If this is something that people care about; I'll do a "advanced" basic radio guide. Which would include analog encryption, code books, baofeng repeaters, and more
Check out NotARubicon Productions for more great UV5R and adjacent content. More of the same. Obviously more radio-centric, but still informative and if you don't laugh at least twice during one of his videos you have no soul.
I love how this channel really goes into detail about entry level equipment which can always be upgraded later as apposed to Lucas Botkins strategy of just telling people to stop being poor.
You'll spend more money replacing junk equipment then the cost of quality gear over time. If you're serious then buy quality stuff, if you're playing pretend or just messing around or dabbling then buy whatever you want. Anyone who recommends a uv-5r for tactical or shtf or any serious comms applications is either not qualified to speak on the topic, or doesn't have the integrity to give the truth even when it's not what people want to hear...either way the advice is bad. Everyone who has worthwhile experience with baofengs also has experience with them breaking when they should not have. I've got some that seem pretty damn good and I've had some break from minor bumps or short falls or for no apparent reason at all. You don't want that in a serious situation no matter how affordable it is.
@@vitogriffin8902 if you watched the video, he talks about durability and how they break often. His justification was that you can buy 5 for 100$ vs 1 for 250-300$ with other radios. I don't think that's terrible advice considering the use case of most people
What you think you’ll be doing: tactical communications with the boys What you actually do: coordinate where you’re going for food after the range trip
He’s who got me into taking prepping seriously. Kind of sucks having to learn the entirety of non-naval warfare. Why can’t we have militia submarines, I can do some stuff on that platform lol I can’t wait to get my license and jump on comms with other patriots.
@@chandlerfrog09173 I’ve definitives started to become more skeptical of him to be honest. His takes on Ukraine and Russia seem really suspect. I don’t think he’s as in the know as he lets on.
*ALWAYS* assume your radio traffic is being monitored and triangulated. Remember that you can *ONLY* be triangulated when transmitting. You *FIRST* radio upgrade should always be your antenna with your *SECOND* being an extra battery.
It should be SOP to at least shift frequencies on pre-determined time intervals if you're staying cheap (using UV5R's) but still trying to at least be a little sneaky. I have no idea what actual operator level RF scanners are like, but if your opposition is also using similar poor-tier comms then you're at least one-up on them by not always being on the same frequency. At least make them keep a scan going on one of their rigs.
@@innercityprepper Cheap SDRs ($20 range) are super easy to visually scan for signals. Changing frequencies is useful, but avoiding transmit as much as possible is better. There are many layers to COMSEC.
I think you're on to a good start. Vortex recently did an hour long podcast discussing the basics. These 2 videos actually work hand in hand for us radio noobs.
When selecting a frequency to use for comms with the boys, spend some time monitoring that specific frequency to make sure you don't interfere with any local agencies or repeaters. You can find local repeaters using "repeaterbook" and even checking "radio reference" for local simplex frequencies. Great video!
@@moneyneversleeps.europe Some yes, some no. Fire, ems, police, yes. Where I live, road work, and other miscellaneous agencies, no. If you did end up using the same frequency as a local agency, but they use digital encryption, you'll still hear traffic, but it won't be audible, it'll sound like nonsense. Just like my op, check the Internet for what frequencies are being used in your area.
This is so ridiculous. Why go through that effort, just to illegally (breaking FCC rules, but it's basically the same because they have authority legally) transmit simplex on an HT. You're better off just using GMRS, if you get a license (which doesn't need a test or anything) your whole family can use it legally. I'm not going to question your moralities, but people going off band and operating without a license makes things harder for everyone. There's a reason that they created services like CB, MURS, FRS and GMRS, they created them so in situations like you have it's easier and better to just operate somewhere you're allowed to. There's all the chance in the world that the authorized user may come along to take usage of that simplex channel you're using and not be able to. I get that regulations suck, but they've created multiple services to get us radio operators what we want in our situation. If the FCC did not regulate the bands, we'd be out of luck, there's plenty of companies that would spring at a chance to use our band space. Also what he said about no-one ever being punished for being on ham bands is untrue, even though the FCC site may not say anything about the UV-5R, that's irrelevant to the action taken. They do take action when people go off band. Though they may not be as prudent as some would wish, what he said in the video is incorrect, and a immature/uneducated choice to encourage people to go use whatever frequencies with their $20 amazon radio. If you're talking about transmitting on MURS or GMRS with a Baofeng, please disregard this comment. That's *technically* not a lot better, but it really has 0 chance of even causing a slight issue, and no one has ever had any action taken against them for using GMRS with a non GMRS radio.
One trick I found for stiffening up the volume knob, is to add an o-ring that fills the gap between the knob and the top of the radio. If you really want to go nuts, you can take the radio apart and trim the nub underneath the PTT button so it's harder to press accidentally. Careful not to break the speaker wires if ya do crack it open
I feel fortunate that I was able to adapt mine to be used at my work. I had to learn how to program it to be used to communicate with multiple company’s radios including “privacy” tones. I learned a lot.
I just wanted to say thank you Brass Facts! I have been wanting to start running a comms setup and this video helped me a lot. By far the best UV5R comms setup video I have came across.
You definitely don't want to just leave the transmit power on max. Always use the lowest workable power level. There's a whole bunch of reasons for this which I'll explain if required. You can also set different power levels to your A/B channels.
@@cyrusmosun1252 Same exact reason why you don't yell at the top of your lungs when talking to someone in the same room. You're harder to understand, and people who you might not want to hear can listen in
@@cyrusmosun1252 The biggest reason with a handheld is battery life. 5 watts consumes a lot more battery than 1 watt and 1 watt will still get you decent range in good conditions.
@@wa1gon might he part of the reason only the 6r is still available. There are probably a dozen 6rs between the members of my local amateur radio club and haven't had anyone say anything negative about them yet 🤷♂️
Sooooo many people try to do basic intro level comms and miss the mark, this is legit the best intro comms video I’ve ever seen. Your existence has gained great value from producing this content we love you pimp.
Comms is one of the things in which I'm sincerely looking to increase my competence. Thank you for the tip for using the headset with the standard mic! That'll save me money on peltors 🖤
Dear brothers, I would like to suggest an alternative to the Baofeng UV5R which is the TYT *TH-UV88*. I am a licensed HAM and own several of them. Here's what it has on the baofeng: -More solid construction. I have dropped these TH-UV88 radios from two stories onto concrete no problem. -Antennae connect to the radio's SMA _female_ connector, which is an advantage since most handheld antennae are SMA _male_. The baofeng is backwards, having male on the radio and accepting female antennae. -They put out a cleaner signal. -They have an internal pre-amplifier, which means you can run a regular $20 U94 PTT instead of paying $100+ for an amplified one. You also get super clear audio using the unit standalone because of this. The cheap baofengs do not have a pre-amp. -Very useful manual written in proper english. I learned a lot from reading it. -Uses a common 2-pin Kenwood connector for accessories, making it compatible with basically all accessories that work for baofeng radios. The price is $40 per unit. It's a bargain for what you get, considering UV5Rs go for $30. You'll see lots of gun guys touting the UV5R because it works and it's cheap, but the TH-UV88 beats it out in my opinion. Please consider it. Waylon
Also a HAM here. I recommend bumping up into Digital modes with the waterproof TYT MD-UV390 for ~$100 Digital has tons of advantages and you still have analog as a fallback.
@@EngNerdGMN Yes sir, I am poking around with digital now. I bought an MD-UV380 last winter and it's still more than I can handle, especially since there's no DMR repeaters I can reach from my house. No doubt there are advantages to the digital modes, have you managed to get talking on them?
This is a fantastic reply, and after messing around with both can fully back this up. Especially if you're going to go a little more advanced. My baofeng loaners/general field units were replaced with th-uv88's and then some anytone's for dmr but those don't get handed/loaned out.
This Video Propelled me into the Ham Radio Hobby hahaha. Was a huge Rabbit hole into the Hobby and I Love it. Appreciate you making this video and setting up the Turnkey for people who would otherwise be lost.
