NOTE: After I found the bug in the firmware it took the wind out of my sails and I skipped two things on the vide. 1. UV-5X IS FCC type accepted for GMRS. 2. You can remove the set screw and replace the antenna... That would not be legal on the FRS frequencies though.
Because they don't make GMRS/FRS combo radios anymore, the channels 8-14 are considered GMRS channels and are only allowed in handheld GMRS radios by rule. Not sure if that may be the actual reason why it has to be a fixed antenna because otherwise you could hookup a base or mobile antenna.
@notarubicon did a good review of this radio, the second, after he complained about the radio and the company responded super fast and fixed the issues. Says a lot about a company that responds that fast. Although, it should have been correct before it shipped the first time.
I think it was smart that Baofeng left the VFO/MR button because you could use it as a scanner that allows you to listen to commercial and ham frequencies. Cool radio!
In your comparison you failed to mention several attributes of the UV-5X that are helpful over the Midland: a) Repeater Capability (only UV-5X); b) Better Battery Choices on UV-5X (3800mah for $18); Also, Baofeng fixed the firmware issue within a week of your video and they now ship ready to go. Not the best GMRS Radio, by far, BUT the best bang for your buck in a GMRS radio, by far.
Good video we, the people, need more info on radio stuff. I got into radio about 6 months ago when I realized that many of my neighbors who are senior to me, and I am not young, will have no comms should a natural or man made disaster strike. I started researching and found GMRS sounded like a reasonable way to go pay 70$ set up base station and have ht's for my neighbors. Then I realized that I too was old and may need help from the outside so I studied with ham radio 2.0 videos and now have a general. I set up a yaesu 2980 because 80 watts on high power it is a very cheap base or grab and go. Thanks HRCC and the other tubers for all your help. For 30$ and having a fairly or somewhat decent radio that neighbors can reach my 30' gmrs antenna I'll take the trouble to flash. PS I have a couple of older people who will yell at me on the 10$ walmart ht they are so happy to feel like they can call for help they call when the cookies come out of the oven. I would encourage anyone who likes cookies to invest in 10$ ht's and pass them out to old folks, its fun and the cookies are good.
For the money they're not bad. Waiting on my cable so I can update the firmware. Did a review on these too. They work fine with my cheap frs radios so I'm happy with them
The UV5X is now being sent out with CTCSS turned off by default. The software had a bug that would not save any changes on channels 1-30. They sent out a revised cps with the bug fixed. The Pofung P52UV is also FCC accepted, but mine came un programmed for GMRS and the dealer wouldn’t respond to requests for the cps. I did discover that the radio did program on Chirp as a GT3WP or UV9R and could be set up to transmit on other channels (e.g. ham simplex and repeaters) as well as having multiple GMRS repeater channels set up on the same frequency pair, but with different CTCSS tones. BTW, I was told CTCSS is an abbreviation for Continuous Tone Coded Silent Service.
Thanks for the tip re CHIRP. I think the modified firmware was also changed to prohibil CHIRP from reading or writing to these. I didn't try it before, but neither of my UV-5X GMRSs can be read by CHIRP, using any Baofeng setting. That said, you can also edit the .xml file in a text editor to add whatever frequencies/PLs you want, but your way is better. CTCSS stands for Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System, a generic term for Motorola's trademarked PrivateLine or GE's trademarked Channel Guard back in the day. Motorola also trademarked DPL so the generic is DCS (digital coded squelch).
I don't listen well. I went ahead on Amazon and bought me them. No problem with those minor issues which are fixed with the firmware update. When you buy a DMR radio you have to update the firmware with those when you receive them so no biggie to me.
Nice video Josh. I'm not interested in GMRS at all, but still find value in learning about it. Thanks! Probably a good way to expand channel reach as well.
I fixed everything with the Baofeng programming software. I didn't even bother loading the new firmware. Only thing I'm not seeing how to do is program the empty slots.
Thank you HRCC. I trust your opinion. Im stuck in the middle of this mess our beloved FCC has got me in. I purchased the UV5r years ago, set it up for the local repeaters, OF COURSE BOUGHT MY GMRS LICENSE, but here we are in 2021. Im not a criminal. So I now find myself searching for whats best out there and Midland only offers 40 watt for a base? Why bother if were allowed 50? Im not happy but Im trying to comply. So thank you for covering the GMRS stuff.
The difference between 40 and 50 watts is under one dBm. There's really no need to get on Midland's case about it in that scenario, considering it's all exclusively UHF anyway.
Between 40 and 50 watts, you wouldn't even notice the difference really. Best thing to do is get a high gain antenna and it will make the 40 watts act as if it was more than the 40 actual watts from the radio. Midlands MXTA26 6dB gain antenna would work wonders.
I have 5 GMRS hand helds. 3 BTECH V1 GMRS.1 Wouxun KG805G GMRS. I also have a Retevis RT76P. I thought about buying the set of Baofeng . Thing is I don’t have a computer to program the radio. The pinned antenna is removable. Same as Retevis RT76P.
I've been around the Midland and other common US named (Chinese built) bubble pack radios, the BTECH GMRS-V1 (freq locked Baofeng UV-82. I've found the simple, no screen, very little in the way of bells and whistles, best little bang or the bucks Part 95 accepted radio is the Retevis RT22. Like the UV-5X they do come with tones set. However, once you go in an clear all that with software the radios are surprisingly great. Besides the Ham side I'm also GMRS licensed. Our small group has people who are not licensed. So for them we run the RT22s reprogrammed without tones. The RT-22s run about $15-25 for a two pack. We get pretty good range with them. Terrain and buildings affect of course, but they've been pretty impressive for such small, very inexpensive, pocketable radio. Appreciate the honest reviews. Amos K2WLF/WQZW588
Was trying to join the laptop livestream tonight but thankfully YT suggested this excellent vid while I was waiting for your restart - thanks for the great info! I’ll be waiting on a set of these.
I got my pair today, updated the firmware, set the channels the way I want them in the software, and ready to roll. GREAT RADIOS. Better than the store bought "bubble-pack" radios that I have. I honestly think these reviews that don't give it a good review are not giving it a fair chance.
If you download the UV-5X programming software on that same link that has the firmware upgrade, you can program all the RTCS, TTCS tones, bandwidth, etc without doing the firmware upgrade. Also, the software works with the standard Baofeng cable, while the firmware upgrade software does not seem to.
