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Should You Buy A More Expensive Ham Radio Or GMRS HT? Or Is A Baofeng UV-5R Good Enough?

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  • Опубликовано: 18 сен 2023
  • In this video I talk about "real radios" - the kind of high-end expensive ham radios or GMRS radios that "Some People" often tell us we need to have. Often these online ham-radio experts decree that inexpensive ham radios or GMRS radios like the Baofeng UV-5R ham radio or other "cheap junk" radios like Retevis or Wouxun radios "don't work", or are total a waste of money, and instead we should spend hundreds of dollars for a much more high-end ham radio like an Icom or Yaesu. They lie, and I explain how..
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Комментарии • 400

  • @maxvideodrome4215
    @maxvideodrome4215 11 месяцев назад +14

    I own Baofeng and Icom and everything in between. Get the better radio and don’t look back. It costs you more to cheap out.

    • @TheNotaRubicon
      @TheNotaRubicon  11 месяцев назад +85

      No, it does not cost more to cheap-out for many, if not most normal people. Take your ignorance and proselytizing somewhere else.

    • @theomoore3259
      @theomoore3259 11 месяцев назад +11

      sounds like “hey, I have no idea what you are actually are doing, but I know so much better than you” lame

    • @N2YTA
      @N2YTA 11 месяцев назад +3

      I bought a Baofeng, didn’t like it, got rid of it. . . .
      Kept hearing how great they are, thought maybe I was a bit hasty, so I bought another one, still didn’t like it. . . .
      I suggest spending a few dollars more and getting a better radio. . . .

    • @mcgrath16511
      @mcgrath16511 10 месяцев назад

      And folks,, there it is,, the most ignorant statement I’ve seen today!

    • @mcgrath16511
      @mcgrath16511 10 месяцев назад +15

      Have three fangs and unless I tell someone I’m using one,, they can’t tell.. and when I do,, I get the,”well you must have gotten a good one”.. oh and since no one asked,, I have been a ham operator since 2015.. thought that might be important

  • @bodazaphfa
    @bodazaphfa 11 месяцев назад +142

    All I care about is it has a Roger beep or not.

    • @adrenalinowner7992
      @adrenalinowner7992 11 месяцев назад +6

      Hahahaha, right

    • @mikeh.9266
      @mikeh.9266 11 месяцев назад +7

      very important feature

    • @bryantucker1266
      @bryantucker1266 11 месяцев назад +13

      While the roger beep is very important, I also believe that spurious emissions are equally important.

    • @Barracuda48082
      @Barracuda48082 11 месяцев назад +3

      Bummer, Randal shut off comments. I just wanted to say his neighbor Josh prolly put him up to this ..lol. 😂😂

    • @boogingtonthunderwood8969
      @boogingtonthunderwood8969 11 месяцев назад +7

      Coz chicks dig it.

  • @TafferBoyElvis
    @TafferBoyElvis 11 месяцев назад +34

    I have a HAM license, and realized after I got it, that there's not anyone I want to talk to.

    • @thetravi1348
      @thetravi1348 4 месяца назад +1

      Have you thought about GMRS? Talk to your family. Or join a club. But really I get it.

    • @geraldscott4302
      @geraldscott4302 4 месяца назад +1

      I also have a ham radio license. Ham radio is not so much about talking as it is about working on radios and antennas. And for that you need something besides the latest computers disguised as radios. When I first got my general class license, I rushed out and bought a new HF radio. I very quickly became bored with it. I found a beautiful Yaesu FT-DX 560 tube radio from the early '70s that didn't work. I completely rebuilt it, and now it works great. better than the new stuff. I finally discovered what ham radio is all about. I now have two more old tube radios that don't work. I'm going to rebuild them too. Ham radio is not about "communicating" like GMRS, FRS, and MURS, is. CB radio is also a great "hobby" radio, though it is also good for communicating. CB has AM, which is the part that you use for communicating, and SSB, which is the part you use for experimenting and trying to make far away contacts. You don't make these contacts for communication, you do it to see how well your radio system is working. It's kind of like fishing.

    • @Braekker19
      @Braekker19 4 месяца назад +1

      I got my tech license and realized this as well… the ham radio hobby is about the mechanics, hardware, and tinkering with radios. Then you get together with others to talk about your new gear and politics. Whereas normal people just want to communicate with people they know doing stuff together outside.
      I got mine so I can teach Family/people how to use ham radios for emergency situations. That’s it.

    • @confirmhandle
      @confirmhandle 3 месяца назад +1

      ​@@Braekker19 ditto

    • @EarthSouthside
      @EarthSouthside 6 дней назад

      My area only has a hand full of daily's. If your getting into radio get either a GMRS or HAM, Just something to show us crazies are using the Freqs! If we don't use them, companies who plan to use them, then backpedal to Cellular "history" Freqs would now be untouchable dead air. FRS too, use them they are free! Keep radio a thing 2025 LOL With Love

  • @ke8mattj
    @ke8mattj 11 месяцев назад +80

    Two patients I work with in the group home recently got UV-5R's to talk to each other between the two homes they reside. I don't care: I unlocked them and programmed the GMRS channels on the radios so they talk to each other. UV-5R's are extremely versatile. The patients use the top display to talk on while the bottom is scanning the local Fire/EMS/Police frequencies.

