🤣🤣You can't stop anyone from using Baofengs, but you can stop being a d-bag. For the record I have a tech ham license and am enjoying the humor on this channel trying to find out how to make the radios actually useful (GMRS). Tired of listening to fossils make polite small talk.
I am a legal ham operator and believe it or not my Baofeng has done just as much and as much fun 991A $17.99 with the little radio in$1,219.9 with the big radio. Baofeng I have talked to the ISS so people listen to this guy yeah everybody ***** moans and complains about him but he's right on and it's fun to listen to what he's got to say so go out and buy your little Baofeng and have lots of fun. Have a blessed day.
My wife asked me what was so funny about what I was watching. She didn’t get it. Clearly, she feels threatened by my Baofeng UV-5R’s. But we’ll be ok. Probably.
Second time watching. Ham-General here, military radio guy from tactical teletype (yes, I’m old) to Earth station SATCOM control. Flu a few satellites, none hit the atmosphere. Anyway, your work is fantastic. I’m bringing some new UV5R’s into the family, my daughters will each get their own. Went all out with extra batteries, “better” antennas and yes, manuals that I’ve read. Wait, ok, I read ONE of the manuals. I really appreciate all your vids on the subject, fun and funny does not hurt. Keep it up, your efforts are enjoyed and appreciated! Stay safe.
Dude you should make videos talkin about old military radios and stuff... Unless it's classified... Have you ever seen the movie Under Siege?? With Steven Seagal... Is it realistic how he called back to the Pentagon from the ship with the Seal Magnaphone satellite radio thing?? I thought that radio was so cool...
Why this has not been pinned yet is beyond me. Bravo! Bravo! This is the dumb comment of the year and I respect it. Now I am going to have to live it. But I threw away my owners manual and do not know how to programme my Baofeng for GMRS frequencies
@@TheNotaRubicon Friend to friend... Sunblock is effective. 👍😊 I carry some in my vehicles, because on my days off.... one way or another I'll end outside.
Holy shit, I found your channel last night. Absolutely love the way you present the information. The "don't give two drops of monkey piss what you think" mentality is a nice change from the current state of the world. I've spent the last 15 or so years as an avionics mechanic on H60 and CH47s, and at 6:29, you spoke directly from what I think almost daily!
For car to car, magnetic mount roof antenna adds a lot of range and a lapel mic makes long drives much more fun because you can roast your friends all the way to your destination. I always have 2-3. One mounted to the magnetic antenna to my vehicle. One handheld for a spotter, or a newbie joining the group.
Sadly the jeep wrangler is one of the worst vehicles for UHF/VHF antennas. Every option has major drawbacks. You will be ok with mag mount on hood or center cowl, and kinda ok with it on fender lip or high above tire on tail, but it is in the bottom 10% of antenna friendliness.
I instruct this stuff to some of our alphabet soup folks. LOVE your presentation style. Late 80s, 90s and 2000s I could talk like this in class. Miss it. Was sooooo refreshing to hear this. Rock on.
Kn6eiv here. I'm new and dumb to this hobby. Still trying to get over mic fright. Bought a Baofang bf-f8hp and got a Nagoya na-771 antenna for it. Just hiked up Cerro Alto Mt. 2624' elevation San luis County and made contact with Lockwood ca. 41 miles north as the crow flies. working simplex 146.52. Got 3 on low power and 7 on high power. People bag on this little radio. I know it's not a real radio but for a very cheep radio it touched another ham 41 miles away. Thank you for the advice.
this is the second video I see of yours. very helpful so thank you. I just getting in to this whole world of two-way radio and i can use all the help I can get. mainly doing it just in case communication by cell phone goes down I can connect to the family.
I just started down this journey as well. This guy with his majestic voice and perfectly shaped hand has really turned me on... to GMRS due to all the *"monies" iv saved buying the uv5r and programming cord and free chirp... also no test for the $35 license... my cup fill-ith-over with the knowledge squirt this fellow is spitting
I tried broadcasting while following your instructions using the body as a counterpoise , I swear I heard Puffy long sleeves speaking in Chinglish inside my cracked cranium.I believe I had a brain orgasm😂🤣🤡
I had my amature radio license when I was 15... but do to my traveling all over the world with my family in the Intel Community I never renewed it. But now at 48 and watch alot of your videos, I bought a Baofeng UV-5R III. I am now applying for my GMRS Family Licenses and studying up to also take my Technicians Licenses. Keep up your videos, they are inspiring!
In my experience, finding higher ground makes the most drastic improvement. Climbing up in the back of your truck or on the roof of your house or even just walking up a small hill can increase range. For really short people, always be sure to have a tall, bulky friend with broad shoulders. As skinny boney should are very uncomfortable to sit on.
yes, so true ....generally I carry a small 6 foot ladder w/me which works rather well . . . of course some small issues whenever my town throws a parade . . " hey wtf, watch out ya @&^&^%! .... oops sorry " . . . Cheers
For anyone that is experiencing poor results w/ the antennas mentioned in the video, and other similar antennas, you’re not alone. It is a problem experienced by many owners of this radio. It’s an awesome little radio so don’t misunderstand me. Using the “upgraded” antennas has resulted in much better transmit (further distance). However, for whatever reason, these “upgraded” antennas have caused issues w/ the radios receiving signals. Several tests performed w/ multiple Uv-5R radios setting side by side, using stock antennas vs different “upgraded” antennas (including jpole base antennas) resulted in the UV-5R simply not even acknowledging a signal. People debate why the problem exists. The reason I’m sharing this is so that if and when you experience this problem, you don’t beat your head against the wall wondering if you’re doing something wrong.
@damiengirvan5020 I have a few of these radios and have a HAM license. I have not run into these problems with receiving. These radios are possible of decent range in the right conditions. My best was 23 miles from the repeater. Though I was on a cliff at 7000 feet and not obstructions. My guess would be the squelch setting. By default it's set pretty high and setting it lower would probably help a lot. You may get more noise with it but who cares if it's working.
They ARE good radios, for the price. But they have poor sensitivity and selectivity and the bigger antenna will overload the front end. A bandpass filter can help. Edit: And just to make clear: having a different attitude or whatever doesn't change the laws of physics, as much as some folk around UA-cam would like. Just know what you're buying and don't expect miracles.
Took me several hours over months to accept your wisdom delivery methodology. This is good, as it allowed me to ferret out the others. You'll be the only sub channel for this genre of mental sport. Thank you.
Mark From Florida Here,. Rock on brother. 😲. WOW. 13 miles. I just ordered a 5 pk. UV-5r plus for my Paramotor training school at the Williston Airport Florida. I was so worried about distance they would travel. I made the right choice. Walkie talkie perfection. Thank you sir for the super news.
AWESOME video man! The main 'amateur radio maxim': "HEIGHT is MIGHT and ANTENNA IS EVERYTHING!" Also "A watt is a lot". So standing on a mountain top with a lot longer "line of sight" and a better tuned antenna you might be able to transmit 60 or perhaps even 100+ miles vs standing at sea level and being blocked by the curvature of the Earth...
The higher dB gain your antenna is will usually be better! Not too long ago I actually made a crystal clear contact with my UV-5R 30 MILES away pretty close to sea level! I was "cheating" though because I had hooked it up to my big 20 foot tall collinear antenna at my house that has a pretty asinine 14 dB gain! Personally, I find the Nagoya antennas, while they're "good", they aren't the highest gain/range and plus they can bend and break if you're not careful. (The Luiton brand clones of the Nagoya actually perform better and are WAY less money!) My absolute favorite 1/4 wave antenna for the UV-5R is actually the "Super Elastic Signal Stick" because all the ones I have tested and seen tested on UA-cam had greater range and higher dB, plus they're practically indestructible with a lifetime warranty if you do manage to break one, and all for about the same price as the Nagoya, for $21 bucks. Check them out on signalstuff.com (you want the "SMA female" antenna for the UV-5R). They also accept Amazon pay and they're a nonprofit for hamstudy.org too!
