough. When the gloves come off, we can get real ingenious, and even devious, yet I would not use a home brew repeater that will see either long term, or even only moderately high traffic, as the transmitting ‘finals’ in these delicate hand helds could fail when needed most. The duty cycle on hand helds, particularly Baofengs, is impractically short in duration for this application, just a few minutes. If used as a hub to connect communication circuits, it will not last long. As a temporary solution that would only experience limited, and short transmissions, and traffic, it could be useful, and possibly as a disposable repeater, or one time use for a special operation.
To avoid destroying the receiving side of a home brew repeater, separate receiving and transmitting antennas, in terms of height, and of a distance of at least several wave lengths. And use the heaviest cable on both the RX/TX sides, and lowest transmitting power. I would not count on a home brew repeater to continue to function over a longer period of time. If the use of a repeater can be anticipated, I would have a low cost radio with cross-band repeat such an Anytone UT-5888. If the building can be secured, then use a repeater. Do not place a repeater that is not in secured area. And do not put any frequencies into the memory that could not be lost to attackers who would now have at least in part, or all of your frequency list.
Cross band repeaters could be very useful, but should not be apart of a low power unmanned relay system. It should be only used if secured. It can also patch Ham radio, or one radio service to another, and non-compatible radios in an emergency. It is not currently legal to do so from the MURS to the Ham Bands, yet it might be legal for a Ham to transmit into a cross band repeater that then broadcasts on MURS, or GMRS. Then Ham could then receive traffic from that Radio Service on a dedicated receiver for those frequencies. When there is a shortage of compatible radio, this can be a solution. Also a repeater from the Ham bands, can be ‘piped’ into a cross band repeater, further extending the range of the original repeater, and onto the lesser used Ham bands, or other radio services in a one way broadcast for emergency, and informational purposes.
For an unusual and temporary situation, a SW receiver with SSB, can receive short skip HF, and operate the VOX function on a baofeng or other, that sends the traffic to a 2 meter repeater, or perhaps a more obscure frequency for clandestine purposes. This is waaay outside the box, and perhaps in outer space for most, but it is at least a useful exercise for the brain, and fodder to be stowed away. On certain, and unexpected occasions, I tend to operate as a ‘space cadet’, exhibiting excessive fits of exuberant creativity. Some call it madness. Could this be an example?
Thinking outside the box will provide solutions in a environment that otherwise has limited resources. The brain is usually an underappreciated resource that can enable, and multiply other resources. And keeping the game afoot, or two, and variable, can keep them guessing as to watt is up. Your mind is your best and first weapon. Use it, or loose it.
If you become a ham licensee, please spend a few minutes and learn the ITU phonetic alphabet. AW#DMT call sign should not be Alonzo Went # Detroit Michigan Today, but Alfa Whiskey # Delta Mike Tango. With noise we can’t tell if you are giving your call sign or name and location, if you do not use standard phonetics.
About cb radios There are tons of sideband radio’s out there hell there is two in my closet now. I just don’t use them as 35 questions set me free got my ham ticket.
Now on to the good stuff A 40 channel cb can communicate with a ssb radio that is set to am look at the knob , it will say am ,Lsb, Usb, and if it a good one fm. Simply put the knob on am and you can talk to that cobra 29. Some of the high dollar sidebanders do ham bands also. For example an Rci 2970 can but they are basically a fancy cb radio.
Another thing you talked about is antenna’s , They can be bought online, radio shops and any truck stop. But do not just hook it up to a radio and transmit you will destroy the radio. Antenna’s must be what they call matched in, witch is adjusting the antenna to a swr reading of less than 1.5 and optimal of 0.0 swr. Another thing if you put a rubber duck antenna (the short antenna) on any cb radio ssb included you will also destroy the radio very quickly. What I mean is without the proper antenna it will cause the transmitting finals to burn out very rapidly , possibly as soon as you key the microphone. this means it will no longer transmit period and on ssb radio’s your receive also. Hope this helps.