    • @OhighoGrows
      @OhighoGrows 11 месяцев назад +19

      Cue the sad hams in 3..... 2.....

    • @dereklea1183
      @dereklea1183 11 месяцев назад

      @@OhighoGrows- Why would the sad hams be cued if those folks are using GMRS?

    • @Silly_Smol
      @Silly_Smol 11 месяцев назад

      @@dereklea1183you’d be surprised

    • @PewLand
      @PewLand 11 месяцев назад +17

      ​@@dereklea1183GMRS ON A HAM REEEEEEEEEEEEEE! WHERES UR LICSBSE?!?!

    • @dythshroomstamper
      @dythshroomstamper 11 месяцев назад +6

      As maybe "probably not" a future sad ham possibly " definately not" you cant transmit on gsmr on a uv 5r unless it is fcc approved to transmit on blah blah blah *i just want my post highlighted* blah blah blah, needless insults @ poster and notarubicon blah blah * come on highlight my post already* blah blah uv 5r users have to be approved by fcc regardless that it is probably unconstitutional.

  • @cmscoby
    @cmscoby 11 месяцев назад +61

    My ranking for portable radios is 100% based on the wrist strap, and whether said strap is FCC compliant.

    • @udx-294tn5
      @udx-294tn5 11 месяцев назад +1

      Best comment yet 😂

    • @alphalunamare
      @alphalunamare 11 месяцев назад +3

      When your wrist strap is attached to a 'real radio' you can get carpel tunnel problems when you shake your wrist too much listening to 'spurious' transmissions.

    • @CaptKermit814
      @CaptKermit814 11 месяцев назад

      It's spellet "weather".

    • @datutturugang666
      @datutturugang666 5 месяцев назад

      NOOooOoooOOOOo IT HAS TO BE THE BELT CLIP

  • @johnfish1194
    @johnfish1194 11 месяцев назад +50

    I have a uv 5r, used as a scanner at work. Bigger battery and larger antenna. Totally happy with it.

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 11 месяцев назад +6

      I live in Pittsburgh where all of the Police, Fire and EMS channels are analog UHF-FM. A UV-5R is perfectly useable as a scanner here. I Also recommend the UV-5R as a great scanner for railfans.

    • @johnfish1194
      @johnfish1194 11 месяцев назад

      @@jamesslick4790 never listened to the rails, but I wish the uv5r had air as well

    • @johnfish1194
      @johnfish1194 11 месяцев назад

      @@jamesslick4790 I'm outside peoria, but I work there. They are analog too.

    • @johnfish1194
      @johnfish1194 11 месяцев назад

      @@steve2736 sure. Rolls eyes

    • @Tingoat
      @Tingoat 11 месяцев назад

      Use mine for the same reason …

  • @rcfreeman
    @rcfreeman 11 месяцев назад +9

    Signing off with the Roger beep to make "some people" explode was the best! Too funny!

  • @juliogonzo2718
    @juliogonzo2718 11 месяцев назад +18

    I've never been a ham for over 40 years

    • @Barracuda48082
      @Barracuda48082 11 месяцев назад

      Ahhh. But I have. Kept head low, two way e comms or group chat is a good thing. RUclips, telephones are my dx. Lol

  • @DarkShadowCustoms
    @DarkShadowCustoms 11 месяцев назад +14

    The UV-5R takes care of all my needs for a handheld radio. It has also served as a temporary mobile radio for my truck and a temporary base station in my house. It is great for radio enthusiasts on a budget and it is great for those who want a radio they won't feel bad about losing if it gets destroyed while engaging in outdoor activities.

    • @thetravi1348
      @thetravi1348 5 месяцев назад

      I gave away 32 radios for Christmas, 28 were uv5rs. It’s the best radio to give to people new to radio. If they don’t get into it, your not out a ton of cash. I honestly don’t care what kind of radio you have as long as your not a dickhead on the air. Hell, my buddy’s uv5r comes in clearer then my other buddy’s hytera on the local repeater. I can tell when it’s him due to his roger beep.

  • @AndrewB416
    @AndrewB416 11 месяцев назад +11

    GMRS is pretty neutered up here in Canada. I'm working on my HAM license and the UV-5R seemed like a good 2M radio to screw around with for a little while. Upgrade incrementally as you can afford it. My father has been a HAM operator for 50 years and when I gave him a UV-5R he was tickled pink that it was so compact and inexpensive.

  • @freddysamson1
    @freddysamson1 11 месяцев назад +12

    You pretty well nailed the entire reasoning to buy the cheap but fully functioning walki-talkies. I own a few of the cheap and expensive ones, but the cheapies are my go to due to the simple fact they work and are easily and reasonably replaced. Just my bought experiance!