I am glad you did this review. I was thinking about getting these. There is another GMRS Radioddity just released as well, the GM-30, which sold out quickly. Like the cat t-shirt!
Thanks for the work on this. I have the Midland Radio you used but it cannot hit a repeater. I believe the Baofeng (Upgraded model) will do that. So isn't the comparison unfair? Also, as of May 31, 2021 neither Amazon or any other seller seems to have the upgraded radios. I expect that it will require a recall and reissue of the 5X to allow a purchase. What a dismal failure for Boafeng, but they seen to be aware and working the problem. What do you want to bet that the price goes up 10-15 dollars on the reissue?
Two years later I bought what appears to be an upgraded UV-5X mounted within a case that says UV-5R. I figured that it would have issues but, for very little money, I hoped to learn something about Baofeng quirks. The primary issue, for this one unit [others report a different experience], is that the DCS tones (for accessing the nearest repeater) can be entered in the VFO mode but aren't actually transmitted in channel mode. Uploading the image to my Mac for CHIRP editing I discovered that the DCS values aren't populated. If these values are entered into CHIRP and the image downloaded to the radio I am able to transmit through the repeater. Customer service, when contacted last week about significant errors in the otherwise well-written manual, were very responsive. They said that the radio is actually a UV-5G! Be interesting to see if they can address this particular serious defect.
I got a set of these last month. Immediately discovered the problems and e-mailed support. We went back and forth for several days discussing the details of what needed changed / corrected. After a few more days, they notified me of the firmware update (fix) and the update (corrections /fix) to the programming software. They don’t use CHIRP. But the same programming cable did work in my case. Not sure if I’m the one that first identified the problems to them but... they acted like it...(I actually e-mailed them a detailed test procedure script to get them to understand my (the) problem / complaint). but, then again, they got the updated firmware and programming software out in just at a week so maybe they had already been working on it. I identified several other items for improvement but I don’t expect anything on them unless the programming software gets additional revisions in the future.
Just got mine yesterday - pair of 5Gs! all the kinks are solved and the antennas are now detached. I comm-checked it yesterday after updating/adding freqs/channels and able to reach a Repeater about 17-20 miles out in a city setting. Will comm-check it again tomorrow at about 30 miles out.
I have got a set from Amazon in march 2023. and that had the new firmware. also a friend ordered a set and his has UV-5G on them ? no bugs either. turns out 5X and 5G same and even states can ship either one. all accessories for the UV-5R work but the antenna. the radio is SMA-F . same as the G11S one and most GMRS HT. I have that midland GXT1000P4. Baofeng has better sound and much longer run time on the battery. That FCC rule of removable antenna applies to FRS radios. GMRS HT can have removable antenna and can TX low power CH 8 to 14. a mobile GMRS radio can not TX on CH 8 to 14. just RX only . some GMRS mobile radios like midland skip over the CH 8 to 14. 73's
Oh man! Thank you so much! I was clueless to where the firmware was accessable at. I bought mine almost a month ago and the main thing I don't like is the locked in tones. Worked great on distance with my buddy as he has them also but got them about a week ago.
Too Late! Already have my pair for a week now. I did notice the “flaws” you explained in the video. I noticed the CTCSS right away. I figured either Chirp, or some other creative trick would get around that. Thanks for saving me a little time with the firmware links! I haven’t been concerned with “tuning” mine yet because GMRS is so dead around here. Nothing, and no one to talk with to use them.
Yep. Had the same problem. Locked codes and in Narrowband. Returned all 4. I'm not messing with downloads and zip files. Great distance and battery life. FAIL.
There appear to be so many similar models marketed both in U.K & USA I have been doing some research into the differences between models. Recently purchased Baofeng UV-5RIII which does not appear to suffer from the issues you have mentioned. It does appear to be a very similar radio. Firmware HN5RV01
The problems with this radio have all been corrected in the latest version. I would like to have a USB-C connection for field charging. Use your in good health.
Pretty sure (if Wiki and Radioreference are correct) GMRS is supposed to be wideband on channels other than the interstitial channels (8-14 which is also low power 0.5 w and narrow band like FRS).
I JUST GOT THE UV-5G substitution of 5X will be happy if they let you use on frequency not necessary mgrs. please make and video of your troughs about uv-5g and programing with gmrs repeater. i try to use repeaters with those but never have connection dont knwo if i missing some settings Examples trying to connect 462.675 t ctcs 100.0 and R-ctcs but not connection have my gmrs licence by $35.00 and hope can learn more from you thanks
The UHF/VHF UV5R Baofengs and RH5R Retevis radios I have for UHF here in Australia for CB use..we do not have GMRS or virtually no 27 MHz ...work pretty well for what I need them for . I also use Digitech 5 watt and Uniden 1.7 and 2 watt and newer Oricom 2 watt handhelds too...None give me any real issues in good conditions for basic on channel coms .
I just bought a set (Sold in singles) of PoFung P8UV GMRS radios off ebay, hope to get them soon and see if they too need the firmware update straight out of the box. The differences between the PoFung and Baofeng that I notice first is the PoFung has no BAND button, and has a user removable antenna. Not sure if there would be any other differences. Still locked out from transmitting on anything but GMRS frequencies. PoFung also has a waterproof version, the P52UV.
I’ve had mine about 3 weeks. After several emails back and forth with Olivia at Baofeng customer service most problems have been resolved. My only current complaint is not being able to program multiples of the same repeater channels with different codes. Chris would be nice too but the Baofeng software works after the update. They still seem to think the antenna needs to be non-removable but it is after loosening the set screw. It’s SMA female instead of male. Overall they work great, just not out if the box.
Since you are looking at GMRS how about the Radioddity GM30, need some help programming the repeater channels, I've read the book multiple times and still having problems, thinking at this point need someone with more experience than I have with these kinds of radios. The GM 30 is my first GMRS radio, haven't bought a radio since my Uniden 510xl CB umpteen years ago. Thanks much and thanks for this video as well. WRKW651 Going for my tech test on the 27th, got GMRS for using with my family for travel & emergencies.
Upon the recommendation of another ham, I bought a Baofeng dual-band ham version. I sold it after finding it did not have USA auto-repeater splits. Didn't care for the build quality either. But we're not talking GMRS here... These might be good for the price but I'm not interested in buying communication equipment based on price.
