Baofeng UV-5XP

[ReeferMac]

Got my new toys in the mail, a 2 pack with extended battery. Any tips, tricks, suggestions? Not a HAM... but got these for more than just fancy walkie talkies? My understanding is they can be used to monitor emergency services frequencies in addition to many other uses?

Thanks.

[Chucktshoes]

I Have been doing a lot of research on HAM radio as of late. I’m going to be getting my license in the not too distant future. 
 

Get a programming cable and download the Chirp software(free) so you can program your units. Find out what channels the local emergency services use, assuming they aren’t already on digital trunk systems, and program those in if you want to listen to them. Also find out what channels the civilian emergency folks in the area use so you can utilize them in case of dire emergency. 
 

Regardless of how you program them, even if you program them for FRS or MURS channels, it is illegal for you to hit the transmit button without a license. They transmit at a power level you are required to have a license to operate. 

[peejman]

Frequency listing... https://www.radioreference.com/

As stated, you can't pick up trunked radio, which most public safety systems are. Theres apps for listening to trunked radio or you can use the internet. 

To really do much more than listen to NOAA, you need a license. One of the kids in my son's scout pack and his dad got radios and licenses. They chat periodically, though the only plus over a phone is not requiring cell service. 

Edited September 16, 2020 by peejman

[-boatman-]

We use the UV-5RTP in our jeeps off roading.  Good little radios. I think you'll be happy with them. I listen to Bedford and Rutherford counties on mine quite often.

[The Big Guy]

I too have a UV-5R and a ham license. The UV-5R is excellent. Talked my dad into one and several coworkers during the early days of covid-19. 

I'd use it more if I was close enough to a repeater. 

Edited to add: For those interested in getting a license you can study all of the most recent questions here: https://hamexam.org/ 

Edited September 20, 2020 by crake

[Chucktshoes]

I have a Baofeng A-58 inbound. Went with that model because it has a different attachment interface that’s sealed against water/dust. 

[tnhawk]

On 9/16/2020 at 12:43 PM, Chucktshoes said:

I Have been doing a lot of research on HAM radio as of late. I’m going to be getting my license in the not too distant future. 
 

Get a programming cable and download the Chirp software(free) so you can program your units. Find out what channels the local emergency services use, assuming they aren’t already on digital trunk systems, and program those in if you want to listen to them. Also find out what channels the civilian emergency folks in the area use so you can utilize them in case of dire emergency. 
 

Regardless of how you program them, even if you program them for FRS or MURS channels, it is illegal for you to hit the transmit button without a license. They transmit at a power level you are required to have a license to operate. 

There are several amateur radio clubs in the area which provide classes and exam sessions.  

AK4SZ

[Trekbike]

I took my exam last weekend so it will be about another 1-2 weeks before I get my call sign.   I got a Baofeng BF-F8HP a couple of weeks and have gotten a few accessories/upgrades so far.       Thankfully I live pretty close to a good repeater.   Looking to join the Nashville ARC club since they're the ones I been listening to the most.   

[Tobashadow]

20 hours ago, Trekbike said:

I took my exam last weekend so it will be about another 1-2 weeks before I get my call sign.   I got a Baofeng BF-F8HP a couple of weeks and have gotten a few accessories/upgrades so far.       Thankfully I live pretty close to a good repeater.   Looking to join the Nashville ARC club since they're the ones I been listening to the most.   

Must be a slow exam group, the local one here that I am a member of does ours on Saturday mornings (or at least we did before Covid) and most people had theirs in the system by Tuesday.

[TripleGGG]

4 hours ago, Tobashadow said:

Must be a slow exam group, the local one here that I am a member of does ours on Saturday mornings (or at least we did before Covid) and most people had theirs in the system by Tuesday.

Depends on if they enter electronically or mail the results in. Ours does electronically and I tested on a Saturday and had callsign by 930am Monday morning. If mailed takes approximately 2 weeks but they say give it 21 days. 

AE4GW

[Defender]

On 9/20/2020 at 1:16 PM, Trekbike said:

I took my exam last weekend so it will be about another 1-2 weeks before I get my call sign.   I got a Baofeng BF-F8HP a couple of weeks and have gotten a few accessories/upgrades so far.       Thankfully I live pretty close to a good repeater.   Looking to join the Nashville ARC club since they're the ones I been listening to the most.   

How hard wasthe test?