But can standard AM CB’s understand SSB CB’s? I’ll gladly trade a bag of Baofengs for one of the SSB CB’s. These are hard to find around here. Perhaps it was popular in your region at one time, but do those once popular old radios still work? I love variety, and more toys. For course it would be just smarter to buy a new CB with SSB capability. Even more unobtainable (rare these days) are SSB CB that have been free banded! But we are trying to stay legal here. We don’t want folks to unknowingly, or knowingly get into trouble. Especially those with an inherent ,and inherited rebel spirit who are staunch Merican’s.
I regularly use a an SWR meter to re-test a any antenna that is installed, even if it has already been tuned. In storage, damage to the antenna, connecting ends, and cable, corrosion or otherwise, can occur, and once in a installed in a permanent location, the SWR has likely changed anyway, and may be unacceptable at the outer reaches of it’s previous good SWR. I could make a rubber duck or short flexible antenna for man pack CB for special occasions. I would rather go to that effort for a CB with SSB. Or we can cut a full length dipole, and string it up horizontally. Or vertically if the SWR is border line for a given height, and current soil moisture content, or general condition, and ability to reflect at that time. Snow can mess up a plan too… Local terrain and type of trees available would also dictate. You’d have to see watt works for your area of operations. Then you would have something unusual, and that scanners would not understand (receive) SSB well either.
As long as ssb is on am it’s the same as straight 40 channels. Some ssb radios have all kind’s of frequency splitter on them such as galaxy’s, general lee’s, northstar, connex etc. These are great radio’s but you have to know how to use them. For simplicity Cobra 148, uniden grant’s, and such are easier to operate and lower cost. I find them at thrift stores , yard sales, craigslist , etc. but always check them out first because somebody will sell you a bad one on purpose, and some repair parts are obsolete and costly. I don’t know were your at but ham shows are also a good place to check to I have bought ssb radio’s for 10 20 bucks but its a gamble. For reference a ssb cb will cost more than baofeng handheld.
Thanks for that hard to find experience with CB w/SSB.
I’ve got boxes of used CB’s picked up at yard sales, $5 for the radio, cable and antenna. If the radio does not work, and half the time, they do not, the PA may still work, and the antenna can be altered and cut for VHF/UHF. After years of hunting, the elusive SSB is still elusive. Can’t find them any where out here in the boonies. Those nearer to civilization apparently have a much better place to find CB with SSB.
The least expensive new one run around $150.00, and with so few in operation, my guess is that even in populated areas where radio traffic is congested, SSB will be usable. Out here SSB, and CB in general is mostly unused. Scanner will can in either FM or AM, but not SSB. As a solution for those seeking quieter space, and up to a 25 mile range without skip, the cost is similar to VHF and UHF, and no license is needed.
The typical SSB CB radio has three transmission modes: AM, Lower Sideband (LSB) and Upper Sideband (USB). When set to AM mode, the SSB radio can communicate with other basic CB radios that are AM mode only. But when operating in Single Side Band mode (either LSB or USB) the basic CB radios cannot understand the signal from the SSB radio. It will be obvious that someone is transmitting, but it will NOT be understandable at all.
Yep! And and the SSB CB puts out the equivalent of 12 watts instead of 4 watts. Double plus good stuff, and it is now well off the beaten path. It is virtually ignored in this day and age. Talk to surrounding neighbors who still have their old CB’s, and then privately talk to trusted friends on either upper or lower side band. We would have 3 options. A new Uniden with side band is only about $150.00, and is programmed….good to go.
Excellent article Tunnel Rabbitt. Thanks! My wife and I have our technician licenses but are still newbies. We added a few Baofeng units as Mr. Rawles advised.
All I might add is that we had a small Goal-Zero 7-watt solar 2-panel charger. We bought a BTECH USB Smart Charger (9-10.8V) Transformer Cable (Amazon $10). It is designed to connect directly into the Nomad USB and the standard Baofeng charger cradle. Seven watts is on the small side and Montana sunshine can elusive but be patient, but it worked. A 21 watt 3-panel unit would be much better and can be found for about $40.
Montana Guy,
Perhaps only an engineer can appreciated this augment, yet when the bean counter sees the savings, they would naturally become interested.