Great video thanks! I'm orienting a bit on buying a handheld radio. I'm a HAM listener. Untill now I've always been on the 160, 80, 40, 30 meters. What I'd like to explore is 2 m and 70 cm. In your video I think I made up I will not really benefit from GMRS radio's for I can not program them in de 2m/70cm band right? And I don't have luxeoury to scroll through the frequencies also I think. What do you think? Thans for your time and best regards, Richard
The had this certified in June (of 2020 or 2019 - I can't remember) but I think they rushed it because Amazon isn't allowing non-certified transmitters anymore as of (some date that I don't know).
In Switzerland Baofeng "lost" . OFCOM has pronounced a ban on the sale of this equipment, given that its use may cause interference to radiocommunication traffic or the reception of radio or television programme services. The equipment cannot therefore be offered (publicity, promotion, etc.), sold or given. Their import is also prohibited.
How does this compare to the GT-5R? I just got one and found something strange. The charging plates on the back of the radio have 3 small plates. On the charger it has only 2 contact points. Emailed radiochitty they told me that it will still charge. And it did. But why 3 contacts on the radio and only 2 in the charger? Crazy!!!!
Bought a Retevis RT76P and found the same setup in the firmware as the Baofeng. You can't program from the key pad and the radio only talks to other Retevis RT76p radios. They have a firmware update on their site but it didn't work for me.
If anyone get walkies talkie right have GMRS license no test of FCC license can anyone can used those . By using FQ monde .or need to buy different walkies talkie for FCC license only
I just got mine in the mail today, and it's going back tomorrow. Apparently, I have to really research these radios. That's a ridiculous number of things to do for an emergency walkie talkie. Big thanks for this video. I'm glad I found out before I stowed these away.
So found you video after I bought 2 sets of the uv5x. But I can on get 2 of the to talk to one another. The other set will receive but not talk back. The light on the one receiving lights up but no sound. Have you run across this??? Thanks for any help you can give me.
I wonder if you can do a Factory Reset and get past the GMRS restrictions. If someone wants to try, here are the steps: Turn radio off Press and hold these tree buttons simultaniously: PTT - CALL - V/M Turn radio on while still holding down buttons. You should see "FACTORY" written on the screen. all done!!
Yikes, I just ordered the BTech GMRS V-1, a pair, and am new to all this and don’t want to flash firmware immediately. Isn’t BTech a division of BaoFeng? Am I screwed and tattooed? Thanks. Novice newly GMRS licensed in Chicago.
I bought a pair of these on sale for $30 and, after flashing the firmware they are serviceable and they might even have delusions of adequacy. One problem remains, however, and that's using their utterly atrocious software you can't program multiple repeaters on the same frequency, each with different CTCSS or DCS tones in additional memories. There is a nice hack, however. Open the .xml codeplug file in a text editor and modify each memory channel with TX/RX frequencies, tones, power settings, and bandwidth. You can also put in ham frequencies this way. So my UV-5X GMRS now also transmits on a handful of 2m simplex frequencies, and local repeaters. What I'm NOT sure of is where the antenna is resonant. It's a different antenna than on the UV-5R so it may be cut specifically for UHF/462-467 only, so I probably wouldn't advise using it on transmit in VHF-Hi. According to KE0OG's video, he measured them on a spec-A and they're absolutely clean, which is pleasantly surprising. Spurs were at -50dB which is acceptable.
You should immediately flash out of the box any firmware on any device you purchase from radios to laptops to cell phones and especially modems and routers or any networking equipment... Aside from some enterprise AP's that allowed programming with out a controller upon release but patched that feature out to force you to buy a controller...
Well they have corrected the issues with the UV-5X but all I can find are dealers selling them in pairs? I don’t need a pair just One? Have you got a lead on any dealers selling just a Single radio? Thanks much and God Bless.🎙
I thought you could have detachable antenna on a GMRS radio, maybe I’m wrong. Also, scrolling through the menu I saw the reset all. Wonder what would happen?
You are correct. You *can* have a detachable antenna on a GMRS Part 95E certified radio. FRS radios cannot. Reset just removes any options and makes it just like it was programmed from the factory, bugs and all.
CHIRP supports it... THAT SAID - Neighbor bought a pair (which is how I ended up with mine - thanks, neighbor!). Only one of them responds to CHIRP for some reason. At least with my cable... I can program mine with the BF software (so clunky...), but CHIRP doesn't seem to notice it.
I am wondering if there is another, higher quality, more powerful radio that does what the uv-5r does: (murs, frs, gmrs, ham bands). I am an amateur extra class operator & licensed on gmrs. (even if it is larger, mobile or base station)
I have a Baofeng MIRKIT UV-5R that programmed with the Chirp software after I watched your video (excellent video BTW). Am I right by saying that even with FRS and GMRS programmed on the radio, It is still not allowed to be used to transmit?
I believe the power level is over the maximum for GMRS. I have the same MIRKIT UV-5R radio. I also have a FRS HT set which I can listen to on the BAOFENG. If I had to use the three together, I would in emergencies.
The UV-5R may be part 97 type-accepted- some are some aren't. That makes them legal to sell for ham use. FRS radios to be legal must have a fixed antenna and limited to 1/2 watt. GMRS handhelds are 2 watts and should be part 90(e) accepted to be legal to transmit. UV-5X GMRS is part 90(e), UV-5R is not. Short answer, still not legal to transmit.
I have chirp downloaded. I have done everything the site says to the letter. I am on a channel with no traffic. Click ok. Cloning... Cloning...cloning aaaand An error has occurred. Radio did not respond... Again!
You don't think it was worth mentioning that the Baofeng is repeater capable and the MIDLAND IS NOT REPEATER CAPABLE? I think that is a huge fact to leave out. Why?
Hi. Do these radios have the same voice prompts as the uv-5 etc? This makes them an obvious choice for we low-vision radio users, and/or people who want eyes on the road while driving (wink wink).
Also, how do they compare, if you happen to know, with the Radioddity GMRS radio (slightly more expensive per unit, as I understand?) Is the Radioddity one just a rebrand of the internals of this one?
Late (15 mos late) in making this comment. To change CTCS or DCS codes, you need to change the CTCS to the desired tone, erase the memory slot then write to the memory slot with the new CTCS code. If you exit out of the menu before saving, it will revert to the saved parameter. [At least that is how I got mine to change without having to change it via chirp].
