Questions tagged [baofeng]
Baofeng is a manufacturer of radio equipment. Use this tag for questions relating specifically to Baofeng products.
128
questions
25
votes
9
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How can I avoid accidentally transmitting with a Baofeng UV-5R?
I don't have $500 for a radio scanner. If I know the few (analog) frequencies that I would like to listen to, I think one can use the Baofeng UV5R (which doesn't cost much). The only problem is that ...
- 273
20
votes
10
answers
97k
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What antenna on a BaoFeng UV-5R Pro will give me better reception? [closed]
I am happy with my BaoFeng UV-5R Pro but the local UHV VHF repeater and simplex reception is terrible, even for contacts less than 50 kilometers. I assume that it's because the rubber-ducky antenna on ...
- 895
16
votes
8
answers
19k
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Are there any real advantages to an aftermarket NA-701 over the Baofeng stock antenna? [closed]
I have a Baofeng UV-5R HT radio that I have been using for about a month now and I really like it because it was very inexpensive and portable. It currently has the stock antenna on it and I have ...
- 161
12
votes
3
answers
12k
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Are Baofeng radios illegal in the U.S?
Having a low price budget, my search for my first ham radio to buy has led me towards Baofeng. A quick Google search on baofeng showed a lot of results that said that certain model baofeng handhelds ...
12
votes
3
answers
5k
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How do I troubleshoot a Baofeng UV-5R that won't receive?
I have a couple of Baofeng UV-5R radios. I have a profile in Chirp that works great on one of them, and I foolishly pushed that profile straight over to a UV-5R without checking firmware versions. ...
- 351
10
votes
5
answers
48k
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On which of these frequencies can I transmit without a license?
I have a Baofeng UV-5RA, and I need to know what frequencies on the "channel mode" (what the lady says when you press the "V/M" button on the radio) don't require a ham license. I am in Philadelphia, ...
- 107
10
votes
2
answers
2k
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What is the appropriate length of an antenna for a handheld on 2 meters?
I want to upgrade the stock antenna on my Baofeng uv-5r for which I mostly use the 2 meter band. The quarter wavelength for this band is about 19.2 inches, but when I look for antennas, they are ...
- 103
10
votes
2
answers
16k
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How does the baofeng radio eliminate squelch tail?
All tests are performed in Carrier Squelch mode on all radios without any sub-audible tone or digital squelch involved.
Scenario 1: The Baofeng handheld radio Keys up. Another Baofeng is listening. ...
- 7,530
10
votes
2
answers
360
views
If someone transmits on 151.88 MHz and I listen on 151.18 MHz, how likely would I hear their transmission?
I have a cheap baofeng uv-5r, and I sometimes hear an intermittent transmission which pulses past the squelch threshold with periods of dead space between, roughly 0.75 seconds or less.
My job uses a ...
- 103
10
votes
3
answers
2k
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Is Using PMR446 On A Baofeng GT3-MK3 HAM Radio Legal (If on low power)?
I have a Baofeng GT3-MK3, a great little radio.
Is it OK to use this on the low output setting for general use without a licence, for things like camping/hiking family use etc, if I used the legal ...
- 203
9
votes
2
answers
1k
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How much current can Baofeng UV-5R provide on +V pin?
I noticed that the pinout for cheap Baofeng connectors has +V available. I'm interested in powering some electronics directly from this connector.
When unloaded, this seems to have about 3.3V on it, ...
- 311
9
votes
3
answers
4k
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Baofeng low power mod
I have a few baofeng UV5R handhelds sitting around that only transmit, the receiver is damaged.
What I would like to do with these is build a foxhunt transmitter. Sure, I could set it to low power (...
- 7,530
7
votes
5
answers
25k
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Can a Baofeng UV-5R Display Both Name and Frequency Simultaneously?
The Baofeng UV-5R style radios have a 2 line display that can display the Name, Frequency, OR Number of the selected memory location for each of 2 memory locations.
Is it possible to display the Name ...
- 909
7
votes
1
answer
12k
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How to make a PTT button for Baofeng UV-5R
I use the radio for paragliding and the radio is mounted on a "cockpit" in front of me when flying.
When in flight my hands are busy. I can hear the radio fine (don't need an earpiece) and I can ...
- 73
6
votes
4
answers
13k
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UV-5R 4W BFB297 vs UV-5R 8W BFP3-23 (difference 4W vs 8W)
How big difference will it be between UV-5R 4W & newer UV-5R 8W (difference between 4W & 8W), in real life use 1 on 1 HT.
In SAME conditions, how much different distance / range will we get? (...
- 63
6
votes
1
answer
3k
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How do PTT buttons work?
I'm really new to this, and I was wondering how the whole PTT system works? I have a headset with microphone, and a Baofeng UV-82 radio. I know the radio has its own PTT button, but is there any kind ...
