Product Review Baofeng Radioddity UV-5RX3 Tri-Band Handheld Part 1
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- Radioddity has partnered with Baofeng to create the model UV-5RX3 ham radio handheld, available via Amazon at amzn.to/2Cw5dew, covering the 2-meter (144-148 MHz), 1.25-meter (222-225 MHz), and the 70-centimeter (420-450 MHz) bands. The addition of the 1.25-meter band is the exciting feature for this US$49.99 model--the band is underused and equipment is hard to find. This is Part 1 of 2.
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As a beginning ham who is trying to decide on 1st radio, a friend at the local club suggested any Baofeng to start with. There are so many and from the comments of other channel commentators, I was seriously considering the UV-5r until they came out with this model. After watching this presentation (which other channels don''t begin to give me as much useful information as this one did) I am having second thoughts. I look forward to part 2 and meanwhile, I have to go back over the list of HT's in my price range. Thanks.
I started with the BF-F8HP and still use it. You might want to snatch something up quickly. All these radios fall under the FCC bulletin prohibiting their sale in the U.S. We are also restricted from using them unless we go into the programming software and lock the radios down to *only* the ham bands. Easily done, but kind of a pain. Fewer and fewer places are going to sell them, the fine gets steep after a while.
R&L in Hamilton Ohio has these for $39.95 with free shipping (in the United States).
im ready for part 2! im thinking about getting one of these! a fair number of folks getting into 220 here in Seattle. Keep the band for HAMS!
For those wondering there actually is a band button on the pcb that works! it just doesn't have a hole in the case or a button to the outside.
Where?
This new Baofeng/Radioddity UV-5RX3 includes more of the 200 MHz band than the seemingly similar BTech UV-5X3:
200-260 MHz vs 210-230 MHz.
But both cover the 1.25 MHz amateur band (222-225 MHz).
Each model has identical coverage of VHF & UHF: 136-174 MHz & 400-520 MHz.
What remains to be learned: how similar are these radios under the hood?
I have two BTech UV-5X3's and they have been tested on several spectrum analyzers and proven to be compliant with no significant spurious harmonics. But not all BTech UV-5X3's are as clean as the two units I received.
Hopefully this new Baofeng UV-5RX3 is likewise clean.
Thanks Dave, was thinking of getting a UV-5R. Think I might go for this new Tri-Band one. Thanks for doing the review. 73
on the fm band as well as any band you are on you can always press the scan button and hold it to scan thru that band and see what else is available. It will stop on the next available frequency that is in operation. Click and hold scan again to move on to the next one. And so on.
Dave, please do a spectral analysis on this radio. I just received one, S/N RD5R*A03757, which is grossly non-compliant with FCC 97.307e, Spurious Emissions. Radios at 25W or below must suppress spurs and harmonics more than 40dBc and levels less than 25 microwatts. My sample has only -14dBc 2nd harmonic suppression on 2m, high power and -8dBc suppression on low power! This is *grossly* non-compliant and if common, should trigger an FCC-mandated recall. Measurements made on a load with S11:-40dB, S21:-39.9:dB and an HP8569B spectrum analyzer. Thanks for your attention & 73s, N2GX.
I don't have the lab equipment to run tests like those. The ARRL has run tests on some of these radios and they agree with your findings too.
15 is referring to the front mic hole and speaker grid
I should have put the drawing up where it was clearer. The caption to the illustration says 15 is the band button.
I bought one recently, I picked it up as a cheap way to get into my clubs' newest repeaters. I ditched the antennas for a Nagoya triband antenna, it works fine except I cannot get chirp to program it, I always get an out-of-range error.
Up here in Upstate NY we lose 420-430MHz and our cordinator has to work on both sides of the US / Canada border! We still manage to enjoy 70cm's although it is a pain trying to find an auxillery frequency as they are all used up for repeaters. My house used to be just slightly north of Line A! In fact if you look at my current QTH you'll see Line A is not too far south from me. - 73! K2NJO
Uncle Dave's great video thank you you're a lifesaver❤😊
The 5X3 also has more features, having the newest FW. I’m a 220 user/fan. I run my AllStar node on 220, using an Alinco DR-235, DMK URI, Raspberry Pi. I have a Bridgecom BCH-220, two 5X3’s, BTech 220 amp, 220 j-pole outside. We are fortunate to have a few 220 repeaters here also, one interconnected with also a 2m and 70cm repeater. I also have a Kenwood TH-D74A (great radio!) and use it on the 220 Repeater when not using D-Star with one of my hotspots. 220 is a great band, especially for simplex. Hope more start using it. “Use it or lose it”, as 2MHz of it was already stripped away for UPS years ago.