"Tiger tails" AKA a counterpoise DO work pretty dang well, they effectively serve as an improved ground/ground plane and also work kind of like a dipole antenna if I understand correctly because you're basically adding a 2nd antenna element? I've messed around with them a LOT! Where they can really help your signal strength is if you're standing on certain types rocky ground that has very poor grounding/electrical conductivity, I forget the specific rock types off the top of my head. But you DO need to test and trim them to the correct length, otherwise I've found they can raise the SWR (standing wave ratio) the amount of reflected power that isn't transmitting into the air, instead it bounces power BACK into the radio and will slowly COOK the radio!
My main annoyance with having a counterpoise on though is that roughly 19" long wire can get in the freakin way a lot... I've made a bunch of them in a "compact" version. Take about 22" of solid copper wire (stranded works too but it's floppy and can be a pain to coil) and wrap that around something like a long 1/4" socket extension or a Bic pen, round pencil ETC to make a coil and stretch the coil a bit so there's an even gap between the coils, you could also use a small flathead screwdriver to space the coil gap evenly. Then on one end, bend the wire at a 90 degree angle and solder on a round terminal connector and attach that to one of the belt clip mounting screws on the UV-5R which is chassis ground. Hook up an SWR meter and trim the bottom of the wire until the SWR is decent.
"A watt is a lot"... The regular UV-5R is only 5w tops, but there's a UV-5R "plus" or + that's 8w that usually comes with the higher capacity 3800mAh battery for about $40... 3 measly watts might not sound like much of a difference, but that's a 60% increase in power...
The testing on UA-cam seems to show that none of them put out more than five Watts even the new 10r that claims 18 Watts, can you comment on the high wattage testing?
When I was a kid my dad was into c.b. and I remember a time (during the Vietnam War ) when my dad would back his car up to a lake, attach a chain to the trailer hitch and throw the other end into the lake. According to him, this made the entire lake into a parabolic antenna. I recall him talking to soldiers in Guam. We lived in Northern Canada at the time.
I truly love your videos, I enjoy the jabs at the old timers in Ham Radio. Since they are hurting the hobby, know one wants to be in a group with pompous asses!
As a ham, I agree with this statement. Sad hams have given the hobby a certain stigma, which is frustrating because it sours people on getting into the hobby. We can always use more fun people on the air, so don't let them dissuade you. The thing to remember is that you can always change the frequency, and leave them to their own sad hamness😉
@@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen I bought an SDR and am now contemplating entering the Amateur radio as a little side hobby. Thankfully at the age of 50+ I am not a snowflake and can quite easily ignore the politics and stupidity that seem to be more important to some people than the actual hobby. I have been blessed with common sense but, what I haven't been blessed with is a, reliable source of information yet. I am based in the North West of England and am having some difficulty finding a local club. Any suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated. How difficult would you say the Basic amateur radio exam is?
Links mentioned: Nagoya 771 for ham (below 450Mhz): amzn.to/3JqVbfr Nagoya 771-G for frequencies above 450Mhz (GMRS): amzn.to/4aKHkwj Buy a Baofeng UV-5R radio here: amzn.to/2QojPFw
New to HAM and cramming in as much information as I can while I study for the test. Your vids are by far the best. I appreciate your straightforward approach and calling me out for being a dumbass when necessary. I find you are the Bill Bob Thorton of the Ham UA-cam world. Bravo!
I’ve been able to transmit to a repeater 25km away with my UV-5R completely stock. I’m in a valley which I thought would make it impossible. Very happy.
Great information, like the presentation. My father was a ham operator, built his own ham radio. Talked to people all over the world. At 78 I have a harder time getting it too stick in the grey matter. Keep up the good work. John
Totally liking and following you because of how real you get. The language and direct-ness in this video is much needed in youtube-land. Thank you for the tips to legally do this with a license and not do it without a license under absolutely no circumstances..
PMR446 is our equivalent to your FRS over there, 500mw with a fixed antenna only is the legal option. Seen a contact from here SE England, near the South Coast, to a point in France over 100 miles away on these. I use a Baofeng Gt3-tp Mk 3, with a Retevis 771 antenna and while sitting around a camp fire during a storm, 30 miles no problem. Stick a Diamond x30 or x50 on it and get that up and boom...youre going to rx and tx brilliantly, put an 8 element beam up and turn it to your contact, absolutely brilliant. And nope, I'm not licenced
Thank you for the videos, I have used 2 way radios for SAR activities in the past and I am now retired. I recently purchased two Baofengs AR-152's for emergencies. I have visited some FB groups and asked for basic information regarding these radios and was blindsided by the groups FCC brown shirts demanding that I get a license. Your videos are fun to watch and extremely helpful. Again thank you for your informative and entertaining videos.
I got one yesterday with original antenna the longer flexible one and did a range test locally and got a 2.1 mile range from walkie talkie to walkie talkie. Pretty good 👍
I am enjoying using my new UV-5R radio's with my son. I have however been enjoying your videos far more than the radios themselves. Thanks for teaching me 100% of what I wanted to know about GMRS. Thanks for all the laughs too.
I bought a 222 MHz antenna that was VHF and 222 MHz and it is about 16 inches long and it increased my reception and transmit range dramatically. I was trying to receive low-power 900 MHz data transmissions from 1 watt sites spread out over 25 miles and I could barely get a clear decode unless I was within half a mile on the same elevation in the city. I went to the top of the mountain to the east about 10 miles away from the closest site and I got super strong positive decode 100% on all the control points where I had been getting 25% on the ground 1 mile away. I was dumbfounded how strong and clear the signals were so far away and the only difference was the elevation. I tried calling on my VHF radio from the top of the mountain and I easily activated the repeater 60 miles away and I could hear the mountain repeater 120 miles away clearly but could not activate it. That was with a 5 Watt handheld With my 120 watt Motorola VHF radio I was able to activate the repeater 120 miles away and I was able to reach a repeater 200 miles away up at the Canadian border. It really makes all the difference in the world to have the highest elevation I tested TV reception from the same location and I received stations from most of the northeast states This was before digital TV. Even here in Pennsylvania if I go to the top of the highest mountain at Clark's Summit I can receive NYC and Philadelphia and NJ stations and Syracuse NY I think the elevation is 2000 feet Down south, like SC and GA and FL, in the " Low Country " with an antenna mounted on a 50 foot mast you can receive 5 Watt signals 200 miles away if they are also on a mast.
Sharing your expertise and humor, thank you. Just received 2 UV-5R 8w radios with cool accessories to enjoy at my leisure. But, now I'm truly more informed and appreciatiing my radios. Thank you Maestro!
The weird looks and the very odd back ground music along with the sad ham really makes for true entertainment. I am a fan. Thanks for all the great info
Thanks for the info and the laughs.... I love my Baofeng uv-5r. We take it offroading with us and use it for spotting drivers. And if the spotter drops it, or we loan it out and dont get it back... well we are out $20. While it sucks to be out the $20, its a whole lot better than giving someone a $400 Yaesu or Kenwood radio and having them drop it in the mud.