I have a few of these. I'm constantly using it on my boat or while camping to get weather updates and listen to some local FM stations. HAM radio is crazy easy if spend a afternoon figuring out the basics
What I teach my kiddos is a persons favorite subject is themselves and they’re favorite sound is their name. This is from “how to win friends and influence people”. Has been working for me to meet and see who I want to be friends with!
This video brought me back to the tactical preparedness community. Bought a baofeng for comms on my track car and somehow ended up back here for the first time in 10 years.
The Beofang is a great radio for you to learn if you want to get into coms but if you are getting it for SHTF situation than definitely go with the Yeasu. Those have been used for years and are damn near bullet proof. If you really need a good radio than go with a digital radio. Not many professional services use analog anymore so you miss out on alot. Also if your thinking about really using it regularly (ie not SHTF) than get your ham license. I only studied for like a week and passed np, and I'm an idiot. The big thing is it teaches you alot about using radios that you won't just stumble across by using one.
Getting you Licence can help you to avoid accidentally transmitting on frequencies that are allotted for Air or First responders. Should you interfere with first responders I promise you that the FCC will try and hunt you down to give you a $10,000 per event fine.
@@9999plato yea I don't thinking there is a single fine ever issued for transmitting on regular channels but I know for sure if you mess around with aviation frequencies they will hunt u down. In fact I'm parked next to the truck they use to do it right now.
@@fakename287 Just Google or UA-cam it, there's trillions of resources. I'd highly recommend studying; I took the test some years ago (it's expired now) and I have no clue how I passed it. I basically didn't study at all and just tried to absorb the info during the class before the test. Didn't help that my sleep was trash (weird, it still is) and after like 4-5 hours of sleep I was nodding out during the class. I still feel like they passed me just because they didn't want me to fail. It's not that hard, but the amount of info on the test is staggering.
Excellent video. I knew most of this stuff but I moved a year ago and haven't really focused on my comms very much and had forgotten quite a bit. Awesome baseline to the point video. I wish you did automotive videos. Most of those guys have no idea how to be concise
Something important to note is that with the FT-60R, if you want to open up the frequencies to more than the ham band, you are required to remove a surface component from the main board, meaning complete disassembly and reassembly of the whole radio. The component is only maybe 2mm in length. People who aren't very familiar with handling small electronic components might not be very comfortable with this.
This is way off topic, but I wanted to thank you for an earlier video you made that broke the magnified optics deadlock decision that I found myself in for years. I couldn’t decide whether an LVPO or a magnifier paired with my one of my Aimpoints would be best. Given your video, I decided that an Aimpoint 3XMag-1 fit my needs. I received it last week and paired it with a Comp M5 and I couldn’t be happier.
One thing to note, the factory Baofeng squelch levels are adjusted to a point they are nearly worthless. There is very little difference between minimum and maximum. You likely want to go into the service settings in CHIRP and adjust them. Miklor recommends (and I have mine set this way). Sq0 set to 0 Sq1 set to 14 and then each additional setting increased by a value of 6 in both VHF and UHF. This really helped in reducing random squelch breaks from environmental causes.
@@BrassFactsRemember, don't leave your transmit power on max unless you need it(which is unlikely in the terrain you operate in. It's pretty much the same reason why you don't yell at the top of your lungs when talking to someone in the same room. You're harder to understand, and people who you might not want to hear can listen in Also, baofaeng kiddies are known in the ham community for talking on frequencies without a FCC callsign. Old geezers with too much time will try to triangulate your locaiton and send you a love letter, if they can pick you up strong enough. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but just know that people are listening.
If you're already in CHIRP, you can also set the UHF min and VHF max to 300. Lets you listen in to the mid band, though transmitting isn't very effective with a 5R (or it may just need a tri band antenna, I'm not certain).
So fun to mess around with. There’s a repeater a mile away from me and there’s LOADS of hams talking about the funniest shit 😭 definitely haven’t transmitted but it’s fun to listen, it’s like a free live podcast sometimes with these guys hahah
Holy crap, thank you for making this video. That's one of the best videos on comms I've ever seen. I've been googling some of the things you covered for weeks with no luck.
Oh its just so cute seeing you play Army with your little friends. Brings back memories of when I did this when I was 8 years old. We wore football helmets and camo jackets from the army surplus store.
You can also rig two Baofengs together in a plastic ammo can with a portable battery to form a repeater. Having repeaters not only extend range but also limits tracking your RF transmissions.
I generally recommend the Retevis RT85, which is basically a nicer UV5R, as a starter radio. It's a similar control set as the UV5R and Chirp programable. I have both Retevis and Baeofang radios, the Retevis ones sound crystal clear compared to Baeofang, for only about $10 more. They also make GMRS locked radios for FCC compliance (with a simple paid license) if you want something more than crippled FRS radios without having to take the HAM exam.
Agree coms is so important, it allows me to use it in different types of emergencies. I have a uv5r but I also enjoy the low power stuff because it's footprint is small.
Love my uv5r pro. I use mine most of the time as a scanner and as emergency comms. I have bf888s for my group radios. I would totally agree with you about the accessories. Thanks for the comms video.
Very solid video. When I first got into the UV5Rs there really wasn't a whole lot of video content and I came to a lot of the same conclusions with a lot more trial and error and money lost. This is a must-watch for any first time UV5R buyers even if you aren't the gun-toting sort.
Brass Facts-Did I miss where to find that cheat sheet (14:57), and is there a link to that cable extender (7:50)? Great work as always. Much appreciated.
The cable is an SMA to SMA coax cable, sometimes called a "pigtail." They come is a variety of lengths, you need one with both a male and female end (other versions are made but are not useful for this application). I have heard of people using a four or six inch long cable and putting the original antenna upside down in the pouch beside the radio. It may not work as well as if the antenna was attached normally (or by using a longer antenna) but its a quick and easy way to get the antenna out of your way if maximum range isn't required. The downside with the cables is that the wide base of the antenna goes to the other end of the wire and cannot help support/protect the socket, so a yank or something getting hung up on the cable can break the radio more easily. I don't know what he printed out, a search for "simplified uv5r instructions" yielded a short but nice article and pdf from SHTFblog with a few pictures to point out some major buttons. And an article on buytwowayradios dotcom's blog about a manual on github that I didn't look at, but the store's blogger thought the manual was well written. RadioReference is a forum on radios and there may be a resource there. It is also good for looking up the frequencies used by police/fire/EMS in your zipcode.
That tip for removing the PTT rubber button pad to prevent accidental pressing will definitely help me when I keep the device in an elastic magazine cell.
You can also buy a USB to alligator clip designed for these radio's. Works great with a solar panel and you can charge them while it's not on the radio.. Agreed the nagoya antennas are awesome. However, if you really want to get the most range with the uv-5r get a slim jim or j pole type antenna that can be pulled up in a tree. It's portable and light and impressive for what it is. Hope this helps.
Dude, this vid was fantastic...that's it, I'm subbed. I've been playing with Baofengs for a while, and found so many goodies in your video that you helped me with. Thank you Sir, HOOYAH!
Just a warning! Stay off the ham frequencies if you aren't licensed. Hams make sport of finding transmitters. While transmitting on FRS, etc will not be noticed. Transmitting on ham freqs has a much higher chance of being noticed. I have had very good luck with UV-5, but not so much luck with Yaesu.
@@ReservedHunter you are correct when SHTF happens, no one will care what VUHF freq you use, except the ones that are hunting preppers for their stuff. My suggestion, in that case, would be to find a band that your radios can transmit on that isn't legal today and isn't widely used. No matter what frequency you are using keep the transmissions very short and infrequent. I would also not transmit (unless you have a valid callsign) on any of the HF frequencies (shortwave), however, it will be good to listen to for information.
A gmrs license is really cheap now. I think I paid $70 for mine a few years ago and now they are about half that. This way you can get on the reapers and talk several miles. I have communicated with people that the drive time is over an hour. Gmrs people are not like ham people.
I use GMRS for short range "Tactical" comms. The radio's I use are Beofeng and Anytone GMRS radios!! I am also a Ham Tech, so my Anytones with Nagoya antennas and talk on Ham Tactical Frequencies.
