Baofeng UV-5R Radios Illegal? The Real Story - Ham Radio Q&A
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- The Baofeng UV-5R Radio, just about every ham active on VHF/UHF has one. With a purchase price of around $30, you get a lot for your money. But on August 1, 2018 the FCC isued a Citation and Order for the 'Illegal Marketing of Unauthorized Radio Frequency Devices" against Amcrest Industries, the company that imports Baofeng radios in to the US. So what does that mean? Are these radio now illegal to use? Are they contraband? . . .
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A lot has happened since I recorded this video on August 5, 2018. Watch my October 2018 Channel Update: ua-cam.com/video/ercPxlxdQAI/v-deo.html for the latest in the illegal Baofeng Saga.
Hey there new to all this, I've rebuilt small radios before, but as for using them I'm a novice. I do need a HAM license for this yes?
@@bookkeeper1995 you do to legally transmit, if all you do is listen then you don't need one
So im am new to all this and my question is do i need a license to for using not just listening to it.. Baofeng UV5R ... FOR SHTF REASON
@@dgere2 Pretty sure you can use any radio if a life is in danger. As for SHTF purposes who is gonna stop you?
there not illegal..
So it has taken ten years for the Commission to discover that many imported radios operate out of band. Good luck enforcing this directive from an agency that can't even handle a simple "Do Not Call" telephone prohibition.
Omg, now that's funny right there lol
The FCC is a tool of the telcomm industry, as are legislators, that's why we still get the trash calls
Lol my phone rings at least 5 times a day sometimes more spoofing my old home area code. They need to be hunted down and destroyed
I just received 2 calls today. Ridiculous.
They probably knew about it for a while but it is a budget/priority issue
If you go to any car lot in the US, you will find many cars and trucks that are capable of going over 100 miles per hour, well above the legal speed limit. These cars are also capable of transporting illegal contraband, they can also be used as getaway vehicles in bank robberies... Should these cars all be illegal, should they be allowed to be sold in the US?
Let's just leave baofeng alone.
R. W. Careful, we’re getting there!
No darnit!
You gave me an idea.Why not have a cash for clunkers on radios?At least that way the FCC will get some of the radios they don't want gone and in return maybe it could be worked out as a credit towards a purchase of a newer radio from say icom,yaesu,ect if they want to get onboard with it idk
Absolutely! They are assault vehicles.
@@UpcomingJedi Huh?
When radios become outlawed, only outlaws will have radios
Ya kinda like guns
Wow! My wife and I currently, have General Humm.. I guess that we should pay more for our radios!
@Curtis Sherwood How about screw the law.
@Curtis Sherwood Screw the rules is what I said. I have no reason to insult you.
@Curtis Sherwood Why would you protect rules and agencies that violate property rights ? I have no consideration for groups that violate property rights. Making something illegal doesn't justify the law.
If there is no victim there is no crime.
This will be a windfall for the Baofeng importers. Every time they threaten to "ban" something, people rush out and buy one.
Damn that Obama!
And...thats exactly why i am looking for a bophone that i hear everybody hates because it has a button that shocks everyone else so i can get a clear frequency.
I remember when the FCC was run by people who knew electronics not lawyers who have to ask what's up with these electronic devices. The FCC should not be run by political hacks like it is today!
That's why lawyers should stay away from any executive positions..
They should stay in judiciary and/or legislative.
Law is what regulatory agencies enforce, so yeah, its kinda in "legalese". That's the nature of the beast.
I had questioned how the attorneys were reading the rules.
I think they had a special, attorney, dictionary that gave different definitions of words than the standard English language dictionary.
Gary Wheeler
The FCC enforces the Communications Act of 1934, as Amended, and as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 47 of the Rules and Regulations.
Nevil: I agree. And Congress gave the FCC to create regulations as well. As part of its mandate. And yes, lawyers speak a special kind of language. An intelligent, sexual, lawyer for instance might have a disagreement with his wife about what "sexual relations" are for instance, regarding their relationships with other people. Sometimes its all about definitions. lol
I work for the Forest Service and we literally use these all the time... Like who cares, use them responsibly and there isn't a problem.
Shack Ti 1 the USFS is regulated under NTIA not FCC, and has greater latitude. I too work for a government/military agency and we are also NTIA regulated and my work unit uses the Baofeng radios. We programmed ours to our authorized frequencies and power settings. I have my own personal radios (15 total) that I lend out to volunteer organizations for special events and we use them on authorized FCC frequencies and power as well. Money well spent as far as I’m concerned.
@@wilfredosoto2722 no wonder china knows all our classified secrets and has infiltrated our military general staff and ourintel services.
@@gunzmith29r it’s not by use of these cheap radios, that’s for sure. Nothing is being passed along that’s classified at any level when we use them, I can assure you of that, unless needing more volunteers to clean up a mess or needing more porta John’s or parking ushers is classified (it’s not BTW). Anyone using anything less than properly encrypted communication equipment for sending such information would be in the wrong work unit. We don’t handle such information on those radios or anything non-secured. OPSEC/COMSEC is observed at all times. Classified information that the Chinese or any other entity is getting, is happening at a whole different level, way higher than ours and within our government, including the White House, that’s for sure, not from some little cheap radios.
