I have the extended battery, 4500 mAh, it takes 9 hours to charge. I've tested it. I have the UV5R-V2+, got it back in Jan 2015 and its been a trooper. Got my Tech license on March 2nd. These are very good little radio's.
Thanks for hosting the review by TUP Chris and thanks for the review Cliff, I almost am confident to know what I'm doing with one after watching TUP, living survival and survival tech nords in depth amd critical reviews. I think these lessons are like school, you can't have university professors teaching kindergarten, so as much as you underestimate your ability to do the review there is a place for a comms novice in the gear review genre, namely to teach kindergarten! Arguably the most essential grade, anyways I'm rambling so...
Canadian Prepper Excellent comment as always! I totally agree regarding your comments on kindergarten. I strive to present this kind of information as simple as I can, which can be challenging on such topics as amateur radios. Not sure if I actually achieved that, but I was definitely trying. I’ve always been motivated by this Albert Einstein quote: "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
Thanks for the collaboration with TUP & for increasing our knowledge on HAM Radios. We cannot realistically expect an entire technical course to be dumbed down in 20 minutes. However, the presentation made me smarter about BF-F8HP and from some of the Constructive Tech Comments.
rippon77 Sorry for the rapid fire talking. I try to squeeze in a good amount of information in a video without it becoming way too long. Unfortunately, I've resorted to a fast pace video dialogue to help achieve this, which some people don't really enjoy. One of these days I'll figure out the best balance between dialogue pacing and content delivered. I'm still trying to refine my audio content. Thanks for commenting!
orbits2 Unfortunately, the only time I had available to record this particular video was during my lunch break at work in downtown Seattle. I too would have preferred for less traffic noise in the background. Definitely not as peaceful as the outdoor sounds Chris captures in his videos while filming in the woods.
TheUrbanPrepper It's not like we can't go back and play it again ... and again ... and again ... and again ... Good info. My head hurts, but this is a great overview. I gotta get me one. I know, don't push the button without getting a valid driver's license ....
Good Laawwwd I am dumb! After 5 minutes it sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher explaining the radio. This may be ham radio for dummies, but I need the Ham Radio for Vegetables version.
Nutinwrkz Haha... too funny. I can totally relate, not with this subject but all subjects. “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.” [Einstein] If you have an interest in this subject, I would recommend picking up a book called the "No-Nonsense Technician Class License Study Guide". It's a good read and will prepare you to take the HAM exam. However, only real life practicing with other HAM's will make you comfortable and with the proper etiquette.
TheUrbanPrepper I do have an interest and will drop the book hint for my upcoming birthday. Thanks for the info. Chris made a good choice bringing you in.
Yeah. This is more HAM oriented. These radios would be best suited for licensed HAMs wishing to transmit on FRS or GFMRS in addition to their licensing.
Amazon left my new BAOFENG BF-F8HP on my doorstep at 6:00 am this morning. I’ve been using a Yaesu FT-50R for a quarter century. Thanks for the overview. 73s KD5FPA
So far so good? I'm considering purchasing 2 of these, then a pair of the compatible 3800 milli amp batteries making for a larger, easier to handle radio. Also, I understand there is an upgraded antenna that's very popular, can't recall the name but they all say it improves the transmitting and receiving a great deal. I'm interested too - in a specialized antenna to use mostly indoors...since I live now in a small apartment...I'll probably have to go with the wire type that clips to a curtain rod, etc Any suggestions you might share with me would be appreciated. I'm completely new to these, and it can be confusing. Thanks ..
I've got the UV-5R and just ordered a BF-F8HP to add to my kit as well! Love the collab, you guys should cover the newer models like the UV-5RH/M! I'm considering that one next!
Chris, As a Ham for almost 10 years now I am a little concerned with the lack of information on obtaining a amatuer radio license. Most people do not realize that rats nest of problems you can create for others and oneself if operating without a license. It is not sufficient information to simply know how to program the radio and talk. It is necessary to know how to operate in a radio net and to know how to handle different types of traffic, etc. I would like to guide people curious to learn about ham radio to check out the ARRL (Ametuer Radio Relay League) and their local Ham Radio club. Ham radio is a hobby with many niche groups and flavors depending on your level of technical interest. It is also a hobby that I feel requires some hands on experience with other expert operators. In the end people need to make sure they understand ALL of the basic rules, regulations and courtesies before venturing onto the airwaves. 73s -K9LLL
He said you gotta take the course and get a license to transmit. You can't expect a college course in HAM radio in a 20 minute youtube video. Just curious, but did you watch the video? Because what you're describing really doesn't reflect his review. They are just as great for monitoring. But he did say if you want to transmit you have to take steps.
I am not saying that the video needs to be a video format of what someone would see in a course. What I am saying is that it would benefit MANY people to have more information beyond "make sure you get your license before you transmit." I think it would be a great video to show people how to find a ham radio club, how to get a study guide, where to take your test, etc.
He does state in the video that it requires a license to operate, but let's address an elephant in the room here... if the SHTF locally, regionally or globally the last thing a person will be concerned about is having a license, which isn't to promote not having one or to discount your expertise, but in that instance the end justifies the means!