For a “better” uv5r, look at the 9r like you said or for a truly superior radio that’s under $100 try the GA 510. It’s probably the best analog radio that’s still $50 dollars
I'm kinda ambivalent on this topic for the same types of reasons I am for active aiming with nv: the baddies already have this mastered. I did Intel stuff over Iraq over a four year period and I think all that would happen is they'd pinpoint me in about 5 seconds. I'd like to hear some discussion on THAT topic, (giving yourself away) both regarding active aiming through nvgs and comms.
Well that's assuming that the entire US Army would be doing its best to catch only you. In this situation, it's likely that the military will be restricted to keeping the cities safe, and won't really be able to spare much manpower to go out into the country and fuck with anybody who isn't trying to burn everything down. But then again, considering the political fucktards we have running things, they may specifically go after the people who just want to be left alone and leave the savages to burn everything down with gleeful abandoned.
Yes and no. In Iraq RF stands out because there's not a ton of it there. Here in the US, if you are familiar with frequencies in your area you can very much hide in the RF "noise" because everything we own is blasting out radio signals.
@@EngNerdGMN not in the scenario I'm considering, which is really the only one I can figure I'd need comms like this for. And no, it really isn't sparse when you consider cell phones are just radios. My areas had millions of Iraqis in it and if we had even halfway decent Intel on the target it was pretty quick to find their comms. We were flying multibillion dollar experimental stuff...and that was now over ten years ago. It's cheaper and better than it was then, no doubt.
@@fullm3taljacket You do realize that cell phones operate on an entirely different band (portion of the RF spectrum) than VHF/UHF radios, right? That's like saying you can hide in a pink shirt because the woods are full of green colors. Meanwhile here in the US, the VHF/UHF bands are in common use for all manner of things and you can more easily hide amongst legitimate radio traffic. I doubt the govt wants to go around drone striking HAM operators, sheriff departments, and school busses. If 90%+ of signals go away in your considered scenario, then I get that there's a lot less noise to hide amongst. Just keep in mind that communicating intel is a critical tool, and radios are good for that.
I've messed around with many radios. I keep coming back to the UV5r. price, size, reliability, and ease of use (because everyone knows how to use it) Ive lost several, but never broke one. dropped in water, and snow, no real issues. you must pull off the volume knob, otherwise it mysteriously goes to zero volume every time
In my opinion any coms is better than no coms. What I like about baofeng is that it can still transmit and recieve with Walmart radios depending om your freq. Because in emergency situations, if you pick up randoms and all they have are the Walmart specials, it will be great to still be able to use comms with them. Even if theirs aren't on the same playing field. Still better than nothing and shooting in the dark against a group with coms
UV5R is great as a backup SHTF radio but you should consider a better quality radio as your main from the start. Keep that UV5R as an extra just in case radio. The reasons why are if you're trusting a radio as part of your critical survival gear, don't buy something low quality made in a sweatshop. If you have $$$ to spend on firearms, night vision, optics, expensive headsets, and radio attachments, you have the money to buy a decent radio as well.
I’m just now comm-ing (see what I did there) across this video. Such good info and thanks for the links! Going to be ordering most of everything on this soon
Very important tip of any of you are looking to get your GMRS or Technician license to work these radios "legally": USE A P.O. BOX AS YOUR ADDRESS! When you get your license you get a callsign. ANYONE that knows your callsign can easily find the address you entered when you applied for your license. Also, it also gives FCC representatives rights to search your home for radio equipment whenever they want, without warning or a warrant. Just keep that in mind if you plan on doing things the "right" way.
LOL, technically *ANY* radio signal originating from your address gives the FCC permission to search your home. Own a cell phone? Permission granted. Have wifi enabled? Permission granted. Buy a baby monitor? Permission granted. Cheap RC Car? Permission granted. Having a license doesn't grant any special search and seizure permission.
@@jhutch1470 Typically yes, but as with all law enforcement there are exceptions. And those exceptions have quite a bit of ability to be "flexible" if the govt agency decides. Never trust a govt agency to abide by the rules.
I just got Hytera radios from Apolo Satellite in California. They are much better than what's in the video and set me up properly. I am not a tech geek but Tim, sales guy made it easy. These radios are sick and will use it in the mountains for atv etc.
Really recommend the baofeng GT-3WP with skyeye tactical modified nexus PTT as a basic setup honestly, the UV5R kenwood connector pins are too liable to break or fail
I bought 2 baofeng uv5r, set them up on Aussie channels, earpiece @2off. Different antennas for long range. My uniden car antenna at 2 off in a backpack works amazing. In simplex mode truckies giving me a radio check at around 70 km away. I have 2 Nagoya but a auto uniden with adapters, counterpoise? Damn!!! Try it mate! You'll be surprised. Cheers from Australia
Don't just leave your transmit power level on max. Best radio practice is to use only enough power to make the connection. If you're talking to someone 200yds away and you're full power blasting your signal 10 miles in every direction, you're just wasting battery and potentially causing opsec problems.
Best SOP is to program all the loaded memories set to low, that way when you switch memories/channels it's already set to low. Then if you increase in range you can bump up the power.
You don't necessarily need to change the antenna. It depends what frequency you intend to use the most and what your local terrain is like. Wyoming is different from Colorado. My opinion, based on my experience and the experience of different real users, the Baofeng has a limited lifespan. Maybe 30 days of real "operational" use. So 30 days of SHTF, or Airsoft events, or whatever. If you just hang out listening to repeaters in your living room it will last years. More durable options are the FT-4x, FT-60, FT-65, and VX-6. Or Wouxon models. For SHTF or cool Airsoft events there are some other useful brands and models, but are highly dependent on what your friends are using. The models I listed have flexibility which can be unlocked and fit with a wide array of Adventuring Parties.
I'm not clear on your question. Are you asking me "what do you mean by reduced life span?" I mean the electronics can die from moisture or parts on the radio can be broken from use. Knobs, antenna connection, screen, buttons, ect. So when that stuff breaks the radio is either less usable, or not usable at all.
@@woodsghost9088 I really don't agree that Baofengs degrade -- other than the battery. They just start out with a fairly low baseline for function due to the spurious emissions on transmit. That wasted power is more than most people realize. Have you observed full failure of transmit side or just degraded performance? I find 5w yaesus are better at reaching borderline repeaters than 8w (verified) baofengs. Because the baofengs are also transmitting on random harmonics.
I mean when they get rained on and stuck outside for a month they fail to transmit. Should be easy enough for you to test if you can afford to lose $35 in an experiment. Good for you doing the harmonics tests. That info is good to know. Thanks for sharing.
IMO - Caveat Emptor Not everyone needs to be a "comms guy". A group, of whoever doing whatever, need to have 1-2 people that know what's up and can make everything work. Everyone else should just be concerned with effectively communicating and following radio etiquette. even a Baofeng has over a dozen settings that can make or break using the radio. You might think this is short sighted, but it's reality. 99% of people who use radios for work or recreation haven't the foggiest idea why it works. And arguably don't care enough to know how to make it work, and may even not have the chops to be successful at that task. A lot of folks struggle with PL tones, let alone managing digital and encryption.
being realistic, in a non-specops squad or small team situation all you *really* need to know is what frequency/frequencies to be on. Radios like the UV5R have enough frequency range to make some frequencies memorable....who would forget just needing to punch in "42069" to the keypad? Alternate channel? 444.44 or switch to the lower range and use 122.22 etc etc.
@@innercityprepper With this one comment you have shown that your knowledge is insufficient for the task of managing communications equipment on a personal level and definitely at the a group level.