It is a UV-5R, it just has a different firmware on the internal circuit board that restricts what it can do. Aside from the usual radio requirements of not causing interference on other frequencies, GMRS restrictions are: - Radio is locked to only xmit on the channelized GMRS freqs - Xmit bandwidth limited to 16 kHz +/- 5 kHz - Repeaters allowed on channels 15 - 22 ( and the eight +5 MHz offset input freqs ) - Maximum xmit power of 5W on channels 1 - 7, 50W allowed on 15 - 22 and their paired input freqs - Detachable/external antennas are allowed - When operating on channels 8 - 14, use FRS xmission restrictions ( 0.5 watts, 12.5 kHz bandwidth ) The vast majority of ham handhelds can be configured to meet these limitations, minus the lockout. There's some debate on what constitutes a "locked" radio. The most common phrase you'll probably hear is that the radio can't be "front-face programmable." Most times that means the radio is pre-programmed with the allowed freqs, xmit power, and bandwidth, and there is no way to change those settings using only the radio itself ( no physical buttons to open a system menu, limited exposed settings in the menu, etc ). However, if a radio supports some kind of programming interface cable, like the UV-5R and most of its derivatives do, then you can sometimes drastically reprogram it so it can do things far outside the type acceptance. So there's some debate on how "locked down" a type accepted radio needs to be. Some think a basic software toggle lock is sufficient, some think it needs to be a manufacturer-controlled unlock code ( like carrier unlocking a cell phone ), and others think it needs to be hardware-based. But the FCC hasn't given an explicit rule on this ( and they won't, and they shouldn't ).
@@JaronActual your specs are a little off. XMIT power is different depending on the channel, the equipment, and if the operator is licensed or not. Handhelds usually are no more than 5W, because of tissue damage. Handhelds, Mobiles, Base and Repeaters are allowed up to 50W only on Channel 15 and higher. Handhelds specifically must not have a detachable antenna. Mobiles and of course any fixed station can.
@@williamtillman8323 Try reading my post again. You'll see I specifically addressed xmit power limitations by channel. And there's no special xmit power benefit for licensed operators. It's illegal to operate GMRS unless you have a license. You're likely referring to FRS vs GMRS ERP, which is confusing the matter. The original question, and my response, is explicitly about GMRS.
The squelch isn't worth having it don't work right. I bought 4 at one time and I'm not really happy with mine and can't manually program it with only 2channels.
@@buckeye43210 This is not correct. Although it won't function with CHIRP, the proprietary programming software is where the block is occurring. If you hack the .xml file with a simple text editor you can manually add non-GMRS frequencies to your heart's content. My UV-5X is programmed for 2m and 440 repeaters and simplexes.
I remember bulbous from what a person's nose can become if you do not treat Rosacia. I was not impressed with my experiences with the Baofeng dual band amateur radios I had, and got rid of.
needs firmware upgrade. ok no biggie most electronics you by now days needs upgrades.... performs similar but is $10 cheaper.. not really seeing a downside yet. how do they compare with battery life? size, weight? transmit was a little off but with in acceptable range. how does the scan speed compare?
NOTE: After I found the bug in the firmware it took the wind out of my sails and I skipped two things on the vide.
1. UV-5X IS FCC type accepted for GMRS.
2. You can remove the set screw and replace the antenna... That would not be legal on the FRS frequencies though.
But from what I've seen they only advertise it as a gmrs radio needing a license. And not advertising it as a frs/gmrs rig
Because they don't make GMRS/FRS combo radios anymore, the channels 8-14 are considered GMRS channels and are only allowed in handheld GMRS radios by rule. Not sure if that may be the actual reason why it has to be a fixed antenna because otherwise you could hookup a base or mobile antenna.
@@djsoundzentertainment42 but a alan wrench easily takes the antenna off these
@@ryankc9oza118 Right, but it passed the FCC rules by having that antenna design. Just a bonus for us that it was done that way.
@@djsoundzentertainment42 yep
@notarubicon did a good review of this radio, the second, after he complained about the radio and the company responded super fast and fixed the issues. Says a lot about a company that responds that fast. Although, it should have been correct before it shipped the first time.
I think it was smart that Baofeng left the VFO/MR button because you could use it as a scanner that allows you to listen to commercial and ham frequencies. Cool radio!
In your comparison you failed to mention several attributes of the UV-5X that are helpful over the Midland: a) Repeater Capability (only UV-5X); b) Better Battery Choices on UV-5X (3800mah for $18); Also, Baofeng fixed the firmware issue within a week of your video and they now ship ready to go. Not the best GMRS Radio, by far, BUT the best bang for your buck in a GMRS radio, by far.
*Scribbles an X over the R on existing UV-5R*
Good video we, the people, need more info on radio stuff. I got into radio about 6 months ago when I realized that many of my neighbors who are senior to me, and I am not young, will have no comms should a natural or man made disaster strike. I started researching and found GMRS sounded like a reasonable way to go pay 70$ set up base station and have ht's for my neighbors. Then I realized that I too was old and may need help from the outside so I studied with ham radio 2.0 videos and now have a general. I set up a yaesu 2980 because 80 watts on high power it is a very cheap base or grab and go. Thanks HRCC and the other tubers for all your help. For 30$ and having a fairly or somewhat decent radio that neighbors can reach my 30' gmrs antenna I'll take the trouble to flash. PS I have a couple of older people who will yell at me on the 10$ walmart ht they are so happy to feel like they can call for help they call when the cookies come out of the oven. I would encourage anyone who likes cookies to invest in 10$ ht's and pass them out to old folks, its fun and the cookies are good.
For the money they're not bad. Waiting on my cable so I can update the firmware. Did a review on these too. They work fine with my cheap frs radios so I'm happy with them
The UV5X is now being sent out with CTCSS turned off by default. The software had a bug that would not save any changes on channels 1-30. They sent out a revised cps with the bug fixed. The Pofung P52UV is also FCC accepted, but mine came un programmed for GMRS and the dealer wouldn’t respond to requests for the cps. I did discover that the radio did program on Chirp as a GT3WP or UV9R and could be set up to transmit on other channels (e.g. ham simplex and repeaters) as well as having multiple GMRS repeater channels set up on the same frequency pair, but with different CTCSS tones. BTW, I was told CTCSS is an abbreviation for Continuous Tone Coded Silent Service.