  • @shoersa
    @shoersa 11 месяцев назад +6

    I can see the display on the cheap Baofeng UV-5R in the bright sun. HUGE plus!

  • @LatitudeSky
    @LatitudeSky 11 месяцев назад +4

    No. Owned top of the like Yaesu, Icom DSTAR, and Motorola radios. Used to have four mobiles in my truck. Spectra, two ham rigs and CB. And owned pile of handhelds, analog, DMR and a slew of BRS radios. I don't want to think about how much money I gladly threw at radios. But I have reformed. I still cry thinking about the day I threw away my insanely expensive GE UHF trunk mount rig. All I own now Is a $25 Boufeng handheld and a $50 mobile. And a great Midland CB. This is all I need. This is all I ever needed. Probably have a hundred bucks in it.

  • @andrewthomas7286
    @andrewthomas7286 11 месяцев назад +7

    Man I went camping a few months back and my tent got flooded out and my uv-5r was in it and needles to say it got soaked. It had some issues but after a day or so of drying it out without rice or any special methods i could confirm with my sdr and other radios that it was and still is working just as well as when I bought it and let me tell you it certainly has plenty fars

  • @TheMaddogronh
    @TheMaddogronh 11 месяцев назад +5

    Thanks for the video,, First of all I've been ham for 43 years and I'm a cheap ass,,, I have 3 UV-5R's and only one needed a little mod. the hole for the mic didn't line up and you have to drill out the hole a little,, no big deal !! That's because I've been a ham for 43 years !!! Also I'm happy to spend the $25 on a UV-5R because I ran out of money buying all those other ones,,, you can spend a lot on radios after being a ham 43 years. I'll take and use a UV-5R anytime .

  • @geogmz8277
    @geogmz8277 11 месяцев назад +23

    But you have to admit the "fake radio," AKA Boefeng UV-5R, is almost as good looking as the "real radio" when attached to an extended battery and a "real antenna" that you definitely need to buy.

  • @SGMPhil
    @SGMPhil 11 месяцев назад +20

    Well... I am a "happy ham" and have been licensed for 126 years or so... I have tested the UV5R and others on a spectrum analyzer and can attest to the fact that they do suck when it comes to spurious radiation. That being said, I own several Boofwangs for SHTF events and admit that they are great for BS'n with folks when running amok in the woods and such. They even have the ability to reach from the basement to people out in the s**thouse and even some repeaters that are many fars away. Bottom line - you can buy about 200 Boofwang radios for what one Motorolla radio costs, and about 25 of them for what the average name brand ham radio costs, so IMHO, the Boofwang is a great option for the average Joe.

    • @strangerous1313
      @strangerous1313 11 месяцев назад +2

      Hey Old Timer! Congrats on not only being alive so many years, but also to having your license fo so long! You truly are special. What was your first radio? Can you remember waaaay back then?

    • @Barracuda48082
      @Barracuda48082 11 месяцев назад +2

      Randy is looking for a sidekick. Lol

    • @allaboutacatholicfamily
      @allaboutacatholicfamily 11 месяцев назад

      Troll lvl 1000! Love your comment and the boofwang uv5r

  • @WorldMoneyWins
    @WorldMoneyWins 11 месяцев назад +6

    Love my UV-5Rs and got a UV-9G and love it even more.
    I dont take my FT3DR out 4 wheeling because it would suck to break it.
    Boofwangs are for people that are fun. Expensive radios are for people that polish their radios with a diaper whilst slapping themselves with fruit rollups.

  • @tnfreemason
    @tnfreemason 10 месяцев назад +3

    I’ll tell you, even though you didn’t ask, I have been a ham since 2010.
    I had rather use the UV-5R than a Motorola. I’m really more into GMRS lately.
    So there you are.

  • @BigSlick40
    @BigSlick40 11 месяцев назад +8

    Top Ten Reasons for Buying a Boo-Fang Radio;
    10: It makes Ham experts sad
    9: Antenna tuning is a thing of the past
    8: Boo-Fang sounds so much cooler that Wouxun Ocean
    7: A real man doesn't need 50 watts for full penetration
    6: Narrow band is for sissy's
    5: FCC approved wrist straps baby
    4: CB radio's suck
    3: 5 radios and a 6 month supply of Viagra is cheaper than 1 Motorola
    2: Superheterdyne is so over rated
    And the number one reason to buy a Boo-Fang Radio, Chicks dig SPURIOUS EMISSIONS!

  • @Lee_Adamson_OCF
    @Lee_Adamson_OCF 11 месяцев назад +9

    I gotta say man. I have a couple fancy Yaesus and just recently got around to getting a UV5R..... And I think I like the UV5R better, lol. It does all the stuff I want without a bunch of extraneous crap.

  • @K1STG-Fred
    @K1STG-Fred 11 месяцев назад +12

    My favorite handheld "ham" radio is a Kenwood NX-210 that was at one time a railroad's radio. I programmed it for 2M ham frequencies and bought a resonant antenna for it. I still have plenty of Baofengs though, perfect for situations where there is a likelihood of destruction because for $20, I'll buy another one if I break it.