Electrically, this is the most reliable and efficient use of power. It avoids reliance and complexity of a inefficient square sign wave inverter, the smaller 400 watt version are not built to last, and are terrible wasteful of limited PV power. Up to 30% of the power produced can be lost when using low cost inverters. Another 15% + of the power created is also lost in transformation of electric power converted to a chemical form in the battery. Solar systems must designed well to be efficient. On the other side of the efficiency calculation, is how we use that power. These voltage step down transformers, connected to a storage battery, can then safely use power from the PV panels before some it is lost in the conversion and storage in the battery. It also avoid the loss of power, of at least 15 to 30%, if a inverter is used. Using these inexpensive devices greatly improve the efficiency of small solar system by reducing the power need to be generated significantly. If 2 amps are needed to charge 4 Baofengs during the solar day, and the panel is producing a solid 4 amps on a good solar day, but there is loss of 50% due to several efficient points in the ‘system’ discussed, the net power produced might be only 2 amps.
If we need to charge 8 Baofengs we can either double the sized of the entire solar system, or we can buy 2 of these, and avoid the cost of an inefficient 400 watt inverter as well:
:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ELGA23E/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Here are two options. One costs a $1 more per Baofeng, but the other more expensive one provides a low cost mean of redundancy. I think I would pay more for the redundancy, the higher cost unit provides. We’ll need 4 of those for every 2 of the other.
The 12vdc automotive universal voltage adapter refer to last time puts out 12 watt and is sufficent for charging 2 Baofengs using the 9 vdc selection. Cost per Baofeng = $6.00
This same kind of adapter puts out enough power to charge 4 Baofengs using the 9vdc selection. Cost per Baofeng = $5
p:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ELGA23E/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Tunnel Rabbit, I never said that I was an engineer. How did you know? Ha.
I was all ready to buy a 21 watt solar panel but the 100 watt panel configuration (below) sounds like a MUCH better idea. Portability is nice but I already have it with the small Goal Zero 7 watt. Thanks.
The least expensive and relatively simple to install is a 100 watt PV panel from either Windy Nation or Renogy, for a about $100.00 delivered, https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00FE45FD4/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new
Get two, and a 11 amp charge controller will handle it.
Or this low cost 20 amp charge controller, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JKDZVRU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00#Ask.
For 2 bucks more. or $13, get the 20 amp version. Use a retired, automotive battery, or find one to retire. You might need a fresh one in the Truck for this season anyhow….
Find a YT video on how to do this. Run no more than 200 feet of old extension cord to the panel, that can also be an inexpensive source of wiring for the rest of the it. Use 5 or 7 amp ATC fuse at the panel, and a 5 to 10 amp fuse from the battery as a catastrophic fuse, or as a sort of main breaker, to accessories, and a 12vdc universal adapter that can step down the voltage to 9vdc to feed the Baofeng charger. this is one example found quickly. Please look for the most appropriate for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Outtag-Universal-Cigarette-Multi-Tips-Electrical/dp/B07KWQXDK7/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=universal+automotive+voltage+adapter&qid=1570222118&sr=8-3
I could get ruder and cruder than this, but this is sensible set up that costs only tad more, and can provide power for LED lighting or other low draw devices. This will keep a Baofeng operational during the winter, even possible shade from trees, further reduces the time exposed to available full sun. In the summer, 100 watts can run a 12vdc fan from the parts store, and the radio, and LED lighting.
Let me know if I can clear up and details for this set up.
Thanks Tunnel Rabbit! I love the article. TY for the links!
Hey some good news around my ranch is that I received my BaoFeng UV-5R 5-pack from an ebay seller, but also an additional 5-pack that I hadn’t ordered. YAY! That is 10 for $93 and free shipping!! Positive feedback given!
Chirp downloaded and installed.
Also, I have ‘found’ a repeater here in Colorado and it’s been fun to listen to the hams talking. I find the participants polite, knowledgeable, and willing to help the new guy brave enough to key up. Evidently one of our Colorado repeaters is offline (Salida 147.285MHz + 600KHz) because a powerline failed due to local fire(dubbed the Decker Fire), the repeater site is offline but undamaged. Who knew?
I work in support and have no trouble speaking the Phonetic alphabet : Alpha, Bravo, Charly, Echo all day long. I would suggest that no case number, no serial number, no product numbers, no confirmation codes should ever include iIlL1! for any reason. Terrible.
