Let's all hum a few bars for the Boafeng radio.
Ran across this article today over at W7DTG and thought I would share it. Very amusing article, and slightly informative. As Don points out, the Baofeng radio is a great bargain for almost any radio enthusiast. Not only is it inexpensive but it has a ton of accessories that are inexpensive as well.
Just remember that you need a license to use the baofeng radio on the Ham radio and public service frequencies.
Q: Do you know Baofeng.
A: No, but if you hum a few bars......
I am just amazed at the amount of information that is available for the Baofeng radio equipment. Not only has this radio become very popular, but there is an overload of accessories for the baofeng that are just as inexpensive.
The baofeng radio is a great inexpensive dual band handheld radio that has a multitude of uses for almost any radio enthusiast. Just keep in mind that the Baofeng radio gear is not legal for FRS or GMRS at this time. It is legal for Ham radio and public service as long as you hold the proper license.
Funny as it may seem, there are a ton of modifications that can be done to the baofeng radios as well. Why anyone would want to modify it is beyond me, with the tremendous amount of coverage that this radio already has.
And it isn’t enough that the radio has an outrageous amount of frequency coverage for transmit AND receive, but now you can get the baofeng radio in different colors as well. What better way to stand out and be able to identify your radio at just a glance. If you are going to go that route then be sure to pick fluorescent yellow so that you can see it in the dark.
Of course if you aren't licensed it is still a very capable scanner that you can use, just don't expect all the features that you would find on a full blown scanner. Also be sure to inhibit the transmit on the police and fire frequencies so you don't find yourself in trouble.
the baofeng radio also makes a nice FM broadcast band receiver with great range, although you could probably find one cheaper if that was all you were interested in.
The Baofeng radios are an inexpensive way to get your feet wet for ham radio. After you get your license (or even before) you can purchase one of the many models that are out their and get started in your amateur radio hobby. Although the Baofeng radios are not a full blown amateur radio like the Yaesu FT-60 it is quite capable for use on the 2m and 400 amateur radio bands.
So lets all sing together, and enjoy our Baofeng radios... at least till the warranty runs out
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