- 69
6
votes
4
answers
1k
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What is the minimum signal strength I need to receive?
Let's say a transmitting station is using a 8W radio with a J pole antenna. The cable connecting the radio to the antenna is RG-58A/U and is 25ft long.
At 144.075MHz, the attenuation of the cable is ...
- 125
6
votes
1
answer
19k
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Baofeng UV 9R Handheld programming
I have a Baofeng UV 9R Handheld that I just recently bought and received in the mail brand new, however as much as I like this handheld device I am maxed out with frustration as far as manual ...
6
votes
2
answers
2k
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Small band-pass filter for HT?
I'd like to add a band-pass filter to my Baofeng UV-82 to make it comply with the spurious emissions requirements. Ideally it would be a rigid device with SMA or BNC connectors that would fit between ...
- 1,013
6
votes
2
answers
3k
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What are the official Baofeng websites in the USA?
Which Baofeng website(s) in the USA is (are) official (that is, selling genuine Baofeng radios, programming cables, and accessories)?
Which "Baofeng" websites are NOT, allegedly selling counterfeit ...
- 7,686
6
votes
3
answers
7k
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Is there any PC remote control software for the Baofeng UV-5RE Plus?
I saw on YouTube that some software, with another brand transceiver, can command the transceiver to scan a range of frequencies and display a running waterfall display of scanned results.
Can such a ...
- 562
5
votes
7
answers
11k
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BF-F8HP: "Radio did not respond" when trying to use CHIRP
I'm trying to program my Baofeng bf-f8hp with the chirp software, but as I have to do, "Download From Radio", after I choose the appropriate maker, product and model, all I get is an error ...
- 51
5
votes
3
answers
4k
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What is the socket for on this Baofeng BL-5L battery?
I have a Baofeng BL-5L battery for my Baofeng UV-5R transceiver, and I notice that it has a socket on the side:
Please, what is this socket for?
- 533
5
votes
3
answers
771
views
Can I take and use Baofeng UV-82 in Norway?
Planning to go for a camping trip. According to this document (in Norwegian but easy to understand), I can use a radio running PMR446 and KDR 444 freqs. Baofeng can do this.
The question is: is the ...
- 321
5
votes
2
answers
379
views
BAOFENG UV-5R for cubesat communication on lab, does it work?
Here we have a cubesat which operates in VHF/UHF. Communication with it (from a ground station perspective) is done with an Icom Radio. Would it be possible to replace it with a cheaper BAOFENG?
- 151
5
votes
2
answers
9k
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HT programming software alternative to Chirp and RT-Systems
I have been using Chirp to try to program my Baofeng UV-5R but have been having one problem after another. I was wondering if there was an alternative to Chirp and RT-Systems programming software for ...
- 1,276
5
votes
1
answer
678
views
Boefeng UV-5RE scanning capability
Since the factory manual is simple and basic, is it possible to use the Baofeng UV-5RE to do these things?
Listen to FM radio, while scanning 2m and 70cm bands in the background (as in hiking)
Set ...
- 562
5
votes
1
answer
184
views
How do I have a full signal of noise on a handheld?
I'm new to ham (although I've had a license for a long time) and I'm having issues with receiving on a basic handheld. I have a cheap BaoFeng UV-82HP and I keep getting full signal noise at random ...
- 153
5
votes
1
answer
1k
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Can I use CHIRP for programming a Baofeng DM-5R?
I can't find my Baofeng DM-5R in the CHIRP list of supported radios. I've been told that I should try by telling CHIRP to assume a different radio from the DM-5R - perhaps the UV-5R!? Do you know if ...
- 51
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Beginner listening to a repeater - only hearing one station
This morning I tuned in to a repeater about 12km from me (in the UK). I could hear activity, but from only one station. I could tell that there were other stations using that repeater from the ...
- 141
4
votes
3
answers
3k
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How do I connect a GPS receiver to a radio for APRS?
I volunteer with the local search and rescue group as a team medic and a radio operator. The team is new and recently decided to go with the Garmin 64st as our go-to GPS units. Those of us with ...
- 143
4
votes
2
answers
2k
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My Baofeng UV-5RV2+ will receive a signal with rubber duck antenna but not with a new Nagoya
I bought my self a Baofeng UV-5RV2+ as an inexpensive way to introduce myself to the world of ham radio. With all of the stock components everything has been working fine. I wanted to try to increase ...
- 41
4
votes
1
answer
421
views
Why does P25 occasionally break through tone squelch on my analog HTs?
When listening to our local repeater, which is now a combined P25/analog machine, every once in a while my squelch opens to a blast of digital noise. I've noticed this problem with at least two ...
