Size: UV-5R V2+Color: BlackChange
Price:$33.99+ Free shipping with Amazon Prime
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
on December 22, 2015
I am impressed. For the price this is an incredible radio. I am using to replace a somewhat bulky Yaesu FT470 (about 25 years old) which was at great radio at the time and still is a good radio. This radio performs on a par with the Yaesu. It can be programmed from your computer using an add-on cable and the CHIRP software. Battery life with the small battery is pretty good. My main complaint is the buttons are not well labeled and awful hard to read. The face plate is functional but looks like it was made in a high school shop class. Other than that the build is good. Buttons are all functional and have a good feel. The users manual seems like it was intended to be funny. When the layout diagram has obvious errors, you know it won't get better from there. Don't try to program channels into the radio directly, use a PC, the programming cable, and the CHIRP software. One other thing the software that came with the the programming cable locked-up my computer when I tried to install it. I checked the PC for malware and viruses after and found nothing. I recommend you skip that step and use the Chirp software instead. It takes a little time to set it up but it is worth it. Windows has drivers for the cable that seem to work ok. There are resources on the web that give a step by step install for Chirp. Skip the cable installation driver part and see if Windows can find the correct driver. Mine did without additional down loads. The driver must have been included in a Windows update. Also Chirp is share ware, it functions well but it is a little quirky. A couple of things I haven't figured out yet.
on December 17, 2016
I bought this to evaluate it for a church team's use. The team currently uses the Motorola MS350R. Overall on transmitting and receiving in and around buildings, this scored 1 point better on a 1 to 5 rating system than the Motorola radios. The stock antennas worked just fine in the freq range we use. These are clearly lighter weight. Battery life between recharges is like 5 times better. Per unit price of the Baufeng is better. The one area where these Baufeng loose to the Motorola is that even when the keypad is locked, they are prone to getting buttons unintentionally activated. Therefore, a pouch is recommended over pocket carry.
Programming was done with CHIRP software and a genuine Baufeng cable. Be sure to use the serial to USB driver that comes with the cable. Chinese have been ripping off the company that makes the serial to USB chips so badly that getting drivers to work with any but the absolute latest and genuine chips is hard.
The only other thing to consider with these radios is that they are not, technically, legal to use in many circumstances. The FCC has regs not only around how the airwaves are used, but also the equipment. Search for "The Great Unofficial Radioreference FRS/GMRS/MURS All-Inclusive Fact Sheet" for more info on GMRS, FRS and MURS. These radios transmit a little too powerful if you are on FRS/GMRS shared freqs. Also, technically, you need a license for GMRS, but they can be ordered from the FCC site. These are MURS capable, but don't have the FCC's stamp of approval for use on those freqs. Since these radios can be programmed to Rx/Tx on a wide range of freqs, you should be careful that you don't use any freqs that are going to get you in trouble. If you stick to FRS/GMRS, adhere to proper radio etiquette and not use in a commercial/business capacity, I doubt seriously the FCC is going to hunt you down. Besides if you plan on using these out in the boonies or in a SHTF - end of the world scenario, the FCC isn't going to be around anyway.
Programming was done with CHIRP software and a genuine Baufeng cable. Be sure to use the serial to USB driver that comes with the cable. Chinese have been ripping off the company that makes the serial to USB chips so badly that getting drivers to work with any but the absolute latest and genuine chips is hard.