Always follow the money. I’ll guarantee that it was one or all of the big names that filed the FCC complaint. They just couldn’t let a company sell radios that were less than $100.
Gene Harmon Bingo. We have a winner. Yes. You are right. It's that simple. Thank you. Saved us 10 minutes right there!
The money is in P25. Why would anyone care about obsolete analog radios?
The thing is analog signals travel further than digital, With digital either you have it or you don't.
Government not allow you listen
Yes Gonzo they did fail because you are using test equipment designed to run with crystal based radio systems when the radio doesn''t have a crystal in it...
Lol, I have a few of these. We used them in SAMs club, because you could use the ear piece and listen to music and still receive calls. Of course our managers had no idea we were listening to music 😉
To me, the radio should not be the issue. My understanding of the rules is that we can listen to anything being broadcast, but we can only transmit on the frequencies we're licensed to use. Many people listen to ham radio all the time without a license or listen to the General or Extra bands before upgrading. So why stop a radio from listening to ay band? And should I broadcast o that band then it's my fault for breaking the rules, not the radio.
My understanding is, by reading comments on the Amazon listing, is that Amcrest took the easy route and just locked out the frequencies to make the radio compliant.
Actually, what I heard last night at my clubs business meeting was that is was one manufacturer who bought Baofeng parts and made their own radio and then sold it as a Baofeng that caused the problem because they didn't have a license to sell something beyond 1 watt 1 power.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You make the assumption that all people behave the same. You are right, they break laws if they can get away with it. It does not make any sense at all to allow a non licensed person to "listen" with a transceiver.
Aren't you making assumptions that people will break the law if they can get away with it? It makes a lot of sense for people with a non licensed to listen. I just bought one of these cheap units to listen, I have no intention to break the law and transmit. I want to see what it is all about. I want to see what is broadcasting locally and see what people talk about etc...If i find it interesting i will then proceed to get a technician license. I was watching another channel yesterday where he has how to videos for new people like myself to get into it. Then, with the cheap unit once I get licensed i can get my feet wet before I upgrade to better / quality products.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"..Isn't that why there are already laws for that? If they catch someone that transmits without a license they will get in trouble. That is the prevention. We don't ban alcohol for everyone just because they might drive. We have laws against that already yet some still break them. This really is no different. The few that might break the law shouldn't be a reason to punish the majority as a whole.
einyv I will stick to my original position. The problem with owning an amateur radio transceiver just to listen to by a non licensed operator is that he or anyone else would have the ability to transmit. Why not do the sensible thing and buy just a receiver? You are only listening correct? Let's use an analogy to help you see my point clearer. Is it alright for a minor to have an alcoholic beverage in his car even though he does not drink alcohol? He could say the alcohol is for a person of legal age. The FCC could confiscate a transceiver that belongs to a non licensee. Law enforcement folks have a lot of leeway in that area. It would be difficult for you to prove that you would never use that transceiver illegally. I cordially invite you to get a study manual by Gordon West and get a license. We amateurs are very protective of our privileges. There is a lot of illegal activity on 10 meters because CB vendors sell rigs they claim can be modified to work on 11 meters.
When I passed my Technician license test, the testers all had the Boafeng radios and highly recommend to the 2 of us testing that day that we purchase one of the little gems. Mine has served me well, both on the road and here at home, we used to be nomadic traveling the SW USA in our 36 foot Class A Motor Home. Sadly we have to park her this winter in South Dakota and allow the snow to cover her because of family medical problems, and being the lone Ham in my small SD town leaves me lonely for rag chewing and such, all I have are 2 meter rigs, and there are no repeaters within range of my hand held, I can hit one once in awhile if I hold my mouth just right and the moon is in the right spot, but only from my RV where the antenna is a bit higher then on my little car.
I have the original UV-5R and use it for listening only, Not doing what malicious users do.
Honestly, People who do malicious things (Jamming Public Safety, etc) with these is why we can't have nice things.
I think I'm one of the one's who are responsible enough not to do malicious things with the UV-5R.
So you are saying people who use them on farms, hiking, camping or locally without a license are malicious people? I use mine locally without a license to keep tabs on my 83 yr old father when I'm out and about. BTW even if you are a licensed ham operator you cannot simply use a GMRS or FRS Radio or talk on those bands without a GMRS FRS license, but guess what? Ham operators do. I don't think people go out looking to be malicious on the radio unless they're crazy or a full fledged criminal. The FCC has never fined or arrested anyone for using a Baefang without a license, they have to make that public record if they do. There are no ham operators within 100 miles of where I live and that includes repeater towers that can be publicly accessed. That means my Baefang is nothing but a glorified walkie talkie due to range limitations. As for locally emergency channels like police, fire , EMS as long as I don't interfere with their services or any local business frequencies then I'm not what you consider malicious. Another note is that the Baefang even though they've become somewhat compliant with the FCC can in fact be unlocked back to factory settings like earlier Baefang UV 5 Rs if you have the newer updated versions. While Baefang UV 5R has helped bring in new amateur ham operators the ham community has also been responsible for making new operators quit or go for something else like GMRS/FRS because the older elitist ham operators were condescending pricks. Now that is not to say every ham operator is like that. Back when I ran a cb base station I use to talk to ham operators all the time on my Galaxy base when skip was really bad. None I talked to complained that I was unlicensed because we kept friendly conversations without all the cussing and nonsense, we kept it respectful. Most amateur operators don't ever progress into engineering certification or to talk on the higher bands. Generally they end up dropping ham and going GMRS. I have never witnessed an unlicensed user with a Baefang jamming anyone and I know a few users around my area. In fact we've been talking about investing together to build a local repeater with frequencies that won't interfere with anyone because many fish or hunt around here. Why we can't have nice things is because people take things to seriously and cause grief to others because they feel they're righteously better. Besides, you are more worried about a few unlicensed users on a cheap Baefang then the invaders coming across our borders.