  • @iamgriff
    @iamgriff 11 месяцев назад +9

    I have a Boofweng UV-9, ponied up for a Abbree antenna. Got myself a license from the FCC. My curiosity and hobby is leaning towards a good base radio.

  • @kevinroberts781
    @kevinroberts781 11 месяцев назад +3

    I have never had my ham license. I have always owned kenwood. Back in the day that's all i could find in my local radeo shacks. Radio shack would get so upset if they found out you didn't have your ham license and wanted to buy a ham radio. But they had to sell it anyway.
    Now that we have so many nice cheap radios like the UV-5R i never turn on my "high end" radios. UV-5R is the best thing that has happened to "amateur" radio.

  • @RoughRiderFORlife
    @RoughRiderFORlife 9 месяцев назад +4

    You can have both! I'm fairly new to the HAM world...fairly-fairly new. But the best bang for the buck is the Wouxun KG-UV9PX HAM version from BSR. Beside's being a great radio, I think is cool that it's a HAM that you can easily unlock and access GMRS, in case of emergency of course. Well worth the sub $200 price point! Thanks for the vidios Nota

  • @crewsgiles9499
    @crewsgiles9499 11 месяцев назад +3

    I have been an expert for well over three years. I own a fine, top-end, Japanese handheld ham radio that can monitor GMRS. For a few bucks, I can have a tiny resistor removed so that it can also transmit on GMRS.
    For the life of me, I cannot think of why I should submit my fine, top-end, Japanese ham radio to such an indignity, but just know that I could.
    However, I have three Baofengs of three different configurations. While most ham radio operators end up acquiring a Baofeng at some point (rolling a wino, searching the pockets of some dead guy in the alley out back, or received one as a gag gift) I now own three-- coincidentally, for those exact same reasons.
    With that said, after recently discovering the proper method of turning on a Baofeng from a RUclips video, I can attest to the content provider's accuracy in what he so laboriously details in this video.
    In short: If you are into GMRS, just buy a Baofeng. It plays FM radio, has a flashlight nearly as good as any ham radio, and allows you to talk about what plastic duck someone left on your four-wheel drive vehicle when parked at the WalMart -- on the GMRS frequencies, of course.
    What more do you need?

    • @crewsgiles9499
      @crewsgiles9499 10 месяцев назад

      Please note:
      As of today, Amazon lists a UV5R for $19.20.
      HRO lists a MARS mod for my FT3D at $34.95.
      Typical NotARubicon t-shirt $19.00.

    • @dutchbeef8920
      @dutchbeef8920 7 месяцев назад

      There we have it, hams complaining about none certified radios only to modify their certified radios to operate outside of what it was certified for.

  • @whollymindless
    @whollymindless 11 месяцев назад +12

    "Need" isn't the same as "Want".

  • @ThePsychoghost
    @ThePsychoghost 11 месяцев назад +3

    Perfect example is the quansheng uv K5 radio... Clear audio 7 band radio, sturdy and it costs 30 bucks... It beats the a36plus in terms of filtering and beats the uv5r in features but according to "some people" it's still "cheap Chinese junk" which is pretty stupid to say since not 1 radio is made in America. The quansheng is proof of quality at a cheap price point and it charges with a usb c cable in a pinch... Most expensive radios don't have that. Thank you randy for making this video ✌️ not everyone cares about certain features they just need a solid radio to make it through the day. Boofwangs may have a negative connotation with them in the radio community but you can't beat the price and the versatility of a uv5r

    • @ThePsychoghost
      @ThePsychoghost 10 месяцев назад

      @@cloudstrife5209 exactly lol

  • @NoneYaBidness762
    @NoneYaBidness762 11 месяцев назад +3

    I’ve been a ham radio operator for well over 20 years. You’re welcome. I’d get a GMRS license, but if I don’t have to take a test, it can’t be worth it. Bah Beep!

  • @HamRadioDX
    @HamRadioDX 11 месяцев назад +5

    You'd be lucky to hear a spurious emission from a Baofeng 100 feet away if it's plugged into the stock (or any other non resonant antenna for that matter).

    • @dutchbeef8920
      @dutchbeef8920 7 месяцев назад

      Yeah hams never have their certified radios modded to operate on bands they’re not certified for…….. never happens 😂🎉

  • @scottjohnson5449
    @scottjohnson5449 11 месяцев назад +2

    i got my " some people " fix and an education on coms. thanks Randy!!!

  • @hikerboyz
    @hikerboyz 11 месяцев назад +4

    I am a ham and got my start on a Baofeng UV5R. I have since moved on to slightly better quality radios but still own two Baofeng UV5Rs as loaners. I have had several Baofeng radios fail on me (yes they are cheap and disposable but I dont want the inconvenience of having a radio die on me when I am in the middle of using it) and had them affected by overload interference..and yes ,I prefer using a radio that isn't dirty. My EDC radio gives me more features, is less susceptible to overload, and yes, is clean. A UV5R is a good starter but it is not all that and a bag of chips no matter how much you want it to be. Use whatever you want, you do you but embellishing it is just as bad as the elitistist hams that lie about how bad it is.