My guys & I have about 3yrs of solid trial/error $ have figured out a way to communicate at distances of 8 to 9 miles/city and 12 to 15/outskirts/rural environment. Let me know if you’re interested in that information. All good stuff by the way. Keep up the good work
I agree the FCC probably hasn't fined someone JUST because they were using a UV-5R, but they certainly will come after people transmitting out of allowed bands regardless what radio they're using. In particular, the 150 MHz range is used a lot for commercial and gov't emergency communication, and if you're interfering with that, bad things can and will happen. And unfortunately the FCC operates a lot like the ATF and tries to change laws and rules whenever they want, even though they don't have the authority to do it. A few years ago they tried to make the 5R ( and a lot of cheap Chinese radios ) illegal to own, sell, or transfer, even though there's nothing in Part 90, 95, or 97 that would allow them to do so. The main gripe was a lot of retailers sell the 5R as a normal license-free two-way radio when it's nowhere close to FRS accepted. In typical gov't alphabet agency behavior, they overstepped their bounds and tried to ban it outright. One big correction on the 5R itself ( and its many, many clones and knock-offs ), it does NOT have AM receive capabilities. It can only transmit and receive in analog FM mode. Also as an alternative antenna, consider a SignalStick. They're $20, made in Utah, and they're pretty much indestructible ( they don't perform quite as well as a 771 ). For programming it, get a proper programming cable instead of the cheapest one you can find. The cheap ones typically have knock-off control chips in them and you have to use all sorts of device driver hijinks to get them to work. Get one from BTECH, it's an American company that you can get actual customer service and warranty coverage. Also know that CHIRP can change the system settings of the radio, not just store memory channels. I highly recommend changing the squelch sensitivity range. I don't mean just setting the squelch to level 3 or 5, I mean you change what the sensitivity for level 5 actually is. Stock squelch gradients don't offer a very wide range, it's basically off, med/high, and really high. Also, disable the alarm feature completely. As for the FT-60, it is a much, MUCH better radio than just a Baofeng that doesn't suck. The actual receiving circuitry, called the front-end, is vastly superior to the UV-5R. It is much more sensitive and selective than a 5R, so you can clearly hear much weaker signals than a 5R could even detect. It can has a much broader receive range than a 5R, and it can receive civilian airband ( 108 - 137 MHz AM ). Also, it does NOT have the same antenna threads as the 5R. The 5R ( and most Chinese radios ) have an SMA male connector, the FT-60 ( and most Japanese radios ) use SMA female connectors. But regardless the radio you get, I'd recommend getting an SMA to BNC adapter. BNC is a stronger connection, makes it much faster to (dis)connect the antenna, and it's easier to share antennas between multiple radios. The FT-60 does have a few downsides as a SHTF radio. For starters, the normal batteries don't last long and wear out relatively quickly ( you can get some AA adapter packs to address this, but that's more money ). Second, it's a designated amateur radio so it's locked down to only transmit on ham bands, and you're more likely to be noticed there if you're transmitting without a license. So while you could listen to everyone else on FRS, GMRS, MURS, Marine VHF, etc, you wouldn't be able to transmit back. You've mentioned MURS frequencies a lot in the video, but I'm surprised so few people recommend using an actual MURS radio for emcomm use. Yes, you're locked to only using five freqs, I get that. But since it doesn't require a license, you can use it anytime, anywhere, without worrying about legality. And though it's limited to 2W, unlike FRS you can swap out the antenna. You can even put up antennas on towers and buildings, you just can't run repeaters. It also operates in the 150 MHz range, which propagates just as well as the 144 MHz amateur band and much better than the 460 MHz FRS/GMRS band. I've listened to MURS conversations happening over 15 miles away. And really, it's not hard to get your ham license. Anyone that can pass a basic high school electronics class can get a license in a couple months, no problem.
I already had a bulk pack of cheap FRS radios. I just downloaded the profile from the FRS radio and copied those freqs in the Baofeng. I would only use it in an emergency, but they can talk to each other. Reachback capablity to FRS could still be useful. After all, more people have FRS.
I’ve had these for a while now (bought a 6 pack of them for breakage and multiple family members) and have watched a number of vids on them, and honestly, some people confused me more than before I had watched. Great, simple vid. You said you would have a vid to watch in corner but I didn’t see that. Do another vid with maybe a little bit of detail in steps please
I carry laminated list of FRS and PMR frequencies in my admin pouch for more than 10 years. For such a lightweight piece of equipment id paid itself hundreds of times.
If this is something that people care about; I'll do a "advanced" basic radio guide.
Which would include analog encryption, code books, baofeng repeaters, and more
Yes please
Would love to see this please.
Definitely interested
Interested in that
Please please please. The radio stuff really confuses me for some reason
Finally a comms video that doesn't leave me with more questions than I started with.
Check out NotARubicon Productions for more great UV5R and adjacent content. More of the same. Obviously more radio-centric, but still informative and if you don't laugh at least twice during one of his videos you have no soul.
Exactly 💯
The damn truth
@@innercityprepper affiliate link below
This was definitely a chill video, and it was not hard to understand 🤙🏼
I love how this channel really goes into detail about entry level equipment which can always be upgraded later as apposed to Lucas Botkins strategy of just telling people to stop being poor.
hah! "don't be poor" is always a great solution. If only it were easier.
You'll spend more money replacing junk equipment then the cost of quality gear over time. If you're serious then buy quality stuff, if you're playing pretend or just messing around or dabbling then buy whatever you want. Anyone who recommends a uv-5r for tactical or shtf or any serious comms applications is either not qualified to speak on the topic, or doesn't have the integrity to give the truth even when it's not what people want to hear...either way the advice is bad. Everyone who has worthwhile experience with baofengs also has experience with them breaking when they should not have. I've got some that seem pretty damn good and I've had some break from minor bumps or short falls or for no apparent reason at all. You don't want that in a serious situation no matter how affordable it is.
@@vitogriffin8902 got your head pretty far up there huh
@@Senator-Wary not as far as people who think garbage gear is worth wasting money on
@@vitogriffin8902 if you watched the video, he talks about durability and how they break often. His justification was that you can buy 5 for 100$ vs 1 for 250-300$ with other radios.
I don't think that's terrible advice considering the use case of most people
Where do I get friends to talk to on my baofeng?
I haven't figured that part out yet. But, man, am I ready for when I get friends
There's a gray market where you can pay women for their time, that seems like a good starting place.
Get 2 and you can talk to yourself to start
Me!
The nearest ATF sting
What you think you’ll be doing: tactical communications with the boys
What you actually do: coordinate where you’re going for food after the range trip
Practice is practice
S2 Underground used to be in SIGINT in the US military and has a TON of absolutely awesome stuff on radio communications.
His channel is S tier! Loving Ghostnet lately due to current events
He’s who got me into taking prepping seriously. Kind of sucks having to learn the entirety of non-naval warfare. Why can’t we have militia submarines, I can do some stuff on that platform lol I can’t wait to get my license and jump on comms with other patriots.
another SOT-A or Radio recon wanna be. LMAO
@@chandlerfrog09173 I’ve definitives started to become more skeptical of him to be honest. His takes on Ukraine and Russia seem really suspect. I don’t think he’s as in the know as he lets on.
I've downloaded all of his videos because, well, gold mine.
*ALWAYS* assume your radio traffic is being monitored and triangulated.
Remember that you can *ONLY* be triangulated when transmitting.
You *FIRST* radio upgrade should always be your antenna with your *SECOND* being an extra battery.
Most of this is true. But beware that some of those cheaper chipsets "leak" while receiving also.
If it's on, it can be detected.
@@YouveBeenMiddled Some of them do leak, but rarely enough to be noticed above a US noise floor.
It should be SOP to at least shift frequencies on pre-determined time intervals if you're staying cheap (using UV5R's) but still trying to at least be a little sneaky. I have no idea what actual operator level RF scanners are like, but if your opposition is also using similar poor-tier comms then you're at least one-up on them by not always being on the same frequency. At least make them keep a scan going on one of their rigs.
@@innercityprepper Cheap SDRs ($20 range) are super easy to visually scan for signals. Changing frequencies is useful, but avoiding transmit as much as possible is better.
There are many layers to COMSEC.
Right on. Great points.
I think you're on to a good start. Vortex recently did an hour long podcast discussing the basics. These 2 videos actually work hand in hand for us radio noobs.
where can I find this Vortex podcast?
@@MaliciouslyCompliant ua-cam.com/video/vGR5C__zGSk/v-deo.html
@@MaliciouslyCompliant It's on the toob: ua-cam.com/video/vGR5C__zGSk/v-deo.html
@@MaliciouslyCompliant I'd like to know too.