Good grief, bureaucracy at its best. I understand there's a lot of people unlicensed (like myself) and you'd never know we were out there because we don't interfere with others and then there's those that operate these radios in such a way that they're interfering with others (NOT LIKE ME). Yes I have programmed all my radios with every repeater in my province but I just listen. I think it's a seriously uncool thing to mess with hams as they've taken the time to get licensed and donate many hours of their time and money to keep the repeaters maintained. Radios are a lot of fun, just be smart about it folks and don't be a dink with your radios!
HamAndShortwaveRadio what about the people who dont like the law because they think they're stupid but still comply?
@HamandShortwaveRadio. One has to wonder has the FCC even tested the new radios from this brand to see if they comply with part 90/95 (I think that's what it's called). These radios seem to be a hit with preppers or those who want to have a way to communicate during an emergency. Many buy them, like me, to stuff them in our BOB's and emergency kits because they can scan, get FM radio, and yes, have the ability to xmit on repeater sites and easy to program with it's cable and software. I set up all mine to only be able to xmit on the MURS/GMRS/FMS freq's (I do have a GMRS license) But no repeater sites. I have a MXT400 and 115 for that if I need it. I do find it amusing HAMops would call the owners of these devices scumbags. I'm sure the makers of ICOM, Motorola or Yaesu repeat these words everyday. It is funny how a "Chinese" company can make a radio that can do everything the big boys can but do it without a 200% markup, except comply with some FCC operating guidelines, which don't really affect anything or anyone when you are standing in your back yard transmitting, even with it's frequency bleed, 5 watts much less 8 isn't going to kill anyone. I'm sure even with some non-leaking modifications, Baofeng could still make a rig cheaper and people (before mentioned companies) will still bitch. As far as the scumbag remark goes. How many times have you corrected your fellow HamOp for not using the proper calling/reply procedure or for not using the proper phonetic alphabet? Last time I looked it up, the rules/regs don't stop the first time you key up your mic. Just sayin.. Seems both sides of the profession could use some cleaning up. 73's
HamAndShortwaveRadio LoL.... what a company man pleb you sound like... thanks for the laugh...
@HamAndShortwaveRadio ok. I changed it to be a more general reference in the profession. I hope that's more accepting to your liking. And I listen to the airwaves a lot, and I hear licensed ham operators complain about these radios. And it's always about the fact that they don't have a license, not the fact that they're using these radios, but they don't have a license. And nothing about the radio operation or complying with the FCC rules regulations. There's a website called woot that sells these occasionally. And it never fails there were be at least two or three ham operators that will get on there and blast the people who are buying these radios. Nothing about The compliance of these radios, but just the fact that people are using them and not getting a license.
Okay this is what drives me crazy - I got a ham license 35 years ago - it wasn't that hard and I'm glad that I put the time in. The rules set up by the FCC say you have to have a license to use them on HAM, GMRS and Maritime services . So why do so many people buy a 35$ radio and just use it where they want and then get mad at the FCC when they say stop it! Why do we have any rules at all? Where do we draw the line? I think it's like cheating. We should all try to do better than that. It's just not that hard to do things within the rules here. Is it? And a final thought. When radios were $200 they were out of the reach of some and people seemed to respect the rules better. Now that they are practically free people seem to equate that with less value within the radio service. I don't know what do others think? I'm not arguing I right I'm just thinking we should respect the rules?
Today I got my Baofeng UV-5R and really I'm impressed how cheap it is and excellent, tiny radio and active
I bought a bunch of the uv5rv2+, and the chirp software made it easy to restore the frequency range to the original settings. These things are great backup radios
I don't care if they're illegal or not. I"ll use one if I want to. Plus the fact that they'll never know what you're using. It's not like the FCC has the resources to come after you over a $25 radio. Not to mention the fact that you could build a radio that has 10 times the capability of the Baofeng. Just more big government nonsense. Civil disobedience.
Exactly correct. Have fun like everyone else.
I think the FCC needs to re-think what it should be focusing on.
All over auction sites for USD$22, we use them in South Africa all day 👍🏻
Love how they added + to the name, like these version 2 radios are upgraded and better, when in reality they've been severely gimped. Probably increased the price too.
So can I order a few uv-5rs and use them for a group without getting into trouble?
In hopes that they wont mind you transmitting in a frequency band that you are allocated to 😁.
These radios also have a problem of screaming "Low Voltage" in the middle of the night when not properly sitting on the charger. I'm surprised no one shot one.
Someone, somewhere, HAS shot one. Lol.
This was actually relatable, now I remember to turn it off when I'm going to sleep.