A friend showed me a good tip. He used to be Civil Air Patrol and participated in lots of search & rescue missions. Rarely carried more than what would fit in a fanny pack, with extra batteries. Holding the radio in front of you, mostly horizontal with a slight vertical angle, raise both arms up until they are horizontal to the ground (acting as ground planes). Holding radio tightly, bring it straight inward toward your Adams apple, pointing the antenna toward where you know the tower to be located and transmit from that position. Tried it numerous times on UHF and VHF and it works.
I learned something new today. That is, switching the Tx Po from low to high, vice-versa, with a simple tap of the hash button. Always had to it by Menu > 2 etc. Didn’t find this on the manual :P
I just found this video. What a crackup. I don't mind the language, I'm a grown boy and can take it. I have used my uv-5r out in the outback and, I'm truly amazed at it's range, even with the Nagoya. These little radios work pretty darn good for what they are. I appreciate your candor in this subject. Nice tip about the "Poise" thing. SR
Man this pandemic is really killing music. I miss the Ham Band, they were really rockin with hits like "I've got your frequency baby" "Hot mic" and from their hit album Repeater (goin long distance) the top 10 hit "what's your call sign".
We tested my Baofeng UV-5R with Nagoya-773 (telescopic antenna). The shortest is like standard UV-5R antenna and the longest is like Nagoya-771. Friend (HAM too) has base station with good antenna on roof. If any problem we communicate with mobile phones. Whole testing was on low power because it was just testing antenna. When I've got on distance that can't establish connection (about 10Km), pulled antenna on the longest size and --- from no connection went to 5-9.
To reiterate - make SURE you're getting one from a reputable supplier. There are more fake knockoffs on Amazon than there are real ones by far. I got two fake ones in a package with 2 UV-82HP's, and the SWR is WAY unacceptable in ANY band - like 7 - 11 SWR from 2 meter through GMRS when I swept with a VNA. The fake ones don't have the base loading coils, it's just a piece of wire. It can burn up your radio. I got them in a package, where I was buying it for the radios and batteries (90 bucks for 2 82HP's, 2 regular batteries, and 2 3800mah batteries) and I knew they were going to be fake so it was a good way to test some to see how bad the fakes really are - and they're REALLY bad. WAY better off with the factory rubber duck. I also have two genuine Nagoya mag mounts (UT-72 and U-308UV), which I also swept. IMHO - if you're going to risk going to prison for the rest of your life by using a baofeng on GMRS frequencies, the UT-72 is THE ONE to get. The 308UV has a bit more gain, but like I'd expect - the SWR was focused into a narrower frequency range, and GMRS was starting to get into the "unacceptable" range. The 72 even as old and beat up as it is compared to my 308, is a much better antenna, even in the higher range of the 440 band where licensed hams can use it without risking possibly the death penalty! Oh - and also, the way to double your range as the thummbnail image says - is to get a really good antenna, and put it on a really tall pole! :D
I kept the manual, but I'm more of a learn by watching type person. My brain doesn't retain what I read. So thankyou for your videos on the Uv-5r. Between your teaching and entertainment, I actually learn something.
That was the most passionate and genuine RTFM I've ever heard 6:26 . I really felt it down in the cockles of my heart...maybe even in the sub-cockle area, maybe the kidneys, maybe even in the colon - it was deep.
And this is why I want/need to put up some repeaters in my area. [right now there are NONE, in Lincoln County, Mo] and I need to be able to communicate with other members of my MAG [mutual asst. group..NOT a militia, but a group of preppers who are spread pout a bit]
A couple of years ago, I saw a vid on how to use 2 UV5R’s (daisy-chained via patch cable from 1 speaker output to the others mic input) to make a repeater. There are settings & freq’s that need to be adjusted, but it works. However, the battery issue comes into play, along with line-of-sight (and elevation) placement of such a setup. But, for $60... what can you expect? I’m wondering if an ammo can can be modified for this purpose, with a solar charger?... Any takers?
I hit a GMRS Repeater with my Baofeng GMRS Radio which is 12 miles away through Pennsylvania Hills & Trees (in Winter) AND even on Low Power setting !... The dude I chatted to 30 miles away said the low power setting made it a bit of a struggle to hear me but we did have a conversation. Perfectly clear back on High Power, I was impressed.
Tried my own Baofeng on the 2m band, listened to to a chat, I intercepted politely (short break) and was asked what my callsign was.. I had none, so he politely told me they were not allowed to answer me. When they continued theyre chat, what was that? He explained that it was an unlicenced user asking for reception quality, and told his mate, it came in strong and clear. So he answered my question without talking with me, Nice, and the distance between them was quite surprising. Used a whip antenna like that in your video
As always, a funny and informative video. On a historical note, years ago a company whose name escapes me, marketed a flexible wire counterpoise for 2 Meter handy-talkies. It was about 19 inches long (one-quarter wavelength at about 146 MHz) with a ring terminal on one end, that would fit onto the BNC connector on top of the radio, to be held in place by the attached antenna. It was called "Tiger Tail," and the name sort of stuck as a generic descriptor, like "Good Buddy" or even "Sad Ham." 😜 But yes, filling in the "missing" half of an antenna system by adding a counterpoise can help with range. It might make a difference when calling for help when injured in the wild.
Counterpoise or what ever you want to call it doesnt work if you are holding the radio. The reason? Because your body becomes the other half of the quarter wave is your body. Now if you have a magmount a metal pie pan will work
The amplifier hub for these is incredible. Turns your UV5R into a base station with 25 to 40 watts of output power. Works very well with a custom wire dipole or ground plane made out of TV coax.
you could “squeeze the juice” of your Baofeng UV5R radio’s range by using a coaxial cable and mount an external dual band antenna instead of the stock antenna or the Nagoya 771. I use the Diamond X-300 dual band antenna and works well.
I agree with all your points. My Baofeng UV-9R + works better on it's factory antenna, than the 15" Upgrade antenna. I tried a counterpoise antenna too. While it does help a bit! It is a pain in the butt to have dangling around, and hanging on stuff. And I have never heard a (know-it-all) person, state the proper way to hold my HT. Hell, If it doesn't work upside down, its crap anyway. And my little chinese girl, in the box, talks to me to much too! 😆 If you really want a better radio, buy a $$$$ Japanese brand. Yaesu, I-Com, Kenwood, Alinco, etc. But Baofeng works ✔, and is affordable! $
We don't have to read the manual, because we have Dr. Baofeng to learn from. Thanks for all the humor, and great hacks related to the best radio in the world.
This guy is really good 👍 I'm in the UK 🇬🇧 and will get one of these for when the shit hits the fan. When that happens I don't think anybody is going to be worried about what freeking frequency you're on, they'll all be zombies.
What is the best car antenna for this thing. I was gonna get a AM/FM cb for my jeep but i already own 2 of these with the 12 power hook up. I just need an external antenna.
You are absolutely right and I can prove it. People can and have contacted, spoken with astronauts on the ISS AND HAVE spoken with other hams through the crossband repeater on the ISS that orbits the earth at approximately 250 miles above the earth with a Baofeng. That proves you can use a Baofeng to talk at least 250 miles line of sight on what, 4 to 5 watts.
I'm a UK radio ham and use a UV-5R from time to time and they are great value for money. The Nagoya is a big help and at home I use a 5R via a J Pole antenna about 25' up and can access repeaters 25 mile away.
Right. It is like going 60 miles per hour in a zone marked 55 miles per hour. Nobody cares, not even the police. I am sure many amateur radio operators use the Baofengs, for amateur, GMRS, FRS, and MURS, also. I just programmed one for a, volunteer fire brigade firefighter because he broke his Motorola. He has not come for it yet. But I have programmed then for other services for people that pay me to do it and they have no problems.