***** I totally agree with what you are saying. However, I feel that visitors to most emergency preparedness channels such as PM101 or my own have high level interests in multiple areas of prepping, ranging from emergency first aid, shelter building, weapons training, water filtration methods and emergency communications using non-cellular methods like with HAM radios. During my time on RUclips, I find that most viewers simply want an aid for their shopping purposes to help them make educated purchases. IMO, it is more of my responsibility as a content provider to provide them with the basic overview to help their purchase decision of a product first, and anything extended second. If I didn't do that, then every review video I did on say a first aid kit would need to deep dive into the "rats nest of problems" that can occur during a trauma situation. Every flashlight review would need to go into the specifics of calculating lumens with proper equipment like an integrating sphere. Every water filtration pump would need to provide lab results of the actual filtration effectiveness to "understand all of the basic rules", etc. What I worry about it is creating a multi hour video series on the intricacies of the genre of a product, when over 90% of viewers just want a basic rundown in order to help their purchase decision. You know? I hope that my videos will help motivate new people into wanting to take measures into improving their emergency preparedness. Hopefully some of them will want to study to get their HAM license. Some may want to become a regular attendee of their local Ham Radio Club. Some may want to become more efficient at trauma treatment, massive blood loss and CPR. Others may decide to become effective at aquaponics. If watching one of my videos helps provide a spark into any one of these preparedness subjects, I am thrilled and honored. I find that the details of HAM radio warrants a dedicated channel, since there are SO many details to cover. There are a few RUclipsrs like SurvivalTech Nord, commsprepper and USNERDOC who dedicate a lot of their videos to this subject. The majority of preppers that I know are VERY private people. Most don't even like providing their full name to the internet, let alone their call sign, which could be looked up and provide the world with their home address and more. I find that the best HAM resources are in books, dedicated HAM channels and most importantly local clubs (as you mentioned). Preparedness channels like PM101 and my own will most often provide a basic overview for the 90% of viewers, which the dedicated channels will cater more to the other 10%. I am sorry if you feel that I did not stress the importance of obtaining an amateur radio license enough in this video. I thought that I talked about it multiple times, but in the future I will attempt to emphasize this more. Thanks for commenting and providing your valuable feedback. Hope to see you around, possibly on the airwaves. :) ~Cliff
TheUrbanPrepper Hey Cliff, I appreciate the hard work that goes into the process of making content like product reviews. I also definitely agree with your statements on prepping can lead to other interests and motivations for different types of people. Coming at this from someone who has been involved with ametuer radio for several years; I have some worries. When I started the cost of the equipment tended to be a sort of gatekeeper and only those highly motivated and interested individuals sought licenses and further training. However, today with just a $35 Amazon order anyone can have one of these BaoFengs at their front door ready to make a big mess if they have no clue what they are doing. Which is great because it provides access to an often misunderstood hobby but a potential nightmare because many won't take the time to find out what they are doing. As a wet behind the ears Ham, I remember really pissing off people on a few of the Skywarn weather spotting nets in my local area. I also remember reporting useless information in an ARES net a time or two. This was when I had my license, had taken courses and had friends and mentors who had been in the hobby a long time. There are all kinds of great ham radio resources here on youtube and for those who have interest, they will look for them.
A pleasant surprise for me, was that Baofeng increased the scan rate considerably over the UV-5R. Power is nice too, and as advertised. Highly recommended.
If you need him to "slow down" just use the video speed control setting to change it to 0.75 of normal speed (click on the "gear" icon at lower-right to access video controls). I end up watching most "tutorial" type videos at 1.25x or 1.50x because they usually drag things out so much or take forever to get to the point.
Must get one of these soon along with a Ham license and avoid the $10,000.00 USD fine... And also the speaker-mike, tall antenna, coax and maybe the Arrow Antenna to talk to the Extra Terrestials some 220 miles away. The basic rig will make a great addition to the 5.11 LBE Vest and listen with the ear buds or noise cancelling head phones (also to hear the zombies sneaking up on you). Thank you for the video ! tjl
I'm thinking of getting this radio for in my vehicle for emergency use and while I'm out hunting. I know alot of people get a larger antenna to get the extra range. I figured this would be better than getting a CB again.
Hey Chris- Don't sell yourself short. Get a Technician Ham license and as you acquire radio communications skills you will appreciate the knowledge you gain. 73
I have a friend who is an expert on the PUXING and Baofung radios. He has been programming both for years and orders these radios factory direct, dozens at a time. While the PUXING is the same size and weight as the Baofung, the quality is more reliable and of course the price is slightly higher as well. He prefers and recomends the PUXING. If anyone has any questions about either, LMK and I will look into getting you an answer.
Keep touching the radios while they are on that ledge. I was waiting for you tp push them on over. You are aware that you can talk without using your hands. That's why the hands were placed at the end of the arm separate from the mouth.
I have the UV-5R and they did upgrade those to 8 watts. But when you program the 8 Watt UV-5R Using CHIRP The model UV-5R didn't work. I had to use this model BF-F8HP to program my UV-5R. Just a FYI
One of the best video's out there to date. Med kit, Comms and solar. Nobody wants to spend the money but in the event you ever need one of these three your glad you got it (even piece by piece.)
Mooky Mann Thanks for watching, Mooky! Getting your HAM license is like taking a CPR class; a great skill to have in your preparedness repertoire. I feel that this is a topic in which money and time is very well spent, especially if you have interests in emergency preparedness. So many people in today's world will be caught with their pants down if the cellular grid were ever compromised. I am glad that we have this resource on RUclips to collaborate and refine our personal skills. Take care and all the best.
TheUrbanPrepper I sent you a suggestion PM for a follow up video idea so look in your youtube mailbox to read it. This video here is without a doubt a Must See and the Clift Notes guideline for radio novices.
+TheUrbanPrepper You can take all 3 tests for the same fee, so study up man! I missed the extra class by a few questions, but I was ready for it within 3 more weeks. I had business on the day of the next test, & the day of the one after that, so I hit a bi-monthly & have my extra class now. The repeaters are full of preppers now. HF is pretty devoid of them, and I can't recall EVER hearing preppers on the extra bands doing CW. CW, PSK or FSK will cut through when phone won't. I have worked Maine, & Labrador from Arizona with 5 watts & FSK. That was down on 40 meters, though.
I have a GMRS license so can I use this radio? You said Ham Radio that's a different license right? What is the range on this thing? Do you know how much a Ham Radio license is? I'm looking for a good range radio maybe from Motorola or Baofeng etc, etc to use to talk with my friends and family within 2-5 mile range thing is I live in a City, my place has hills and buildings(not many tall like Manhattan but hills for sure) any recommendations? I have the midland crank radio, GMRS where I can occasionally pick up NJ and Penn frequencies. I heard Ham was really big til the internet came out. But yeah, always wondered the difference between GMRS range frequencies, digital frequencies and FRS and Ham frequencies. Is a Ham radio license as easy to get as the GMRS is? Great review vid btw dude!