I’m looking at the ARRL website looking to get my technical and then general license shortly. I’m very interested in being able to send email via HF, talk to some satellites (ISS International Space Station) and listen to local police and fire. Are my Baofeng radios a gateway drug to an ICOM or Yaesu base station? What have you done Jim?!
Question for the HAMs out there who might also be live-band Audio Engineers… (Behringer X32) I group my Soundboard in a systematic way: 8 channels for drums, Bass, Lead, rhythm and electric guitars, keys, and then all my lead and backup Vox channels on the right of the sound board. Mute groups, DCA outputs, effects and EQ on my speed buttons. This makes muting that mic that the Pastor just dropped before it hits the ground.. possible and predictable. My question: Is there a ‘best practices’ on setting up channels and frequencies on my handheld radio, like repeaters on 1-10? Is this what I’m supposed to be doing on my 128 channels?
Do I need a State profile? for example, if I drive to Kansas, dump the Colorado Frequencies and upload the KS set? Flying to Montana? replace them again via Software? If I spend some real coin, can bluetooth sync all these radios?
Shall I just leave everyone alone and take the class? Before you answer that: I read https://radiofreeq.wordpress.com and found that a lot of this reads like D.O.P.E. (data on previous engagement) cards on a Rifle. Do I need a little black book with each radio? Did I really just sign up for this? Can anyone in this hobby stay married?
I’ve got a pair of truck Cobra 29s and the 100 W harbor freight solar panels when they were on sale a while back set up. Southern facing, the snow doesn’t stick to them very long.
73 to you!
Hi Jeff,
128 channels is not enough for serious junkies, but if you are traveling fool and have more Baofengs that expected, then I would designate a Baofeng for each route and load them up with the repeaters on that route and label the radio. It might be possible to load one up with several routes, or just get that mobile that is really made for that job and has more than 500+ channels and banks to organized repeaters by regions that a cheat sheet will help with. The newer radios have huge memories, all designed for what you propose, and the mobile will have the power and external antenna to hit distant repeaters…. A black book isn’t always as necessary as the displays on modern radio are alpha-numeric, and a name in whole or abbreviated can be displayed. It is a bit of an art to create you own code, or designation for a repeater. 2BLKMTN= 2 meter repeater on Black Mountain… There probably is a blue tooth option, but not on my older Kenwoods, and Yaesus
Tunnel Rabbit – thank you. Great article. Question, it appears that amazon is still selling Baofeng UV 82 and UV-5R’s well after the deadline. Are these the “wrong radio” with removed frequency (doesn’t appear so based one’s I bought year based on JWR’s guidance. No problem either way, just curious
Also 2nd question. I seem to prefer the UV82 with slightly bigger keys and rubberized haptics. The specs seem comparable (although the UV 92 comes in 5 watt, 7 watt and 8 watt)
Thoughts on these elements ? Thank you
yes I see them for sale all over the place still. what’s going on.
They are ignoring the new law. I believe it is not illegal to buy them, but only illegal to sell them. This is kinda like ‘sudden death over time’ , a last opportunity to buy these radios.
Squirrel44,
Yes, these are the forbidden radios still for sale. IMHO, it would be illegal to sell these, but not be illegal to buy these. Apparently the FCC is begin ignored by probably Chinese vendors who do not care, whether they have a legal fight pending or not. I’d buy them up, before the FCC gets nasty with them.
I favor and recommend the Baofeng UV5R, not for the aesthetics or ergonomics, but for the interchangeability of major components that will be a serious sustainability issue in a long term collapse. Think of the Baofeng UV5R, as the AR-15 of radios. The variants and competing designs that are mostly cosmetic, are result of an aggressive marketing campaign. The internals and software are mostly similar. They just look more appealling in some way. If I ran out of magazines in fight, I would want to be able to use my buddy’s magazines, if he has any left. If I ran out of battery power, I would want to use the spare battery in my buddy’s pack. See how that could work? Standardization is very important to have if you can achieve it. If I do not know how to work my Baofeng correctly, my buddy just might be able to fix my radio that I screwed up. He might not have any idea of how to fix an Alinco.
