The guru outlines the most important settings on the BoofWang UV-5R so as to minimize confuculation.




All menu options for the BoofWang UV-5R

quote:

Originally posted by Bytes:
Thanks for starting this thread Para.

Don't forget yer BOOLITS!!

quote:

. Abbree AR-771 (38cm/15") High Gain 'Whip' Antenna should perform quite well.

Agree, good catch.
Billy

quote:

Originally posted by p113565:

quote:

. Abbree AR-771 (38cm/15") High Gain 'Whip' Antenna should perform quite well.

Agree, good catch.
Billy

I have tried both, not broadcasting, but the shorter rubber one receives better than the Abbree, I would have thought it would receive better but still learning, so maybe I missed something.

quote:

Originally posted by Ryanp225:
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.

Yup, that’s why I recommended them back on page 1

Already have my Kenwood, Radioddity GMRS radios, and my Slim Jim antenna for both, now added this:



I do plan on acquiring a couple Boofwangs too.

Mine showed up today, a day early. Now the hard part is getting the license and programming them.

If you picked up a programming cable with your radios, you can download the CHIRP program free of charge here. The 32 bit version for Windows is highlighted. This will work for either 32 bit or 64 bit Windows 10 OS.

^^^^
I forgot to order the cable when I placed the order but did the next day. I'm still waiting for that. Thank you for the link.

quote:

Originally posted by 911Boss:

quote:

Originally posted by Ryanp225:
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.

Yup, that’s why I recommended them back on page 1

And a single handheld for both GMRS and ham, legally.

Just a word about the youtube channel NotaRubicon:

I like this host. He makes it clear that he doesn't give a fuck. His sense of humor is as dry as the Sahara and the dehydrated son of a bitch makes me laugh. I have no doubt that he pisses off "some people" all to Hell, and that, too, makes me laugh. I like his habit of pinning trollish or stupid comments to the top of the comments section. I understand why he does this, and I heartily approve.

This is his latest video, published this evening. I am not concerned with the particular product he's reviewing (because, as he indicates, it's not a cheap Chinese radio, but rather an expensive Chinese radio, approaching 200 bucks).

Just take a listen. Neophyte though I am on this particular subject/hobby, I've a strong suspicion that the man knows what he's talking about. Enjoy

"...making contacts with anonymous men."

Notarubicon definitely knows his shit. I’ve watched his channel for a year or so. Love his sarcasm as well.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:

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’ve used the Abbree 42.5 antenna and they have worked very well. A little bulky but well worth it.

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

Could you, or another member with knowledge recommend a mobile based option (ham/cb/whatever) for the ignorant such as myself to get started? I'll certainly start another thread if that's the best option. Thank you.

Thanks Para, I've also been watching his channel. Lots of videos to watch. I can't imagine the learning curve without YouTube. Started fiddling with the radio last night. I looked up my local repeater and assigned it to a channel. I figured out pushing the CALL button will change it to FM. Also. In Frequency Mode, press and hold the scan (*) will scan the band and if you set up the SC-REC to SE, it will stop so you can write it down. Chirp programming will be after I'm more familiar with all the functions and buttons. I haven't thought about uhf/vhf this much since adjusting the settings on the back of the TV to stabilize the picture, ha.



The movie Contact make more sense now

Really enjoying this, I programmed in the FRS/GMRS channels and I was picking up two guys broadcasting 38 miles away while I was in my basement, walked over to the window and signal got even better. This is really starting to get fun. Need more accessories. OH NO!!!! Rabbit hole!!!!!

I tried to order the Baofeng USB-C-charging extended battery. Ordered it yesterday via Amazon and I got a message this morning from the seller saying my address is currently unavailable, which I suppose means they don't have delivery for this area right now, which is weird because Amazon would be delivering it.

I looked into the seller and they're brand new on Amazon, a Chinese vendor, so I cancelled the order. The version with the mini plug is available readily, but does anyone know where I can get the version which uses a USB-A to USB-C charging cable?

Para, not sure how you feel about Aliexpress, but I see they are available with free shipping around $15.00

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I tried to order the Baofeng USB-C-charging extended battery. Ordered it yesterday via Amazon and I got a message this morning from the seller saying my address is currently unavailable, which I suppose means they don't have delivery for this area right now, which is weird because Amazon would be delivering it.

I looked into the seller and they're brand new on Amazon, a Chinese vendor, so I cancelled the order. The version with the mini plug is available readily, but does anyone know where I can get the version which uses a USB-A to USB-C charging cable?

On those large 3800 mAh batteries, note that the ones I got years ago required you to dremel off 3 plastic raised "shoulders" where the battery mates with the bottom of the radio body. This may have changed over the years, but back when I got into these this mod was well known. Take a look at the pic of the areas to be releived.

quote:

Originally posted by fischtown7:
Para, not sure how you feel about Aliexpress, but I see they are available with free shipping around $15.00

Thanks, but I wouldn't order anything from those people.

I don't know if this is the same you tried to order but it shows delivery for me between 2/21 and 3/14. from the Baofeng store.

https://www.amazon.com/Baofeng...%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-19

The one with the pin connector has a USB-A so it could be charged off a charging brick as well.

https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng...id=1706987757&sr=8-3