  • @PopeyeFPV
    @PopeyeFPV 11 месяцев назад +4

    Personally, I like a radio that provides the highest of spurious emissions possible....The higher, well, the better. I can hit any mountain top antenna this side of the Mississippi. Thank you.

  • @brassmanbart5076
    @brassmanbart5076 11 месяцев назад +3

    $20 Boofwang works fine for my wife and me on gmrs. Of course, I'm a cheapskate. Thanks for another great video, and thank you for using the correct Roger beep on the end.

  • @johnnyz.fradley2306
    @johnnyz.fradley2306 11 месяцев назад +4

    Hey the Wouxun still has the screen protector. If only I could be the one to remove it. I would so so slowly peel it off... Ohhh yessss!

    • @Barracuda48082
      @Barracuda48082 11 месяцев назад +2

      Breaking in the virgin display screen protector.

  • @dont4450
    @dont4450 11 месяцев назад +2

    The only thing I noticed, is that my yaesu vx-6r, seems to receive signals a bit better than my uv5r. Other than that, I love the uv5r. Always reliable, never let me down. Thanks, Randy, for another informative review.

  • @shandybrandy5407
    @shandybrandy5407 11 месяцев назад +2

    Simply enjoyed the light and dark hands show describing the radios. You are class apart, Randy - really love your videos and voice too. I have my UV5R among others which I got it almost half a decade ago and, it still works like a charm.
    Cheers!
    VU3TQT

  • @DePalma.
    @DePalma. 11 месяцев назад +2

    Thank you-Great video, you’re cranking them out lately😎
    I have always been a believer in get something entry level, get it wired…then move up in quality a little.
    I have a couple of cheap Chinese radios & they have worked well on GMRS…the coax, antenna/antenna location are more important I’d say.
    (I run browning 400/Ed Fong antenna…works great)
    The real plus of a nicer radio is probably sensitivity/selectivity, especially when there’s a lot of signal close by.

  • @NightHiker72
    @NightHiker72 11 месяцев назад +3

    Your My Favorite Radio Guy On RUclips!! Thank You For All These Videos!!

  • @jamesslick4790
    @jamesslick4790 11 месяцев назад +2

    Front end overload COULD be a problem in areas with heavy UHF FM use. However, I live in Pittsburgh where all of our public service users (Police, Fire, EMS, etc..) are UHF-FM and I have NO problem with my UV-5Rs. The heavy use of good old (analog) UHF-FM by our public services also means that the UV-5R can be used as a decent (but slow) "police scanner" here. A nice little bonus! "s o m e p e o p l e" revel in over spending. My Honda CB-750 does everything a Harley does except it won't give me "cool biker" status. I don't care!

  • @AntonioClaudioMichael
    @AntonioClaudioMichael 8 месяцев назад +1

    Love the Shirt Randy @NotaRubicon Productions

  • @vernaracey1174
    @vernaracey1174 11 месяцев назад +1

    Happy ham here. My dad and I own several Baofeng radios each. They work great. Love your gideos

  • @mrthp
    @mrthp 11 месяцев назад +1

    I got the uv5r already and I got today my new Quansheng UV-K6 and wow with a few mods it can do soo much ! love it

  • @DonzLockz
    @DonzLockz 11 месяцев назад +2

    I have been a happy HAM for about 1.5 years but have been using HT UHF CB's for about 30 years. All HT's have about the same Farz, but it's a lot easier to hear them on good quality radios, especially now with old hearing holes. Haha👂😂👂

  • @LuisRodriguez-xf9lv
    @LuisRodriguez-xf9lv 11 месяцев назад +2

    good information simple and strait. oh! btw the wouxun still have the plastic on screen🤓

  • @JoceHolm-TheBudgetStitcher
    @JoceHolm-TheBudgetStitcher 11 месяцев назад +1

    My husband got me hooked on your channel. You are extremely funny and entertaining! I love your videos. (I don’t care about radios and understand more than I care to admit because of your videos.)

    • @craigdavidson2977
      @craigdavidson2977 10 месяцев назад

      It never hurts to know about radios and how they work. Radio is everywhere these days.