Like playing Russian roulette... and the penalties once caught are severe... last person I read about had all his radios confiscated, will never be able to get a license, and had to pay a$25,000 fine. That would not be my choice for a happy life...Also, why give the government, on a golden platter, a reason to mess with you and your family? No thanks...
@@jayleeper379 there has not been a single individual, aka private citizen, aka ordinary person, ever cited for ANY of the GMRS misuse cited in any of this guy's videos. Not one. And you can go look it up for yourself. Now, going and using ham frequencies without a license can result in the local hams doing ALL the work and investigation and then repeatedly harassing the FCC until they finally show up and reluctantly do their job, taking credit for someone else's work.
@@jayleeper379 You are wrong the FCC has NEVER once cited or fined an individual for using a baofeng, not once. The FCC citation and fine database includes every fine every given the past 20 years.
You said that Baofeng has sold more UV-5R's than any other brand "in this price range"? Other Baofeng clones like my Tenway's, there are no other brands in this price range with the options in a Baofeng. To get what's offered in a Baofeng, besides quality, in Kenwood or Yaesu, you'd be paying $300 or $400. These radios are so cheap, I bought a 2 pack with so many extras that if bought separately, I basically got the radios for free. I got 2) Tenway UV-54 PRO's, 2) short antennas, 2) 771 long antennas, 2) over the ear speaker mics, 2) hand heald speaker mics, 2) home charging stands with wall warts, 2) 1800 ma batteries and 1) programming cable for $85.00 including non prime free delivery and they work just fine. They are also way more broad banded than advertised thanks to chirp. Mine go from 125.000 MHz to 178.000 MHz on VHF and 375.000 MHz to 550.000 MHz on UHF with dependable Xmit / rec at both band edges. Too much outside of this and the transmitter locks up. They aren't Kenwood but they're not priced that way either.
I belong to a club that has 3 very large repeaters .they sell the uv5r programed for all 3 gmrs repeaters hope the military doesn't bomb them to night 😂😂😂😆😆
I got a fake one and little better on uhf 430 kHz plus frequency. I now use a backpack with a car style uniden uhf antenna. Awesome reception and your counterpoise makes a huge difference. I'm picking up truckies over 50 km away. Amazing
I've been a high level, executive ham radio expert for about 84 hours now. I know everything except what my wife is mad about. The Abbreeeee 42 inch antenna for GMRS gives you a little bit more fars, and they are like 12-13 bucks. They weigh as much as the radio, but are very fashionable, and let everyone within eyesight know that you are tactical and serious. They are a little better though
A cheap walkie talky can easily hit 10 miles IF you are on a tower and transmitting to someone receiving in a wide open field that’s visible to the transmitter. Great video! No use in a crazy antenna if you’re blocked by a mountain and woods
I know this will sound crazy but when your key fob distance is too far from your vehicle to lock the doors just hold the fob against your head and it will work..... I thought i was hearing things until i tried it and yes..... it worked for me. so your analogy of transmitting probably does work
Hi, I dig ur sense of humor and jabs at certain people. Also thanks for the education. Are there certain frequencies that will go a tad bit farther then others? I got my UV-5R to break squelch on my dads identical radio at 5miles away using an ~18in Abbree tape measure antenna on 462.562. We can’t communicate but sometimes it will crackle when we press the PTT. Any tips for that tiny push more? I can try the Nagoya’s and we were thinking of raising the antennas up about 20ft on a pole. Thanks very much!
Depends on conditions such as flat land, foliage, hills, buildings. UHF will do slightly better in some conditions and VHF slightly better in others. but nothing is as important as antenna selection and install
MURS frequencies in the 154 MHz range will generally outperform UHF GMRS, but there are fewer MURS frequencies to choose from and channel congestion may be an issue.
His videos take place in the desert , with only occasional scrub or cacti. When you are either in woods , or even 50/50 fields and woodlots , it makes you nostalgic for CB .
LITTLE JUNK.PIECE A GARBAGE BAOFENG.???. .YOU HAVE ATTITUD , CAKKI ...SASS
Y N NASTY.....F YOUR SELF ...LOSSER
🤣🤣You can't stop anyone from using Baofengs, but you can stop being a d-bag. For the record I have a tech ham license and am enjoying the humor on this channel trying to find out how to make the radios actually useful (GMRS). Tired of listening to fossils make polite small talk.
Did you type this comment *_with your face?!_*
@@iyeetsecurity922He actually typed it with his anus. So technically, you're correct.
@@iyeetsecurity922I think he typed it by slapping his d**k on the key board.
You know he was making fun of people who call a piece of junk, don’t you? He’s done it in several videos , while ridicule in such people.
I am a legal ham operator and believe it or not my Baofeng has done just as much and as much fun 991A $17.99 with the little radio in$1,219.9 with the big radio. Baofeng I have talked to the ISS so people listen to this guy yeah everybody ***** moans and complains about him but he's right on and it's fun to listen to what he's got to say so go out and buy your little Baofeng and have lots of fun. Have a blessed day.
I'd buy one of these, just for a chance to contact the ISS.
Self appointed division of the UA-cam FCC Police, that is epic. I love this channel. Keep up the good work, Thank You
Pretty soon I'll need a license to take a crap
😂😂
😂😂I'm dieing from laughter@@georgemullin7772😂😂
_"I'm here to get a license to BREATHE, massa gubmint"_ 😢
Sounds like the definition of libs and karens
Learned Something = Yes
Laughed several times = Yes
👍
hilarious
The pearl necklace comment got me. so visual.
Concur-this guy is hilarious and informative
Love your use of some choice swear words. Honestly 😊
My wife asked me what was so funny about what I was watching. She didn’t get it. Clearly, she feels threatened by my Baofeng UV-5R’s. But we’ll be ok. Probably.
Second time watching. Ham-General here, military radio guy from tactical teletype (yes, I’m old) to Earth station SATCOM control. Flu a few satellites, none hit the atmosphere. Anyway, your work is fantastic. I’m bringing some new UV5R’s into the family, my daughters will each get their own. Went all out with extra batteries, “better” antennas and yes, manuals that I’ve read. Wait, ok, I read ONE of the manuals. I really appreciate all your vids on the subject, fun and funny does not hurt. Keep it up, your efforts are enjoyed and appreciated! Stay safe.
Dude you should make videos talkin about old military radios and stuff... Unless it's classified... Have you ever seen the movie Under Siege?? With Steven Seagal... Is it realistic how he called back to the Pentagon from the ship with the Seal Magnaphone satellite radio thing?? I thought that radio was so cool...
Irreverent, sarcastic, caustic, cynical, yes....my kind of guy! Thanks for getting to the point and not wasting my time.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. Love the humor.
Same here. Just subscribed.
@@TheHuntingSpot Ditto
@@TheHuntingSpot mmm
Good character
Definitely one of my FAVORITES!!!!
Your humor is the best part of this channel, honestly.
I transmitted the words "pearl necklace" on GMRS with my baofeng
😂🤣
That's liberty!
Why this has not been pinned yet is beyond me. Bravo! Bravo! This is the dumb comment of the year and I respect it. Now I am going to have to live it. But I threw away my owners manual and do not know how to programme my Baofeng for GMRS frequencies
@@TheNotaRubicon I hope he didn't di so "in coded language": Because apparently the FCC may consider that insurrectionist.
@@TheNotaRubicon
Friend to friend...
Sunblock is effective.
👍😊
I carry some in my vehicles, because on my days off.... one way or another I'll end outside.
