Displaying the frequency of a programmed channel on the Baofeng UV-5R radio

The baofeng radios are not that easy to use.

The Baofeng UV-5R and BF-F8 line of radios are a marvelous feat of technology coming out of China. They can also be very confusing to use. I receive at least several letters a day (yes, actual letters) asking how to program them, or work through the different menu items. Although they are quite capable for ham radio use, they are not very user friendly until you familiarize yourself with the little quirks that come with the radio.

Granted, the Baofeng radios are not made particularly for ham radio use, so they are not going to be as easy to program for ham radio use.

A wideband antenna for the Baofeng UV5R series of radios

Getting the most use out of the Baofeng UV5R radios.

 The Baofeng UV-5R radios have created quite a stir in the different radio communities, from Amateur Radio operators to FRS/GMRS enthusiasts and active police scanner users, but how can you possibly get the best coverage from a single antenna to use all the frequencies that are available for the UV5R ?

Motorola Talkabout 2 way radios and the Baofeng UV-5R

Can a Baofeng UV-5R 2 way radio be used on the GMRS/FRS frequencies.

As the online radio enthusiast communities all go bonkers over the Baofeng UV-5R line of dual band 2 way radios, many are now being used illegally for FRS communications. Although the radios WILL communicate with other equipment like the Motorola talkabout 2 way radios, it is is still against F.C.C regulations to use the UV-5R on the FRS frequencies. But why ?

baofeng uv5r dual band two way radio in black

baofeng uv5r dual band two way radio black

Which Baofeng radio is right for YOU?

Official Baofeng Comparison Chart

Here you can see the Official comparison chart from Baofeng/Pofung in all it's splendor and glory showing the different models that are available. What is interesting is that it shows that the UV-5R series of radios did NOT come in a 220 MHZ model. Their is also a note on the bottom that mentions certain dealers who paid to have the radio re-branded as something else. So how did the 220 models like the UV-5RAX sold by RadioMart and others come to be ?

The Uniden Pro-505XL

CB radio VS FRS and the Baofeng UV-5r radio

 The Uniden Pro505XL is a CB radio made for communications in the 27MHZ Citizens band. Unlike the Baofeng UV-5R radio that are out on the market, the Uniden radios are made with FCC compliance for use in the Citizens Band service. They are not compatible with the Baofeng radios and will not communicate with them.

Is the Baofeng UV-5R right for you

Deciding on what type of radios you need.

The importance of a good communications system can often make or break you and your group. Deciding on which frequencies you will need and what sort of radios to cover those frequencies is a hard choice, depending on what sort of coverage you need. In this article we will be covering VHF and UHF radios and antennas.