Same
Chapters:
0:00 : Intro
0:55 : Baofeng
1:19 : FRS Detour
2:03 : UV5R
2:48: Disclaimer
3:38 : UV5R Setup
4:48 : Nagoya Antenna
5:39 : Batteries
7:11 : Accessories
9:30 : PTT modification
10:08 : COMTAC compatibility
11:05 : Programming
12:00 : CHIRP
12:25 : Buttonz
15:37 : Concerns
17:11 : UV9R
18:18 : YAESU
19:30 : Purpose thoughts
21:24 : Preview/Outro
Perfect for people who doesn't read the Description of the video
When selecting a frequency to use for comms with the boys, spend some time monitoring that specific frequency to make sure you don't interfere with any local agencies or repeaters. You can find local repeaters using "repeaterbook" and even checking "radio reference" for local simplex frequencies. Great video!
Don't your local agencies got their own encrypted frequencies you can't even use?
@@moneyneversleeps.europe Some yes, some no. Fire, ems, police, yes. Where I live, road work, and other miscellaneous agencies, no. If you did end up using the same frequency as a local agency, but they use digital encryption, you'll still hear traffic, but it won't be audible, it'll sound like nonsense. Just like my op, check the Internet for what frequencies are being used in your area.
This is so ridiculous. Why go through that effort, just to illegally (breaking FCC rules, but it's basically the same because they have authority legally) transmit simplex on an HT. You're better off just using GMRS, if you get a license (which doesn't need a test or anything) your whole family can use it legally. I'm not going to question your moralities, but people going off band and operating without a license makes things harder for everyone. There's a reason that they created services like CB, MURS, FRS and GMRS, they created them so in situations like you have it's easier and better to just operate somewhere you're allowed to. There's all the chance in the world that the authorized user may come along to take usage of that simplex channel you're using and not be able to. I get that regulations suck, but they've created multiple services to get us radio operators what we want in our situation. If the FCC did not regulate the bands, we'd be out of luck, there's plenty of companies that would spring at a chance to use our band space.
Also what he said about no-one ever being punished for being on ham bands is untrue, even though the FCC site may not say anything about the UV-5R, that's irrelevant to the action taken. They do take action when people go off band. Though they may not be as prudent as some would wish, what he said in the video is incorrect, and a immature/uneducated choice to encourage people to go use whatever frequencies with their $20 amazon radio.
If you're talking about transmitting on MURS or GMRS with a Baofeng, please disregard this comment.
That's *technically* not a lot better, but it really has 0 chance of even causing a slight issue, and no one has ever had any action taken against them for using GMRS with a non GMRS radio.
@@NebulaHatesWatchdog oh no some 90 year old in his basement wont be able to talk to another boomer in south dakota. Whatever will we do
One trick I found for stiffening up the volume knob, is to add an o-ring that fills the gap between the knob and the top of the radio. If you really want to go nuts, you can take the radio apart and trim the nub underneath the PTT button so it's harder to press accidentally. Careful not to break the speaker wires if ya do crack it open
I feel fortunate that I was able to adapt mine to be used at my work. I had to learn how to program it to be used to communicate with multiple company’s radios including “privacy” tones. I learned a lot.
I just wanted to say thank you Brass Facts! I have been wanting to start running a comms setup and this video helped me a lot. By far the best UV5R comms setup video I have came across.
I always recommend turning on narrow band. Some repeaters require it, but more importantly in most cases it will increase your signal strength.
I wouldn't recommend tuning into a repeater if you are doing something that only requires radio to radio.
3:00 There was an error, it is ALWAYS legal to listen with a radio. The only regulated portion is transmission.
You definitely don't want to just leave the transmit power on max. Always use the lowest workable power level. There's a whole bunch of reasons for this which I'll explain if required. You can also set different power levels to your A/B channels.
Why don’t you want it on max?
@@cyrusmosun1252 The more power the further your broadcast can be picked up and your position can triangulated.
@@cyrusmosun1252 Same exact reason why you don't yell at the top of your lungs when talking to someone in the same room.
You're harder to understand, and people who you might not want to hear can listen in
@@cyrusmosun1252 The biggest reason with a handheld is battery life. 5 watts consumes a lot more battery than 1 watt and 1 watt will still get you decent range in good conditions.
Came here to post this
I'm a big fan of the Yeasu VX-6R. Built super tough, waterproof, and readily available. It's not cheap at $250. But it's a great option.
VX6R is what I use, submersible goes along way in the PNW
@@jamesholbrook3648 I'd definitely like something submersible out in North Carolina as well so that's really good to know
I have had really bad luck with Yaesu VX radios. I have had 3 VX5 and 1 VX-8. I don't think any of them currently is in working order.
@@wa1gon might he part of the reason only the 6r is still available. There are probably a dozen 6rs between the members of my local amateur radio club and haven't had anyone say anything negative about them yet 🤷♂️
I use Yaesu VX-7R, magnesium battery, can be made to transmit any frequency, four bands, can work with 2aa. Love Yaesus and Icoms and Ten-Tec stuff!
Sooooo many people try to do basic intro level comms and miss the mark, this is legit the best intro comms video I’ve ever seen. Your existence has gained great value from producing this content we love you pimp.
Comms is one of the things in which I'm sincerely looking to increase my competence. Thank you for the tip for using the headset with the standard mic! That'll save me money on peltors 🖤
This is good. As someone who appreciates the importance of comms but is only begrudgingly getting into them, having concise info is great!
Dear brothers,
I would like to suggest an alternative to the Baofeng UV5R which is the TYT *TH-UV88*. I am a licensed HAM and own several of them. Here's what it has on the baofeng:
-More solid construction. I have dropped these TH-UV88 radios from two stories onto concrete no problem.
-Antennae connect to the radio's SMA _female_ connector, which is an advantage since most handheld antennae are SMA _male_. The baofeng is backwards, having male on the radio and accepting female antennae.
-They put out a cleaner signal.
-They have an internal pre-amplifier, which means you can run a regular $20 U94 PTT instead of paying $100+ for an amplified one. You also get super clear audio using the unit standalone because of this. The cheap baofengs do not have a pre-amp.
-Very useful manual written in proper english. I learned a lot from reading it.
-Uses a common 2-pin Kenwood connector for accessories, making it compatible with basically all accessories that work for baofeng radios.
The price is $40 per unit. It's a bargain for what you get, considering UV5Rs go for $30.
You'll see lots of gun guys touting the UV5R because it works and it's cheap, but the TH-UV88 beats it out in my opinion. Please consider it.
Waylon
Ive considered those and you may have just tipped me over the edge.
As another ham I second this fully
Also a HAM here.
I recommend bumping up into Digital modes with the waterproof TYT MD-UV390 for ~$100
Digital has tons of advantages and you still have analog as a fallback.
@@EngNerdGMN Yes sir, I am poking around with digital now. I bought an MD-UV380 last winter and it's still more than I can handle, especially since there's no DMR repeaters I can reach from my house. No doubt there are advantages to the digital modes, have you managed to get talking on them?
This is a fantastic reply, and after messing around with both can fully back this up. Especially if you're going to go a little more advanced. My baofeng loaners/general field units were replaced with th-uv88's and then some anytone's for dmr but those don't get handed/loaned out.
Getting comms... that's not the hard part. It's getting friends
This Video Propelled me into the Ham Radio Hobby hahaha. Was a huge Rabbit hole into the Hobby and I Love it.
Appreciate you making this video and setting up the Turnkey for people who would otherwise be lost.
Great info. Please do the advanced setup video. Bought a couple of these during "the beer problems" of 2020 and still use them every now and then.
Been researching everything I can about this thing for the last week. I could've just watched this video and got everything I needed. Well done.
I have a few of these. I'm constantly using it on my boat or while camping to get weather updates and listen to some local FM stations. HAM radio is crazy easy if spend a afternoon figuring out the basics
What I teach my kiddos is a persons favorite subject is themselves and they’re favorite sound is their name.
This is from “how to win friends and influence people”.
Has been working for me to meet and see who I want to be friends with!
MOAR. This is fantastic. We need more content around comms. Setup seems daunting and has kept me away.
By far the best intro to this platform that I've come across. For a self-proclaimed idiot like me, this is a perfect starting point.
Yes, perfect timing, just when I was begining to research this more, thank you.
This video brought me back to the tactical preparedness community.
Bought a baofeng for comms on my track car and somehow ended up back here for the first time in 10 years.