Holy shit, I found your channel last night. Absolutely love the way you present the information. The "don't give two drops of monkey piss what you think" mentality is a nice change from the current state of the world.
I've spent the last 15 or so years as an avionics mechanic on H60 and CH47s, and at 6:29, you spoke directly from what I think almost daily!
Unfortunately sometimes it is still to give a damn what other people think and learning when to figure out when each applies is a skill
@@MarkPentler, 99% of the time, it doesn't matter.
For car to car, magnetic mount roof antenna adds a lot of range and a lapel mic makes long drives much more fun because you can roast your friends all the way to your destination. I always have 2-3. One mounted to the magnetic antenna to my vehicle. One handheld for a spotter, or a newbie joining the group.
Sadly the jeep wrangler is one of the worst vehicles for UHF/VHF antennas. Every option has major drawbacks. You will be ok with mag mount on hood or center cowl, and kinda ok with it on fender lip or high above tire on tail, but it is in the bottom 10% of antenna friendliness.
I don't read the manual, I sit here and watch you....make sure you get it right! Keep'em coming!
I instruct this stuff to some of our alphabet soup folks. LOVE your presentation style. Late 80s, 90s and 2000s I could talk like this in class. Miss it. Was sooooo refreshing to hear this. Rock on.
Kn6eiv here. I'm new and dumb to this hobby. Still trying to get over mic fright. Bought a Baofang bf-f8hp and got a Nagoya na-771 antenna for it. Just hiked up Cerro Alto Mt. 2624' elevation San luis County and made contact with Lockwood ca. 41 miles north as the crow flies. working simplex 146.52. Got 3 on low power and 7 on high power. People bag on this little radio. I know it's not a real radio but for a very cheep radio it touched another ham 41 miles away. Thank you for the advice.
this is the second video I see of yours. very helpful so thank you. I just getting in to this whole world of two-way radio and i can use all the help I can get. mainly doing it just in case communication by cell phone goes down I can connect to the family.
I just started down this journey as well. This guy with his majestic voice and perfectly shaped hand has really turned me on... to GMRS due to all the *"monies" iv saved buying the uv5r and programming cord and free chirp... also no test for the $35 license... my cup fill-ith-over with the knowledge squirt this fellow is spitting
Early in my career I managed a Radio Shack store. We called it RTFM (Read the F*ing Manual).
I tried broadcasting while following your instructions using the body as a counterpoise , I swear I heard Puffy long sleeves speaking in Chinglish inside my cracked cranium.I believe I had a brain orgasm😂🤣🤡
RTBIF is what I still use as a phrase " Read Those Bloody Instructions First "
You mean, now I need to learn how to read too?😅
I rather use UA-cam. RadioShack is old news 😂😂!
Yeah, read the very poorly translated Chinese to English manual, you dunces. How are you not understanding the very bad translation?!
Your advice is the best, just unlocked my new baofeg uv5rtp and hit a repeater 50 miles away
How 😮😮??
@@MANUELRamirez-yv4nmrepeaters have a LOT more transmit power than your UV 5r
I had my amature radio license when I was 15... but do to my traveling all over the world with my family in the Intel Community I never renewed it. But now at 48 and watch alot of your videos, I bought a Baofeng UV-5R III. I am now applying for my GMRS Family Licenses and studying up to also take my Technicians Licenses. Keep up your videos, they are inspiring!
In my experience, finding higher ground makes the most drastic improvement. Climbing up in the back of your truck or on the roof of your house or even just walking up a small hill can increase range. For really short people, always be sure to have a tall, bulky friend with broad shoulders. As skinny boney should are very uncomfortable to sit on.
yes, so true ....generally I carry a small 6 foot ladder w/me which works rather well . . . of course some small issues whenever my town throws a parade . . " hey wtf, watch out ya @&^&^%! .... oops sorry " . . . Cheers
Apparently, you've never been to flat Florida.
The roads are pretty flat and straight - BORING for motorcycle riders.
How would you know this?
Excellent, you make me laugh even tough two years after
For anyone that is experiencing poor results w/ the antennas mentioned in the video, and other similar antennas, you’re not alone. It is a problem experienced by many owners of this radio. It’s an awesome little radio so don’t misunderstand me.
Using the “upgraded” antennas has resulted in much better transmit (further distance). However, for whatever reason, these “upgraded” antennas have caused issues w/ the radios receiving signals.
Several tests performed w/ multiple Uv-5R radios setting side by side, using stock antennas vs different “upgraded” antennas (including jpole base antennas) resulted in the UV-5R simply not even acknowledging a signal. People debate why the problem exists. The reason I’m sharing this is so that if and when you experience this problem, you don’t beat your head against the wall wondering if you’re doing something wrong.
So what's the solution?? I'm just commenting so I'll be notified if anybody posts a solution....
So what was the problem is it is hi SWR
@damiengirvan5020 I have a few of these radios and have a HAM license. I have not run into these problems with receiving. These radios are possible of decent range in the right conditions. My best was 23 miles from the repeater. Though I was on a cliff at 7000 feet and not obstructions. My guess would be the squelch setting. By default it's set pretty high and setting it lower would probably help a lot. You may get more noise with it but who cares if it's working.
They ARE good radios, for the price. But they have poor sensitivity and selectivity and the bigger antenna will overload the front end. A bandpass filter can help.
Edit: And just to make clear: having a different attitude or whatever doesn't change the laws of physics, as much as some folk around UA-cam would like. Just know what you're buying and don't expect miracles.
front end overload on a non-selective design
Thanks for your knowledge and humor, really enjoy listening to you , did 26 years volunteer firefighter, used ham radios in our rigs and handhelds !
Took me several hours over months to accept your wisdom delivery methodology. This is good, as it allowed me to ferret out the others. You'll be the only sub channel for this genre of mental sport. Thank you.
Mark From Florida Here,. Rock on brother. 😲. WOW. 13 miles. I just ordered a 5 pk. UV-5r plus for my Paramotor training school at the Williston Airport Florida. I was so worried about distance they would travel. I made the right choice. Walkie talkie perfection. Thank you sir for the super news.
AWESOME video man! The main 'amateur radio maxim': "HEIGHT is MIGHT and ANTENNA IS EVERYTHING!" Also "A watt is a lot". So standing on a mountain top with a lot longer "line of sight" and a better tuned antenna you might be able to transmit 60 or perhaps even 100+ miles vs standing at sea level and being blocked by the curvature of the Earth...
The higher dB gain your antenna is will usually be better! Not too long ago I actually made a crystal clear contact with my UV-5R 30 MILES away pretty close to sea level! I was "cheating" though because I had hooked it up to my big 20 foot tall collinear antenna at my house that has a pretty asinine 14 dB gain! Personally, I find the Nagoya antennas, while they're "good", they aren't the highest gain/range and plus they can bend and break if you're not careful. (The Luiton brand clones of the Nagoya actually perform better and are WAY less money!) My absolute favorite 1/4 wave antenna for the UV-5R is actually the "Super Elastic Signal Stick" because all the ones I have tested and seen tested on UA-cam had greater range and higher dB, plus they're practically indestructible with a lifetime warranty if you do manage to break one, and all for about the same price as the Nagoya, for $21 bucks. Check them out on signalstuff.com (you want the "SMA female" antenna for the UV-5R). They also accept Amazon pay and they're a nonprofit for hamstudy.org too!