- 726
3
votes
1
answer
510
views
programming Pofung UV-82
As an alternative to the higher priced Motorola portables we use at our volunteer fire department, individuals have purchased several Bao Feng UV-82HP units to carry to monitor dispatch and fire ...
- 39
3
votes
2
answers
328
views
Squelch won't stay open on FM 2 meter band
I am currently using a Baofeng BF-F9V2+ radio. I have found that when listening, my squelch won't stay open, despite getting a good clean signal. I am using a homemade vertical dipole antenna for 2-...
3
votes
3
answers
2k
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Baofeng DM-1801 DMR: Language switched to Chinese
The screen reset to Chinese characters. How do I get it back to English? I haven’t found any information on this problem.
- 31
3
votes
3
answers
4k
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Baofeng UV-5r drivers for win7
I've been fighting to get chirp working with my father's baofeng radios. The only computer that he has access to has Win 7 installed. The manufacturer drivers won't work with win7. I tried using the ...
- 31
3
votes
2
answers
1k
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Why do Baofeng radios have such poor reception reliability?
What is the nature of Baofeng radios' poor receiver performance?
This brand of handhelds has somewhat notoriously poor receivers. I hadn't noticed this much when using them for short distance simplex ...
- 7,104
3
votes
3
answers
2k
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Pair of Baofeng BF-888s stopped communicating after reprogramming - what to do
I got 2 Baofeng 888s off Amazon and reprogrammed them to the 16 legal channels (for unlicensed use) in Germany, up from 446.00625 MHz in 12.5 kHz steps.
I used both CHIRP and a software called ZT-V68 ...
- 33
3
votes
3
answers
911
views
Baofeng radio produces hum when plugged into charger
So I am working on a low cost ham radio beacon using my Baofeng UV-5R radio because it is easy to use and portable. I built a simple PTT interface for a Raspberry Pi and wrote some python to transmit ...
- 63
3
votes
1
answer
1k
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BF-F8HP radios do not receive on 2m unless menu is open
I just got 4 BF-F8HP radios, 2 knockoffs, and 2 "legits"; definitions of knockoff and legit come from a website I found. All 4 of them are having this issue.
I can transmit fine on both 2m ...
- 133
3
votes
2
answers
177
views
Why am I receiving a local tv channel on a CMB frequency
I am using a simple Baofeng H6 dual band radio and I programmed weather channels.
Well, on frequency 161.77500 I am actually picking up WGN, a local tv network.
This frequency should be reserved to ...
- 131
3
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What cable is needed in order to record audio from a Baofeng UV-5x3 on a computer?
I would like to be able to connect my radio to my computer in order to record audio. It seems like this would just be a matter of getting the right cable, but after trying a few cables (listed below), ...
- 45
3
votes
2
answers
5k
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MURS - Set to broadcast and receive on a specific CTCSS code
Context
Using a Baofeng UV5RA
Would like to transmit on MURS (e.g., 151.880
MHz) using a CTCSS code for more private discussions
All of the online guides talk about scanning for CTCSS
Question
...
- 31
3
votes
1
answer
149
views
Easy Digi PTT circuit with Baofeng or Kenwood HT stays on after transmitting on VHF
I got my Easy Digi all wired up correctly, believe me, it took a while because of this issue. I've ruled out the FTDI controller I'm using because I can manually activate the optocoupler but supplying ...
- 31
3
votes
2
answers
592
views
Baofeng UV5RA Unable to Program anything in 400-480 Bands
I'm running Chirp on Linux Mint 17.2 and for some reason when I try to program anything in 400mhz-480mhz range I get the error.
"Error setting memory: Frequency 453.66250 is out of supported range"
...
- 141
2
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Storage of a Baofeng UV-5R
I am trying to find a convenient place to store my Baofeng UV-5R, I believe the most convenient place to store it would be on its charger.
I was wondering if storing the UV-5R with its battery still ...
- 1,276
2
votes
1
answer
135
views
ISS repeater on a Baofeng?
I know people have RECEIVED a signal from the ISS on a Baofeng UV-5R, but I'm interested in TRANSMITTING. I'm going to be using a Baofeng UV-5RTP (basically an 8W UV-5R) with a Nagoya NA-771 that ...
- 23
2
votes
3
answers
3k
views
Brand new BaoFeng BF-F8HP -- how to save settings in a channel memory?
I just got this new 2m/70cm hand-held, and I'm working through programming the local repeaters into channels. I've been able to set the repeater frequency in VFO mode, then save the settings to ...
- 3,997
2
votes
3
answers
15k
views
Trouble communicating between Baofeng and Midland walkies
I'm very new to walkies and radios, and I know next to nothing. My friends and I bought a box of Baofeng 888s radios (which apparently also go by quite a few other names and manufacturers) and I'm ...
- 21