One more thing I thought I would throw out is most of these radios receive the NOAA weather channels also which might come in handy for some.

quote:

Originally posted by bettysnephew:

Yes you can listen all you want, but you cannot legally repeat anything you hear. Also for the newbies, turn any radios or TV's down when you get on the air, hams cannot transmit music. I was in my car once and a pal called. I forgot to turn the volume down on my radio and heard about it right away. OOPS!

Not sure what you mean about not being able to repeat what you hear???

As for “Broadcasting”, having music or TV in the background and going over the air is not “Broadcasting” in the FCC sense of the word.

HAM transmissions are meant to be 2-way. You cannot broadcast in the sense of a radio station where you are just putting out transmissions (music, monologue, infotainment, etc.) as a 1-way communication (exception provided for emergencies).

Good info that explains better here:
https://kk6jyt.com/ham-radio-b...our-message-legally/

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:
My understanding is they have locked down the more recent BF models to in order to get FCC compliance. HAM or GMRS, whereas the older ones would TX the entire range.

I expected to have to unlock the ones I received a couple of weeks ago, but they were both unlocked when they arrived.

Ok, I decided to order the 8w version for now. I plan to get the 5w set for my girls and wife. Since watts receiving is not an issue. Wife works from home.

The local volunteer fire department gives the exam every month. I am going to try to register and get ready to take it in a few weeks.

Now . . . what would I need to do to be able to contact my dad in San Antonio?

quote:

Originally posted by redstone:

Now . . . what would I need to do to be able to contact my dad in San Antonio?

You’d need either a much different radio setup (HF 100w or more base station, good antenna) on both ends or use some sort of interface to the internet on both ends.


“EchoLink” and “AllStar” systems will work with simple analogue radios communicating with a repeater that is connected to the internet. You can use existing repeaters, or even get the equipment and software to start your own.

More options available if you go to one of the “Digital” radio options (DMR, Yaesu’s Wires-X/Fusion, or Icom and Kenwood’s D-Star).

Digital gets a little more complicated, and the radios cost a bit more. Easiest if folks on either end use the same protocol/system but there are some workarounds to get the different protocols to work with each other.

quote:

Originally posted by redstone:
Now . . . what would I need to do to be able to contact my dad in San Antonio?

A telephone.

Or, if you are wanting to use the handhelds and everybody has their licenses, you’ll need Yagi antennas for each handheld. You’ll need to know when an appropriate low earth orbit HAM repeater satellite is flying overhead. You’ll both stand outside with your antennas in one hand pointing them at the moving satellite 200 miles overhead and if everything works out, you can talk to each other until the satellite gets too low to the horizon. Maybe 10 minutes? This is easier with the antennas mount to motorized satellite tracking mounts.

Or, if you and he are in range of echolink repeaters, you can hit those repeaters wirelessly with your handhelds, but the signals between the repeaters are carried over the internet.

Or, you can buy HF transceivers, big antennas and use propagation to bounce your signals between the ionosphere and the earth.

Or, you can bounce a 6 meter signal off a meteor shower. I think this requires Yagi antennas.

Or, you can bounce your signal off the moon. Again, Yagi antennas, motorized tracking mounts, and probably a general license to use more power.

I have zero experience with any of these methods, except the telephone.

Is Para laughing yet at what he started? I broke down last night and ordered an H8 for my second radio and ordered a pair of the BF that I''l program and give to my son and his soon to be wife.

quote:

Originally posted by redstone:

Now . . . what would I need to do to be able to contact my dad in San Antonio?

An HF radio and a Morse key. Or, an HF radio and a general license. Or, a telephone.

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by bettysnephew:

Yes you can listen all you want, but you cannot legally repeat anything you hear. Also for the newbies, turn any radios or TV's down when you get on the air, hams cannot transmit music. I was in my car once and a pal called. I forgot to turn the volume down on my radio and heard about it right away. OOPS!

quote:

Not sure what you mean about not being able to repeat what you hear???