"Tiger tails" AKA a counterpoise DO work pretty dang well, they effectively serve as an improved ground/ground plane and also work kind of like a dipole antenna if I understand correctly because you're basically adding a 2nd antenna element? I've messed around with them a LOT! Where they can really help your signal strength is if you're standing on certain types rocky ground that has very poor grounding/electrical conductivity, I forget the specific rock types off the top of my head. But you DO need to test and trim them to the correct length, otherwise I've found they can raise the SWR (standing wave ratio) the amount of reflected power that isn't transmitting into the air, instead it bounces power BACK into the radio and will slowly COOK the radio!
My main annoyance with having a counterpoise on though is that roughly 19" long wire can get in the freakin way a lot... I've made a bunch of them in a "compact" version. Take about 22" of solid copper wire (stranded works too but it's floppy and can be a pain to coil) and wrap that around something like a long 1/4" socket extension or a Bic pen, round pencil ETC to make a coil and stretch the coil a bit so there's an even gap between the coils, you could also use a small flathead screwdriver to space the coil gap evenly. Then on one end, bend the wire at a 90 degree angle and solder on a round terminal connector and attach that to one of the belt clip mounting screws on the UV-5R which is chassis ground. Hook up an SWR meter and trim the bottom of the wire until the SWR is decent.
"A watt is a lot"... The regular UV-5R is only 5w tops, but there's a UV-5R "plus" or + that's 8w that usually comes with the higher capacity 3800mAh battery for about $40... 3 measly watts might not sound like much of a difference, but that's a 60% increase in power...
The testing on UA-cam seems to show that none of them put out more than five Watts even the new 10r that claims 18 Watts, can you comment on the high wattage testing?
Thanks for the info!
Nagoya also makes a 701C which is commercial tuned (455,450-512 range) which is close to GMRS. Since the G model is sold out most places.
When I was a kid my dad was into c.b. and I remember a time (during the Vietnam War ) when my dad would back his car up to a lake, attach a chain to the trailer hitch and throw the other end into the lake. According to him, this made the entire lake into a parabolic antenna.
I recall him talking to soldiers in Guam. We lived in Northern Canada at the time.
He just make a good ground / counter poise to make the antenna more efficient.
I truly love your videos, I enjoy the jabs at the old timers in Ham Radio. Since they are hurting the hobby, know one wants to be in a group with pompous asses!
As a ham, I agree with this statement. Sad hams have given the hobby a certain stigma, which is frustrating because it sours people on getting into the hobby. We can always use more fun people on the air, so don't let them dissuade you. The thing to remember is that you can always change the frequency, and leave them to their own sad hamness😉
@@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen I bought an SDR and am now contemplating entering the Amateur radio as a little side hobby. Thankfully at the age of 50+ I am not a snowflake and can quite easily ignore the politics and stupidity that seem to be more important to some people than the actual hobby. I have been blessed with common sense but, what I haven't been blessed with is a, reliable source of information yet. I am based in the North West of England and am having some difficulty finding a local club. Any suggestions you could offer would be greatly appreciated. How difficult would you say the Basic amateur radio exam is?
Sorry, around here we post, and are known by, our FCC license numbers. I'm FL6770. What's yours? If you don't have one, we _won't_ talk to you.
The way u lovingly look at your uv5r, it wouldn't shock me if it received a pearl necklace.
Links mentioned:
Nagoya 771 for ham (below 450Mhz): amzn.to/3JqVbfr
Nagoya 771-G for frequencies above 450Mhz (GMRS): amzn.to/4aKHkwj
Buy a Baofeng UV-5R radio here:
amzn.to/2QojPFw
I have both of those and then some
1:20
Still watching your shows and love them, it’s just the way you put things, straight to the point, thanks again Alan from England 🇬🇧🍻👍
New to HAM and cramming in as much information as I can while I study for the test. Your vids are by far the best. I appreciate your straightforward approach and calling me out for being a dumbass when necessary. I find you are the Bill Bob Thorton of the Ham UA-cam world. Bravo!
I don't see Billy Bob in Randy but I do see a striking similarity to Reginald Albert Forman
ua-cam.com/video/DDPloEUU0iw/v-deo.html
You're the absolute best when it comes to tutorials for this.
I’ve been able to transmit to a repeater 25km away with my UV-5R completely stock.
I’m in a valley which I thought would make it impossible.
Very happy.
Great information, like the presentation. My father was a ham operator, built his own ham radio. Talked to people all over the world. At 78 I have a harder time getting it too stick in the grey matter. Keep up the good work. John
Totally liking and following you because of how real you get. The language and direct-ness in this video is much needed in youtube-land. Thank you for the tips to legally do this with a license and not do it without a license under absolutely no circumstances..
PMR446 is our equivalent to your FRS over there, 500mw with a fixed antenna only is the legal option. Seen a contact from here SE England, near the South Coast, to a point in France over 100 miles away on these. I use a Baofeng Gt3-tp Mk 3, with a Retevis 771 antenna and while sitting around a camp fire during a storm, 30 miles no problem. Stick a Diamond x30 or x50 on it and get that up and boom...youre going to rx and tx brilliantly, put an 8 element beam up and turn it to your contact, absolutely brilliant. And nope, I'm not licenced
If I’m putting a beam up out wont be for 2m/70cm 😵💫
Thank you for the videos, I have used 2 way radios for SAR activities in the past and I am now retired. I recently purchased two Baofengs AR-152's for emergencies. I have visited some FB groups and asked for basic information regarding these radios and was blindsided by the groups FCC brown shirts demanding that I get a license. Your videos are fun to watch and extremely helpful. Again thank you for your informative and entertaining videos.
I got one yesterday with original antenna the longer flexible one and did a range test locally and got a 2.1 mile range from walkie talkie to walkie talkie. Pretty good 👍
I am enjoying using my new UV-5R radio's with my son. I have however been enjoying your videos far more than the radios themselves. Thanks for teaching me 100% of what I wanted to know about GMRS. Thanks for all the laughs too.
I bought a 222 MHz antenna that was VHF and 222 MHz and it is about 16 inches long and it increased my reception and transmit range dramatically.
I was trying to receive low-power 900 MHz data transmissions from 1 watt sites spread out over 25 miles and I could barely get a clear decode unless I was within half a mile on the same elevation in the city.
I went to the top of the mountain to the east about 10 miles away from the closest site and I got super strong positive decode 100% on all the control points where I had been getting 25% on the ground 1 mile away.
I was dumbfounded how strong and clear the signals were so far away and the only difference was the elevation.
I tried calling on my VHF radio from the top of the mountain and I easily activated the repeater 60 miles away and I could hear the mountain repeater 120 miles away clearly but could not activate it.
That was with a 5 Watt handheld
With my 120 watt Motorola VHF radio I was able to activate the repeater 120 miles away and I was able to reach a repeater 200 miles away up at the Canadian border.
It really makes all the difference in the world to have the highest elevation
I tested TV reception from the same location and I received stations from most of the northeast states
This was before digital TV.
Even here in Pennsylvania if I go to the top of the highest mountain at Clark's Summit I can receive NYC and Philadelphia and NJ stations and Syracuse NY
I think the elevation is 2000 feet
Down south, like SC and GA and FL, in the " Low Country " with an antenna mounted on a 50 foot mast you can receive 5 Watt signals 200 miles away if they are also on a mast.
Sharing your expertise and humor, thank you. Just received 2 UV-5R 8w radios with cool accessories to enjoy at my leisure. But, now I'm truly more informed and appreciatiing my radios. Thank you Maestro!