I'm aware of the "Low Voltage" audible alert. I was sound asleep last night and I heard what sounded closer to " Mobile Tits."
6:42 "This is where things get a little bit murky." I was lost after the first 30 seconds.
Someone is just to pissy because they are being upsold.
I’ve been listening to guys on ham radio for 3or 4 years now. in Alanta Georgia From the stone mountain repeater sound like a bunch of good guys I have chitchatted with them at a coffee shop I want to go get my license just never have time thanks for your video is pretty interesting 😊👍💯
If you are in an emergency which is why many people buy portable radios, it Is perfectly Legal Everywhere to use any signal strength or channel you can to get emergency help. That's the law, no violation. I like CB with 12 watts and 50 miles range and MURS 2 watts and 3 miles range because no license is required and you can get a signal out pretty far but if I had to use a 5, 50 or 1500 watt ham without a license i'd do it in a heartbeat in an emergency. In other words, don't let fear of law keep you from getting help you need it's not necessary.
Divergent Droid
"EMERGENCY TRANSMISSION USE" generally is a temporary exemption during communication of the emergency event.
To be valid, however, the emergency must be such that significant harm to life or property (as defined by Law) is reasonably perceivable.
This can include severe weather, forest fire, gross vehicular accident, stranded in the wilderness, gross personal injury or that of other's, robbery in progress, murder or rape, suspected terroristic activities (by others), house or business on fire, roadway sinkhole, bridge collapse, aircraft down, perceived kidnapping, dam failure, active railroad-line issues, active shooter, maritime (boat) severe accident or stranding... the list could go on-and-on.
I recall a incident whereby a group of campers were not only totally lost, but one was injured.
No cellular or radio.
They set a signal fire, but inadvertently ended-up burning down many, many acres.
They were rescued.
After full review, they were not charged with anything.
To put it simply anything that meets the requirements for a legit call to 911.
Divergent Droid,
If you used 10KW for a genuine emergency, without a licence on a ham band, regulations or no regulations , you would receive all the help and services you could possibly handle, maybe MORE!
In fact you might be overwhelmed with helpers and need to ask them to back
off to allow you hear the help which was most suitable.
Just don't try it because your local KFC had closed early!
One of the great things about ham radio operators is the inherent ability to communicate issues of emergency even if, say, cell towers are down.
Much respect.
I completely agree.
The goofy thing about the FCC is you can easly modify any radio. So they will add a little resistor that can be removed in two minutes. I never heard a Baofeng on a police scanner. Icom is losing money and giving the FCC money to give cheaper companies a hard time.
Michael Rose - You are right
These radios are not legal in Australia as they do not have the 'Tick" certification. And the funny thing is that these radios most likely come from the same factories as Yaesu and Icom.
I hadn't heard about this until last night when another popular HAM youtuber reported it. What I DID notice, was that the price of Wouxun and Baufeng radios had jumped a lot since my last purchase. At one point, the dual band smaller versions hovered around $35 - $50. Now they are considerably higher priced. I'll be watching this topic closely. Thank for the info!
not too long ago the uscg made a video for the weather channel on what to have in a boat grab bag and among the items was the Baofeng UV-5R Radio
In an emergency situation - that's fine!
That doesn't make sense. Marine radios have to be part 80 certified.
In an emergency nobody is going to check for FCC compliance.
Because in a pinch, it can be used as a survival radio. Flashlight, siren, transmitter. Etc.
Not everybody can drop thousands on a radio setup. The baofengs are perfect for a beginner radio, and hams should be excited that people are getting into the hobby.
"A part 90 radio can be used on GMRS."
That is incorrect. There was discussion about this at the last rule change. FCC rejected the legitimacy of using part 90 equipment on GMRS. The FCC fortified its position that the equipment must be certified under the proper part 95.
re: "That is incorrect. There was discussion about this at the last rule change. FCC rejected the legitimacy of using part 90 equipment on GMRS."
Point me to a part 95 compliant repeater. Just about EVERY GMRS repeater is a Part 90 Motorola or GE or Kenwood Part 90 compliant 'box'.
Thank you for the well-made video. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain what the citation really means. I have three Baofeng radios, and absolutely love them. 73, AE7XQ.
we use these all the time in Airsoft on FRS channels once reprogramed. Also, the places we all play are away from everyone.
Well considering you can get them to play nicely on FRS, GMRS etc. So there's that. And you can set the power level lower on those services.
I have the UV-5R V2+ and I just tested it for frequency range and it appears to be on of the fixed ones. I've had it for several years and it is a good little radio. Its what got me into Ham radio, because of its price, which a few others have mentioned. And it would not surprise me to learn that it was one of the high end companies that sell HT's that made the complaint. I will stick with Baofeng, I have three of them now.
James Hart did you try expanding the range with CHIRP?
Nope because I have no reason too.
IT'S $22.00. F8 HP 8 WATTS WAS $45.00 BUT WENT UP TO $62.00. TWICE THE WATTAGE OF UV 5R AT 8 WATTS.
An 8 watt BF-F8HP radio is twice the power of the 5 watt UV-5R? I think not, or I really missed something in math class. Seriously though, if you really want a 10 watt radio, look at the TYT TH-UV8000D, the TYT TH-UV8200, or the Wouxun KG-UV9H. Both the 8000D and the KG-UV9H also have the ability to cross-band repeat your signal, easily doubling your range in the field.