Keep in mind that my response is based on information from long ago when you had to appear in person at an FCC examining station to take amateur license tests.

The tests all contained information about regulations. One question dealt with if Radio Op A was communicating with Radio Op B and a random Radio Op C came across the QSO. It stated that while Radio Op C was free to listen to the QSO in its entirety if desired, he was prohibited from divulging the contents of the overheard QSO to any third party.

Those radios on Amazon are now on sale for 35 bucks. Ordered a pair for shits n gigs

Received this afternoon and are now charging.

Para and SigForum... making us all spend more money!

I recently bought these but haven't had a chance to use them yet.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...=AB2FJZGZQ3K3Q&psc=1

The ability to charge them off a USBc, extended power, and ease of programming seemed like a winner.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:

quote:

Originally posted by redstone:
Now . . . what would I need to do to be able to contact my dad in San Antonio?

A telephone.

Pretty much. Especially in a SHTF situation where maybe the grid goes down or similar, handhelds will be very limited. Useful for working with local CERTS, first responders, listening to emergency frequencies, etc. Not really made for contacting folks far away.

I just ordered a USB-C charging extended battery. 19 bucks and free shipping.

***disregard, not a reputable seller***

Baofeng has an extended battery that offers USB charging but the battery end of the charging cable uses a miniplug. This is less versatile than the USB-C but is still lightyears better than cradle charging only. If the power in your house is out you won't be able to charge via the cradle.

USB charging means you can charge via small power banks or in your car with any car charger that has the USB-A connector and you don't need Baofeng's proprietary charging cab;e. USB-A to USB-C cables are common as can be.

16 bucks each and if you order two or more, Amazon gives you 8% off. No free shipping, though until you get to 35 bucks.

***disregard, not a reputable seller***

This message has been edited. Last edited by: parabellum,

^^^3800mAh! That's a 'healthy' sized Battery...Like more than 2X larger than the original 1800mAh Battery the UV-5R comes with!

I've ordered a set of the radio's for my son and I to play with. Turns out, he's been looking at these for a while.

My thought was that I'd use these to dip a toe in, as it were. I'd like to eventually upgrade to a radio in my vehicle that I could use to communicate when I'm in the middle of nowhere. Some of the places I hunt and fish are rather remote.

I am an active ham, been a ham for years.
I read back through all of the posts and thought I’d offer the following:
1. Handheld radios will work MUCH more efficiently and better with after market antennas. The antennas supplied with the radios work but aren’t the best.
When considering that purchase make sure to that you get the correct mount SMA/BNC and gender (Male vs. Female).
2. CBs are still widely used. A relatively inexpensive mobile CB radio and magnet base antenna is in my go kit when traveling.
Billy

Para wins, I am ordering a pair of radios, probably the Baofeng's. Actually we all win if we come up with alternate forms of comm. Thanks for starting this thread Para.

quote:

Originally posted by p113565:
I am an active ham, been a ham for years.
I read back through all of the posts and thought I’d offer the following:
1. Handheld radios will work MUCH more efficiently and better with after market antennas. The antennas supplied with the radios work but aren’t the best.
When considering that purchase make sure to that you get the correct mount SMA/BNC and gender (Male vs. Female).
2. CBs are still widely used. A relatively inexpensive mobile CB radio and magnet base antenna is in my go kit when traveling.
Billy

The UV-5R's Para linked in the OP come with two antennas for each radio; the std. 'rubber duck' antenna and an Abbree AR-771 (38cm/15") High Gain 'Whip' Antenna, which is very similar to the Nagoya NA-771 and should perform quite well.

I knew this was going to happen, already dug out my old CB and antennas. Looking at new antennas for the Baofeng and the batteries are a must for my portable solar panel. Probably going to take the test for technician too.


I am really afraid this is going to end up with me raising CARRIER PIGEONS.