🤣🤣My favorite channel ❤. The actual information. But the music and commentary is just phuckin priceless! Great delivery! 🤣🤣
The weird looks and the very odd back ground music along with the sad ham really makes for true entertainment. I am a fan. Thanks for all the great info
Thanks for the info and the laughs.... I love my Baofeng uv-5r. We take it offroading with us and use it for spotting drivers. And if the spotter drops it, or we loan it out and dont get it back... well we are out $20. While it sucks to be out the $20, its a whole lot better than giving someone a $400 Yaesu or Kenwood radio and having them drop it in the mud.
A friend showed me a good tip. He used to be Civil Air Patrol and participated in lots of search & rescue missions. Rarely carried more than what would fit in a fanny pack, with extra batteries. Holding the radio in front of you, mostly horizontal with a slight vertical angle, raise both arms up until they are horizontal to the ground (acting as ground planes). Holding radio tightly, bring it straight inward toward your Adams apple, pointing the antenna toward where you know the tower to be located and transmit from that position. Tried it numerous times on UHF and VHF and it works.
The sarcasm.... Omg... SUBSCRIBED!
Hell Yeah! Me too!
Shit. You ain’t seen nothing yet 😂😂
I learned something new today. That is, switching the Tx Po from low to high, vice-versa, with a simple tap of the hash button. Always had to it by Menu > 2 etc. Didn’t find this on the manual :P
This is the only channel where I learn a lot and laugh out loud! Please don’t stop curb stomping the sad hams!
I just found this video. What a crackup. I don't mind the language, I'm a grown boy and can take it. I have used my uv-5r out in the outback and, I'm truly amazed at it's range, even with the Nagoya. These little radios work pretty darn good for what they are. I appreciate your candor in this subject. Nice tip about the "Poise" thing.
SR
Man this pandemic is really killing music. I miss the Ham Band, they were really rockin with hits like "I've got your frequency baby" "Hot mic" and from their hit album Repeater (goin long distance) the top 10 hit "what's your call sign".
We tested my Baofeng UV-5R with Nagoya-773 (telescopic antenna). The shortest is like standard UV-5R antenna and the longest is like Nagoya-771. Friend (HAM too) has base station with good antenna on roof. If any problem we communicate with mobile phones. Whole testing was on low power because it was just testing antenna. When I've got on distance that can't establish connection (about 10Km), pulled antenna on the longest size and --- from no connection went to 5-9.
To reiterate - make SURE you're getting one from a reputable supplier. There are more fake knockoffs on Amazon than there are real ones by far. I got two fake ones in a package with 2 UV-82HP's, and the SWR is WAY unacceptable in ANY band - like 7 - 11 SWR from 2 meter through GMRS when I swept with a VNA.
The fake ones don't have the base loading coils, it's just a piece of wire. It can burn up your radio. I got them in a package, where I was buying it for the radios and batteries (90 bucks for 2 82HP's, 2 regular batteries, and 2 3800mah batteries) and I knew they were going to be fake so it was a good way to test some to see how bad the fakes really are - and they're REALLY bad. WAY better off with the factory rubber duck.
I also have two genuine Nagoya mag mounts (UT-72 and U-308UV), which I also swept. IMHO - if you're going to risk going to prison for the rest of your life by using a baofeng on GMRS frequencies, the UT-72 is THE ONE to get. The 308UV has a bit more gain, but like I'd expect - the SWR was focused into a narrower frequency range, and GMRS was starting to get into the "unacceptable" range. The 72 even as old and beat up as it is compared to my 308, is a much better antenna, even in the higher range of the 440 band where licensed hams can use it without risking possibly the death penalty!
Oh - and also, the way to double your range as the thummbnail image says - is to get a really good antenna, and put it on a really tall pole! :D
I kept the manual, but I'm more of a learn by watching type person. My brain doesn't retain what I read. So thankyou for your videos on the Uv-5r. Between your teaching and entertainment, I actually learn something.
Thanks man, I always enjoy the videos. Stay safe and happy trails 👣
Just discovered this channel and am a new HAM. Love your content. Keep being you! Thank you!
That was the most passionate and genuine RTFM I've ever heard 6:26 . I really felt it down in the cockles of my heart...maybe even in the sub-cockle area, maybe the kidneys, maybe even in the colon - it was deep.
Dude you are the greatest youtube asset for two way radio. Keep up the great work.
And this is why I want/need to put up some repeaters in my area. [right now there are NONE, in Lincoln County, Mo] and I need to be able to communicate with other members of my MAG [mutual asst. group..NOT a militia, but a group of preppers who are spread pout a bit]
same here in barry county lol
No repeaters where I live , one repeater total in 4 or 5 counties where I hike, hunt, fourwheel .
A couple of years ago, I saw a vid on how to use 2 UV5R’s (daisy-chained via patch cable from 1 speaker output to the others mic input) to make a repeater. There are settings & freq’s that need to be adjusted, but it works. However, the battery issue comes into play, along with line-of-sight (and elevation) placement of such a setup. But, for $60... what can you expect? I’m wondering if an ammo can can be modified for this purpose, with a solar charger?... Any takers?
First of your videos I’ve seen. I like your attitude, and how lovingly you fondle your precious.
I hit a GMRS Repeater with my Baofeng GMRS Radio which is 12 miles away through Pennsylvania Hills & Trees (in Winter) AND even on Low Power setting !... The dude I chatted to 30 miles away said the low power setting made it a bit of a struggle to hear me but we did have a conversation. Perfectly clear back on High Power, I was impressed.
Tried my own Baofeng on the 2m band, listened to to a chat, I intercepted politely (short break) and was asked what my callsign was..
I had none, so he politely told me they were not allowed to answer me. When they continued theyre chat, what was that? He explained that
it was an unlicenced user asking for reception quality, and told his mate, it came in strong and clear. So he answered my question without
talking with me, Nice, and the distance between them was quite surprising. Used a whip antenna like that in your video
As always, a funny and informative video. On a historical note, years ago a company whose name escapes me, marketed a flexible wire counterpoise for 2 Meter handy-talkies. It was about 19 inches long (one-quarter wavelength at about 146 MHz) with a ring terminal on one end, that would fit onto the BNC connector on top of the radio, to be held in place by the attached antenna. It was called "Tiger Tail," and the name sort of stuck as a generic descriptor, like "Good Buddy" or even "Sad Ham." 😜
But yes, filling in the "missing" half of an antenna system by adding a counterpoise can help with range. It might make a difference when calling for help when injured in the wild.
Counterpoise or what ever you want to call it doesnt work if you are holding the radio. The reason? Because your body becomes the other half of the quarter wave is your body. Now if you have a magmount a metal pie pan will work
Hi I'm on cb radio for long time.
Thanks for the videos, I just bought one to listen to in case of emergencies. You have taught me so much. Thank you
You remind me of my old shop teacher. Good days. Love your channel. Your a good teacher.
The amplifier hub for these is incredible. Turns your UV5R into a base station with 25 to 40 watts of output power. Works very well with a custom wire dipole or ground plane made out of TV coax.
Thanks please
Do you have one? Which one, the UHF or VHF? I'm thinking of getting one that swaps between our liveabord boat and my truck.
I’m a newby. Any video on how to make my BF-F8HP into a base station? Thanks
That sounds very interesting 20 to 40 w you have a video on how you do it
What's the filtering like?
you could “squeeze the juice” of your Baofeng UV5R radio’s range by using a coaxial cable and mount an external dual band antenna instead of the stock antenna or the Nagoya 771. I use the Diamond X-300 dual band antenna and works well.