Yeah, and from what I've heard, UPS stopped using that spectrum shortly thereafter!
David Go figure! Anyway, thanks for the videos, Dave. As always they are enjoyable. I know you devote a lot of time making (and especially editing!) them, but they are appreciated.
After doing some research I just picked up 2 of the BTech UV-5X3 radios as it seemed to be one of the latest versions. I have since learned the 220 band is a great bonus. Is there an 8 watt radio similar to the UV-5X3? Or, which 8 watt has the latest firmware? I am getting ready to get my Technician license and want to get some of these while I still can. Thanks
Charles The only 220 HT that Baofeng (or BTech) has that puts out more power than the 5X3 on 220 is this 5XR3. They don’t have any 8W 220. Honestly, going from 5W to 8W really won’t make that much of a “real world” difference anyway. You’d be better served by a better performing antenna. The NA-320A triband antenna that is often recommended for the UV-5X3 works well on 220 and 440, but I found it to be about the same, if not less, than the stock V-85 antennas on 2m. All multiband antennas are compromises. I have a NA-320A and a Diamond SRH320A (SMA-M) that I use on my Kenwood TH-D74A, but I only use long whips if I really need their gain (which is rare, last time was out on the Lake). I find long whips just to be annoying to carry around. I’ve been using the stock 220 antenna that comes with the 5X3 with a Bridgecom BCH220. On the 5X3, been using just the stock V-85’s also (unless really need the NA-320A), On the Kenwood, been using SRH320A, but been looking for a shorter antenna that works well, so won’t need that long whip all the time. The Bridgecom BCH220 is touted for its increased power, which it does deliver. Measures 5.5W with it on 220. It’s a nice little HT, but is 220 only. Spare batteries are relatively expensive for the BCH220 and Bridgecom doesn’t have a battery eliminator for it. It’s my goto HT to use on my AllStar node (which is running on 220). I don’t think there are any Baofeng/BTech 8W HT’s that have the BTech updated Firmware that the 5X3 has. The BF-F8HP and UV-82HP don’t have scan range, remote commands, dual synch (UV-82HP has PTT synch though). Those “extra” features are exclusive to the 5X3. HTH..Good luck to your test(s). Welcome to an addictive hobby, lol.
@@jerry_satcom Thank you Jerry for the extensive answer to my question. It really helps a lot. I had just started collecting antenna info via reviews and such for the 5X3 I bought. I don’t mind spending the money once I know what I am looking for, the tough part is spending it when I’m clueless.
I remember well, all of the testing and experimenting I did with different equipment back in the day when I had CB radios. A good friend’s dad also had an extensive HAM setup and was always testing something. I certainly remember how addictive it can be.
I am in the Seattle area and I have heard that there is a fair amount of activity on 220 here, which is one of the reasons I landed on the 5X3. Now that I have figured out how to program it and get familiar with its features, I don’t think I can do without the dual sync.
I also checked out the Bridgecom you mentioned and that looks like a great radio and something to consider.
I will be joining a class that the local fire dept puts on to get my license, so I have a bit of time before I can test anything. Thanks again for all the info.
Wow....Thank you so much. Awesome tutorial.
That 225MHZ channel cannot be used in the UK as it interfere with the UKDAB on 174.000-239.000MHZ OFDM
But I believe Europeans have 4 meters, which US hams don't have.
Seems Dave’s came with a CH340 chipset cable. Mine, I just received last week, came with a Prolific cable and no mini CD frisbee. Haven’t been home yet to try it on my Mac and determine if it’s legit or counterfeit Prolific but will update after I do. I program manually, only using a computer to define the alphanumeric tags of channels..
The Kenwood Triband F6 is fantastic
Got one. Great wide band RX and triband TX
Pretty random statement when he's reviewing a Baofeng and you could probably buy five or six of these for the price of radio you mentioned. I'm sure you had a point somewhere in there.
I'm curious if anyone knows if the Baofeng UV-5RX3 reviewed here is the same radio as the UV-5X3 marketed by Btech.
Is it? I wanting to know the differences.
There has to be some.
correction 15 is showing on the second image from the left..