Of course one can standardize on different equipment, including rifles, web gear, IFAK’s. However, if I am running AK’s, and I run out of ammo, the most common ammo out there will be 5.56 Nato, so as a redundant weapons system, I hope I have an AR on standby. My neighbors will probably have some 5.56 Nato to help with the mutual defense of the neighborhood. Same issue with other important and perishable equipment, and their ‘wearing’ parts such as antennas. If you break your Yaesu, your neighbor probably doesn’t have parts for it. But they will, more likely, have parts for Baofeng UV5R.
thanks for the article.
I recently bought a lapel mic and a short stereo cord to plug the mic into my electronic shooting ear muffs. I can hear the radio in one ear, mic is clipped close to my mouth/throat, and the amplification function on the muffs still work. Makes for a cheap tactical setup.
Hi Manimal,
Would love to have some links. Sounds like a good build. Standard over the head headsets are far more desirable than the provided Baofeng ear pieces. The security team should have the best headsets that will stay on, and not fall apart.
here is everything in my setup:
lapel mic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N5LJ0YR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
coiled audio cable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742CWDN8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Impact shootin muffs: https://www.amazon.com/Howard-Leight-Honeywell-Amplification-Electronic/dp/B001T7QJ9O/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2T98PWI3ARGFB&keywords=impact+ear+protection+for+shooting&qid=1570298472&sprefix=impact+ear%2Caps%2C343&sr=8-4
extended battery pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QXT5Z2R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
folding antenna: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QXT5Z2R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
corrent link for folding antenna: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QTZ5W49/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Was just looking for that. Comments in the reviews report the this antenna is 31.5 inches long. This would be an impractical length unless it was weaved into the web gear. Is this how this antenna is used? I see no other way, as it certainly is flexible enough, but not sturdy enough to hold itself up.
The longer the antenna (radiator) the better it generally radiates, and so the gain it claims might have, is consistent with this rule. It would then have greater range. For a tactical rig, I would prefer a low power short range, and shortest antenna one could get in order to limit the range. A stubby might be good enough. Only the team leader needs a radio with the range that can talk to a base station.
We would want the team chatter to be as limited as possible, and for only intra-squad comms. This would be good antenna for the team leader, but he would also need another radio with the short antenna, on the dedicated frequency for intra-squad comms only. I would also put the squad on a UHF frequency.
Thanks for sharing! I need those head sets.
Hi Manimal,
Thanks for sharing. Really like that head set. That is how the high speed low drag guys roll, but you have done it for a fraction of the price. Congratulations.
It is great set up for the common man, the most effective for an affordable price. I would love to have a set of those. I might one day be able to get to that. I make lot of my own to preserve cash, but I cannot make that. Just got back from the thrift store with a big score on 12vdc voltage adapters that will charge Baofengs right off a car battery. $1 One of the adapters will plug directly into the extended 3,800mah battery linked to in this build. $1 It steps the voltage down from 12vdc to 9vdc. If uncertain, use a meter to verify the voltage. It should between 8.5 to 10 vdc. No charger base is needed. Light and small for the BOB.
Anyone who is serious should put this together, but if you must have the best, and do not have to ask about the price, Ready Made Resources has the very best for those who gots the bucks, and will not blink.
I used to live on a mountain top overlooking the city and the ocean. I have an AOR AR8200 that I programmed to hear jets and control tower communications at our international airport. I could hear what was being ordered at taco bell 5 miles away. I could hear the police, fire and marine frequencies. I knew that radio inside and out, but man, what a perishable skill that has proved to be. Now that I live in a remote area with hardly any radio traffic – I lost interest.
Hi Rusty,
Get the dust and rust off that scanner, this thing is a Ferrari! What do I have to say or do to talk you out of this thing? Me want! There is really too much one could say about this. My head could explode! Please send me this piece of junk, and in exchange, I’ll give you a bag of 5 programmed Baofengs.
AOR AR8200 Scanner:
https://www.amazon.com/AR8200Mk3-Wide-Range-Communications-Receiver/dp/B00I0EP4S6?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-brave-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00I0EP4S6
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sKZw9_nEDA
https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/widerxvr/0083.html
This sensitive handheld radio covers 500 kHz to 3000 MHz (less cellular) in: Wide FM, Narrow FM, Super Narrow FM, Wide AM, Standard AM, Narrow AM, USB, LSB and CW. The side keypad has 4 arrow keys presented as a single rocker. 1000 Alpha memories in 20 banks are supplied. The scan-search rate is 37 steps/second. Bandwidths are: FM-W 150 kHz, FM-N/AM-W 12 kHz, AM/FM-S 9 kHz and AM-N/SSB 3 kHz (-6 dB).