I agree with all your points. My Baofeng UV-9R + works better on it's factory antenna, than the 15" Upgrade antenna. I tried a counterpoise antenna too. While it does help a bit! It is a pain in the butt to have dangling around, and hanging on stuff. And I have never heard a (know-it-all) person, state the proper way to hold my HT. Hell, If it doesn't work upside down, its crap anyway. And my little chinese girl, in the box, talks to me to much too! 😆
If you really want a better radio, buy a $$$$ Japanese brand. Yaesu, I-Com, Kenwood, Alinco, etc. But Baofeng works ✔, and is affordable! $
We don't have to read the manual, because we have Dr. Baofeng to learn from. Thanks for all the humor, and great hacks related to the best radio in the world.
This guy is really good 👍 I'm in the UK 🇬🇧 and will get one of these for when the shit hits the fan. When that happens I don't think anybody is going to be worried about what freeking frequency you're on, they'll all be zombies.
hell you can almost yell further lol lol
Best advice I've heard yet from a youtube video about the UV-5R: RTFM!
Highlight of my day. Great video.
What is the best car antenna for this thing. I was gonna get a AM/FM cb for my jeep but i already own 2 of these with the 12 power hook up. I just need an external antenna.
Hey Randy, another great video, and I learned more from you once again, thanks for the great video.
This video just popped up. Always awesome and never disappoint.
Love this channel
Good video as always. I have had pretty good luck with the Signal Stick antenna on my UV5R as well.
You are absolutely right and I can prove it. People can and have contacted, spoken with astronauts on the ISS AND HAVE spoken with other hams through the crossband repeater on the ISS that orbits the earth at approximately 250 miles above the earth with a Baofeng. That proves you can use a Baofeng to talk at least 250 miles line of sight on what, 4 to 5 watts.
And don't forget that antennas break. Swap if you're not having any luck.
This channel is brilliant.No pulling any punches either.
Love your videos, direct and to the point no BS 👍👍
I'm a UK radio ham and use a UV-5R from time to time and they are great value for money. The Nagoya is a big help and at home I use a 5R via a J Pole antenna about 25' up and can access repeaters 25 mile away.
Any great Baofeng UV-5R informational video here. Thank you!
Love the humor!! Made learning ham fun and not as boring and dry as the others
It's only illegal if you get caught. 🍺😜
Right. It is like going 60 miles per hour in a zone marked 55 miles per hour. Nobody cares, not even the police. I am sure many amateur radio operators use the Baofengs, for amateur, GMRS, FRS, and MURS, also. I just programmed one for a, volunteer fire brigade firefighter because he broke his Motorola. He has not come for it yet. But I have programmed then for other services for people that pay me to do it and they have no problems.
Like playing Russian roulette... and the penalties once caught are severe... last person I read about had all his radios confiscated, will never be able to get a license, and had to pay a$25,000 fine. That would not be my choice for a happy life...Also, why give the government, on a golden platter, a reason to mess with you and your family? No thanks...
Yes, Be very scared because FCC is literally everywhere in the crotches of the USA looking for radios transmitting with a 3 mile range.
@@jayleeper379 there has not been a single individual, aka private citizen, aka ordinary person, ever cited for ANY of the GMRS misuse cited in any of this guy's videos. Not one. And you can go look it up for yourself. Now, going and using ham frequencies without a license can result in the local hams doing ALL the work and investigation and then repeatedly harassing the FCC until they finally show up and reluctantly do their job, taking credit for someone else's work.
@@jayleeper379 You are wrong the FCC has NEVER once cited or fined an individual for using a baofeng, not once. The FCC citation and fine database includes every fine every given the past 20 years.
You said that Baofeng has sold more UV-5R's than any other brand "in this price range"? Other Baofeng clones like my Tenway's, there are no other brands in this price range with the options in a Baofeng. To get what's offered in a Baofeng, besides quality, in Kenwood or Yaesu, you'd be paying $300 or $400. These radios are so cheap, I bought a 2 pack with so many extras that if bought separately, I basically got the radios for free. I got 2) Tenway UV-54 PRO's, 2) short antennas, 2) 771 long antennas, 2) over the ear speaker mics, 2) hand heald speaker mics, 2) home charging stands with wall warts, 2) 1800 ma batteries and 1) programming cable for $85.00 including non prime free delivery and they work just fine. They are also way more broad banded than advertised thanks to chirp. Mine go from 125.000 MHz to 178.000 MHz on VHF and 375.000 MHz to 550.000 MHz on UHF with dependable Xmit / rec at both band edges. Too much outside of this and the transmitter locks up. They aren't Kenwood but they're not priced that way either.
“Highly illegal” 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Pirate Radio...."ARRRrrrrr" ☠
I belong to a club that has 3 very large repeaters .they sell the uv5r programed for all 3 gmrs repeaters hope the military doesn't bomb them to night 😂😂😂😆😆
Don’t change a thing your educating me and many more around the globe💪
Your videos rock, I keep ordering radios however as a side effect. Nevertheless brilliant editing as well 👍
I got a fake one and little better on uhf 430 kHz plus frequency. I now use a backpack with a car style uniden uhf antenna. Awesome reception and your counterpoise makes a huge difference. I'm picking up truckies over 50 km away. Amazing
If the government collapses, is it still illegal to TX without a ham license?? 😶
Well just like the air you breathe... they own frequencies lol
Unless you really know what you’re doing you’ll have a hard time
I've been a high level, executive ham radio expert for about 84 hours now. I know everything except what my wife is mad about. The Abbreeeee 42 inch antenna for GMRS gives you a little bit more fars, and they are like 12-13 bucks. They weigh as much as the radio, but are very fashionable, and let everyone within eyesight know that you are tactical and serious. They are a little better though
So , if someone (no code license...) wanted to “clone” a number of bay o fang 🤣 hand tranceivers... what steps ‘ software ‘ cables would be required.
Chirp software and the BTECH PC03 cable
You swear with the ease of an Enlisted man. I love it
You can transmit the longest distance if you transmit underwater.
Ummm, NO...
A cheap walkie talky can easily hit 10 miles IF you are on a tower and transmitting to someone receiving in a wide open field that’s visible to the transmitter.
Great video! No use in a crazy antenna if you’re blocked by a mountain and woods
keep the radio vertical. dont use it like your in a rap video sideways !
Unless both users/the repeater also has a sideways antenna, which is like, never lol
From the UK love your sense of humor!!
Awesome video!! I'm going to throw out my manuals out of respect! :-)
I know this will sound crazy but when your key fob distance is too far from your vehicle to lock the doors just hold the fob against your head and it will work..... I thought i was hearing things until i tried it and yes..... it worked for me. so your analogy of transmitting probably does work
Hi, I dig ur sense of humor and jabs at certain people. Also thanks for the education.
Are there certain frequencies that will go a tad bit farther then others? I got my UV-5R to break squelch on my dads identical radio at 5miles away using an ~18in Abbree tape measure antenna on 462.562. We can’t communicate but sometimes it will crackle when we press the PTT.
Any tips for that tiny push more? I can try the Nagoya’s and we were thinking of raising the antennas up about 20ft on a pole.
Thanks very much!
Depends on conditions such as flat land, foliage, hills, buildings. UHF will do slightly better in some conditions and VHF slightly better in others. but nothing is as important as antenna selection and install
Check your swr. The abree are not good for me on frs or gmrs
Add a jpole antenna with some lmr400. There is a you tube guy that makes em for like 30 bucks. Gmrs tuned
MURS frequencies in the 154 MHz range will generally outperform UHF GMRS, but there are fewer MURS frequencies to choose from and channel congestion may be an issue.
His videos take place in the desert , with only occasional scrub or cacti. When you are either in woods , or even 50/50 fields and woodlots , it makes you nostalgic for CB .