Chris, I have a philosophical question regarding HAM licensing on these radios. I see this video is now almost 2 years old but I think this is still pertinent to ask; Since these radios are capable of hitting repeaters around the areas where we all live, which means licensing, and given the nature of the need for the uses of these things.. how do you feel about getting licensing with the government given the potential need for anonymous usage in a SHTF situation? I started doing Sunday radio check with friends but since I was using a repeater without call letters I was immediately admonished by what I referred to as the local "tower cop" who was quick to remind me to get off the air without such identification. I went back to the computer and looked at the ARRL website and found that a lot of sensitive information was at ANYBODY's disposal just to look up what call letters I might have offered up.. It felt like I had to give big brother too much info to volunteer up for such a minor piece of kit for a "potential" scenario that might never be used.. Many people look to you for guidance on this prepper subject so I thought I'd see which way you fall on the subject? License, and give up the privacy or hold off and keep the anonymity? Thanks Bob/Okc
Get your license, talk all over the world, learn a ton. Don’t get your license, leave your radio in the closet, learn nothing, never communicate. Do whichever you prefer.
I have a friend that bought this radio. At 8 watts it lasts maybe 5-10 minutes tops before overheating and powering off/on repeatedly. You could cook dinner on these things at 8 watts. Baofengs are spotty - some are good, some are trash. I'm not gonna be an amateur elitist and say anything about being unlicensed... but I guess if you're a "prepper" you'll want to monitor ham/EMS frequencies, which this will do. It's a bit scary to know tons of unlicensed people have these cheap radios, but I've never personally run into any "pirate" stations. When/if I do, I might change my mind, but for now, have fun, and study up so we can talk to ya'll! - W3CNW
Why is he transmitting on 8 Watts? I have never used more than half a Watt on a Baofeng, and of course this is why it is preferable to use low power if at all possible. One way or another I see what you are saying, they are very limited! But they also form a good stepping stone into enjoying the wonderful world of HAM Radio!
You never run into any cause there smart enough to realize without a call we wont answer now, with smartphones and qrz they can pick from an ever increasing list of callsigns to use... unwise to post your call.
Sorry, I don't recognize folks who stock up for the end of the world by zombie attack as normal people. We don't need these nut cases on the air. Stick with CB and stay the hell away from me.
I have a Mac. Each time, after clicking the Radio key, the list comes up without actually reading the radio. I've tried different ports, maually putting in the port, and all I ever get is "could not open port USB 2.0 Bus: [Errno 2] No such file or directory: 'USB 2.0 Bus'... The port name changes with each attempt. Any suggestions. Nothing on the Baofeng site seems to be relevent to that problem.
This radio's relative usefulness depends on repeaters. There are emergency scenarios that could easily take out, destroy, fry, repeaters. If that happens, this radio (if it isn't likewise fried) is reduced to being a low-power scanner at best, and if you don't have a ham license, and in the absence of a real personal emergency, you can't use the radio to communicate under any circumstance.
Standard capacity battery is only 1800mah according to the sticker inside of mine..have I bought a Chinese knock off ? .. & are there any better Baofeng radios available now in 2022 please ?
Just a couple of questions.... 1) If I have some walkie talkies and I know the frequency of them, do I have to have a license to transmit over that frequency to those walkie talkies. 2) What does the a/B button do? Thanks.
1) No you cannot use it as a walkie talkie without having an amateur radio license. You can listen you CANNOT transmit without a license, its an amateur radio. 2. The A/B button switches between the 2 channels on the screen to transmit. You can transmit over one or the other, but not both at the same time so you can switch between them.
Where is the cheapest place to get the best prices on a boafeng ,and for a beginner who wants to earn his lincense,what boafeng would you recommend ,once I get going I am hoping my friends will want to get license too
I know they are not the same thing, but I had some motorolla walkie talkies some time ago and left them in the charging docs all the time so they'd be ready to go whenever I needed them. But this actually ended up killing the batteries and they only ended up holding a WEAK 5-6 minute charge. Is this an issue with the Baofengs?
It seems instructors do NOT focus on a good example of how amateurs can use something complex with simple analogies like ... shtf, give a local city with known freq. and show us how to setup 3 main channels like police, fire, rescue and weather freq and how we can save those and have them SCAN through them to listen... you know??
An alternative to the Baofeng software is CHIRP, which is supported by BaoFeng and also supports other radios. You want the daily build, located at www.miklor.com/COM/UV_CHIRP.php#Getting Started to get the latest improvements and radios they support.
Matt Dolloff some repeaters are on backup power solar ect. Usually repeater book will tell you. As for people who refuse to be licenced . Go get bubble pack radios at Walmart. But about half of them require licence's . If you are too dumb to pass the technician test you probably won't be able to operate the radio anyway
+Kallister Smith GPS receivers do that- they receive. You can't track someone using a GPS unit. You CAN track someone transmitting a radio signal, which all ham radios do.
just curious. you don't need a license to buy or use this radio, just if you want to transmit correct? Is there any limitations as to what you can listen too? LIke are there blocked channels that can only be unlocked if you have the proper license?
You can own the radio, and you can program it to any frequency within the radio's range of operation, you just cannot transmit over the radio without a license. You can transmit over the radio without a license, so be careful not to do so as you can get into serious trouble. You can disable the PTT button I haven't read on how to do so yet, but it is possible to disable it, and turn it into nothing more than a scanner.
Hi, can you take a look at my 40 second long video, it is of a bf f8hp I purchased from gearbest, I am not sure that it is genuine as it only has high and low power setting no medium, and came in a uv5r box and manual. I am thinking it is just a uv5r in a f8hp case, have nothing to rest power but think it will just be the same as a uv5r thank you Stephen. Search on you tube, f8hp no medium power
Yes, with some basic electronics skills, such as matching voltages and plus/minus signs. You can charge it with just about anything as long as you convert it to 7.2 Volts DC. I'm not trying to be snarky, I promise. For example, if you find a cigarette lighter that outputs 7.2 volts, you can cut the wires and tape them to the external exposed terminals on the exterior of the battery while attached to the radio. Or you can build whatever you want with some solder and cheap components
Yes, and no. This is a hand held Amateur Radio, you CANNOT transmit with it unless you have an Amateur Radio License. You can program frequencies into it and monitor your local police, fire, and rescue for example, but you CANNOT transmit on it without the license.