Thanks for the tip re CHIRP. I think the modified firmware was also changed to prohibil CHIRP from reading or writing to these. I didn't try it before, but neither of my UV-5X GMRSs can be read by CHIRP, using any Baofeng setting. That said, you can also edit the .xml file in a text editor to add whatever frequencies/PLs you want, but your way is better. CTCSS stands for Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System, a generic term for Motorola's trademarked PrivateLine or GE's trademarked Channel Guard back in the day. Motorola also trademarked DPL so the generic is DCS (digital coded squelch).
I don't listen well. I went ahead on Amazon and bought me them. No problem with those minor issues which are fixed with the firmware update. When you buy a DMR radio you have to update the firmware with those when you receive them so no biggie to me.
Nice video Josh. I'm not interested in GMRS at all, but still find value in learning about it. Thanks! Probably a good way to expand channel reach as well.
I fixed everything with the Baofeng programming software. I didn't even bother loading the new firmware.
Only thing I'm not seeing how to do is program the empty slots.
I don’t even have a feng on a wishlist and this is still good content
Thanks!
I have a set of them, for the money they're not bad
Just if no one knew... To disable TX on CCRs on a freq in chirp set the duplex to "OFF"
73 de David KEØPBI :3
I second this!
Thank you HRCC. I trust your opinion. Im stuck in the middle of this mess our beloved FCC has got me in. I purchased the UV5r years ago, set it up for the local repeaters, OF COURSE BOUGHT MY GMRS LICENSE, but here we are in 2021. Im not a criminal. So I now find myself searching for whats best out there and Midland only offers 40 watt for a base? Why bother if were allowed 50? Im not happy but Im trying to comply. So thank you for covering the GMRS stuff.
The difference between 40 and 50 watts is under one dBm. There's really no need to get on Midland's case about it in that scenario, considering it's all exclusively UHF anyway.
Between 40 and 50 watts, you wouldn't even notice the difference really. Best thing to do is get a high gain antenna and it will make the 40 watts act as if it was more than the 40 actual watts from the radio. Midlands MXTA26 6dB gain antenna would work wonders.
@@djsoundzentertainment42 thx! I’ll look into it.
9 months later, but midland is releasing a 50 GMRS.
I have 5 GMRS hand helds. 3 BTECH V1 GMRS.1 Wouxun KG805G GMRS. I also have a Retevis RT76P. I thought about buying the set of Baofeng . Thing is I don’t have a computer to program the radio. The pinned antenna is removable. Same as Retevis RT76P.
I've been around the Midland and other common US named (Chinese built) bubble pack radios, the BTECH GMRS-V1 (freq locked Baofeng UV-82. I've found the simple, no screen, very little in the way of bells and whistles, best little bang or the bucks Part 95 accepted radio is the Retevis RT22. Like the UV-5X they do come with tones set. However, once you go in an clear all that with software the radios are surprisingly great. Besides the Ham side I'm also GMRS licensed. Our small group has people who are not licensed. So for them we run the RT22s reprogrammed without tones. The RT-22s run about $15-25 for a two pack. We get pretty good range with them. Terrain and buildings affect of course, but they've been pretty impressive for such small, very inexpensive, pocketable radio.
Appreciate the honest reviews. Amos K2WLF/WQZW588
Was trying to join the laptop livestream tonight but thankfully YT suggested this excellent vid while I was waiting for your restart - thanks for the great info! I’ll be waiting on a set of these.
I love my UV5R's - and this channel too Josh :-). Waiting on delivery of my latest purchase - a HF ATU (Chinese of course). Wish me luck !
Nice video. Thanks for mentioning the firmware version that fixed it.
I got my pair today, updated the firmware, set the channels the way I want them in the software, and ready to roll. GREAT RADIOS. Better than the store bought "bubble-pack" radios that I have. I honestly think these reviews that don't give it a good review are not giving it a fair chance.
If you download the UV-5X programming software on that same link that has the firmware upgrade, you can program all the RTCS, TTCS tones, bandwidth, etc without doing the firmware upgrade. Also, the software works with the standard Baofeng cable, while the firmware upgrade software does not seem to.
I was able to upgrade the firmware using the same cable. There is a pdf instruction on how to do that.
I am glad you did this review. I was thinking about getting these. There is another GMRS Radioddity just released as well, the GM-30, which sold out quickly. Like the cat t-shirt!
Thanks for the work on this. I have the Midland Radio you used but it cannot hit a repeater. I believe the Baofeng (Upgraded model) will do that. So isn't the comparison unfair? Also, as of May 31, 2021 neither Amazon or any other seller seems to have the upgraded radios. I expect that it will require a recall and reissue of the 5X to allow a purchase. What a dismal failure for Boafeng, but they seen to be aware and working the problem. What do you want to bet that the price goes up 10-15 dollars on the reissue?
Two years later I bought what appears to be an upgraded UV-5X mounted within a case that says UV-5R. I figured that it would have issues but, for very little money, I hoped to learn something about Baofeng quirks. The primary issue, for this one unit [others report a different experience], is that the DCS tones (for accessing the nearest repeater) can be entered in the VFO mode but aren't actually transmitted in channel mode. Uploading the image to my Mac for CHIRP editing I discovered that the DCS values aren't populated. If these values are entered into CHIRP and the image downloaded to the radio I am able to transmit through the repeater. Customer service, when contacted last week about significant errors in the otherwise well-written manual, were very responsive. They said that the radio is actually a UV-5G! Be interesting to see if they can address this particular serious defect.
My experience was similar to yours.. I may have been a tiny-bit more unhappy than you though.
I just watched your video! Good job! "Piece of Shiii!"
ha! You're my favorite "Happy Ham"!
Thanks bud! Keep up the good work. I enjoy the what you do, especially the off-roading. I’m thinking of getting a roof-too tent for my rig.
Heh, I watched these two videos back to back. The algorithm is stalking us.
If only @AvE would do a review of these. That would be epic.
I'll admit, I don't expect much from Baofeng, however I did expect at least a bit better than this.
I got a set of these last month. Immediately discovered the problems and e-mailed support. We went back and forth for several days discussing the details of what needed changed / corrected. After a few more days, they notified me of the firmware update (fix) and the update (corrections /fix) to the programming software. They don’t use CHIRP. But the same programming cable did work in my case.