Hey there David, great video informative as always, good ham radio channels are hard to come by.
I’m a doctor in Puerto Rico and since hurricane Maria, I have been looking into ham radios, I’m studying to get my license, using your videos. I have a BaoFeng BF-F8+ with a Nagoya NA-771, but I’m looking for a radio (preferably hand or mobile) that works for emergency communication, weather fax, SSTV, Police, EMT bands etc., what would you recommend?
That's asking a lot of a single radio. The radio I just reviewed is a good general purpose generic FM handheld for the ham radio bands. I can't speculate how it might do in public service duty--that's outside my realm of knowledge. I suspect you'll end up with several radios.
Wanting to start to learn about ham radio as I would like to get licensed eventually, but I have a question?Can these ham radios be program to the family frequency " FRS" I guess is called and used for family activities as a regular walkie/Talkie would without a license?
Dave, the shorter Radioddity tri-band antenna appears to only work as a receive antenna. I couldn't raise any one on any of the repeaters with the antenna! On my analyzer it showed 19.9:1 SWR on all three bands! Very dissapointed.....I had wanted to bring this radio with me with one antenna on my weekly trip to Rochester NY since they have a ton of repeaters but I think I will have to stick to two antennas or just 440 (2m works ok on an HT down town for me). - K2NJO
Thanks for the info.
Can you do a comparison between the baofeng uv-5R vs BTech uv-5x3?
I just bought a BF-X3 Plus radio. But it didn't come with a user manual or any documentation. I tried to search online but there is very limited information. I would like to use it to monitor the marine channel Ch 16. Any pointers? Thanks in advance.
Having trouble getting my radio into the 220 mode
I'm trying to remember, but I think you just insert a frequency in frequency mode.
Na 320a nagoya is tri band antenna
BTech is USA warranty.
15 is showing on the left side below number 9. Still the drawing and number are in the wrong location.
Can you give me a MM:SS time reference?
14:57
Ah! Good catch.
I saw part 1, I don't see part 2
Part 2 is up now.
Thanks Dave!
I’m guessing the longer antenna is a NA-320A, I have one of those, but what is the model number of the shorter Triband Antenna? Thanks
M N Yeah. Must be. I ended up ordering one of those also..
So I ordered and received what I thought was this on eBay, it's tri band , three color display , but has the band button yours is missing. Came with two antennas like yours, charger doesn't have the wall adapter just a USB plug to plug into USB chargers . Any idea why the minor differences? I notice they have several variations online to the official site. Thanks for any help. eBay was basically half what Amazon had them, packaging was bubble wrap ,no box. Lol.
Don't know. I didn't see the eBay ad. I put a link to the Amazon site with my video. Sounds like manufacturer's variations.
Mr. Casler I thought this is an excellent vid, thanks! I'm new sort of and I just had the regular Radio Shack aircraft scanner. Is this radio UV-5x3 aircraft band capable? Thanks sir!
I'm not sure but don't think so. The radio is FM, whereas aircraft is AM.
@@davecasler thanks!
You've asked about a UV-5X3 (which is marketed and sold by the US based company Btech). This review is of a Baofeng UV-5RX3. Perhaps you consider the two radios to be one and the same. I'd be curious to learn if, they are in fact, the same radio or different iterations of the basic uv5r in a tri-band format. Anyone have thoughts on this question?
are the antennas counterfeit? guessing yes.
Not sure what you mean by counterfeit. They came with the radio.
a stupid question, so whats the difference between 5RX3 and 5X3? just less money you would pay?
I was puzzled by that too. The 5X3 doesn't have 1.25 meters.
Actually the BTech UV-5X3 does include 1.25m, making it a true tri-band along with this Baofeng UV-5RX3. The "3" in the model name is intended to convey that. Please see my other comment in the main thread.
can't find part two, So I guess you haven't got to it yet. Can I say patience grasshopper.
KQ4CD
Part 2; ua-cam.com/video/hEWIFXaGohY/v-deo.html
You should test those Chinese aftermarket antennas to see if they are really 3 bands. Chinese being the operative word here.
It's a problem with any rubber duck antenna. They're all terrible. I don't have an antenna analyzer that goes above 148 MHz.
@@davecasler You should check about Times Technology antenna analyser. I am quite happy with my T-100, I think they have a new version now.
I looked up their website and it doesn't appear they're currently selling anything.
@@davecasler It used to be a one man show Chinese company. The guy designed, manufactured and sold the analysers himself on ebay. I'll check and if I can find a link, I'll post here.