@@craigcarnahan7210 WHAT IS THE COST? $$$.
I got a ham cooking ad before this video lol
It's more relevant than this hobby!!!
The FCC don't have the funding to go to your home, run a 2,500 watt linier amp bleed through your neibors TV it's good times.
Sounds like CB in the 70's. 3 channel Radioshack with a 1500 watt linear. No one in 10 miles could use anything within 5 channels either way.
This is stupid.....
Are you aware that these are FM radios? Amplifiers for FM are seldom if ever linear. There is no need for it.
@@bwtv147, Well okay then I am old school CB radio. Thanks didn't know hand held walkie talkies were FM. I still use AM transmitters receiver's for my R/C planes. You know with the crystals that are set on different frequencies. I reckon it didn't cross my mind but thanks.
Not all hand helds are FM but it's the norm on 2m and 70cm. The Baofengs discussed here are FM.
These radios are great there cheap and great for me for when I get my full license. Until then I will be just listening.
I thought a HAM operator wasn’t allowed to use a radio that’s capable of transmitting outside of the amateur band? Or is that rule different in the US to what it is here in the AU?
Different countries have different regulations when it comes to amateur radio equipment. Amateurs in the US may possess commercial equipment capable if transmitting outside the amateur radio bands, but they may only use the equipment on the frequencies that they are licensed for.
big whoop back in the day you could make your Kenwood, Icom,or Yeasu HT or mobile go out of band with a simple mod
capndavey1 still can depending on the radio.
Still can with many. I’ve modded both my Kenwood TH-D74A and Yaesu FT-60R for OOB. (Mainly so they would have the “ability” for GMRS.). It just involved removing one resistor.
Question.
Why in the city my uv5r gives me barely half a mile of range???
It's me, or it's because of the city???
That's very common. Urban environments have buildings and interference that will limit your range. Range up to a mile is typical for a handheld in these places.
Might note that Baofeng was marketing the UV8 radio which was part 90 accepted and other models. It was a marketing mistake to mix up all the models to all markets. It was the mistake that allowed the uv5 to get into the hands of buisness and non ham use. Baofeng has options for these non ham markets and customers need to be educated. Preepers, fireman, police and those that use these radios, on a personal basis should be shown those options and explained. I own several of the uv8 radios and they are a great radio.
I could write a book on Baofeng marketing mistakes. Maybe that will be the subject of a future video.
HUB Colombia Our hunt club bought the older Baofengs (5) We have used them to keep track of each other on a 1600 acre track of land. We consistently get 2 miles of range. 2.5 on a good day. They are great radios. We have never used the 2 meter ham frequency, because we believed that an amateur radio licence is needed.
they are good radios you just have to be careful on what frequencies you operat on and under which part type acceptance. These older radios are ham use only, which means they cant be used outside the ham bands and doing so is illegal. If they say part 90 accepted they can be used on land mobile frequencies but might need a license by the operator.
HUB Colombia ☆Thanks for the info. I don't think a bunch of hunters, in the woods is going to bring down a FCC helicopter with miniguns, blasting us into oblivion. Or, FCC agents fast roping to the ground to write tickets.
You are correct in that a ham license is necessary for the 2 meter band, but there are other unlicensed radio services that would be appropriate for your needs. But you'd be in violation of FCC rule to use a non type-accepted radio for communications. So I couldn't legally tell you that using any of the five MURS radio service VHF channels or FRS radio service UHF channels would a) minimize interference between you and other radio services and b) significantly reduce your chances of running afoul of FCC monitors.
"I don't think any commercial user will consider a $30 radio" -- I ran a camp with a lake. Our people were destroying $300 radios at a rate of few per summer. It became way cheaper to buy 10 new Baofeng's every year and just give people a new one. At least for temporary staff.
how do you find out if you have a permit to talk on amateur band on file
You have a valid Federally issued Amateur Radio License and call sign. (This is not a CB license either, like they used to issue decades back.) You actually have to take a test., and pass it. Your local Ham radio club should give classes for the test. You will also need to pass the test for the license class you want to operate the frequencies on.
It's pretty easy now that they dropped the Morse Code requirement. for some of the license classes.
That's strange, I have a V2+ and I can access all of those frequencies like the NOAA one. I may have purchased it in 2017 though, does that make a difference?
Clearly this video is directed at amateur radio enthusiasts, because I mostly didn't have a clue what he was talking about.
Not sure why this was recommended to me, but the guy does sound like he knows what he is talking about.
I am in Public Safety and we absolutely use these cheap imported radios. When running special events, disasters, and assigning radios out to personnel these are a viable option. We consider them to be a throw away radio! We would not issue them for life safety applications such as police, fire, EMS, but to a public works employee, event coordinators, sanitation, or even volunteers then absolutely we do that all the time.
Thanks for your comments. It's good to hear of a public safety agency that found a use of these radios for non-critical communications.
Amazon sells them like crazy even if you dont have a license I believe.
Yuuuuuuup mine will be here saturday
Bonus points for the shot in front of the Wausau WI Milwaukee Road depot :-)
can u still get these radios?