Not sure if I’m the one that first identified the problems to them but... they acted like it...(I actually e-mailed them a detailed test procedure script to get them to understand my (the) problem / complaint). but, then again, they got the updated firmware and programming software out in just at a week so maybe they had already been working on it.
I identified several other items for improvement but I don’t expect anything on them unless the programming software gets additional revisions in the future.
I did the same. Olivia was a big help.
Just got mine yesterday - pair of 5Gs! all the kinks are solved and the antennas are now detached. I comm-checked it yesterday after updating/adding freqs/channels and able to reach a Repeater about 17-20 miles out in a city setting. Will comm-check it again tomorrow at about 30 miles out.
Loving my uv-5r so far, had it for about a month, but my next radio will definitely be something better but I can’t complain
I have got a set from Amazon in march 2023. and that had the new firmware. also a friend ordered a set and his has UV-5G on them ? no bugs either. turns out 5X and 5G same and even states can ship either one. all accessories for the UV-5R work but the antenna. the radio is SMA-F . same as the G11S one and most GMRS HT. I have that midland GXT1000P4. Baofeng has better sound and much longer run time on the battery. That FCC rule of removable antenna applies to FRS radios. GMRS HT can have removable antenna and can TX low power CH 8 to 14. a mobile GMRS radio can not TX on CH 8 to 14. just RX only . some GMRS mobile radios like midland skip over the CH 8 to 14. 73's
Oh man! Thank you so much! I was clueless to where the firmware was accessable at. I bought mine almost a month ago and the main thing I don't like is the locked in tones. Worked great on distance with my buddy as he has them also but got them about a week ago.
I got an email from radioddity few days later telling me there was an update out for it since I had ordered from them
Too Late! Already have my pair for a week now. I did notice the “flaws” you explained in the video. I noticed the CTCSS right away. I figured either Chirp, or some other creative trick would get around that.
Thanks for saving me a little time with the firmware links!
I haven’t been concerned with “tuning” mine yet because GMRS is so dead around here. Nothing, and no one to talk with to use them.
Yep. Had the same problem. Locked codes and in Narrowband. Returned all 4. I'm not messing with downloads and zip files. Great distance and battery life. FAIL.
There appear to be so many similar models marketed both in U.K & USA I have been doing some research into the differences between models. Recently purchased Baofeng UV-5RIII which does not appear to suffer from the issues you have mentioned. It does appear to be a very similar radio. Firmware HN5RV01
Do you have the link for the updated firmware? Thanks!
The problems with this radio have all been corrected in the latest version. I would like to have a USB-C connection for field charging.
Use your in good health.
Bulbous & janky - I learned two new words today. Great video with an honest review. Thanks and 73, KI4ASK
How about a Chungus though?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Its ***k**g Jim Sterlingson!
What about cattywompus?
Pretty sure (if Wiki and Radioreference are correct) GMRS is supposed to be wideband on channels other than the interstitial channels (8-14 which is also low power 0.5 w and narrow band like FRS).
I can't receive NOAA signals in my car, no matter what radio I use! If I get out, there is no problem. My ford is just built too well?
I JUST GOT THE UV-5G substitution of 5X will be happy if they let you use on frequency not necessary mgrs. please make and video of your troughs about uv-5g and programing with gmrs repeater. i try to use repeaters with those but never have connection dont knwo if i missing some settings Examples trying to connect 462.675 t ctcs 100.0 and R-ctcs but not connection have my gmrs licence by $35.00 and hope can learn more from you thanks
The UHF/VHF UV5R Baofengs and RH5R Retevis radios I have for UHF here in Australia for CB use..we do not have GMRS or virtually no 27 MHz ...work pretty well for what I need them for . I also use Digitech 5 watt and Uniden 1.7 and 2 watt and newer Oricom 2 watt handhelds too...None give me any real issues in good conditions for basic on channel coms .
The UV-5X was changed to UV-5G with a Male antenna not the standard Female antenna with out the screw lock down.
I just bought a set (Sold in singles) of PoFung P8UV GMRS radios off ebay, hope to get them soon and see if they too need the firmware update straight out of the box. The differences between the PoFung and Baofeng that I notice first is the PoFung has no BAND button, and has a user removable antenna. Not sure if there would be any other differences. Still locked out from transmitting on anything but GMRS frequencies. PoFung also has a waterproof version, the P52UV.
Can you do set up review on the tyt th uv88 please
I don't have one, *yet*
Need to cut a notch on the Baofeng to fit the pins firmly in, was an old problem, looks like it back
I’ve had mine about 3 weeks. After several emails back and forth with Olivia at Baofeng customer service most problems have been resolved. My only current complaint is not being able to program multiples of the same repeater channels with different codes. Chris would be nice too but the Baofeng software works after the update. They still seem to think the antenna needs to be non-removable but it is after loosening the set screw. It’s SMA female instead of male. Overall they work great, just not out if the box.
Just out of curiosity, what size is the screw?
@@ChadCesaro 1.5mm is the Allen key size.
I used 1/16 allen on mine. Worked fine
@@ryankc9oza118 that’s because 1/16 is 1.588mm
@@RandomWire107 right, just mentioning incase someone doesnt have a set of metric Allen's handy
Since you are looking at GMRS how about the Radioddity GM30, need some help programming the repeater channels, I've read the book multiple times and still having problems, thinking at this point need someone with more experience than I have with these kinds of radios. The GM 30 is my first GMRS radio, haven't bought a radio since my Uniden 510xl CB umpteen years ago. Thanks much and thanks for this video as well. WRKW651 Going for my tech test on the 27th, got GMRS for using with my family for travel & emergencies.
I think this might have saved headaches for a bunch of potential gmrs users. Good catch.
I have a different Midland frs model, it just works. I don't to have to play with the radio to get it to work properly. So, the UV-5X is out.
You forgot to see if you could remove the antenna. I was curious about that myself. Thanks for the review and the warning Josh. Juddie WD8WV
You can. Just undo the set screw and it unscrews.
Upon the recommendation of another ham, I bought a Baofeng dual-band ham version. I sold it after finding it did not have USA auto-repeater splits. Didn't care for the build quality either. But we're not talking GMRS here... These might be good for the price but I'm not interested in buying communication equipment based on price.
