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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:51:34 PM EST
Ham talkies have gotten dirt-cheap in recent years, thanks mostly to the entry of several Chinese manufacturers.
The Baofeng UV-B5 is the latest example: It delivers very respectable performance on two of the most popular VHF/UHF ham bands (plus coverage of a lot of other services) for less than 45 bucks* - and that price includes a 2000 mAH Li-Ion battery, drop-in battery charger, flexible antenna, and shipping charges. 
*EDIT: Since this thread was started, prices have dropped drastically. Check the most recent posts for current prices. Skib's Advice: If you've ever had even the slightest interest in ham radio (either for SHTF communications or casual use), GET ONE. You won't regret it. User reviews HERE. Miklor's UV-B5 info, programming tips, etc. HERE. UPDATE: Some of the programming cables available for this radio can be "problematic" - If you haven't ordered a programming cable yet (or are having problems with the one you already have), be sure to read the comments by AJ_Dual and blwngazkit, starting on page 23. Good-Quality, Hassle-Free Programming Cables: Serial Programming Cable from Kawamall (with DB-9 computer connector) HERE USB Programming Cable from Kawamall (with USB computer connector) HERE Serial and USB Programming Cables from Import Communications HERE Free Programming Software: CHIRP Programming Software (NOTE: The Daily Build version is strongly recommended for this radio - Get it HERE) Baofeng's own programming software for the UV-B5 and -B6 HERE* (7-Zip unachiving program for opening .rar file HERE) *NOTE: The Baofeng software installs with Chinese as the default language. To change it to English, press ALT S to get to the Settings Menu, then L, select English with your mouse and hit Enter. ARFCOM thread about programming the Baofeng UV-5R radio (which is similar to this UV-B5) HERE Find the ham repeaters in your area HERE or HERE Get Yer Ham License: ar-jedi's CAN'T FAIL Ham Radio License Thread: HERE Find a ham radio license exam in your area HERE A couple of Tech license online study guides HERE and HERE Ham license test questions pool here SCWolverine's Fo Time! ham radio podcast HERE Already Got 'Er List: Over the course of this thread, these folks have announced that they got or upgraded their ham license: 1387Delta 30Caliber 77biker34 Aggie94 AJ_Dual Aloxite bc5000 Bizill Blue_Monkey bluefalcon blwngazkit Brundoggie BUGMERC CaptainSkullet dcrocky81 DeadHorse Dragracer_Art Eight Forest Gixxersixxer Gus1974 JaxRolo jbirdious jeffmx5 JoeRedman jjwheeler2 klinc KlingtonHtr LeadRain Lincoln6 LonghunterCO mackelroy maggiethecat MattNificent Mazeman MCSquared MekEnginery medic_man MoparMike Mugzilla ncjeeper76 otar ourichie Pacs Pauperis Pevrs114 Pogo55 Popov PrivateFuzzy qqqq33 RamblinWreck RangerVA regalrocket rod727 rsqhobbs seca40 SirSqueeboo Skillshot SpaceBalls stimpsonjcat tc2k11 telecomkos TNC wastegate wwace yankee56 That's 66.. 
ETA: Added jbirdious, Aloxite, yankee56, Bizill, regalrocket, telecomkos, ncjeeper76, jeffmx5, TNC, Eight, AJ_Dual, otar, SirSqueeboo, Aggie94, PrivateFuzzy, RangerVA, medic_man. dcrocky81, seca40, Pevrs114, LonghunterCO, rsqhobbs, CaptainSkullet, JoeRedman, MCSquared, Lincoln6, jjwheeler2, JaxRolo, Skillshot, 30Caliber, qqqq33, Mugzilla, Blue_Monkey, Pauperis, Forest, ourichie, wwace and MekEnginery to the list. If I overlooked anyone, please PM me! |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:53:12 PM EST
[#1]
What's the point of hamming?
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:53:30 PM EST
[#2]
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:56:02 PM EST
[#3]
How are these different from the UV-5Rs?
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:58:02 PM EST
[#4]
Quoted:
What's the point of hamming? It's bulletproof communication, come hell or high water. Since it doesn't rely on infrastructure or the whims of governments, it remains usable when most other methods of communication fail. Quoted:
How are these different from the UV-5Rs? MUCH better performance. The B5 version is newer, and corrects most of the flaws in the 5R version. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 8:59:37 PM EST
[#5]
I might recommend that if it wasn't a Chinese product. I absolutely don't buy Chinese crap if I can possibly avoid it.