The only other thing to consider with these radios is that they are not, technically, legal to use in many circumstances. The FCC has regs not only around how the airwaves are used, but also the equipment. Search for "The Great Unofficial Radioreference FRS/GMRS/MURS All-Inclusive Fact Sheet" for more info on GMRS, FRS and MURS. These radios transmit a little too powerful if you are on FRS/GMRS shared freqs. Also, technically, you need a license for GMRS, but they can be ordered from the FCC site. These are MURS capable, but don't have the FCC's stamp of approval for use on those freqs. Since these radios can be programmed to Rx/Tx on a wide range of freqs, you should be careful that you don't use any freqs that are going to get you in trouble. If you stick to FRS/GMRS, adhere to proper radio etiquette and not use in a commercial/business capacity, I doubt seriously the FCC is going to hunt you down. Besides if you plan on using these out in the boonies or in a SHTF - end of the world scenario, the FCC isn't going to be around anyway.
on August 20, 2015
So if you're really into HAM radio you will probably scoff at this radio. But if you are really into talking to people and want a radio for communication you will love this unit. All critical features are front face programmable and easy to program. Unit can monitor two frequencies at once which is nice and switching between them is simple. The radio can transmit on all frequencies it can receive and has no lockouts preventing illegal use. It's up to the operator to do the right thing. The antenna is replaceable which is great for me. The remote mic takes a Kenwood 2 pin which there is a huge selection of headsets and mics available for and they can be very reasonably priced. Battery performance is outstanding due to being lithium from the factory. You can also upgrade the battery for double capacity and still charge with the factory charger and desk adapter. By the time you outgrow this radio you will know enough about radios to know why you would pay more for a better radio.
on July 27, 2016
Great radio for an even better price! Just make sure the seller is Baofengradio US, Foscam Digital Technologies or FirstVision Technologies. Baofengradio US is run by Foscam which is now known as FirstVision. I know, confusing but I did the research and it seems to all be the same people. They are importing the radios from china then providing a warranty on them. Programming is not hard on the radio of you're a techie person, although I have had some issues with the settings sticking when using the radio itself. But that's OK because the software makes it much easier to program anyway, and without issues! Use Chirp open source software. I bought the cheap cable and downloaded the older drivers from the internet. If you don't want to worry about driver issues, buy the higher price cable from the same companies mentioned above. Please note this radio is mainly for operating on the Amateur Radio bands which you need a license from the FCC to operate on in the US. Even if you plan to use it on the FRS frequencies, the power and antenna do not meet requirements for that service (power too high, antenna detaches) so technically it's illegal for that. However you can LISTEN to anything you want without a license, just don't transmit!
on December 19, 2015
I am very pleased with this radio! Feels very solid and feels more like $70+ radio. Gets loud enough for me to hear across my workshop. I have yet to transmit anything on the radio so not sure on the mic quality but I mainly purchased this for radio to receive my local fire and police Channels and I couldn't be happier with the result.
on May 1, 2017
Sa far so good. I haven't tested the range but the audio sounds good. Two things sort of bug me, the second one being a bigger issue to me... 1. I put a NA701-c antenna on it and it's a very tight fit but it fits but just be very careful. 2. The volume switch has nothing holding it on and it probably be lost as soon as I take the radio out somewhere. It literally just pulls off! That's my two issues. Maybe they should send extra volume switches. The original uv-82 didn't have this problem so why did they do this?
on February 20, 2017
I've had this radio for a couple of weeks. I'm not licensed to talk over it yet but, so far, I've had a lot of fun with this kit.
First, the construction. It reminds me of the days when I worked corrections. We carried some big Motorolas at times but this one reminds me of the small Icoms that we carried. The sound that comes from it is not bad for such a small speaker.
Scanning the channels has been a breeze as well as saving channels I find. One of the best in my area has been the biggest source of entertainment. I catch a cab company and their hijinks all day long. The conversations between the cabs and dispatch is pure comic gold. The NOAA Weather Radio Channel is also pretty clear. Some of the conversations between ham operators come in clearly but mostly in the morning when they're active. Keep in mind, thus far, I've only scanned the VHF bands and I'm still learning more about it all the time
I really only have one suggestion to Baofeng to make this radio better, add an AM setting as well as FM. FM comes in clearly and I can use this small handheld to listen to my local rock station without any interference in my bathroom when taking a shower.