Great video thanks! I'm orienting a bit on buying a handheld radio. I'm a HAM listener. Untill now I've always been on the 160, 80, 40, 30 meters. What I'd like to explore is 2 m and 70 cm. In your video I think I made up I will not really benefit from GMRS radio's for I can not program them in de 2m/70cm band right? And I don't have luxeoury to scroll through the frequencies also I think. What do you think? Thans for your time and best regards, Richard
That's an odd config to send out. Sounds like they rushed it out to ride the GMRS wave.
The had this certified in June (of 2020 or 2019 - I can't remember) but I think they rushed it because Amazon isn't allowing non-certified transmitters anymore as of (some date that I don't know).
In Switzerland Baofeng "lost" . OFCOM has pronounced a ban on the sale of this equipment, given that its use may cause interference to radiocommunication traffic or the reception of radio or television programme services. The equipment cannot therefore be offered (publicity, promotion, etc.), sold or given. Their import is also prohibited.
How does this compare to the GT-5R? I just got one and found something strange. The charging plates on the back of the radio have 3 small plates. On the charger it has only 2 contact points. Emailed radiochitty they told me that it will still charge. And it did. But why 3 contacts on the radio and only 2 in the charger? Crazy!!!!
Bought a Retevis RT76P and found the same setup in the firmware as the Baofeng. You can't program from the key pad and the radio only talks to other Retevis RT76p radios. They have a firmware update on their site but it didn't work for me.
The Baofeng UV-5X was replaced by the UV-5G when the fixes were completed. The 5G has a problem, it is a GMRS radio with Channel 0 (Zero).
I just found out 2 5Rs I bought in like Dec. Have the same problem.
If anyone get walkies talkie right have GMRS license no test of FCC license can anyone can used those . By using FQ monde .or need to buy different walkies talkie for FCC license only
Can this be unlocked for ham bands?
Thanks for the video!
I bought this and I didn't have the CTCS problem our of the box I must have either gotten them post firmware update
I just got mine in the mail today, and it's going back tomorrow. Apparently, I have to really research these radios. That's a ridiculous number of things to do for an emergency walkie talkie. Big thanks for this video. I'm glad I found out before I stowed these away.
The antenna set screw on mine was a torx 6 wrench.
A 1.5mm hex key worked for me.
Since it still has the menu option for the offset, could you transmit out of band if you set the offset and went to the edge of the band?
So found you video after I bought 2 sets of the uv5x. But I can on get 2 of the to talk to one another. The other set will receive but not talk back. The light on the one receiving lights up but no sound. Have you run across this??? Thanks for any help you can give me.
I wonder if you can do a Factory Reset and get past the GMRS restrictions. If someone wants to try, here are the steps:
Turn radio off
Press and hold these tree buttons simultaniously: PTT - CALL - V/M
Turn radio on while still holding down buttons.
You should see "FACTORY" written on the screen.
all done!!
OK, wassup with the 27th Inf Bde patch.....NY Nat'l Guard, IIRC?
Thank you for your honest review.
Yikes, I just ordered the BTech GMRS V-1, a pair, and am new to all this and don’t want to flash firmware immediately. Isn’t BTech a division of BaoFeng? Am I screwed and tattooed? Thanks. Novice newly GMRS licensed in Chicago.
I bought a pair of these on sale for $30 and, after flashing the firmware they are serviceable and they might even have delusions of adequacy. One problem remains, however, and that's using their utterly atrocious software you can't program multiple repeaters on the same frequency, each with different CTCSS or DCS tones in additional memories. There is a nice hack, however. Open the .xml codeplug file in a text editor and modify each memory channel with TX/RX frequencies, tones, power settings, and bandwidth. You can also put in ham frequencies this way. So my UV-5X GMRS now also transmits on a handful of 2m simplex frequencies, and local repeaters. What I'm NOT sure of is where the antenna is resonant. It's a different antenna than on the UV-5R so it may be cut specifically for UHF/462-467 only, so I probably wouldn't advise using it on transmit in VHF-Hi. According to KE0OG's video, he measured them on a spec-A and they're absolutely clean, which is pleasantly surprising. Spurs were at -50dB which is acceptable.
You should immediately flash out of the box any firmware on any device you purchase from radios to laptops to cell phones and especially modems and routers or any networking equipment... Aside from some enterprise AP's that allowed programming with out a controller upon release but patched that feature out to force you to buy a controller...
Well they have corrected the issues with the UV-5X but all I can find are dealers selling them in pairs? I don’t need a pair just One? Have you got a lead on any dealers selling just a Single radio? Thanks much and God Bless.🎙
I’ve only seen pairs.
I thought you could have detachable antenna on a GMRS radio, maybe I’m wrong. Also, scrolling through the menu I saw the reset all. Wonder what would happen?
You are correct. You *can* have a detachable antenna on a GMRS Part 95E certified radio. FRS radios cannot. Reset just removes any options and makes it just like it was programmed from the factory, bugs and all.
Did you try using chirp to program the radio channels? That was the only way i found to get some restricted channles on the radio.
Chirp isnt currently supporting the radio
@@ryankc9oza118 oh, OK thanks. =)
CHIRP supports it... THAT SAID - Neighbor bought a pair (which is how I ended up with mine - thanks, neighbor!). Only one of them responds to CHIRP for some reason. At least with my cable... I can program mine with the BF software (so clunky...), but CHIRP doesn't seem to notice it.
@@johnscrip5322 What kind of cable are you using, i mde my own with an Ftdi and cut up
the supplied headphone plug
I'm digging the hash tag shirt. Subtle.
Thanks!
I am wondering if there is another, higher quality, more powerful radio that does what the uv-5r does: (murs, frs, gmrs, ham bands). I am an amateur extra class operator & licensed on gmrs. (even if it is larger, mobile or base station)
Sure most do with a MARS mod.
The radio that replaced it is Baofeng UV-5G, it replaces the GMRS UV-5X.
I have a Baofeng MIRKIT UV-5R that programmed with the Chirp software after I watched your video (excellent video BTW). Am I right by saying that even with FRS and GMRS programmed on the radio, It is still not allowed to be used to transmit?
I believe the power level is over the maximum for GMRS. I have the same MIRKIT UV-5R radio. I also have a FRS HT set which I can listen to on the BAOFENG. If I had to use the three together, I would in emergencies.
The UV-5R may be part 97 type-accepted- some are some aren't. That makes them legal to sell for ham use. FRS radios to be legal must have a fixed antenna and limited to 1/2 watt. GMRS handhelds are 2 watts and should be part 90(e) accepted to be legal to transmit. UV-5X GMRS is part 90(e), UV-5R is not. Short answer, still not legal to transmit.