It is a neat radio but the political aspect of buying a Chinese product means I won't be buying one. The last new radio I purchased: Motorola APX 6000. Cost: 2573 dollars. I made a 500 dollar profit off it in less than 24 hours. If I could afford to spend that much money for a radio toy, I'd buy another one. It was seriously impressive.  |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:03:44 PM EST
[#6]
Do you need a license to use it?
What can you listen to on it? It's obvious that I know nothing about ham radios. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:04:59 PM EST
[#7]
Quoted: Do you need a license to use it? What can you listen to on it? It's obvious that I know nothing about ham radios. Yes Talk to other people As stated, viable communication if/when shit happens |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:06:22 PM EST
[#8]
Yes, you need a license to operate any amateur (ham) radio.
The license requires proof of knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to amateur radio. It'a hobby to get into, not a thing in a box you buy off the shelf. I do not recommend you get into ham radio unless you WANT to talk to other hams at various locations, locally, nationwide, and globally, depending on what radio bands you operate on. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:08:03 PM EST
[#9]
If the SHTF you will be able to communicate with one of the big boys via 2M within your radius who is in contact with the rest of the world via HF. That is my theory on at least getting your basic ticket.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:11:13 PM EST
[#10]
Quoted:
Yes, you need a license to operate any amateur (ham) radio. The license requires proof of knowledge of the rules and regulations pertaining to amateur radio. It'a hobby to get into, not a thing in a box you buy off the shelf. I do not recommend you get into ham radio unless you WANT to talk to other hams at various locations, locally, nationwide, and globally, depending on what radio bands you operate on. Thanks, for SHTF I can see how one would be very handy. For now though, I think a good police scanner would be more handy. Would it double as a police scanner by chance, or is that something completely different? |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:15:08 PM EST
[#11]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Do you need a license to use it? What can you listen to on it? It's obvious that I know nothing about ham radios. Yes Talk to other people As stated, viable communication if/when shit happens Technically, you need a license to transmit with it. You don't need any license to listen with it - and this radio covers a lot of non-ham frequencies, which makes for some interesting listening. Eventually, you'll probably want a ham license, to get your feet wet with using the radio to talk to other folks. Getting the license is easy and cheap - Typically, around 15 bucks. Would it double as a police scanner by chance, or is that something completely different?
It has the ability to receive and scan many of the same frequencies used by some police departments. However, it doesn't handle "trunking" or encrypted signals. As a scanner, it's barely adequate. However, unlike any scanner, this radio also gives you the ability to transmit. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:17:31 PM EST
[#12]
can you use it to call someone's phone?
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:19:03 PM EST
[#13]
Quoted: If there is a phone patch in the area, yes.can you use it to call someone's phone? |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:21:06 PM EST
[#14]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If there is a phone patch in the area, yes.
can you use it to call someone's phone? But everyone will be able to hear the call. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:21:43 PM EST
[#15]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If there is a phone patch in the area, yes.
can you use it to call someone's phone? thanks. . what are the chances of that in an urban area? |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:23:02 PM EST
[#16]
Quoted: YupQuoted: Quoted: If there is a phone patch in the area, yes.can you use it to call someone's phone? But everyone will be able to hear the call. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:24:24 PM EST
[#17]
It could have come in handy a few years ago here in s.w. tn. An ice storm knocked out the phones and damn near everything else.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:25:52 PM EST
[#18]
Quoted:
I might recommend that if it wasn't a Chinese product. I absolutely don't buy Chinese crap if I can possibly avoid it. It is a neat radio but the political aspect of buying a Chinese product means I won't be buying one. The last new radio I purchased: Motorola APX 6000. Cost: 2573 dollars. I made a 500 dollar profit off it in less than 24 hours. If I could afford to spend that much money for a radio toy, I'd buy another one. It was seriously impressive. http://i950.photobucket.com/albums/ad345/VolEms/apx2.jpg My organization has motorola HTs on five licensed channels. They're getting old and funky. I can get probably four Baofeng replacements for what a battery would cost on the Motorola. I've got a tester on it's way now. $21 through Amazon. I understand the reservations, and I share the emotional reaction, but I can't ignore the economics. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:26:15 PM EST
[#19]
Quoted: Hard to sayQuoted: Quoted: If there is a phone patch in the area, yes.can you use it to call someone's phone? thanks. . what are the chances of that in an urban area? Its up to the person/club that owns the repeater. We had one in the last city I lived in. I used it once Kind of cool. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:26:22 PM EST
[#20]
Interesting.