I thought that I read it was actually pronounced Po fung witch is why the brand was changed, to be spelled in English the way it's pronounced in Chinese. Could be wrong though, apparently there's a rumor going around that not everything you read or see on the internet is true..
It can be programmed to operate on GMRS frequencies. It is, however, technically illegal to use this radio to transmit on these frequencies, even with a GMRS license. The FCC has rather odd rules and regulations.
Right now, you are looking in a whole 10 story hotel for one person who is changing floors by the hour. You could program in the local repeaters and scan memory mode, this would be like walking through your house playing hide and seek instead. Local repeaters can be found on RadioReference.com
In CHIRP, under the "Radio" menu in "Import from stock config", select "US FRS and GMRS Channels". It is, however, technically illegal to use this radio to transmit on these frequencies.
Chirp works just fine with win10. The factory cable is a bit of hit and miss on win10 so do a search on eBay for the FTDI programming cable. Cost a little more but it is the only one I have found that works with win10. Just make sure that you get the one for your radio.
The BF-F8HP will probably do you excellently. I am actually more fond of the UV-5R since it is even a little cheaper. The 1.25 meter band is not all that heavily used in comparison to 2m and 70cm. 2m is by far the most common, and 75cm is a close second, the 1.25 meter band is way way way behind in popularity, at least in my area. If you want to grow into more capability later that is always an option, but start cheap. The UV-5R for $20-30 has far more capability than people make it out to have. It earns you what it cost just off phone repeater capability for sure, but one could turn a pair of them into an impromptu crossband repeater, use one for FLDIGI, send pictures with easypal or all sorts of goodies! Thats my two cents, go with the UV-5R even though its a nightmare to learn to program but so are all the baofeng products.
Wesley Buff, thanks for the reply and info. I went with the UV-5X3 and received it today. Now the learning/ fun begins. I was able to upload local repeaters using Chirp which was not to difficult.
PK I bet all your mattresses still have those tags that say do not remove ! Unless you screwing with the ham station ! You and your friend will be fine !
Damn, they regulate everything to fckn death! I understand ppl shouldnt broadcast on public service frequencies, but i need a ham radio "license" to have a frckn walky talky on a camping trip with friends? They can kiss my ass
I have the extended battery, 4500 mAh, it takes 9 hours to charge. I've tested it. I have the UV5R-V2+, got it back in Jan 2015 and its been a trooper. Got my Tech license on March 2nd. These are very good little radio's.
Thanks for hosting the review by TUP Chris and thanks for the review Cliff, I almost am confident to know what I'm doing with one after watching TUP, living survival and survival tech nords in depth amd critical reviews. I think these lessons are like school, you can't have university professors teaching kindergarten, so as much as you underestimate your ability to do the review there is a place for a comms novice in the gear review genre, namely to teach kindergarten! Arguably the most essential grade, anyways I'm rambling so...
Canadian Prepper Excellent comment as always! I totally agree regarding your comments on kindergarten. I strive to present this kind of information as simple as I can, which can be challenging on such topics as amateur radios. Not sure if I actually achieved that, but I was definitely trying. I’ve always been motivated by this Albert Einstein quote: "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough."
Ah look it's Canadian agent. 🎭
Thanks for the collaboration with TUP & for increasing our knowledge on HAM Radios. We cannot realistically expect an entire technical course to be dumbed down in 20 minutes. However, the presentation made me smarter about BF-F8HP and from some of the Constructive Tech Comments.
We use these radios when we hunt. But why on Earth does that man talk so fast???
rippon77 Sorry for the rapid fire talking. I try to squeeze in a good amount of information in a video without it becoming way too long. Unfortunately, I've resorted to a fast pace video dialogue to help achieve this, which some people don't really enjoy. One of these days I'll figure out the best balance between dialogue pacing and content delivered. I'm still trying to refine my audio content. Thanks for commenting!
rippon77 Not to mention the fact we have to deal with him plunking the radio down in rush hour traffic.
orbits2 Unfortunately, the only time I had available to record this particular video was during my lunch break at work in downtown Seattle. I too would have preferred for less traffic noise in the background. Definitely not as peaceful as the outdoor sounds Chris captures in his videos while filming in the woods.
To be fair, he offered to voice over it, but it didn't sound too bad to me.
TheUrbanPrepper It's not like we can't go back and play it again ... and again ... and again ... and again ...
Good info. My head hurts, but this is a great overview. I gotta get me one. I know, don't push the button without getting a valid driver's license ....
I'm really happy you did this video with The Urban Prepper. It was a great call!
Thanks for sharing.
PM101 collaborated with TUP and TUP gave you a shout out in his Baofeng video so maybe some of the PM101 subscribers will trickle down to you as well!
SurvivalTech Nord Thanks for watching, STN! When are you and I going to do a collab video???
I've got the best channel buddies in the world :)
TheUrbanPrepper
Apparently pretty soon :D
I'm always open to it.
SurvivalTech Nord Let's talk via private message or email!
Thank you for this! New HAM Technician here, with exact same radio!
Good Laawwwd I am dumb! After 5 minutes it sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher explaining the radio. This may be ham radio for dummies, but I need the Ham Radio for Vegetables version.
Dude, I'm right there with you. Hence the guest review.
Nutinwrkz Haha... too funny. I can totally relate, not with this subject but all subjects. “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.” [Einstein] If you have an interest in this subject, I would recommend picking up a book called the "No-Nonsense Technician Class License Study Guide". It's a good read and will prepare you to take the HAM exam. However, only real life practicing with other HAM's will make you comfortable and with the proper etiquette.
TheUrbanPrepper I do have an interest and will drop the book hint for my upcoming birthday. Thanks for the info. Chris made a good choice bringing you in.