M Blake Jr yes, they are on amazon
yup just got one a few days ago
How can I get my license without attending a class? I live in the RGV of the Deep South Texas and when I search for a class near by, the nearest one is over 200 miles away.
I don't recommend trying to study for the test by only looking at the exam questions, as it's an inefficient method of learning and may not impart the key concepts to you. Fortunately there are many forms of study aids available such as the books by the ARRL and Gordon West, the free video series by Dave Casler, or online resources like hamstudy.org. My July 2018 Your Questions Answered video talks more about this: ua-cam.com/video/sYGCGE0G3UU/v-deo.html I hope this helps.
get an account with hamtestonline and study online, or order the study guide. Then its just a matter of passing a test.
Get 3 extra class ops to give test the packet can be sent to a party that will hold the test in your area on a proxy basis
Thank you sir, now I will definitely buy one of those Baofeng radios :-)
What about the millions of un modified UV5R radios being sold directly and or indirectly by Amazon? What frequencies are these radios legal to us on?
If the radio is purchased direct from China or from a different importer, then this citation does not apply to them.
Idk I’ll let you know I just got one with an extra batter and some other stuff for $39 and prime shipping. Will be here Sunday.
All you have to do is ram an unlocked firmware into the radio and it's got full coverage again.
If you are interested in ragchewing you may wish to consider studying for and upgrading to a General license. Once on HF you will never be out of range of someone to ragchew with. For mobile operation you’ll likely have to use a screwdriver antenna since dipoles and large verticals would be unwieldy, so it will still be a compromise antenna, but you will still get out plenty far enough on 20/40/80m on average to find others to talk to through the day and evening.
Alternatively, if you have reliable internet service, whether cellular, satellite, or landline, you may wish to look into EchoLink, which is available for mobile devices and desktop PCs, to reach many remote repeaters around the world or look into an internet hotspot for DMR, D-Star, or Fusion and a suitable radio to do much the same thing as EchoLink, but EchoLink has the benefit of being free (or $1 if you wish expedited authentication of your callsign using your credit card for them the confirm your name and address, or you can mail them a copy of your ID as proof and wait awhile). But that can get you back on the air even if located too far from a repeater to reach via radio alone - some purists hate it because of the internet link, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying your ragchews.
So what's a good radio for around $$50. I see a baofang bf-8uhp the up 5R 3rd gen for like 60
The BF-8HP isn't a bad radio. I'm not convinced that 8 watts in a handheld radio is a good thing, nor that it is better than 5 watts. My favorite still is the BTech UV-5X3. amzn.to/2NUr6KM It sells for $59 but I've seen it go for as low as $45 around the holidays.
these things cost a shade under 20 bucks in holland! Illegal A.F. over here though
~€38 and legal as hell, less than that when imported through Chinese shops online but then you pay import fees. Stop babbling when you have no idea. You just cannot do anything else but PMR446 at 4 watt without a license.
Mate in the Philippines, you can buy 1 for more than ₱600 or £9.69 and ₱1,500 or £24.22 for a pair.
NO THEY ARE NOT BANNED! The use of them on certain frequencies is, just like the use of typical ham radios capable of transmitting on those frequencies are. It's not the radios, its the unlawful use of them, and vids such as this one, just create problems. The fact is there are very few technical requirements for ham radios, instead, those restrictions are placed on the operators. The FCC Marketing citation was for selling these radios to businesses and similar concerns that had very limited band spreads open to them. The radios have never been illegal.
How do they enforce this, are there frequency police.
They are illegal in Switzerland. The reason given is out of band emissions. I imported some Baofeng 888s and because I admitted testing it, was guilty of a misdemeanor of illegal transmission. Even though it was programmed for European free public PMR frequencies. The Swiss FCC equivalent is notified by customs on import, not because they detected any transmission. I even checked their website to make sure it was on a "forbidden" list. That sucks. Best, Rob
I use mine on Amateur bands and to monitor marine and GMRS frequencies.
can the frequencies be added back with the programming cable or are they removed via hardware limitations?
I've seen comments that programming the radio with Chirp may override those limitations, but I haven't verified the accuracy of that statement.
cheaper radio are helping keep the amateur radio hobby alive & making it affordable for everyone.
I've heard other make the same supposition, but I'm not sure if this is totally the case. Amateur radio has been growing, there are more licenses issued than ever before. I think the truth will be known in a few years when it comes time for license renewals. Will we see a lot of attrition or will people stay in and active because equipment is cheap?
Interesting. I picked up a Baofeng UV-5R MK3 Mirkit Edition only a month ago to use as a scanner while I work on getting my tech license. I just checked and it pulls in everything, the first thing I checked when I receive the radio was to tune in weather radio since my normal scanners can't pull in anyting with KWO35 being out of service almost 3 years now. Works fine.
Hams are good at rules, most will operate in the bands that apply. These radios are mostly abused by non-licensed users.
Digger DanielG Just took off PTT and Call button from my Baofeng radio. Disabled transmit both VHF/UHF using CHIRP.
Digger DanielG explain "abuse" please. Does that mean "harmful interference" or transmission without a ham license?
If there is No Harm, there is No abuse. Just making that clear for fellow human beings.