  • @RideGasGas
    @RideGasGas 11 месяцев назад +1

    If the radio is FCC type approved for sale on the US market for use in the GMRS band, the manufacturer will have demonstrated to the FCC that the unwanted emissions (spurious and out of band) are below the required limits. Totally agree that 5 W into the same antenna should get you the same distance regardless of whether the radio cost $35 or $350. You're better off spending a bit more on a quality antenna than worrying about 5 W versus 4.89 W output other small differences.
    That said, I've noticed that there are differences in the quality of the audio received at the other end from radio to radio. Some box store FRS/GMRS radios that I've purchased for family use had absolutely horrible and barely understandable audio. Don't know whether this was the microphone and audio section of those radios or the modulator portion but I ended up throwing them away.
    Another discriminating factor is lag from push to talk to transmit and from receive to breaking squelch. One set of radios was about unusable in short talk applications like talk in while backing up my trailer. My father in-law, a retired fire fighter who was used to high quality radios like the Motorola, really struggled with having to press the PTT button and wait a second for the radios to open up the communications audio. Again, box store FRS/GMRS radios - tried several sets and never had a good experience.
    Never had similar issues with any of my ham handy talkies. Would really like to try a reasonable quality GMRS radio one of these days as I have plenty of uses for times when I want to communicate with non-licensed folks.
    Again, totally agree with respect to the RF sensitivity and selectivity discussion about the receiver front ends. For most applications out and away from RF rich environments the lower cost front ends will be fine. The difference becomes quite obvious when you try to use the radios in a metropolitan setting with high power repeaters and TV / FM transmitters on many roof tops. That is where the higher quality (and cost) of the commercial quality radios like Motorola shines.

  • @professorfalken4600
    @professorfalken4600 11 месяцев назад +3

    Ham license? We don’t need no stinkin ham license 😂

  • @philipstaite4775
    @philipstaite4775 11 месяцев назад +2

    I'll second Randy's advice - I have multiple HTs from $25 to about $450. As far as just talking to others under nominal conditions, either simplex or through a repeater, I can't tell the difference and no-one on the other end has ever noted anything odd. Get and use what works for you.
    I would suggest that if you do something like I did, that is get an expensive HT, then get a cheap one too. Because there have been times I was heading out into a situation where the potential to damage or lose a $25 HT was far less stressful than the idea of damaging or losing a $450 HT. And yes, the $25 "stunt double" HT does have some scars on it that bring a smile at the memory. Those same scars on the $450 HT would probably bring a tear...

  • @confirmhandle
    @confirmhandle 3 месяца назад

    I really appreciate it this rundown I think everyone in the comments is right if you just want some friendly fun you get a high quality CB radio great antenna and do side band you can make quick contacts far away your transmitting some good power if you get an HF ham radio unit tuned to cb forget all these people I've been a han for many years it's dead out there and very informal when you actually make contact God forbid you make a mistake You're frowned upon

  • @OverlandOne
    @OverlandOne 11 месяцев назад +6

    UV5R is all I will ever need. Well, that and my 3 gmrs radios. My friends wish they had my spurious emmissions.

    • @ramrod175
      @ramrod175 11 месяцев назад

      Got 2 UV5Rs 2 other Baofengs (UV-82s) and 5 Wouxon GMRS Hand helds . I blame NotaRubicon for ! Its getting harder justifying having all these Radios to my Wife! Every time Randy comes out with a new video I have the need to buy another new Radio !!!!

    • @chrismauro6770
      @chrismauro6770 11 месяцев назад

      My wife tolerates mine daily ... SPURIOUS EMISSIONS!!

  • @MichaelofOrange
    @MichaelofOrange 9 месяцев назад +1

    Definitely more expensive! I got a UV-9R . It cost $30 (20% more) but is waterproof and charges via USB-C. Works with Chirp. 5/7 with rice

  • @w8lvradio
    @w8lvradio 11 месяцев назад +2

    I've never regretted purchasing Baofeng GT-5R's, I own FOUR of them: Add the Amazon seven dollar Battery Eliminator, the twenty dollar duoband mag mount antenna, set that in a cup holder, and you're mobile for very short change indeed! "The enemy of "Good Enough" is "Improved." Keep your money in your pocket. 73 DE W8LV BILL

  • @AzPauly
    @AzPauly 11 месяцев назад +1

    I have both a Yaesu FT60 and an Baofeng UV5R..I find I use the UV5R 99% of the time i need a HT radio.. smaller, lighter, good battery, decent audio, just as many Fars..only negative is on the fly programing, I find the FT-60 much more intuitive..

  • @carl.44magnum51
    @carl.44magnum51 7 месяцев назад

    You and Kemp Wireless have had a major impact on my life…
    Thanks for another great video!

  • @pacayaoverland
    @pacayaoverland 10 месяцев назад +1

    The UV-5R will do just fine.
    - Good enough for me as I just want to talk to my close 4x4 buddies

  • @FixTechStuff
    @FixTechStuff 11 месяцев назад +2

    Not sure about your sturdiness evaluation, my UV-5R doubles as a hammer in a pinch.

  • @DarrenMaunu
    @DarrenMaunu 10 месяцев назад +2

    No matter how durable "real radios" claim to be, I'd rather accidentally drop a $25 radio while at the top of a 50 foot tower, off a cliff or over the side of a boat. All radios have a place depending on how and where they are being operated. I have a selection of cheap to expensive radios and all serve their purpose. No point in being a radio snob. If it's does the job then use it!