I have chirp downloaded. I have done everything the site says to the letter. I am on a channel with no traffic. Click ok. Cloning... Cloning...cloning aaaand An error has occurred. Radio did not respond... Again!
Hello, I have been wondering on your thoughts about the UV9(R+} Is it any good, better or worse radio, then the UV 5R
Pretty much the same.
Sorry, I didn't see the Pinned comment where you did do it. My apologizes. Juddie - WD8WV
You don't think it was worth mentioning that the Baofeng is repeater capable and the MIDLAND IS NOT REPEATER CAPABLE? I think that is a huge fact to leave out. Why?
Hi. Do these radios have the same voice prompts as the uv-5 etc? This makes them an obvious choice for we low-vision radio users, and/or people who want eyes on the road while driving (wink wink).
Also, how do they compare, if you happen to know, with the Radioddity GMRS radio (slightly more expensive per unit, as I understand?)
Is the Radioddity one just a rebrand of the internals of this one?
Any chance you connected them to chirp?
Not supported on chirp currently
Late (15 mos late) in making this comment. To change CTCS or DCS codes, you need to change the CTCS to the desired tone, erase the memory slot then write to the memory slot with the new CTCS code. If you exit out of the menu before saving, it will revert to the saved parameter. [At least that is how I got mine to change without having to change it via chirp].
Honesty 👍
IDK I'm still happy with my Btech GMRS V1. Detachable antenna and has 2 buttons to transmit :) Def a pass for me
Is it even type accepted for the gmrs frequencies? It looks a lot like a uv-5r
They sure are. They have an FCC grant so they have been through proper testing. They are only able to transmit on GMRS frequencies.
It is a UV-5R, it just has a different firmware on the internal circuit board that restricts what it can do. Aside from the usual radio requirements of not causing interference on other frequencies, GMRS restrictions are:
- Radio is locked to only xmit on the channelized GMRS freqs
- Xmit bandwidth limited to 16 kHz +/- 5 kHz
- Repeaters allowed on channels 15 - 22 ( and the eight +5 MHz offset input freqs )
- Maximum xmit power of 5W on channels 1 - 7, 50W allowed on 15 - 22 and their paired input freqs
- Detachable/external antennas are allowed
- When operating on channels 8 - 14, use FRS xmission restrictions ( 0.5 watts, 12.5 kHz bandwidth )
The vast majority of ham handhelds can be configured to meet these limitations, minus the lockout.
There's some debate on what constitutes a "locked" radio. The most common phrase you'll probably hear is that the radio can't be "front-face programmable." Most times that means the radio is pre-programmed with the allowed freqs, xmit power, and bandwidth, and there is no way to change those settings using only the radio itself ( no physical buttons to open a system menu, limited exposed settings in the menu, etc ).
However, if a radio supports some kind of programming interface cable, like the UV-5R and most of its derivatives do, then you can sometimes drastically reprogram it so it can do things far outside the type acceptance. So there's some debate on how "locked down" a type accepted radio needs to be. Some think a basic software toggle lock is sufficient, some think it needs to be a manufacturer-controlled unlock code ( like carrier unlocking a cell phone ), and others think it needs to be hardware-based. But the FCC hasn't given an explicit rule on this ( and they won't, and they shouldn't ).
@@JaronActual it’s a good thing they don’t because none of the repeaters are Part 95 certified.
@@JaronActual your specs are a little off. XMIT power is different depending on the channel, the equipment, and if the operator is licensed or not. Handhelds usually are no more than 5W, because of tissue damage. Handhelds, Mobiles, Base and Repeaters are allowed up to 50W only on Channel 15 and higher.
Handhelds specifically must not have a detachable antenna. Mobiles and of course any fixed station can.
@@williamtillman8323 Try reading my post again. You'll see I specifically addressed xmit power limitations by channel. And there's no special xmit power benefit for licensed operators. It's illegal to operate GMRS unless you have a license. You're likely referring to FRS vs GMRS ERP, which is confusing the matter. The original question, and my response, is explicitly about GMRS.
Those radios have since been fixed If I was you I would leave a update on this video .
*ALL* of these radios have not been fixed, please don't spread misinformation.
If you can update it's firmware, can you update it with UV5R firmware? Can you update the UV5R to UV5X? I am betting big maybe you can.
Not without removing some solder on the board.
!! The CTRS change didn't take because you didn't save the channel. I believe a UV-5R also would not have saved that CTSC change.
Nope. That’s not how this works in this case. The formate was bugged.
All baofengs are .02 ppm freq stability.
The squelch isn't worth having it don't work right. I bought 4 at one time and I'm not really happy with mine and can't manually program it with only 2channels.
I wonder if you can Chirp it to do the Ham bands. Do you think this is just a 5R that had some restrictions plugged in to the programming?
I couldn’t program it via chirp.
Chirp doesn't recognize it.
The firmware will not let it transmit on non-gmrs frequecies (CHIRP or no CHIRP)...
@@buckeye43210 Gotcha. I was just curious if they jsut did some programming to slide under the FCC wire. :-)
@@buckeye43210 This is not correct. Although it won't function with CHIRP, the proprietary programming software is where the block is occurring. If you hack the .xml file with a simple text editor you can manually add non-GMRS frequencies to your heart's content. My UV-5X is programmed for 2m and 440 repeaters and simplexes.
I remember bulbous from what a person's
nose can become if you do not treat Rosacia. I was not impressed with my
experiences with the Baofeng dual band
amateur radios I had, and got rid of.
needs firmware upgrade. ok no biggie most electronics you by now days needs upgrades.... performs similar but is $10 cheaper.. not really seeing a downside yet. how do they compare with battery life? size, weight? transmit was a little off but with in acceptable range. how does the scan speed compare?
It has been upgraded to a UV-5G.
Are these GMRS only, or can you still receive/transmit on Ham bands?
You can receive 136-174MHz and 400-520MHz like a UV-5R but can only transmit on GMRS frequencies.
@@djsoundzentertainment42 sooo...just buy a regular UV-5R then..hahahh
What about the removal of the antenna? What did you find out?
Yes you can I’ll make a story post when I get home.
Use a 1.5mm allen wrench and it comes right off
if your want to go dstar stationary what do you recomend as a minimum?
Depends on how far away the repeaters are you want to interface.