What if I'm willing to spend a bit more for better quality/features? Say, around $150. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:27:44 PM EST
[#21]
How hard is the test and what is involved in taking it? Is it online?
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:29:25 PM EST
[#22]
Quoted: It isnt hard..................I passed it. How hard is the test and what is involved in taking it? Is it online? Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile  Have to take it in person You can do practice tests online though. Very helpful |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:33:35 PM EST
[#23]
The battery thing kinda concerns me. Are there nice radios that will use COTS batteries (say CR123's or TR18650's) or are you locked in to proprietary power packs?
Thanks for the reminder too. This is one of those will-get-to-it things that keeps getting pushed back. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:34:55 PM EST
[#24]
We have tornados her in MS. I have been around a few where Cell towers were down and Ham radio was the only way to communicate. I also use them for scanning weather and local Sheriffs Dept. I take a HT when I travel and can usually find something good to listen to. Plus mine all do FM and AM radio stations.As much as I prefer HF, I just put a new VHF/UHF in the car this weekend.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:36:16 PM EST
[#25]
Virtually EVERY two way radio on the market has a battery pack type which is unique to that radio or to a small number of related radio models.
This is standard. It's how the industry works. I can probably identify at least a hundred radio types by looking at their unique battery types alone. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:39:55 PM EST
[#26]
Quoted:
If the SHTF you will be able to communicate with one of the big boys via 2M within your radius who is in contact with the rest of the world via HF. That's a good way of looking at it. The 2 meter and 70 cm ham bands have enough range to handle local and regional communication (i.e., up to several hundred miles) - which is well within the scope of most emergencies and disasters. Furthermore, many of the hams you would be talking to within that region also have HF rigs - which have world-wide reach. So, basically, a 45 dollar talkie gives you the ability to send or receive information to/from anywhere on the planet - without any reliance on the internet, the power grid, or governmental permission. Quoted:
The battery thing kinda concerns me. Are there nice radios that will use COTS batteries (say CR123's or TR18650's) or are you locked in to proprietary power packs? For many ham talkies, you can buy battery cases that will accept AA cells. This allows you to use common Alkaline, 1.5 volt lithium or NiMH batteries. AFAIK, there aren't any battery cases available for this particular Baofeng model yet (due mostly to the fact that it's a brand-new model). |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:41:00 PM EST
[#27]
Quoted: The battery thing kinda concerns me. Are there nice radios that will use COTS batteries (say CR123's or TR18650's) or are you locked in to proprietary power packs? Thanks for the reminder too. This is one of those will-get-to-it things that keeps getting pushed back. For my ht I have a 5000 mAh Li-po battery pack as a back up power source. Two 18650s would also work great. Or any size of a 12v battery. I also have the two AA internal pack. With 14500s installed it can operate on all but the highest transmission power.  
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:42:26 PM EST
[#28]
A few years back we had a tornado come through here.
Some of the members of the radio club in Lincoln that I was a part of came to town and set up the communications for the clean up efforts. Ham operators are also storm spotters and use their radios for emergency weather reports. If youre into that kind of thing. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:45:12 PM EST
[#29]
Might have to get the Technician's now just for giggles. Tagging. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:45:23 PM EST
[#30]
Quoted:
Interesting. What if I'm willing to spend a bit more for better quality/features? Say, around $150. This. Another HAM thread to tease me... Like a fish to something shiny, I may bite the ham if it looks yummy. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:47:05 PM EST
[#31]
You less than $100 you could have a way to communicate around the world. Pretty hard to beat that. $15 to take the tech exam.
I used this book to get my license, now my wife is using it for hers. Pretty idiot proof. http://www.amazon.com/Whisperers-Technician-Class-License-Course/dp/1456484818/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369622697&sr=8-1&keywords=ham+whisperer Same dude did some youtube videos too. http://www.hamwhisperer.com/ |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:47:36 PM EST
[#32]
Quoted:
Do you need a license to use it? What can you listen to on it? It's obvious that I know nothing about ham radios. Everything you could possibly need HERE.. Unhotlinked url: http://www.eham.net/ Free practice tests to your heart's content. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:48:09 PM EST
[#33]
Quoted: Getting into the HF side, you can do digital modes.Quoted: Interesting. What if I'm willing to spend a bit more for better quality/features? Say, around $150. This. Another HAM thread to tease me... Like a fish to something shiny, I may bite the ham if it looks yummy. Making the antennas is pretty fun. A simple wire can be made into an antenna. Im running a TNC and operating Packet right now as I type. There are many facets in ham radio to explore. You can even "talk through" satellites to other hams in other parts of the country. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:48:40 PM EST
[#34]
Quoted:
Virtually EVERY two way radio on the market has a battery pack type which is unique to that radio or to a small number of related radio models. This is standard. It's how the industry works. I can probably identify at least a hundred radio types by looking at their unique battery types alone. While this is true to an extent, most handhelds geared towards the Amateur market have AA battery cases as an accessory. To any perspective hams, just remember, BRD also stands for Black Radio Disease.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:48:51 PM EST
[#35]
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:49:09 PM EST
[#36]
KB, you on the air?