  • @a2phil
    @a2phil 11 месяцев назад +1

    Spend the extra $30 and get the Yaesu FT4XR, no Chinglish manual, and you can practically program it in your sleep (no programming disk guaranteed to crash your computer) my Baofeng is now a paperweight!!!
    🎉

  • @gilcomnz
    @gilcomnz 8 месяцев назад

    Yes. Use a PLB or inreach then use radio to communicate with rescuers . Thanks for your awesome witty videos. Brilliant

  • @mikevandebunt811
    @mikevandebunt811 11 месяцев назад +1

    Best part of the video is the all important roger beep! Otherwise, how would I know that the video is over? 😁

  • @samo4866
    @samo4866 6 месяцев назад

    I bought an RLT-SDR, and I will say, the only radio I saw spurious transmissions was with a POS frs radio from Amazon that we got my son, and the spectrum looked like a picket fence, and all of my radios picked it up 🤣

  • @wheeler7973
    @wheeler7973 11 месяцев назад +1

    I live 1 mile from an airbase and I accidentally took down a USAF f-15 with my boofwang. I’ve been a ham for 348 years😬

  • @paulbainjr
    @paulbainjr 11 месяцев назад +1

    “If it is stupid but it works, it isn't stupid.
    (a Shin'a'in saying)”
    ― Mercedes Lackey, Owlknight

  • @wes11bravo
    @wes11bravo 10 месяцев назад +1

    Any radio that gets you on the air or gets you interested in the hobby is a good radio. I became a Motorola nerd due to a friend who's an even bigger Motorola nerd and that's all I use now. Yes, there's a learning curve with programming. Yes, they have amazing audio. Yes, you can use one to literally beat someone to death. And yes, there are definitely hams out there who will scream at you for using an "illegal radio!" (it isn't) or using an "unauthorized mode!" (P25, also perfectly ok). Politely request that after they provide you with the FCC rule they claim you're breaking, that they go shit in their ICOM hat.

  • @bigguy5360
    @bigguy5360 11 месяцев назад +1

    How in the heck have you been able to avoid peeling the prophylactic on the screen of the Wouxon (Ocean!) HT!!! You have great fortitude, my friend!

  • @Texas1FlyBoy
    @Texas1FlyBoy 11 месяцев назад +1

    Yet another wonderful video to help enlighten "sad hams". Keep 'em coming!

  • @heatshield
    @heatshield 11 месяцев назад +1

    You should try to spin the boof on the palm of your hand.
    You’re almost there with that fancy spin.
    I assume you’ve picked one to wang around. Now you just need to get into juggling or something.

  • @proudtex
    @proudtex 11 месяцев назад +1

    I've been a HAM K4TXN for a shit-ton of days! Get whatever radio within your budget you fuqn want.

  • @almirria6753
    @almirria6753 11 месяцев назад +3

    And the line from the movie Aramgoden comes to mind...
    American components...Russian components....
    All made in Twian
    Sorry about the cruddy spelling..I spell kat with a "K"

  • @jordanmkurtz
    @jordanmkurtz 11 месяцев назад +4

    When can I get a GMRS license plate. Need to start showing up them ham plates

    • @strangerous1313
      @strangerous1313 11 месяцев назад +2

      Probably easier to have a GMRS license plate FRAME made.

  • @RFMaster6
    @RFMaster6 11 месяцев назад +2

    UHF is greatly dependent on line of site. The "fars" for this band is dependent on terrain, and antenna height relative to the other station.

    • @survivetheattack
      @survivetheattack 11 месяцев назад

      Ya, but most importantly, how long have you been a HAM. 😉

    • @RFMaster6
      @RFMaster6 11 месяцев назад

      @@survivetheattack 27 years, and by the way the 70cm band behaves no differently.
      My being a "Ham" means I've taken the tests required for my license (General Class). That's all.

    • @dutchbeef8920
      @dutchbeef8920 7 месяцев назад

      @@RFMaster6line of sight

  • @patrickgerth4570
    @patrickgerth4570 11 месяцев назад +4

    I have been a ham raidio operater for 50 years! That's right! I got my licence when I was 2. And the best raidio to get is an Icom ID 52 whitch is only over $500. If you don't own one then you suck! 😅

  • @rogermorris-zd4dp
    @rogermorris-zd4dp 11 месяцев назад +1

    love the the tekmat, Randy

  • @gregsmith1116
    @gregsmith1116 11 месяцев назад +4

    GMRS is the best! That is why I have a license as well!

    • @brazoon1
      @brazoon1 11 месяцев назад +4

      Yeah but, have long have you had your license?

    • @Sommyie
      @Sommyie 11 месяцев назад

      I lol'd

    • @EagerBeagle
      @EagerBeagle 11 месяцев назад

      🤣@@brazoon1

  • @Gumby1978
    @Gumby1978 11 месяцев назад

    It only is this my favorite channel but your followers are the best also.

  • @gearhead366
    @gearhead366 11 месяцев назад

    What I have found with my UV-5R is that it has almost zero input filtering. If you're operating in an environment with little EMI, the UV-5R is fine. If, however, you're in a high EMI environment, like say near a military base or police station, you will experience a LOT of static.

  • @WX4EMT
    @WX4EMT 11 месяцев назад +1

    Always love your take on the hierarchy of radio and you are correct, if it works for you then it works just fine. Quite an admission from this self proclaimed professional radio snob.