Tunnel Rabbit thanks for the good article!
yeah- if you haven’t taken the ham test – go out to hamexam.org (take the free prep tests for tech and general for a month, pay the $15 to test -when you pass tech, they will let you take general. good luck if your hitting 90% you can pass them both in one sitting -so safe $15 bucks by doing both once if you have time to study.).
first off, I consider radios to be tools in your intelligence tool box.
HT = handie talkie/ walkie talkie
HF =high frequency radio (transceiver)
VHF/UHF =very high frequency /ultra high frequency
I passed my tech test last spring, then took general a few months later…I’ve been interested in radio for like 10 years, but the morse code kept me away from testing…once a buddy told me he passed, no morse code I committed to testing.
it’s starts with a Baofeng UV5R, then I loaded up my scanner (radio shack 1000 ch unit), then after really reading I ordered a fiberglass mast, buckmaster dipole antenna, and Yaesu FT450-D for HF, cable and a good antenna for the truck…and picked up a few Chinese 25W radios (one for truck and basement) then got a mobilinqd TNC3 and a laptop and SCU17 USB sound card… you see where this is going… I kept expanding my listening zone from local to national…but I did neglect my local neighbors, so I’m going to have to revisit them and ask them to try and reach me on FRS or motorola hand helds ect.
the reading I did while online mostly following forwardobserver.com (Sam Culper) showed that having local ears out on 2m/70cm gives you local intelligence, HF radio extends your ears giving you national information. 14.300 on 20 meter, daily information on storms, 7.290 on 40m nets and more nets. the prepper radio link TR gave is the one I printed out and laminated last spring (I gave copies to friends in to radio also).
..having local friends on GMRS(I avoid GMRS because of the watts power out limit on the HT/and mobile 25w radios exceeds legal limits -so no need to get in trouble with the FCC when I have plenty of other places to chat)/FRS -I use my scanner to monitor, and the UV5R to slow scan.
you really want your neighbors to have a protocol to reach out to you if like me you have a 25w rig and a $120 comet vertical on a 25ft high flag pole- I’m also on the side of a ski mountain so I can hit repeaters with the 25w cheap-o radio that gives me distance that would take me 2 hours (about 100 miles) to drive from my transmit location. for HF I’ve got a dipole rigged up in the trees behind my house.
amazon had a nice baofeng kit for $40 you can get the radio, extra battery, 15 inch antenna, and hand mic…my only complaint about baofeng radios is if you play around and panic while going through the radio settings you can accidentally wipe out the programmed settings (ask me how I know- I’ve done it a few times playing with it. lol).
I wish I had a few bucks to buy another radio, but if I did it would be for a Yaesu FTM-100DR since it’s got digital connections making it easier for using winlink and it’s 100w radio (the 25w cheap chinese radios I’ve found don’t have the 6 pin din connections for laptop hook up for digital communications and their displays are really hard to read in a moving truck/car).
as far as using the TNC/SCU-17 for 2m/HF I started using winlink for email over radio, and have been checking around local for ecomm/RMS nodes. it would be nice to get an email over radio if your power is out due to an event, and no other options work. I have sent email over RMS nodes in Canada, Washington state, Indiana and Illinois all from Pa- I’m still learning about digital ecomms, but I think this might be what I’m looking for in my state. let me know what you use, and how it’s used (or just what it is/ I can read up and find youtube videos later.) if you have a better option then winlink for ecomms.