One suggestion that I have for potential buyers, pick up the Nagoya NA-771 Whip Antenna. You won't believe the difference in signal. It might look a bit ridiculous but you will love having that little boost in signal that makes all the difference in the world.
First, the construction. It reminds me of the days when I worked corrections. We carried some big Motorolas at times but this one reminds me of the small Icoms that we carried. The sound that comes from it is not bad for such a small speaker.
Scanning the channels has been a breeze as well as saving channels I find. One of the best in my area has been the biggest source of entertainment. I catch a cab company and their hijinks all day long. The conversations between the cabs and dispatch is pure comic gold. The NOAA Weather Radio Channel is also pretty clear. Some of the conversations between ham operators come in clearly but mostly in the morning when they're active. Keep in mind, thus far, I've only scanned the VHF bands and I'm still learning more about it all the time
I really only have one suggestion to Baofeng to make this radio better, add an AM setting as well as FM. FM comes in clearly and I can use this small handheld to listen to my local rock station without any interference in my bathroom when taking a shower.
One suggestion that I have for potential buyers, pick up the Nagoya NA-771 Whip Antenna. You won't believe the difference in signal. It might look a bit ridiculous but you will love having that little boost in signal that makes all the difference in the world.
on November 3, 2016
It is so cool that something so cheap can be so useful and functional and still be very high quality considering the price paid. The radio is solid and i'm not worried about it breaking. I bought this as a backup radio since I already have a nice radio. This is a great first radio if you are just getting into HAM. I hear kids on the radio all the time that got their license at around 12 years old. I've heard them mention they use these radios, which makes sense since they are just kids. What is so cool about Baofeng is that they are so affordable anyone can easily enter the world of HAM radio. No parents would want to spend $300-$500 on a good radio and these cheap $25 radios do a lot for the cost. It helps the art of radio progress by involving a lot more people who didn't previously get into it because they expected it to be a high cost hobby even to start out. I thought getting into HAM would be at least a couple hundred dollars, but it only cost $35 for the exam and $25 for this radio. Of course I quickly got into the other aspects of HAM that these radios can't do and I've already spent a fair amount more on a better radio with more features, but the point is you don't have to. For $60 anyone can be a HAM.
on June 19, 2016
most my friends told me no any walky talky working on ship, i order this one want to given it shot,. surprise very solid and excellent signal, we took to cruise, we can clearly communicated with my son was on shore, i was inside cabinet, i mean inside(we are in inside middle cabinet, that was surprise me, i setup MURS and FRS, most time we talk in MURS channel no any problems during cruising. i will update late this summer when we have national park trip. great deal with this little price. i will hold on start because i order three, one is not working properly on arrive and returned. i will give all starts if this working great in national park.
just came back from Yosemite park, this is very good, way batter than Midland 30 miles two way walkie talks. price higher than baofeng, but did very poor jobs, i was in curry village calling my friend and my son. we all have same channel, my son stay with them, when i call them, Midland remain silent,not any sound when i tried to call them, but my son hold baofeng can hear clearly and able to communicated with me, we are in forester and valley are, distance might be 3-4 miles. my friends tried call me couple times, only my son can hear his voice in close distance. not for me. once we get close <1 miles. we can start communicated again. for the price and quality. reliable. i strong recommend baofeng. you will not regretted when you get this one.
just came back from Yosemite park, this is very good, way batter than Midland 30 miles two way walkie talks. price higher than baofeng, but did very poor jobs, i was in curry village calling my friend and my son. we all have same channel, my son stay with them, when i call them, Midland remain silent,not any sound when i tried to call them, but my son hold baofeng can hear clearly and able to communicated with me, we are in forester and valley are, distance might be 3-4 miles. my friends tried call me couple times, only my son can hear his voice in close distance. not for me. once we get close <1 miles. we can start communicated again. for the price and quality. reliable. i strong recommend baofeng. you will not regretted when you get this one.