Yeah. This is more HAM oriented. These radios would be best suited for licensed HAMs wishing to transmit on FRS or GFMRS in addition to their licensing.
Amazon left my new BAOFENG BF-F8HP on my doorstep at 6:00 am this morning. I’ve been using a Yaesu FT-50R for a quarter century. Thanks for the overview.
73s KD5FPA
So far so good? I'm considering purchasing 2 of these, then a pair of the compatible 3800 milli amp batteries making for a larger, easier to handle radio.
Also, I understand there is an upgraded antenna that's very popular, can't recall the name but they all say it improves the transmitting and receiving a great deal.
I'm interested too - in a specialized antenna to use mostly indoors...since I live now in a small apartment...I'll probably have to go with the wire type that clips to a curtain rod, etc
Any suggestions you might share with me would be appreciated. I'm completely new to these, and it can be confusing.
Thanks ..
I've got the UV-5R and just ordered a BF-F8HP to add to my kit as well! Love the collab, you guys should cover the newer models like the UV-5RH/M! I'm considering that one next!
Chris,
As a Ham for almost 10 years now I am a little concerned with the lack of information on obtaining a amatuer radio license. Most people do not realize that rats nest of problems you can create for others and oneself if operating without a license. It is not sufficient information to simply know how to program the radio and talk. It is necessary to know how to operate in a radio net and to know how to handle different types of traffic, etc.
I would like to guide people curious to learn about ham radio to check out the ARRL (Ametuer Radio Relay League) and their local Ham Radio club. Ham radio is a hobby with many niche groups and flavors depending on your level of technical interest. It is also a hobby that I feel requires some hands on experience with other expert operators. In the end people need to make sure they understand ALL of the basic rules, regulations and courtesies before venturing onto the airwaves.
73s
-K9LLL
He said you gotta take the course and get a license to transmit. You can't expect a college course in HAM radio in a 20 minute youtube video.
Just curious, but did you watch the video? Because what you're describing really doesn't reflect his review.
They are just as great for monitoring. But he did say if you want to transmit you have to take steps.
I am not saying that the video needs to be a video format of what someone would see in a course. What I am saying is that it would benefit MANY people to have more information beyond "make sure you get your license before you transmit." I think it would be a great video to show people how to find a ham radio club, how to get a study guide, where to take your test, etc.
He does state in the video that it requires a license to operate, but let's address an elephant in the room here... if the SHTF locally, regionally or globally the last thing a person will be concerned about is having a license, which isn't to promote not having one or to discount your expertise, but in that instance the end justifies the means!
***** I totally agree with what you are saying. However, I feel that visitors to most emergency preparedness channels such as PM101 or my own have high level interests in multiple areas of prepping, ranging from emergency first aid, shelter building, weapons training, water filtration methods and emergency communications using non-cellular methods like with HAM radios. During my time on RUclips, I find that most viewers simply want an aid for their shopping purposes to help them make educated purchases. IMO, it is more of my responsibility as a content provider to provide them with the basic overview to help their purchase decision of a product first, and anything extended second. If I didn't do that, then every review video I did on say a first aid kit would need to deep dive into the "rats nest of problems" that can occur during a trauma situation. Every flashlight review would need to go into the specifics of calculating lumens with proper equipment like an integrating sphere. Every water filtration pump would need to provide lab results of the actual filtration effectiveness to "understand all of the basic rules", etc. What I worry about it is creating a multi hour video series on the intricacies of the genre of a product, when over 90% of viewers just want a basic rundown in order to help their purchase decision. You know?
I hope that my videos will help motivate new people into wanting to take measures into improving their emergency preparedness. Hopefully some of them will want to study to get their HAM license. Some may want to become a regular attendee of their local Ham Radio Club. Some may want to become more efficient at trauma treatment, massive blood loss and CPR. Others may decide to become effective at aquaponics. If watching one of my videos helps provide a spark into any one of these preparedness subjects, I am thrilled and honored.
I find that the details of HAM radio warrants a dedicated channel, since there are SO many details to cover. There are a few RUclipsrs like SurvivalTech Nord, commsprepper and USNERDOC who dedicate a lot of their videos to this subject. The majority of preppers that I know are VERY private people. Most don't even like providing their full name to the internet, let alone their call sign, which could be looked up and provide the world with their home address and more. I find that the best HAM resources are in books, dedicated HAM channels and most importantly local clubs (as you mentioned). Preparedness channels like PM101 and my own will most often provide a basic overview for the 90% of viewers, which the dedicated channels will cater more to the other 10%. I am sorry if you feel that I did not stress the importance of obtaining an amateur radio license enough in this video. I thought that I talked about it multiple times, but in the future I will attempt to emphasize this more. Thanks for commenting and providing your valuable feedback. Hope to see you around, possibly on the airwaves. :) ~Cliff
TheUrbanPrepper Hey Cliff,
I appreciate the hard work that goes into the process of making content like product reviews. I also definitely agree with your statements on prepping can lead to other interests and motivations for different types of people.
Coming at this from someone who has been involved with ametuer radio for several years; I have some worries. When I started the cost of the equipment tended to be a sort of gatekeeper and only those highly motivated and interested individuals sought licenses and further training. However, today with just a $35 Amazon order anyone can have one of these BaoFengs at their front door ready to make a big mess if they have no clue what they are doing. Which is great because it provides access to an often misunderstood hobby but a potential nightmare because many won't take the time to find out what they are doing.
As a wet behind the ears Ham, I remember really pissing off people on a few of the Skywarn weather spotting nets in my local area. I also remember reporting useless information in an ARES net a time or two. This was when I had my license, had taken courses and had friends and mentors who had been in the hobby a long time. There are all kinds of great ham radio resources here on youtube and for those who have interest, they will look for them.
A pleasant surprise for me, was that Baofeng increased the scan rate considerably over the UV-5R. Power is nice too, and as advertised. Highly recommended.
Probably one of the best reviews i've ever seen, This guy is ADD like me, thank you for going so quickly and providing so much info!