Tunnel Rabbit have you considered using a 10m USB/LSB radio like the Anytone AT-6666? it’s setup with an option to do switch over to CB, it’s 60w (so it’s not FCC legal on 11m) Walmart sells them (though I’ve boycotted them since they’ve turned anti 2A last month)…but that radio is a few bucks…$290 or something.
my whole goal of getting radios is local/national intelligence gathering -having an HT hooked to a mag mount antenna with a good SWR provides local intel, using a scan option after loading EMS/FIRE/Police you can get a lot of info on wires down, fires, accidents and hear when the grim reaper is working over time. it’s scary at times the stuff you hear, because it often does not make the news media. …
if I had to do it different I’d buy better Yaesu gear and buy once/ cry once. $303 for a 2m/70cm dual band radio for digital ecomms, I’d get a better HT also with APRS built in (the FTM-100DR I believe has APRS btw). The baofeng $40 deal is an ok starter radio, but if you want to do email/packet/digital the baofeng’s don’t work real well as they are slow and dump packets transmitted – you can use a cellphone/TNC3/bluetooth and a baofeng for APRS and it will let you sent texts over the radio and give real time GPS data it’s going to be kind of bad at it. (will it work- seems to work somewhat.). if you want to talk and ask questions over a local repeater, the baofeng will work nicely for the task. ( local 2m/70cm communications for local intelligence is all you need right?)
anyhow I’ll check back for updates.
Fitzy in Pa.
Hi Fizty,
You mentioned a serious concern others should also be aware of. There is software ‘reset’ option in the ‘memory’ menu. Once the radio is programed with Chirp, be sure to go into the ‘settings’ part of the Chirp and turn off the software ‘reset’ button. That way when a new user is monkey poking around seeing how the radio works, and they should be exploring the radio, that they will not accidently wipe out the memory, or programming making the radio almost useless. I would also record the contigency frequency or channel number and name, a sort of ‘on air’ rally point, or a repeater in the area they should use should they become lost. There can be ‘call signs’, and other quick reference notes on the backside of the battery, and laminate it with clear adhesive tape. Packing tape works best.
One can use the dual watch feature where one talks on one frequency, and listens on another, while the other party ‘talks’ to you on the frequency you are listening to, and hears you on the frequency you are transmitting on.., We can see this could be confusing already. But those properly trained and comfortable with this, can greatly improve radio security (for lack of a better description). Any one listening would then capture only one side of the conversation. An intercept station with scanners would have to use more scanners, perhaps 5 or more, 200 channel scanners, to cover all of the possible bandwidth in order to capture both sides of the conversation.
If the gloves come off [in a disaster], there is more in the Baofeng bag of tricks that most are Not aware of. Too many to detail here, and now. The lowly Baofeng can do a lot more to improve security than a Yaesu. Beware of the man with only a Baofeng, he likely knows how to use it.
Hi Fitzy,
Wish I could get more radios, but have an old Kenwood to cover that base. I could to the mode. and make it do 11m, but the Kenwood will not do AM, only SSB. Just this afternoon, I did may a deal with the fellow I bot a wood stove from, that if he gets me a working CB w/SSB, I’d make him an antenna. If I get that CB, I’ll do the mod on the Kenwood that would put out more on SSB than it should on 11m.
Thank you for the helpful article and comments. Your brain amazes me. PTL you help so many people. God bless.
I have another question regarding the selling of Baofeng UV-5R. Poking around Friday on the different sites like EBAY, Amazon, Craigslist etc … a dealer contacted me and said he had a 6 pack identical to the ones I bought in July for a price inline with what I have seen recently for 6: radios, antenna, hand mike, headset, batteries, and chargers. $199 for all 6, in a group package. He said he had sold them via layaway and the buyer failed to make his 2nd & 3rd payments.
My question is: Will Baofeng UV-5R be updated without the multi-bands and maintain the same name?
Thanks for all the other comments on my comment.
Hi Gregory,
I would buy the original version now if at all possible. We can only speculate about the frequency range of the revamped, updated, and FCC compliant Baofeng model that will replace the old UV5r, and what name it might be a assigned. We can be fairly certain that access to the licenses free ‘channels’ or frequencies, such as MURS and FRS will no longer be available as the radio is not compliant, or can be used legally on those frequencies.
I can also imagine that other portions of the VHF/UHF spectrum will be removed in a new model as well. The little Baofeng is just too darn versatile, and too popular with common folk, not to threaten those who are insecure. The price/performance of the UV5R will not be matched in the future, yet the other more expensive, and less popular chinese SDR radios, that are just as capable, might be available, yet at 3 times the cost. I do not believe brands such as Wouxan and many others, will also need to change their radios. The UV5R is the AR-15 of radios. Would we want to be able to buy 1 case of ammo instead of 3 cases of ammo?