Thats why a majority of fcc cases involving harmful interference are committed by none other then licensed hams... you dont have to be a model fuckin citizen to get licensed.
we get some dipshit noobs from time to time that bought a 20 dollar bao and started taking shit until we ask for a callsign... instant fail
Phant4sm but every call sign just about is in a public database.. I just steal other people’s call signs when I decide to troll repeaters... that way if they reporting my trolling to the FCC that operator gets in trouble not me..
I have both a UV-5RE and UV-8HX radios. They will go on any freq I want. Even my local Police and Sheriff's freqs. I actually use them as a scanner. Would only transmit under emergency conditions.
Another excellent video sir. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, I did read the email and had a few questions after reading it, but you have more than answered them. Thanks again my friend and I hope you have a blessed weekend.
Dale
KI5ARH
Glad I was able to help. Digging through the legalese was a little challenging, but I believe I have an accurate analysis of what it all means.
I still rember the clip the wire loop thing back as far as the 80s
Most of them are still not legal for use in Part 97 applications due to how much power the harmonics have.
I'll admit... I finally "lost it" in my long post decrying the LACK of reference to THIS part of the "won't pass the regs" results for the Baofeng. Thank goodness for your more reasonable coverage! LOL
This matches my experience as well with a uv5r
Thanks for clearing this up. I actually just ordered the Baofeng UV-5R V2+ a few days before seeing this, and I got a bit worried.
i bought a fishing pole and hook....its the fishing poles fault i fished illegally without a fishing license. lol..what a joke..the radio is cool...the operator is at fault..kenwood, yaesu and the big boys are in trouble, sales are slow...in Toronto a ham radio shop called, Durham Radio closed down...Google it...everyone buying on line...I got 15 of those radios...
To follow your analogy: a man sold you a fishing pole with a dozen hooks on the line. The game warden said that equipment isn't allowed, so now the pole only has a half a hook with no barb. To your second part, ham radio sales may be slow, but the commercial market is certainly strong as ever.
Didn't quite understand the pole with half a hook. If you have a radio that covers every band under the sun but you are only approved only one band. As long as you only use that one band your good. Most radios were over priced, but you had little choice. The Chinese with their lower price and lower quality has shaken the industry up. These cheap radios have opened the door for those on the fence to try out ham radio.
I had a gt3 and I finally lost it in the woods got a new one and it had it's fequency range limited. I opened it up and found out it still had the same chipset as the old it was just programed to be limited what's the point when it can be changed with software like chirp?
I have not verified this, but I have heard that you may be able to bypass the frequency limitations by programming the radio via Chirp. If that works for you, let me know.
Those glasses should be illegal
I knooooow. They're sooo fabulous . . .
REALLY ? thats your comment ? You moron
Birth Control Glasses 👓 😆
The Baofeng is a great little CHEAP radio. We stated our club 3 years ago with 14 members. We now have over 120 and in large part because of the Baofeng. It gives the new ham a way to get on the air locally and cheaply. How many of the new hams would get one if they had to put out $400-$600 on a radio that they don't even know how to use. We run constant Tech classes and at times give a Baofeng to a new ham especially if they are kids. We all use a common program so until the new ham learns the ropes he/she is not afraid to get on the air.
I have been licensed for over 64 years now and pretty much seen it all and believe that the little Baofeng has really helped to get more hams on the air.... ( Now there is also a new Btech 5X3 that covers 2, 220, & 440 for about $50... )
Who cares, in a emergency its needed
it’s*
A bit different here in Australia....I own Retevis x , they are RT5R and another one is a Baofeng GT3 and Baofeng UV5R...I use them for recreation . they operate on 5 watt on both UHF and VHF ..Great little radios all ...
Can you smell the FREEDOM of the FCC! Lol..... They can stick it
The bigger problem is that ham operators are a bunch of cowardly snitches.
My UV-5r will only play sound if the ear piece is in. Can anyone help me get the sound back over the speaker? I’m brand new to this so ANY help would be appreciated. Thanks!
The government needs to stop the import of illegal radios. Rangers have been coming in the states for years. You have to blame the government, not the companies selling the illegal equipment.
Wire Works its not i repeat NOT illegal. I have motorola mobiles i purchased from police auctions that technically work the same bands there just not programmable without a computer.
What's wrong with RCI radios?
Kyle Sonsalla Nothing wrong with the radios, they're just not FCC approved.
Wire Works
Sounds like you'd love my Stryker SR-955HP lmao
Rangers are smuggled in by claiming that the radio is some other kind of equipment than what they truly are.
Customs will and do inspect shipments of imported goods and regularly find unauthorized and illegal imports, including Ranger radios, which are seized, impounded, and destroyed.
But, customs cannot catch everything. Sort of like the question a police officer allegedly responded with to the man he was writing up for a speeding ticket, when the speeder pointed out the other speeders driving by.
Officer: Did you ever go fishing? Speeder: Yes. Officer: Did you catch all the fish in the creek?
What about the Bf-F9 V2+ ? Can it still function within those specs, or had it been brought into compliance as well?
OMG! You will go to bed without supper if you don't follow the RULES!!!