The Beofang is a great radio for you to learn if you want to get into coms but if you are getting it for SHTF situation than definitely go with the Yeasu. Those have been used for years and are damn near bullet proof.
If you really need a good radio than go with a digital radio. Not many professional services use analog anymore so you miss out on alot.
Also if your thinking about really using it regularly (ie not SHTF) than get your ham license. I only studied for like a week and passed np, and I'm an idiot. The big thing is it teaches you alot about using radios that you won't just stumble across by using one.
Getting you Licence can help you to avoid accidentally transmitting on frequencies that are allotted for Air or First responders. Should you interfere with first responders I promise you that the FCC will try and hunt you down to give you a $10,000 per event fine.
@@9999plato yea I don't thinking there is a single fine ever issued for transmitting on regular channels but I know for sure if you mess around with aviation frequencies they will hunt u down. In fact I'm parked next to the truck they use to do it right now.
Any recommendations on study materials? Books, videos etc?
@@fakename287 Just Google or UA-cam it, there's trillions of resources. I'd highly recommend studying; I took the test some years ago (it's expired now) and I have no clue how I passed it. I basically didn't study at all and just tried to absorb the info during the class before the test. Didn't help that my sleep was trash (weird, it still is) and after like 4-5 hours of sleep I was nodding out during the class. I still feel like they passed me just because they didn't want me to fail. It's not that hard, but the amount of info on the test is staggering.
What digital radio to get???
Love the clip of Hop fumbling with the bipod for 15 seconds
bipods are awesome, except when they're not, and then they fucking suck
Great video. This is content that beginner (and frankly many intermediate) “preppers” need.
Excellent video. I knew most of this stuff but I moved a year ago and haven't really focused on my comms very much and had forgotten quite a bit. Awesome baseline to the point video. I wish you did automotive videos. Most of those guys have no idea how to be concise
Something important to note is that with the FT-60R, if you want to open up the frequencies to more than the ham band, you are required to remove a surface component from the main board, meaning complete disassembly and reassembly of the whole radio. The component is only maybe 2mm in length. People who aren't very familiar with handling small electronic components might not be very comfortable with this.
Got 3 Uv-5r’s and my buddies and I use them while snowboarding. Super handy
This is way off topic, but I wanted to thank you for an earlier video you made that broke the magnified optics deadlock decision that I found myself in for years. I couldn’t decide whether an LVPO or a magnifier paired with my one of my Aimpoints would be best. Given your video, I decided that an Aimpoint 3XMag-1 fit my needs. I received it last week and paired it with a Comp M5 and I couldn’t be happier.
glad to help
Another person has already stated a good in depth breakdown of why. I still recommend buying the TH-UV88 over the 5R
Why is that? (About the radio choice)
One thing to note, the factory Baofeng squelch levels are adjusted to a point they are nearly worthless.
There is very little difference between minimum and maximum.
You likely want to go into the service settings in CHIRP and adjust them. Miklor recommends (and I have mine set this way).
Sq0 set to 0
Sq1 set to 14 and then each additional setting increased by a value of 6 in both VHF and UHF.
This really helped in reducing random squelch breaks from environmental causes.
that would make a shit load of sense. My old ones had really good squelch. My new ones really only do stuff for extreme long range stuff.
@@BrassFactsRemember, don't leave your transmit power on max unless you need it(which is unlikely in the terrain you operate in.
It's pretty much the same reason why you don't yell at the top of your lungs when talking to someone in the same room.
You're harder to understand, and people who you might not want to hear can listen in
Also, baofaeng kiddies are known in the ham community for talking on frequencies without a FCC callsign. Old geezers with too much time will try to triangulate your locaiton and send you a love letter, if they can pick you up strong enough.
I wouldn't worry about it too much, but just know that people are listening.
@@johnseth97 I swear I mentioned exactly that in the video.
Maybe I removed it.
But yes you are correct.
If you're already in CHIRP, you can also set the UHF min and VHF max to 300. Lets you listen in to the mid band, though transmitting isn't very effective with a 5R (or it may just need a tri band antenna, I'm not certain).
So fun to mess around with. There’s a repeater a mile away from me and there’s LOADS of hams talking about the funniest shit 😭 definitely haven’t transmitted but it’s fun to listen, it’s like a free live podcast sometimes with these guys hahah
You explained it to me like I'm slow.... and I thank you for it!!
Holy crap, thank you for making this video. That's one of the best videos on comms I've ever seen. I've been googling some of the things you covered for weeks with no luck.
Great video. I have half of the equipment mentioned but even less knowledge. I would love to see the advanced course to this. Please, a part two.
Oh its just so cute seeing you play Army with your little friends. Brings back memories of when I did this when I was 8 years old. We wore football helmets and camo jackets from the army surplus store.
I never grew up
You can also rig two Baofengs together in a plastic ammo can with a portable battery to form a repeater. Having repeaters not only extend range but also limits tracking your RF transmissions.
This is very good, how can i do this?
You did this video so newbie friendly , love it!
Good info. Everything a beginner needs. I don’t know much about them but a basic “buy this and do this” is exactly what I was looking for.
this explained so much that much longer video on the same subject didn't. Great video as usual.
I generally recommend the Retevis RT85, which is basically a nicer UV5R, as a starter radio. It's a similar control set as the UV5R and Chirp programable. I have both Retevis and Baeofang radios, the Retevis ones sound crystal clear compared to Baeofang, for only about $10 more.
They also make GMRS locked radios for FCC compliance (with a simple paid license) if you want something more than crippled FRS radios without having to take the HAM exam.
Where's a link for the GMRS locked versions? I'm quite interested in looking more into this radio for my set-up.
@@ThatBarefootPaganGirl The GMRS locked version is the RA85.
Any experience or word on the BTECH GMRS-V2? I was looking at the UV5R and the Yaesu, and this one looks to be somewhere in between price-wise
Agree coms is so important, it allows me to use it in different types of emergencies. I have a uv5r but I also enjoy the low power stuff because it's footprint is small.
Love my uv5r pro. I use mine most of the time as a scanner and as emergency comms. I have bf888s for my group radios. I would totally agree with you about the accessories. Thanks for the comms video.
Very solid video. When I first got into the UV5Rs there really wasn't a whole lot of video content and I came to a lot of the same conclusions with a lot more trial and error and money lost. This is a must-watch for any first time UV5R buyers even if you aren't the gun-toting sort.
Brass Facts-Did I miss where to find that cheat sheet (14:57), and is there a link to that cable extender (7:50)? Great work as always. Much appreciated.
yeah I'm having trouble finding something similar to the one he has in the video
The cable is an SMA to SMA coax cable, sometimes called a "pigtail." They come is a variety of lengths, you need one with both a male and female end (other versions are made but are not useful for this application). I have heard of people using a four or six inch long cable and putting the original antenna upside down in the pouch beside the radio. It may not work as well as if the antenna was attached normally (or by using a longer antenna) but its a quick and easy way to get the antenna out of your way if maximum range isn't required.
The downside with the cables is that the wide base of the antenna goes to the other end of the wire and cannot help support/protect the socket, so a yank or something getting hung up on the cable can break the radio more easily.
I don't know what he printed out, a search for "simplified uv5r instructions" yielded a short but nice article and pdf from SHTFblog with a few pictures to point out some major buttons. And an article on buytwowayradios dotcom's blog about a manual on github that I didn't look at, but the store's blogger thought the manual was well written. RadioReference is a forum on radios and there may be a resource there. It is also good for looking up the frequencies used by police/fire/EMS in your zipcode.
Anyone ever find a good print out like he showed?
I’m late, but I think this is the cheat sheet print out:
bmoc.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/17166/2021/02/BaoFengUV5R-Menu-Definitions.pdf
That tip for removing the PTT rubber button pad to prevent accidental pressing will definitely help me when I keep the device in an elastic magazine cell.
You can also buy a USB to alligator clip designed for these radio's. Works great with a solar panel and you can charge them while it's not on the radio.. Agreed the nagoya antennas are awesome. However, if you really want to get the most range with the uv-5r get a slim jim or j pole type antenna that can be pulled up in a tree. It's portable and light and impressive for what it is. Hope this helps.