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:50:20 PM EST
[#37]
Quoted: Interesting. What if I'm willing to spend a bit more for better quality/features? Say, around $150. I just bought one of these, a mobile unit, much more power but requires a 12V source and antenna. http://www.mtcradio.com/kenwood-tm-281a-144-mhz-mobile-with-free-shipping/ |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:50:53 PM EST
[#38]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Interesting. What if I'm willing to spend a bit more for better quality/features? Say, around $150. This. Another HAM thread to tease me... Like a fish to something shiny, I may bite the ham if it looks yummy. I'm still very new to this all, but I'm trying to do it as cheaply as possible. When you look at a $45 radio, do keep in mind the upgraded antenna, extra batteries, power adapters, maybe a mag mount antenna for the car... It'll add up. From what I've seen, $150 is still "shady chinese radio" or used gear prices. Good radios are friggin expensive. ETA- whoa at that Kenwood above!
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:51:24 PM EST
[#39]
Quoted:
What if I'm willing to spend a bit more for better quality/features? Say, around $150. The Yaesu FT-60R is a rugged, well-proven dual-band talkie. Several hundred user reviews here. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:57:56 PM EST
[#40]
Took it up as a new hobby after cell service was knocked out for a week. Repeaters around here are very disappointing. Its all full of 65+ y/os who go apeshit if you dont follow their protocols to a T and will ONLY talk about their radio gear. Oh well atleast I have powerful walkie talkies for camping
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:59:05 PM EST
[#41]
Tag for interest.
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Posted: 5/26/2013 9:59:13 PM EST
[#42]
Old tech long forgotten not needing any outside support.
If your cell chokes and internet is down. Really what is going to let you know what the rest of the world is doing? It's not like it costs a lot of money. 
I think I could find a spot for this. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:01:44 PM EST
[#43]
Breaker breaker you got your ears on Bandit?
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:02:30 PM EST
[#44]
Two weeks ago I was talking to a guy in China on my little hand held radio. That was sorta cool. Another thing to consider, when there is an emergency, cell towers can get over loaded with calls. This could make your cell phone into a paper weight. Just something to know, if you don't have your Call Sign, most people with not talk to you. Take the 32 question test and get your license if your going to play with ham radio... There is 5 year olds that passed it, its not hard. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:03:10 PM EST
[#45]
SHTF? If you want to use your radio in a SHTF or WROL situation, what is the FCC going to say about that? You want to stay legal, or are you OK with guerrilla operations?
It's happened. Amateur Radio in WWII |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:03:17 PM EST
[#46]
This thread should be moved to the "Ham Radio" section. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:03:17 PM EST
[#47]
Quoted: Breaker breaker you got your ears on Bandit? |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:03:52 PM EST
[#48]
Quoted: This thread should be moved to the "Ham Radio" section. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:09:04 PM EST
[#49]
That little radio is enough to talk to the International Space Station.
The only limiting factor really is the antenna. |
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Posted: 5/26/2013 10:11:45 PM EST
[#50]
Quoted: Took it up as a new hobby after cell service was knocked out for a week. Repeaters around here are very disappointing. Its all full of 65+ y/os who go apeshit if you dont follow their protocols to a T and will ONLY talk about their radio gear. Oh well atleast I have powerful walkie talkies for camping Have you looked into IRLP or Echolink? You can download Echolink onto your phone and "dial up" nodes and repeaters all over the world. You can also check for a IRLP node. This will let you connect to any other node in the world. Just dial up the node number on your key pad and your there. Im on the Western Reflector or WinSystem a lot of the time. Plus, if you need, you can use Ham to get a hold of a Ham outside of your affected area to make a call to friends/loved ones for you. 95% would do that in a heart beat. Just some things to think about... |
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