  • @eli4478
    @eli4478 11 месяцев назад +1

    As an expert who has a ham radio licence I noticed that three of the radios you were talking about did not have any antennas! 😂

    • @nimblehealer199
      @nimblehealer199 11 месяцев назад

      There's nothing to prevent the electricitys from going all over the place 😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @adubs.
    @adubs. 11 месяцев назад +4

    I need you to endorse my poor purchasing decisions and so you must agree that the expensive one is the one to have. Note: I clicked the affiliate link.
    Thanks for everything you bring to the community. I'm learning a ton from you.

  • @edcronin5409
    @edcronin5409 11 месяцев назад +1

    I am a Ham of a lot of years my uv5r is 5 years old works great don't wast money on radios ! Only have 2 radios one uv54 & a TS 2000 ham radio same one for over 20 years if it works good keep it enjoy Ed kg6oqk

  • @calvinborer6572
    @calvinborer6572 9 месяцев назад

    I love you're brutal honesty and sense of humor👌😅

  • @russel1170
    @russel1170 11 месяцев назад

    Another great, informative and funny video to start my day with. Thanks for the laughs and for explaining the differences.

  • @ricksshop
    @ricksshop 11 месяцев назад +3

    I must say, I'm disappointed. Thought for sure there would be a picture of an F35 in the background.

  • @Maatdrummer1
    @Maatdrummer1 11 месяцев назад

    That is the best ever comparative radio review I have yet heard. Thank you

  • @dukeone224
    @dukeone224 11 месяцев назад

    Excellent Randy!
    As always you do a good job of explaining things.
    David in Eugene, Oregon

  • @JohnSmith-xi2oq
    @JohnSmith-xi2oq 10 месяцев назад

    Brand new ham. My first radio was yaesu ft5d. Love it. Baofeng waaay under performs compared to my yaesu

  • @ralphjohnson8775
    @ralphjohnson8775 10 месяцев назад

    Uv5rh is in town. It looks just like the uv5r, but it has a big big screen, and u s b c charging tri band It also has a m .

  • @FSTschirgi
    @FSTschirgi 10 месяцев назад

    Dude, I just found your channel and my God I love your reviews

  • @nickgreen54
    @nickgreen54 11 месяцев назад +3

    Very very sad I can't talk to random men from my basement on my UV-5R :(

    • @Barracuda48082
      @Barracuda48082 11 месяцев назад +2

      Buy a moble magnet mount el cheapo 440-470mhz, stick it to the awning or on fence pole, or even a tin can.. extend coax to your fav spot in the basemxent. An adaptor will be needed, best to get the bayonet to sma male for quick removal and will not wear out the antenna connector , for gmrs. Sma female if uv5r type. Think of it as...ham radio, the prick is on the radio ( center conductor) so an sma female is needed. ..lol.

  • @lunarbluesmusic
    @lunarbluesmusic 11 месяцев назад

    5wt tx on a cheap radio could spread the total output over a harmonic range causing lower output on the desired frequency, that being said I only own cheap 2 & 70cm radios and I'm happy.

  • @joemarchinski914
    @joemarchinski914 11 месяцев назад

    love the channel and your obvious experrt experience...just looking to get a good radio....thank you for your experience and knowledge

  • @ErikTheVikingMechanic
    @ErikTheVikingMechanic 11 месяцев назад

    I owe both UV-5R and TalkPod 36plus. Talkpod is my daily, it's a better radio. I've tested the output Power of both and there results are
    UV-5R 5W: 2-3W
    UV-5R 8W: 5-6W
    Talkpod 5W: 7-8W
    Baofeng has better PTT button. That's about it

  • @spacecoyote6646
    @spacecoyote6646 6 месяцев назад

    My two cents. Any place you stick a flashlight on a radio is also a good place to have put a squelch knob instead

  • @long-jeep
    @long-jeep 11 месяцев назад +2

    "The point is mute." - _notarubicon_

  • @OscarRios
    @OscarRios 11 месяцев назад +7

    Anyone that says cheap radios emit more than normal RF emissions just means “they” have been confuckulated previously against their will.

  • @MattLitkeRacing
    @MattLitkeRacing 11 месяцев назад +1

    For what I’m doing the UV-5R is just fine. I’ve had no issues after watching a couple of your helpful videos

  • @TefCom12
    @TefCom12 10 месяцев назад

    Using any HT is relative to your location, and conditions. Lots to read, and think about before you buy something that may or may not work for your situation.
    No shortage of people that will tell you, all you need is a cheap Chinese radio, mobile antenna, and the adapter. By all means, do that. Buy two or three, with all the accessories.

  • @AntonioClaudioMichael
    @AntonioClaudioMichael 8 месяцев назад +1

    What a great Informative Video Randy Appreciate the Knowledge @NotaRubicon Productions

  • @rafaelhelel3595
    @rafaelhelel3595 11 месяцев назад

    Too late buddy you made me start with the uv5r and now started buying 100 and up ht im at 6 ht thanks sincerely your favorite viewer😂