I would forgo the accessories in the package mentioned, and buy the bare bone radio in bundles, or in any quantity that is affordable. It would be much more cost effective, and get more radios though a the window of opportunity that is fast closing. It fact, it could slam shut. We can always ‘accessorize’ them latter.
As and aside. From my limited vantage point, the FCC has done little to enforce the rules, as perhaps there has in recent years been few violations detected. IMHO, the FCC appears now to be more of a paper tiger, and lost it’s bite in the world of radio, as it is now distracted with a new mission to police cell phones, satilites, and other data transmissions (Internet). it must have taken severe political pressure to get the FCC to act on this. I wonder who all those politicians are. They would certainly not patriots, and might be those who would also ban asault rifles, and standard capacity magazines.
>> it must have taken severe political pressure to get the FCC to act on this. I wonder who all those politicians are. They would certainly not patriots, and might be those who would also ban asault rifles, and standard capacity magazines<<
Ya think? 😉 Interesting research subject fer sure, and you are likely correct in your supposition.
Thanks for a GREAT ARTICLE, TR! There are a lot of good ones on SB, but very few authors are so knowledgeable AND keep up with the comments to help others.
For everyone not licensed: The technician exam is a slam dunk! Do a few times through the practice questions available for free on various sites and you are likely to ace the test. Not Kidding!
KI7LLG, out.
BinWY,
Glad you would support my suspicions. SB is an outstanding forum that is under utilized. It is not only censorship, and competing sites that makes or breaks such, but a general lack in this day and age of selfless volunteerism as was seen during WW2. Now we must , in part, mix survival-ism with capitalism. Yet it does not have to be that way for all. Granted, it was a very different time, yet it’s lessons should not be forgotten. The military was rapidly built up, and manned by ordinary people, not career military, but folks yanked from civilian life, and thrust into all the ranks. It was regular folks who were driven to do the extraordinary.
There are folks who are far more knowledge in general about radio or certain aspects of it, I am merely a specialist with still more to learn and do. Of the many topics I investigate economics, ballistics, etc, etc, I’ve only been into this side of radio for a few years, and am self taught on radio in general. And one learns by teaching as well. There is so much about radio, that few can know it all. So I help where it is most needed, and stick with the basics for now that serves best. Everything is based upon the basics, and experts or specialists, simply master the basics. We all start some where, and more specialists will be found and emerge from a larger group, than other certain and smaller groups.
By posting on SB for however much or little we can, we help build a community and a better future. As I have won some prizes already this year, I am no longer motivated by that. However, I was never entirely motivated by that. It now costs me to do this when I have other and more profitable things I could otherwise do. Yet there are things in life more important than money. I need very little of it to do what I do. Yet we all need a little of it. However, the lack of it will not stop me either. So the Beast System could take way everything, yet I cannot be stopped because I do not need much, and find that the Lord’s provision is adequate, and appropriate.
We won’t be seeing any changes to the UV-5R to restrict access to Part 95 frequencies, the GMRS/FRS regulation change that took affect on Oct 1 only applies to radios certificated for Part 95 use, and the UV-5R isn’t and never was. These, and other manufacturers, radios with full non-crippled ~400-520 MHz coverage aren’t going anywhere.
The Midland GXT1050VP4 doesn’t have a voice scrambler.
Hi JustMe,
Glad to hear that. Better to be safe than sorry and buy more Baofengs. Will the VHF remain untouched as well? About the GXT1050VP4. I was speaking in general about the long running Midland GXT series that many already own, and did not realize it’s potential. It’s too bad that one of it’s important features was illuminated after all these years. It hard to stay current on everything. That is good to know. I’ll be more specific in the future.
Tunnel Rabbit, thank you for your time and expertise put towards these responses. Yes, my husband and I concur that your point around interchangeable parts is important. While I like the hand feel of the Baofeng 82’s much more, you point out that the batteries are not interchangeable. Ironically, while visiting our son in the People’s Republic of California (he had to go there for a new job), I set him up with a few Baofeng UV-5R’s, spare batteries and extra antenna. He called me tonight to say that San Jose is cutting off power for 850,000 people due to high winds in the morning. Nice. I think it is really important to recognize the work of JWR in starting all of this as well. Squirrel 44