If you need him to "slow down" just use the video speed control setting to change it to 0.75 of normal speed (click on the "gear" icon at lower-right to access video controls).
I end up watching most "tutorial" type videos at 1.25x or 1.50x because they usually drag things out so much or take forever to get to the point.
Must get one of these soon along with a Ham license and avoid the $10,000.00 USD fine... And also the speaker-mike, tall antenna, coax and maybe the Arrow Antenna to talk to the Extra Terrestials some 220 miles away. The basic rig will make a great addition to the 5.11 LBE Vest and listen with the ear buds or noise cancelling head phones (also to hear the zombies sneaking up on you). Thank you for the video ! tjl
Tim Lipinski -200 miles and your spot on.
I'm thinking of getting this radio for in my vehicle for emergency use and while I'm out hunting. I know alot of people get a larger antenna to get the extra range. I figured this would be better than getting a CB again.
Never thought about Hamm radio. Fonda put it on my short list.
Seeing the old videos now!
Very good job... thank you for making it all make sense.
Great video! Thanks to both Chris from Prepared Mind 101 and Cliff from The Urban Prepper for teaming up.
Hey Chris- Don't sell yourself short. Get a Technician Ham license and as you acquire radio communications skills you will appreciate the knowledge you gain. 73
Glad to see some one pressing the issue. "GET YOUR LICENSE." It's not that hard to do. There's links out there to study from! That's how I did it.
Free men do not ask permission
I have a friend who is an expert on the PUXING and Baofung radios. He has been programming both for years and orders these radios factory direct, dozens at a time. While the PUXING is the same size and weight as the Baofung, the quality is more reliable and of course the price is slightly higher as well. He prefers and recomends the PUXING. If anyone has any questions about either, LMK and I will look into getting you an answer.
Keep touching the radios while they are on that ledge. I was waiting for you tp push them on over. You are aware that you can talk without using your hands. That's why the hands were placed at the end of the arm separate from the mouth.
I love ham and i love radios so buying this was a no brainer.
Is it possible for him to talk faster??
This guy would make a great auctioneer goddamn!
It looks like you make the radio show frequency on top and name on bottom for scanning in chirp showing all channels under duplex tab saying split?
Thanks very helpful I'm saving these bid for reference thanks again
I have the UV-5R and they did upgrade those to 8 watts. But when you program the 8 Watt UV-5R Using CHIRP The model UV-5R didn't work. I had to use this model BF-F8HP to program my UV-5R. Just a FYI
Everyone complaining about his speech speed, you can slow it down one point and it's perfectly fine to listen too.
One of the best video's out there to date. Med kit, Comms and solar. Nobody wants to spend the money but in the event you ever need one of these three your glad you got it (even piece by piece.)
Mooky Mann Thanks for watching, Mooky! Getting your HAM license is like taking a CPR class; a great skill to have in your preparedness repertoire. I feel that this is a topic in which money and time is very well spent, especially if you have interests in emergency preparedness. So many people in today's world will be caught with their pants down if the cellular grid were ever compromised. I am glad that we have this resource on RUclips to collaborate and refine our personal skills. Take care and all the best.
TheUrbanPrepper I sent you a suggestion PM for a follow up video idea so look in your youtube mailbox to read it. This video here is without a doubt a Must See and the Clift Notes guideline for radio novices.
+TheUrbanPrepper You can take all 3 tests for the same fee, so study up man! I missed the extra class by a few questions, but I was ready for it within 3 more weeks. I had business on the day of the next test, & the day of the one after that, so I hit a bi-monthly & have my extra class now. The repeaters are full of preppers now. HF is pretty devoid of them, and I can't recall EVER hearing preppers on the extra bands doing CW. CW, PSK or FSK will cut through when phone won't. I have worked Maine, & Labrador from Arizona with 5 watts & FSK. That was down on 40 meters, though.
Sllllooooowwww down! Damn! U are stressing me the hell out
Jesus that man needs to lay off the speed. This isn’t a micromachines commercial.
Omg...I know exactly where you made this video...hi Neighbord.
Very honest..very respected...
I have a GMRS license so can I use this radio? You said Ham Radio that's a different license right? What is the range on this thing? Do you know how much a Ham Radio license is? I'm looking for a good range radio maybe from Motorola or Baofeng etc, etc to use to talk with my friends and family within 2-5 mile range thing is I live in a City, my place has hills and buildings(not many tall like Manhattan but hills for sure) any recommendations? I have the midland crank radio, GMRS where I can occasionally pick up NJ and Penn frequencies. I heard Ham was really big til the internet came out. But yeah, always wondered the difference between GMRS range frequencies, digital frequencies and FRS and Ham frequencies. Is a Ham radio license as easy to get as the GMRS is? Great review vid btw dude!
You are filming into a light sky background. Screen on radio totally blanked, as any youTuber would know.
If the grid goes down, you'll be happy to have a CB.
No I won't, wait, they're adding FM to CB radios. Yeah, you're probably right.
Radios are confusing but very useful for many uses
Chris, I have a philosophical question regarding HAM licensing on these radios. I see this video is now almost 2 years old but I think this is still pertinent to ask; Since these radios are capable of hitting repeaters around the areas where we all live, which means licensing, and given the nature of the need for the uses of these things.. how do you feel about getting licensing with the government given the potential need for anonymous usage in a SHTF situation? I started doing Sunday radio check with friends but since I was using a repeater without call letters I was immediately admonished by what I referred to as the local "tower cop" who was quick to remind me to get off the air without such identification. I went back to the computer and looked at the ARRL website and found that a lot of sensitive information was at ANYBODY's disposal just to look up what call letters I might have offered up.. It felt like I had to give big brother too much info to volunteer up for such a minor piece of kit for a "potential" scenario that might never be used.. Many people look to you for guidance on this prepper subject so I thought I'd see which way you fall on the subject? License, and give up the privacy or hold off and keep the anonymity? Thanks
Bob/Okc
Get your license, talk all over the world, learn a ton. Don’t get your license, leave your radio in the closet, learn nothing, never communicate. Do whichever you prefer.