Much appreciated for this. Do you mind sharing a link to these Antennas? Thanks
Dude, this vid was fantastic...that's it, I'm subbed. I've been playing with Baofengs for a while, and found so many goodies in your video that you helped me with. Thank you Sir, HOOYAH!
This helps bro. Thanks for the links💪
glad to help
2:11 “pumpkin spice latte of the comms is spot on”
Super helpful to get a good comms setup! Now I just need someone to talk to…
sadly I can't make a guide for that... haven't figure that part out yet
@@BrassFacts let me know when you figure it out.
Great video and this is the first time I watched a coms video and was not completely confused. Thanks for your insight!
Just a warning! Stay off the ham frequencies if you aren't licensed. Hams make sport of finding transmitters. While transmitting on FRS, etc will not be noticed. Transmitting on ham freqs has a much higher chance of being noticed.
I have had very good luck with UV-5, but not so much luck with Yaesu.
Yes for the mean time, we will stay off it. But when shtf, those laws aren’t most likely going to apply. So that’s why he named the title “shtf”
They call those bunny hunts. A team of guys will trianglelate you and call you in. It's stupid, but they do it.
@@ReservedHunter you are correct when SHTF happens, no one will care what VUHF freq you use, except the ones that are hunting preppers for their stuff. My suggestion, in that case, would be to find a band that your radios can transmit on that isn't legal today and isn't widely used. No matter what frequency you are using keep the transmissions very short and infrequent.
I would also not transmit (unless you have a valid callsign) on any of the HF frequencies (shortwave), however, it will be good to listen to for information.
Yaesu ht are not great ,Icom or Kenwood are expensive but work well in the real world
This is a really valuable video for someone like me who is totally green. Thank you sir.
Thank you! Much simpler and cheaper than I initially thought it would be!
glad to help
Thanks for putting this together man. Every UA-cam video on this topic has just not been noob friendly
A gmrs license is really cheap now. I think I paid $70 for mine a few years ago and now they are about half that. This way you can get on the reapers and talk several miles. I have communicated with people that the drive time is over an hour. Gmrs people are not like ham people.
This was a wonderful basic guide to the UV-5R!
What happens if it rains?
I use GMRS for short range "Tactical" comms. The radio's I use are Beofeng and Anytone GMRS radios!! I am also a Ham Tech, so my Anytones with Nagoya antennas and talk on Ham Tactical Frequencies.
For a “better” uv5r, look at the 9r like you said or for a truly superior radio that’s under $100 try the GA 510. It’s probably the best analog radio that’s still $50 dollars
Or the GT-5r, which is made by radioditty I believe.
I had to stop after I saw the angle of the staple you put in those instructions. Good God man.
I'm kinda ambivalent on this topic for the same types of reasons I am for active aiming with nv: the baddies already have this mastered. I did Intel stuff over Iraq over a four year period and I think all that would happen is they'd pinpoint me in about 5 seconds. I'd like to hear some discussion on THAT topic, (giving yourself away) both regarding active aiming through nvgs and comms.
Well that's assuming that the entire US Army would be doing its best to catch only you. In this situation, it's likely that the military will be restricted to keeping the cities safe, and won't really be able to spare much manpower to go out into the country and fuck with anybody who isn't trying to burn everything down. But then again, considering the political fucktards we have running things, they may specifically go after the people who just want to be left alone and leave the savages to burn everything down with gleeful abandoned.
Yes good point me too
Yes and no.
In Iraq RF stands out because there's not a ton of it there.
Here in the US, if you are familiar with frequencies in your area you can very much hide in the RF "noise" because everything we own is blasting out radio signals.
@@EngNerdGMN not in the scenario I'm considering, which is really the only one I can figure I'd need comms like this for. And no, it really isn't sparse when you consider cell phones are just radios. My areas had millions of Iraqis in it and if we had even halfway decent Intel on the target it was pretty quick to find their comms. We were flying multibillion dollar experimental stuff...and that was now over ten years ago. It's cheaper and better than it was then, no doubt.
@@fullm3taljacket You do realize that cell phones operate on an entirely different band (portion of the RF spectrum) than VHF/UHF radios, right?
That's like saying you can hide in a pink shirt because the woods are full of green colors.
Meanwhile here in the US, the VHF/UHF bands are in common use for all manner of things and you can more easily hide amongst legitimate radio traffic.
I doubt the govt wants to go around drone striking HAM operators, sheriff departments, and school busses.
If 90%+ of signals go away in your considered scenario, then I get that there's a lot less noise to hide amongst. Just keep in mind that communicating intel is a critical tool, and radios are good for that.
I've messed around with many radios. I keep coming back to the UV5r. price, size, reliability, and ease of use (because everyone knows how to use it) Ive lost several, but never broke one. dropped in water, and snow, no real issues. you must pull off the volume knob, otherwise it mysteriously goes to zero volume every time
In my opinion any coms is better than no coms. What I like about baofeng is that it can still transmit and recieve with Walmart radios depending om your freq. Because in emergency situations, if you pick up randoms and all they have are the Walmart specials, it will be great to still be able to use comms with them. Even if theirs aren't on the same playing field. Still better than nothing and shooting in the dark against a group with coms
A force multiplier without doubt. 👍
Many if not most digital radio's are actually dual, they can work with other digital AND analog radio's.
Cheap comms will get us all drone striked 😞 papa thumb said
He should know
Won't any electronic use get us droned? I'm thinking we need a few telepaths
Which video was it? I wanna look more into it
don't worry. expensive comms will get you DFed and drone strikes, too. But you'll also be in debt before you get blown up
@@alexanderdiaz0512 that is why you use comms sparingly and at the lowest power setting possible.
I've just recently started tackling comms and this video is extremely helpful
UV5R is great as a backup SHTF radio but you should consider a better quality radio as your main from the start. Keep that UV5R as an extra just in case radio. The reasons why are if you're trusting a radio as part of your critical survival gear, don't buy something low quality made in a sweatshop. If you have $$$ to spend on firearms, night vision, optics, expensive headsets, and radio attachments, you have the money to buy a decent radio as well.
Thats why I use Motorola XTS5000 radios for comms use.
I’m just now comm-ing (see what I did there) across this video. Such good info and thanks for the links! Going to be ordering most of everything on this soon
Very important tip of any of you are looking to get your GMRS or Technician license to work these radios "legally":
USE A P.O. BOX AS YOUR ADDRESS!
When you get your license you get a callsign. ANYONE that knows your callsign can easily find the address you entered when you applied for your license.
Also, it also gives FCC representatives rights to search your home for radio equipment whenever they want, without warning or a warrant. Just keep that in mind if you plan on doing things the "right" way.
LOL, technically *ANY* radio signal originating from your address gives the FCC permission to search your home.
Own a cell phone? Permission granted.
Have wifi enabled? Permission granted.
Buy a baby monitor? Permission granted.
Cheap RC Car? Permission granted.
Having a license doesn't grant any special search and seizure permission.
The FCC no longer accepts a P.O. Box address when applying for a license.
If the FCC suspects a crime, they need a warrant like everyone else.
@@jhutch1470 Typically yes, but as with all law enforcement there are exceptions.
And those exceptions have quite a bit of ability to be "flexible" if the govt agency decides.
Never trust a govt agency to abide by the rules.
you have been warned. In other news driving over the speed limit is illegal, and actually enforced! :)
Solid video. Need more comms videos that actually clearly explain how to put together a whole setup.
I just got Hytera radios from Apolo Satellite in California. They are much better than what's in the video and set me up properly. I am not a tech geek but Tim, sales guy made it easy. These radios are sick and will use it in the mountains for atv etc.
Really recommend the baofeng GT-3WP with skyeye tactical modified nexus PTT as a basic setup honestly, the UV5R kenwood connector pins are too liable to break or fail
Are the accessories from the video compatible with the GT?
@@Furiouspenguin27 only the antenna. It uses a different and stronger 5pin connection for ptt and programming cable
I bought 2 baofeng uv5r, set them up on Aussie channels, earpiece @2off. Different antennas for long range. My uniden car antenna at 2 off in a backpack works amazing. In simplex mode truckies giving me a radio check at around 70 km away. I have 2 Nagoya but a auto uniden with adapters, counterpoise? Damn!!! Try it mate! You'll be surprised. Cheers from Australia
Don't just leave your transmit power level on max. Best radio practice is to use only enough power to make the connection. If you're talking to someone 200yds away and you're full power blasting your signal 10 miles in every direction, you're just wasting battery and potentially causing opsec problems.
