Baofeng BF-88e PMR Two Way Radio (Review and Range Test)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- Discover why two-way radios such as the Baofeng are so popular in Europe.
Part 1 - Baofeng BF-88E on Amazon* ➜ geni.us/pG6MX
Part 2 - Unboxing ➜ (2:49min)
Part 3 - Range Test ➜ (8:54min)
Part 4 - Summary & Conclusion ➜ (12:20min)
*If you are located in the United States please make sure to use an FRS radio instead:
For example - Baofeng BF-88A ➜ geni.us/hJliypF
In this product review, we will have a closer look at two license-free PMR446 radios from Baofeng.
While we find a maximum range of 3 km (1,9 miles) listed on the package, in my opinion, such distances are only reached under optimal conditions (e.g. open line of sight).
More realistic is to assume a shorter range, because houses, trees, and other obstacles can reduce the signal quality significantly.
According to government regulation, PMR446 radios are not allowed to have a replaceable antenna, and can only transmit at a low output power of 0.5 watts.
Because of this, it is perfectly normal that these radios perform best in close range communication.
At first, a short range may seem like a disadvantage, but if you think about it, it also has advantages.
In a city with many users, simultaneous transmissions on the same channel, are less likely if the radios only have a short range.
The benefit, users are not constantly bothering each other on one of the 8-16 available PMR frequencies.
In addition, the low output power extends battery life, and you can use the radios longer while consuming less power.
Also, if your radio would transmit over longer distances, more people could listen in, which is also avoided by the weak transmission power. Because a potential eavesdropper would always have to be close enough to receive the signal.
In my test, the communication quality was ok, personally, I think the Baofeng BF-88e is an entry-level radio, at an affordable price point.
#ReviewTechTV
/ Affiliate Links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. /
// This video does not include product placement. I got the product myself. //
*If you are located in the United States please make sure to use an FRS radio instead:
For example - Baofeng BF-88A ➜ geni.us/hJliypF
Create Success TV what type of area was the range test in
@@jebediahkerman2972 Radio was used in suburban environment, few buildings some trees.
Create Success TV ok thank you
WALKIE TALKIE 2001 🔊
Simple and straight to the point reviews, definitely good
Best review so far about Baofeng BF 88 e series. Recently PMR 446 has been exempted by Indian Govt. On Oct 2018 via Notification. As per Notification European Standard has been adopted. Thanks a lot. bTW is 500 mW(ERP) is same as 0.5W?
yes.
Very informative, thorough review and outstanding production. Told and showed me everything I needed to know. Hearing the range test was unexpected, but, much appreciated. Bravo Zulu
Glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic review 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
If you buy these check what you actually got sent (code under the battery), there are many vendors selling BF-888S and calling it BF-88E, others claim to have reprogrammed BF-888S to be PMR compliant when really they haven't touched it and then they won't talk to other PMRs. The default frequencies of BF-888S interfere with some UK emergency services. Probably it's easier/cheaper for them to buy BF-888S in China instead of the export models and then just lie to the customer.
Just a point in great Britain Ofcom allows us to have extension antannaes on our pmr 446 radios as long as the power doesn't exceed 0.5w does the pmr 446 baeofeng have a small screw at base of antannae anywhere which allows it to screw off when removed ? Enjoyed the test as always well planned and delivered on post thank you.....
Now I thought the regulation that covered 446 license free use in the UK also said antennas could not be removable? Is that incorrect?
Why do need programs for? My first time using BF 888S i just use for fun with my kid i don't know much about walkie talkie
Have you tried the Baofeng UV5R Plus ? - I have a couple of those and I must say I'm really impressed. Also have secondary aerials (Retevis RHD771 ) whichh really help the range.
Nope, but I have the Baofeng GT-3 Mark II which is kind of similar, keep in mind you need a ham radio licence for those.
btw, did you make the follow-up video?
Hi
Really nice review. Please do a review of the Baofeng GT-22 radio as the model is relevant from the service industry point of view. You may also do a comparison between Baofeng GT-22 and Baofeng BF 88E
Ok, if I have time I will look into reviewing some of these radios.
Just for future more understanding for us US watchers. Meters is closesly related to yards not feet. When you say 130 meters its far more understanding for us to say 142 yards rather than 427 feet. Good vid though.
Thanks for the vídeo!
You are welcome, let me know what other radios would be interesting, maybe I can get a hold of some of them, best greetings from Germany~
I am going to use these in an alarm system, but do they have VOX? - and how good does it work? 73 Levi in Sweden
those radios could get higher, much much higher range , if operated in open areas. Best would be in LOS.
Can these couple of radios can be connected with more same devices? Can I buy 2 couples and have 4 devices connected together?
Yes, as long as they are on the same channel
Hello do you managed to do a video of what can we program with the cable ?
Usually you can change various settings, such as transmission power, squelch codes, sometimes even activate a basic scrambler function.
Why shouldn't I use the bf 88e in the United States?
Because these are adjusted to EU Laws. To use the American Version buy the Baofeng 88A
did you make the programming video?
Nope, I didn't make the tutorial yet, but with the USB programming cable it should be fairly easy, just be careful with using CHIRP, if at all possible try to use the manufacturer's software.
I have the nestling BF-88E identical to these, just a different sticker on the front. Do you happen to know if the Baofeng cable and software would work with these?
Same here there the same thing just branded different so it would work I would imagine
I can't find ANY!!! baofeng bf-q8 REVIEW.
Can you point me to a web paga or tell me about it anything. And is it programmable?
Hi, did you have to programme these walkie talkies or can you just use it out the box? Your reply would be much appreciated
Yes, you can just use these PMR radios out the box.
@@ReviewTechTV thank you for your help
Is it legal to transmit in the uk
I know nothing about radios. If I buy 4 and only use 3, can those 3 radios talk to each other as a group?
What is a group? These radios are PMR Europe, and FRS in the United States.
Yes Lewis they can. Your group needs to be on same channel.
Is the programming cable and the software included in the box? where did u get it?
No, the USB programming cable is not included, but can be easily found online, for example:
• Baofeng Programming Cable on Amazon ➜ geni.us/pTQaN
• Baofeng Programming Cable on eBay ➜ ebay.to/2Mw4f89
Could you program on other frecuencies , for example 8 on pmr and other 8 on frs?
@@DIEGOHERNANDEZM You can program most radios anyway you want, however, please take local laws and regulations seriously, because transmitting on wrong frequencies can cause interference with other radio services.
@@ReviewTechTV i know, i have a uv82 , but these radios only allow program on frequency 446, or you could program it on 462-467 ?,i don't wanna buy two different radios to travel
@@DIEGOHERNANDEZM You can programme a UV82 on any frequency up to 512mhz!!
I can't talk to others with older baofeng 888. anyone with same problems ?
Try the Motorola talkabout t200
Maybe next time I'm in Florida, because the Motorola T200’s are FRS radios, but in Europe we use PMR.
Create Success TV thanks what’s your phone number
haw meany adds ffs
This radio work s with 0,5 watt? Or have 2 watt?
Depends on your country, explained in the video and description.
Lousy range! Definitely need the power pumped up, but not sure of the environmental considerations you did the test in, and you didn't state it.
I had a chat with another user 50 miles away using a one watt Floureon 446 radio recently.