Excellent. Thanks.
I would like to no what's the best vericony to listen to on this radio I can't seem to pick anything up
nice vid! keep em commin.
Why no, the Traffic in the back ground wasn't Annoying at all!! lol
I have a friend that bought this radio. At 8 watts it lasts maybe 5-10 minutes tops before overheating and powering off/on repeatedly. You could cook dinner on these things at 8 watts. Baofengs are spotty - some are good, some are trash.
I'm not gonna be an amateur elitist and say anything about being unlicensed... but I guess if you're a "prepper" you'll want to monitor ham/EMS frequencies, which this will do.
It's a bit scary to know tons of unlicensed people have these cheap radios, but I've never personally run into any "pirate" stations. When/if I do, I might change my mind, but for now, have fun, and study up so we can talk to ya'll!
- W3CNW
Why is he transmitting on 8 Watts? I have never used more than half a Watt on a Baofeng, and of course this is why it is preferable to use low power if at all possible. One way or another I see what you are saying, they are very limited! But they also form a good stepping stone into enjoying the wonderful world of HAM Radio!
Wesley Buff low power is 1 watt...
You never run into any cause there smart enough to realize without a call we wont answer now, with smartphones and qrz they can pick from an ever increasing list of callsigns to use... unwise to post your call.
AlterMannCam you will realize that when u get mail from OO that swarms you for something that happened 3 states away.
can't believe fifty people thumbed down? that was great info. learn all you can now.
+woodcraft camper I thumbed it down because of the prepper mentality. Ham radio doesn't need these nut cases in the hobby.
+matt9c1 Way to portray hams as elitist douche bags!
+Kwitzats nailed it
Sorry, I don't recognize folks who stock up for the end of the world by zombie attack as normal people. We don't need these nut cases on the air. Stick with CB and stay the hell away from me.
Sorry I don't think of douche bags as normal people.
I have a Mac. Each time, after clicking the Radio key, the list comes up without actually reading the radio. I've tried different ports, maually putting in the port, and all I ever get is "could not open port USB 2.0 Bus: [Errno 2] No such file or directory: 'USB 2.0 Bus'... The port name changes with each attempt. Any suggestions. Nothing on the Baofeng site seems to be relevent to that problem.
Turn on the radio guy...
Is there a hack for the baofeng to keep the display light on
This radio's relative usefulness depends on repeaters. There are emergency scenarios that could easily take out, destroy, fry, repeaters. If that happens, this radio (if it isn't likewise fried) is reduced to being a low-power scanner at best, and if you don't have a ham license, and in the absence of a real personal emergency, you can't use the radio to communicate under any circumstance.
Was JUST gonna buy a couple!! Perfect timing :)
Standard capacity battery is only 1800mah according to the sticker inside of mine..have I bought a Chinese knock off ? .. & are there any better Baofeng radios available now in 2022 please ?
You need to do this indoors. To much background noise
Maybe I missed it but does that Baofeng HP have an illuminated LCD display screen?
I bought 2 of these, one for use, the other in my Faraday
What's the liscene for so the gov knows who has them and who's making the chatter
Thinking the same...
Just a couple of questions....
1) If I have some walkie talkies and I know the frequency of them, do I have to have a license to transmit over that frequency to those walkie talkies.
2) What does the a/B button do?
Thanks.
1) No you cannot use it as a walkie talkie without having an amateur radio license. You can listen you CANNOT transmit without a license, its an amateur radio.
2. The A/B button switches between the 2 channels on the screen to transmit. You can transmit over one or the other, but not both at the same time so you can switch between them.
I see that the band switch is missing on this one.
6:40 Having the device powered on while charging is not advised. It has the possibility to kill the battery or the integrated circuits inside.
Good video
good radios i have just got a 8w power baofeng they look like the old 5 w but they are a baofeng 3 radio
Hello! Which one should I get, the Baofeng BF-F8HP or the Baofeng BF-UVB2 +?
I live in Honduras, do you think this device is worth buying to use in this country
Love this channel and UrbanPrepper....but way to many LONG commercials. Can't sit through it to the end....Outta-here... !
Where is the cheapest place to get the best prices on a boafeng ,and for a beginner who wants to earn his lincense,what boafeng would you recommend ,once I get going I am hoping my friends will want to get license too
I know they are not the same thing, but I had some motorolla walkie talkies some time ago and left them in the charging docs all the time so they'd be ready to go whenever I needed them. But this actually ended up killing the batteries and they only ended up holding a WEAK 5-6 minute charge. Is this an issue with the Baofengs?
IX Mendoza it would be an issue with anything its bad for them.
It seems instructors do NOT focus on a good example of how amateurs can use something complex with simple analogies like ... shtf, give a local city with known freq. and show us how to setup 3 main channels like police, fire, rescue and weather freq and how we can save those and have them SCAN through them to listen... you know??
An alternative to the Baofeng software is CHIRP, which is supported by BaoFeng and also supports other radios. You want the daily build, located at www.miklor.com/COM/UV_CHIRP.php#Getting Started to get the latest improvements and radios they support.
you in a Hurry to go somewhere
Audio went from good, to I'm leaving this video now.
I have a question. If and when the SHTF, if the power is lost, we would lose repeaters right?
A lot of ppl with repeaters will hopefully maintain them
Matt Dolloff some repeaters are on backup power solar ect. Usually repeater book will tell you. As for people who refuse to be licenced . Go get bubble pack radios at Walmart. But about half of them require licence's . If you are too dumb to pass the technician test you probably won't be able to operate the radio anyway
@@davidbyrd5065 well if all hell breaks loose...a license won't matter now will it,so calm down sparky.
You should have just explained how to manually program a frequency , and how to scan first .
Hello can you explain to me how to put channel 10000 and above 50000 thanks in advance
I understood about 2% of what he said.
Where he says duplex, substitute the word simplex. K5LYT
Is this programmed with a GPS mode? In other words, if you have one will they be able to track your position?
+Kallister Smith GPS receivers do that- they receive. You can't track someone using a GPS unit. You CAN track someone transmitting a radio signal, which all ham radios do.