@@davecasler Yep, you're right. Web site shows out of stock and there are no sales on ebay. It is a shame really, hope they come back soon. Very good and very affordable equipment.
Very interesting, Just my hat to go check us out. So on the here part 2 of this video
Part 2, Part 2, Part 2, Part 2!
It's posted now.
Not related to this show. How ever explaine how spread spectrum got on 2 meters. Radio ties up with a put put put sound. Renders my rig useless. For 2 meter DX. Kv4li. Ps giving away my age. sounds like a jhon dear tractor out in the south 40.
Did I miss it, or is there NO Part90 certification in the battery compartment? Isn't that number required on the radio if it is certified?
That is the subject of lots of current debate. My next video will address it somewhat.
The larger issue, of the FCC's spotty enforcement of so many regulations, is worth an episode of its own--with their comments. So many radios are advertised for amateur use--without any compliance. So many radios are advertised for FRS and GMRS...out of compliance. And the FCC so rarely even bothers to read Amazon pages and chase down the illegal importers. And that's ignoring the issue of whether the radios could pass technical compliance, even if they tried. Plenty of meat for a whole video, even if it would bore so many of the "So what, it is cheap and works" people.
420 Hertz to 450 Hertz Dave??
I caught that too....
Hey, I was only off by a factor of a million :)
Anyone know a decent HF (not vhf/uhf) handheld??
Thanks in advance
222 Mhz multi-mode radio is long overdue.
Indeed!
You will need a transverter for that.
Do you disable comments on any of your videos.
Just one. The one about the FCC action on radios that could transmit out of band. It got up to 800 comments and I just couldn't keep up. Some of the comments were unfortunately pretty profane.
What two antennas did you get?
A 2m/70cm dual band, and a 1.25m single band.
get one before the FCC outlaws them!
I think they are already technically illegal.
@@1MinuteFlipDoc I must order mine today. Lol
I think it is not illegal as long as it has the FCC id number on the back. Otherwise it would get a $9,000 fine per day.
I did not see the FCC in the back 6:33 so is this and illegal radio?
FCC has already checked them out and they meet FCC specs.
If you order an x3 from BTech you will get a real x3. Yours is a fake
You guys bitch about what frequencies the radio can transmit with but my yaesu ft 60 can transmit on the same frequencies with the removal of a diode as with most yaesu kenwood and icom radios..
So the Chinese just made it easier to do mars/cap. Who cares.
There is No reason investing in a radio that does not have DMR mode in it
If you like DMR, that's true. But there's also D-Star and other digital voice modes.
DMR is the most growing digital network with more then 100000 users and with a wider repeaters coverg., Dstar radios cost considerably more then DMR radios .
4X5HF
I have DMR, D-Star, YSF, P25. NXDN, and while not a digital RF mode, an AllStar node (on 220). DMR is over-rated. I like AllStar the most. TAC310 is a joke. Constant kerchunking because nobody knows how to use an API to make the TG static. Signal reports? 90 percent of folks are using hotspots and their only RF is traveling 20 feet at most. It’s freaking walkie-talkies connected over the internet. I have ALL the digital RF modes, but still prefer analog. Definition of analog is an infinite number of discrete signals. Definition of digital is two. Digital isn’t “better”, it’s just different. We perceive the world, with our senses, by analog, not digital.
@Jerry Kuhn: Hi Jerry - you are so correct in much of what you say! Of course, that’s my opinion! But I am extremely disappointed in the way that digital has fractionalised ham radio so much. With so many competing digital modes, hams have reached the point that they can't easily find other hams to communicate with. And having to spend out several $100s for digi gear just to communicate with other hams is rather counter-productive when the same job could be done with a $25 analogue Baofeng!
That subsequently has necessitated the latest “hotspot” internet-connected “not real radio” route that many hams are now taking. I have listened to hams (via the internet) using hotspots and quite frankly can only describe what I hear as “no-brain pathetic”. But, hey, that’s perhaps what younger hams (and maybe some older ones too) want in this modern-day, instant-gratification, internet-linked society!
Can someone please explain to me why hams would want to buy expensive digital equipment to communicate when we could already do so using inexpensive analogue equipment via repeaters interconnected by IRLP or EchoLink. All this digi seems to me to be a case of over-tech. K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple, Stupid!
Iain I missed your reply, but you are completely on point!