[Trekbike]

5 hours ago, TripleGGG said:

Depends on if they enter electronically or mail the results in. Ours does electronically and I tested on a Saturday and had callsign by 930am Monday morning. If mailed takes approximately 2 weeks but they say give it 21 days. 

AE4GW

I took it down in Murfreesboro with the Stones River club since it was the closest one to Nashville at the time.    I don't remember how they said they submit.    They did said it would be at least the Tuesday after the test for them to submit.    Checked again just now and nothing is showing up yet.   

[Trekbike]

3 hours ago, Defender said:

How hard wasthe test?

It wasn't hard I guess, but I really studied since I wanted to learn the material.   Got a 100.   Used both the ARRL book and an app to take the section quizzes and sample tests.   

[Defender]

10 hours ago, Trekbike said:

It wasn't hard I guess, but I really studied since I wanted to learn the material.   Got a 100.   Used both the ARRL book and an app to take the section quizzes and sample tests.   

Forgot to ask which test you took?

[Trekbike]

3 hours ago, Defender said:

Forgot to ask which test you took?

Technician at this point.    Thinking about taking the General at some point to be able to get into some of the HF bands, but I want to get my "feet wet" first. 

[tnhawk]

On 9/21/2020 at 4:45 PM, Defender said:

How hard wasthe test?

If you prepared properly, the test is very easy.  I've watched several people pass the Technician and General tests the same day.

[Defender]

Ive been interested in Ham for many years.  I have an older grundig Satelite 700 multiwave radio that picks up most everything, ham and shortwave included.  I keep putting off the license.  I used to be afraid of learning code but i dont think thats required anymore so Im not sure why i still procrastinate.  I need to get on this.

[Trekbike]

4 hours ago, Defender said:

  I used to be afraid of learning code but i dont think thats required anymore so Im not sure why i still procrastinate.  I need to get on this.

Correct, no coding.    Yep, no excuse now.   

[Nemo]

RepeaterBook is a nice app for locating repeaters in your area and world wide. It is powered by Hams and is free. 

[Refleks]

I've been meaning to experiment with setting up two UV-5Rs as a repeater and lofting it with a drone, but flight times would be extremely limited (~10m) unless some sort of tethering system can be devised.  The commercial tethering solutions are silly expensive.

[enfield]

Try a balloon?

 

[tnhawk]

On 9/20/2020 at 1:16 PM, Trekbike said:

I took my exam last weekend so it will be about another 1-2 weeks before I get my call sign.   I got a Baofeng BF-F8HP a couple of weeks and have gotten a few accessories/upgrades so far.       Thankfully I live pretty close to a good repeater.   Looking to join the Nashville ARC club since they're the ones I been listening to the most.   

Congrats on passing Technician test.  Hope to hear you on HF in the future.

AK4SZ

[BlindRanger]

Extended batteries are a game-changer. Since you’re exploring beyond essential use, you might want to check out local scanner frequencies for emergency services. Many areas have online resources or apps where you can find these frequencies. Also, consider programming some of your local repeaters and emergency channels to stay informed.

[Wyzdd]

1 hour ago, BlindRanger said:

Extended batteries are a game-changer. Since you’re exploring beyond essential use, you might want to check out local scanner frequencies for emergency services. Many areas have online resources or apps where you can find these frequencies. Also, consider programming some of your local repeaters and emergency channels to stay informed.

If you're more into dedicated hardware, getting a portable scanner radio that you can program with local frequencies is an excellent idea. Some models allow you to pre-program emergency channels and repeaters.

[Wyzdd]

On 8/21/2024 at 8:46 AM, BlindRanger said:

Extended batteries are a game-changer. Since you’re exploring beyond essential use, you might want to check out local scanner frequencies for emergency services. Many areas have online resources or apps where you can find these frequencies. Also, consider programming some of your local repeaters and emergency channels to stay informed.

On 8/21/2024 at 10:16 AM, Wyzdd said:

If you're more into dedicated hardware, getting a portable scanner radio that you can program with local frequencies is an excellent idea. Some models allow you to pre-program emergency channels and repeaters.

 

Well, the Baofeng UV-5XP is pretty versatile and budget-friendly, which is fantastic if you’re getting into this hobby or need something that won’t break the bank. It’s got a lot of features for the price, and it’s relatively easy to use.

Conversely, motorola radios are a bit pricier, but they’re known for their reliability and durability. They’re often used in professional settings, which speaks volumes about their quality. You might find they offer better build quality and more consistent performance, mainly if you use them in rough conditions or need them to last a long time.