Kallister Smith only yours.
which one do you recommend the baofeng uv5-rtp or the bf-f8hp?
Recommendation for N after market antenna for this model? I've got 2 of these coming in the mail....
LoneStarPrepps the original is best.
I just love new fangled stuff.
What's the best radio for a heavily forested area?
How far can u talk on simplex can u use repeaters when your 50 miles away ????
just curious. you don't need a license to buy or use this radio, just if you want to transmit correct? Is there any limitations as to what you can listen too? LIke are there blocked channels that can only be unlocked if you have the proper license?
You can own the radio, and you can program it to any frequency within the radio's range of operation, you just cannot transmit over the radio without a license. You can transmit over the radio without a license, so be careful not to do so as you can get into serious trouble. You can disable the PTT button I haven't read on how to do so yet, but it is possible to disable it, and turn it into nothing more than a scanner.
GPadugan lol thats cute.
Hi, can you take a look at my 40 second long video, it is of a bf f8hp I purchased from gearbest, I am not sure that it is genuine as it only has high and low power setting no medium, and came in a uv5r box and manual. I am thinking it is just a uv5r in a f8hp case, have nothing to rest power but think it will just be the same as a uv5r thank you Stephen. Search on you tube, f8hp no medium power
Is there any way to charge it without the dock IE a USB cable to a solar panel??
Yes, with some basic electronics skills, such as matching voltages and plus/minus signs. You can charge it with just about anything as long as you convert it to 7.2 Volts DC. I'm not trying to be snarky, I promise. For example, if you find a cigarette lighter that outputs 7.2 volts, you can cut the wires and tape them to the external exposed terminals on the exterior of the battery while attached to the radio. Or you can build whatever you want with some solder and cheap components
Hi, is there any way to program the radio for someone that doesn't have a ham? let say to program it to a simple walmart walkie-talkie.
Yes, and no. This is a hand held Amateur Radio, you CANNOT transmit with it unless you have an Amateur Radio License. You can program frequencies into it and monitor your local police, fire, and rescue for example, but you CANNOT transmit on it without the license.
So if you have your ham license...everyone will know your address? Where you live?
The correct pronunciation for Baofeng is: Bao like "WOW" but using a "B" and Feng like in"fungus". NOT "Bay Ooh Fang"
+steve preston Who cares? He's not Chinese.
I thought that I read it was actually pronounced Po fung witch is why the brand was changed, to be spelled in English the way it's pronounced in Chinese. Could be wrong though, apparently there's a rumor going around that not everything you read or see on the internet is true..
Does this operate on GMRS frequencies? If so, can you operate on those frequencies with just a GMRS license?
It can be programmed to operate on GMRS frequencies. It is, however, technically illegal to use this radio to transmit on these frequencies, even with a GMRS license. The FCC has rather odd rules and regulations.
Do these radios scan railroad?
No one ever talks about holding down the orange call button. Makes a siren sound lol
Im scanning in fq mode and I'm not picking up any ham talk?
Right now, you are looking in a whole 10 story hotel for one person who is changing floors by the hour. You could program in the local repeaters and scan memory mode, this would be like walking through your house playing hide and seek instead. Local repeaters can be found on RadioReference.com
Why the hell does he speak so quickly, is he late for work, maybe he can make another video talking normal.
Turn the playback speed down genius.
@@alew1372 why should he have to?? If the speech was at a normal pace, there’d be no issue.
Ha, play it at .75 speed when he gets into programming. Much better!
Do those programming cables work as a USB charge cord?
No!
How can i download the FRS? To use with relatives?
In CHIRP, under the "Radio" menu in "Import from stock config", select "US FRS and GMRS Channels". It is, however, technically illegal to use this radio to transmit on these frequencies.
Do these scan railroad
can I use this programming with windows 10 will the programming cable work and will chirp work with win 10
Chirp works just fine with win10. The factory cable is a bit of hit and miss on win10 so do a search on eBay for the FTDI programming cable. Cost a little more but it is the only one I have found that works with win10. Just make sure that you get the one for your radio.
For a newb that is currently studying for the tech lic, would you recommend the BF-F8HP (8 watt; dual band) or the UV-5X3 (5 watt; tri-band) ?
The BF-F8HP will probably do you excellently. I am actually more fond of the UV-5R since it is even a little cheaper. The 1.25 meter band is not all that heavily used in comparison to 2m and 70cm. 2m is by far the most common, and 75cm is a close second, the 1.25 meter band is way way way behind in popularity, at least in my area. If you want to grow into more capability later that is always an option, but start cheap. The UV-5R for $20-30 has far more capability than people make it out to have. It earns you what it cost just off phone repeater capability for sure, but one could turn a pair of them into an impromptu crossband repeater, use one for FLDIGI, send pictures with easypal or all sorts of goodies! Thats my two cents, go with the UV-5R even though its a nightmare to learn to program but so are all the baofeng products.
Wesley Buff, thanks for the reply and info. I went with the UV-5X3 and received it today. Now the learning/ fun begins. I was able to upload local repeaters using Chirp which was not to difficult.
Kell Bodholt u dont need the 220 its useless.
Is “over night to charge” 4 hours or 8
I was under the impression that we can use the frs frequencies without a license
You can, there are plenty of VHF/UHF freq's that are open, don't know why he said not to touch the PTT.
Phatt Daddy these Radios are not legal on FRS or GMRS ,Murs ect . They are not type accepted.the FCC rules state the reasons why.
And this is why you don’t take advice from someone who’s unqualified to give it.
PK I bet all your mattresses still have those tags that say do not remove ! Unless you screwing with the ham station ! You and your friend will be fine !
Damn, they regulate everything to fckn death! I understand ppl shouldnt broadcast on public service frequencies, but i need a ham radio "license" to have a frckn walky talky on a camping trip with friends? They can kiss my ass
This dude seems nice but his voice is stressing me out.
Slow it down a bit, fella. Don't panic. Just breathe.
I slowed RUclips custom audio speed to 0.85 lol sounds a lot better