Best SOP is to program all the loaded memories set to low, that way when you switch memories/channels it's already set to low. Then if you increase in range you can bump up the power.
This has come at the perfect time considering I literally bought a uv-5r yesterday
You don't necessarily need to change the antenna. It depends what frequency you intend to use the most and what your local terrain is like. Wyoming is different from Colorado.
My opinion, based on my experience and the experience of different real users, the Baofeng has a limited lifespan. Maybe 30 days of real "operational" use. So 30 days of SHTF, or Airsoft events, or whatever. If you just hang out listening to repeaters in your living room it will last years.
More durable options are the FT-4x, FT-60, FT-65, and VX-6. Or Wouxon models.
For SHTF or cool Airsoft events there are some other useful brands and models, but are highly dependent on what your friends are using. The models I listed have flexibility which can be unlocked and fit with a wide array of Adventuring Parties.
Lifespan in what way?
I'm not clear on your question.
Are you asking me "what do you mean by reduced life span?"
I mean the electronics can die from moisture or parts on the radio can be broken from use. Knobs, antenna connection, screen, buttons, ect.
So when that stuff breaks the radio is either less usable, or not usable at all.
@@woodsghost9088 I really don't agree that Baofengs degrade -- other than the battery. They just start out with a fairly low baseline for function due to the spurious emissions on transmit. That wasted power is more than most people realize. Have you observed full failure of transmit side or just degraded performance?
I find 5w yaesus are better at reaching borderline repeaters than 8w (verified) baofengs. Because the baofengs are also transmitting on random harmonics.
I mean when they get rained on and stuck outside for a month they fail to transmit. Should be easy enough for you to test if you can afford to lose $35 in an experiment.
Good for you doing the harmonics tests. That info is good to know. Thanks for sharing.
I did the same setup with Earmor M31. Worked out pretty well, thank you 🙏🏻
IMO - Caveat Emptor
Not everyone needs to be a "comms guy". A group, of whoever doing whatever, need to have 1-2 people that know what's up and can make everything work.
Everyone else should just be concerned with effectively communicating and following radio etiquette.
even a Baofeng has over a dozen settings that can make or break using the radio.
You might think this is short sighted, but it's reality. 99% of people who use radios for work or recreation haven't the foggiest idea why it works. And arguably don't care enough to know how to make it work, and may even not have the chops to be successful at that task.
A lot of folks struggle with PL tones, let alone managing digital and encryption.
being realistic, in a non-specops squad or small team situation all you *really* need to know is what frequency/frequencies to be on. Radios like the UV5R have enough frequency range to make some frequencies memorable....who would forget just needing to punch in "42069" to the keypad? Alternate channel? 444.44 or switch to the lower range and use 122.22 etc etc.
@@innercityprepper With this one comment you have shown that your knowledge is insufficient for the task of managing communications equipment on a personal level and definitely at the a group level.
@@viewatyourownrisk now I'll never get my HAM license. Waaah!
My guys & I have about 3yrs of solid trial/error $ have figured out a way to communicate at distances of 8 to 9 miles/city and 12 to 15/outskirts/rural environment. Let me know if you’re interested in that information. All good stuff by the way. Keep up the good work
Remember every time you transmit the infamous "they" will know your location, so stay off your comms!!!!!!!!
Finally! Thanks to making this video- exactly what your viewers asked for! This helped me see the holes in my setup- now it will be an easy fix
I agree the FCC probably hasn't fined someone JUST because they were using a UV-5R, but they certainly will come after people transmitting out of allowed bands regardless what radio they're using. In particular, the 150 MHz range is used a lot for commercial and gov't emergency communication, and if you're interfering with that, bad things can and will happen. And unfortunately the FCC operates a lot like the ATF and tries to change laws and rules whenever they want, even though they don't have the authority to do it. A few years ago they tried to make the 5R ( and a lot of cheap Chinese radios ) illegal to own, sell, or transfer, even though there's nothing in Part 90, 95, or 97 that would allow them to do so. The main gripe was a lot of retailers sell the 5R as a normal license-free two-way radio when it's nowhere close to FRS accepted. In typical gov't alphabet agency behavior, they overstepped their bounds and tried to ban it outright.
One big correction on the 5R itself ( and its many, many clones and knock-offs ), it does NOT have AM receive capabilities. It can only transmit and receive in analog FM mode. Also as an alternative antenna, consider a SignalStick. They're $20, made in Utah, and they're pretty much indestructible ( they don't perform quite as well as a 771 ).
For programming it, get a proper programming cable instead of the cheapest one you can find. The cheap ones typically have knock-off control chips in them and you have to use all sorts of device driver hijinks to get them to work. Get one from BTECH, it's an American company that you can get actual customer service and warranty coverage. Also know that CHIRP can change the system settings of the radio, not just store memory channels. I highly recommend changing the squelch sensitivity range. I don't mean just setting the squelch to level 3 or 5, I mean you change what the sensitivity for level 5 actually is. Stock squelch gradients don't offer a very wide range, it's basically off, med/high, and really high. Also, disable the alarm feature completely.
As for the FT-60, it is a much, MUCH better radio than just a Baofeng that doesn't suck. The actual receiving circuitry, called the front-end, is vastly superior to the UV-5R. It is much more sensitive and selective than a 5R, so you can clearly hear much weaker signals than a 5R could even detect. It can has a much broader receive range than a 5R, and it can receive civilian airband ( 108 - 137 MHz AM ). Also, it does NOT have the same antenna threads as the 5R. The 5R ( and most Chinese radios ) have an SMA male connector, the FT-60 ( and most Japanese radios ) use SMA female connectors. But regardless the radio you get, I'd recommend getting an SMA to BNC adapter. BNC is a stronger connection, makes it much faster to (dis)connect the antenna, and it's easier to share antennas between multiple radios.
The FT-60 does have a few downsides as a SHTF radio. For starters, the normal batteries don't last long and wear out relatively quickly ( you can get some AA adapter packs to address this, but that's more money ). Second, it's a designated amateur radio so it's locked down to only transmit on ham bands, and you're more likely to be noticed there if you're transmitting without a license. So while you could listen to everyone else on FRS, GMRS, MURS, Marine VHF, etc, you wouldn't be able to transmit back.
You've mentioned MURS frequencies a lot in the video, but I'm surprised so few people recommend using an actual MURS radio for emcomm use. Yes, you're locked to only using five freqs, I get that. But since it doesn't require a license, you can use it anytime, anywhere, without worrying about legality. And though it's limited to 2W, unlike FRS you can swap out the antenna. You can even put up antennas on towers and buildings, you just can't run repeaters. It also operates in the 150 MHz range, which propagates just as well as the 144 MHz amateur band and much better than the 460 MHz FRS/GMRS band. I've listened to MURS conversations happening over 15 miles away.
And really, it's not hard to get your ham license. Anyone that can pass a basic high school electronics class can get a license in a couple months, no problem.
I already had a bulk pack of cheap FRS radios. I just downloaded the profile from the FRS radio and copied those freqs in the Baofeng. I would only use it in an emergency, but they can talk to each other. Reachback capablity to FRS could still be useful. After all, more people have FRS.
I have been curious about this topic. Thanks for the general primer.
Rad, just got my uv5r last week!! Good timing
BF again killing the game but giving the people what the need
I just have my one for learning usage and I currently have a couple NOAA channels and a few repeaters. And CHIRP is a freaking godsend
Great video. I forwarded it to several.
I’ve had these for a while now (bought a 6 pack of them for breakage and multiple family members) and have watched a number of vids on them, and honestly, some people confused me more than before I had watched. Great, simple vid.
You said you would have a vid to watch in corner but I didn’t see that. Do another vid with maybe a little bit of detail in steps please
Yo! Cameo appearance from Hop!
The GOAT YT gun stuff reviewer. 👍
I carry laminated list of FRS and PMR frequencies in my admin pouch for more than 10 years. For such a lightweight piece of equipment id paid itself hundreds of times.