Cory Boy
I'm form the Philippines there is no rules
@@TroN_Nradio_Alastor transmitting here in Baguio without any licence. Nobody apprehends me and my colleagues (who i dragged them into the hobby) because we stay at 460-470Mhz including PLs. Were all waiting for our NTC Licensure Exam in hopes to get B or C Class. 73
@@2mdjr532 we also use pmr446 and frs frequencies are license free
@@TroN_Nradio_Alastor oh, i was expecting that PMR446 is not in use HI HI. Are there Amateurs that use the frequencies from 170-174Mhz?, thanks for the response btw. 73
I have two (2) of the BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band Two Way radios. Am I allowed to use these radios to communicate with my family or do i need a license? I just need them for stuff like camping trips and communication in the house while my wife is upstairs and I am down in the basement. Is it legal for me and my family to use them in the home or camping trips?
You said it want go below 145 can your force it to? By software?
I don't have the answer to that. I would presume that they changed the firmware, so forcing it by software would be quite a low-level process.
you can program it to not work
Yes, software and a matched antenna for the frq.
YES, Chirp will allow full control, so you can program certain (illegal), like emerency service that it will not transmit! :)
If Amateurs can only use radios that only transmit on amateur frequencies. How can we fulfill the 97.403 part about Safety of Life or property if we cannot contact another amateur and have to go any station that can hear us?
Great video! Good work!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Josh... uv5r is a great little radio for the price. I have had reports that i come thru clear, if not clearer than an icom.
As i've said, use radio responsibly and radio be respectable to other radio users/operators, and they will respect you in return!
I've programmed my radio to UHF 80 channel, FRS, MURS, GMRS Only!!, and well, to be honest there no one out here that that's on them!!!
What i enjoyed most was being just able to tap in frequencies, give them a name (if needed) and yes, i stuffed it up a few times but always made a default backup before doing anything... anyways....
That's why i'm in Hamsphere V1.0, V3.0..but haven't got comfortable with V4.0 yet :(
Cheers from Australia!
Mick (a.k.a VBQ543)
(YEP, quite an old callsign now!) hahaha
now off to KB9VBR and thumbs up for his video....
Just watched your video! Excellent!
I've always been a typical cb'er, but the funny part was many years ago the Amatuer operators came down to 27mhz bands and we all used to chat...
The most important part is, respect the radio and / or operators, and if any disturbances are caused, is to rectify them immediately!
Many thanx for your video, and i'm going to share it.
The biggest problem with these radios is the WRONG ppl getting there hands on them. :(
I use Hamsphere these days, but haven't of late because too many demand "qsl cards" when i specifally said NO, just Qso, so i start getting stuff from 2 months ago demanding a card. These are typically known as QSL card 'hunters' , just to see who can get the most in say a month.
Do you use Hamsphere?
Let me know...
Cheers from Australia
Mick (a.k.a VBQ543)
Hey I know that guy!
what is the best 2-way radio that will go over a 35 mile range, so i can talk to my dad on it while hes at home???? he really only lives 4 miles but i want one that goes farer away from that?????
Thank you for this video.
Quick question. If I purchased two (2) UV-5R's for me and my wife to talk on and the the frequency is a frequency that no one talks on would the FCC come after me? Is it okay to use the UV-5R radios without a HAM license? Can I talk with my wife on a frequency that no one is really on?
Start fining Yaesu & Kenwood for all the units converted for CB use...
More FT-101's were sold to CBers than hams.
Very few radios cannot be modded to operate out-of-band.
Indeed. Upon getting my license I went to the now defunct "alphabet" store in Seattle to buy a Yaesu radio. Very FIRST thing the salesman did was ask me "if I wanted him to cut the yellow wire". I turned around, walked out and never went back. I worked hard to pass my Ham license. I had no intention of supporting the illegal sales dealers. He never even asked me if I was licensed. Some of us do have integrity.
Scott the big problem with these radios is/was that they could do all of that stuff WITHOUT MODS and they specifically violated regulations in several places. (Like 4 watts on FRS and non-fixed antennas.) It wasn't the Ham manufacturers who complained because there was nothing wrong about the radios' operation within the ham bands, so complaining about "out of ham band" operation wouldn't have changed they cost or the way they could be used on the ham bands. Ham manufacturers had nothing to gain by complaining because all of those other things could have been eliminated and the radios still sold as $30 ham radios.
Regulations and patents/copyrights mean little to the manufacturers & importers of these radios.
Does this affect people who use UV5-R's as FRS/GMRS radios though?
It does not affect the UV-5R (original variant).
I just want to talk with my friends in the bush lol
So the old Baofengs are worth more now?
I think an old Baofeng is still worth what it is worth . . .
73s to you. Thank you for a very good presentation
Hi there i have a UV82 and wanted to know what frequencies i can operate on openly without facing any issues. Basically what is the range i can use without needing a license
My friend 73,s and good dx, good channel 👍😉👏💯
I just purchased a RT5R hand held radio. My question is can it connect and transmit on ham frequencies?
Someone has too much time on their hands. LOL
Naw, it's just how we like to spend our Sunday
It's all fun and games till someone drops a Baofeng.
Does this mean the uv5r v2+ can't transmit at 4 watts!
Wait! What?! Radio is still a thing? You're kidding, right?
"Don't feed the troll"
Hi I live in the UK and at work they use Motorola EVX-S24 licenced Radios for communication and I want to buy my own Radio so my question is could I buy the Baofeng UV5R and just connect to the Motorola on there existing licence are do I have to buy my own?