Bought one of these the other day. I have read mixed reviews about the radio. However, the review dates were varied with the not so good reviews in older posts. The most current reviews seem to be more favorable now that Baofeng seemed to have made some improvements.
The firmware on my UV-5R seems to be the most up-to-date being BFB311. Although power up version check shows BFB297. So at least I have the most current firmware.
The radio is very light weight and feels small in my hand. Regardless of that, it also feels comfortable. My first handheld was a Kenwood from the early 90's but I do not remember the model number. I just remember it was large and expensive. (added: TR-2500 was the radio.)
The main problem with the Baofeng, as reported by other even in current reviews, is the supplied antenna. I have found it to be adequate while others not. In SoCal, I can hit the Palomar repeater (20+ miles) and the Catalina Island repeater (60+ miles). Granted, these repeaters have elevation on them so that is a factor. I have ordered, but not received, a dual band antenna that is suppose to be much better.
Now that I have this radio, I plan on working SO-50 (Saudisat 1C) when it does its fly-by. I believe that is just about the only remaining satellite with dual band FM. There are a few others but I think they are now out of service.
Overall, this seems to be a good buy. Not only can I work the ham bands, the radio can be programmed for MURS bands and Marine bands. There is no FCC certification for these two bands, but we know when in an emergency, one uses what one has available. So my radio has the MURS and several of the Marine frequencies programmed.
I selected the UV-5R over the 5RA, 5R+, and 5RA+ because of the battery compatibility. The 5R will take the 3800ma battery without modification. The other radios require some kind of modification to the battery in order to fit. All the radios are basically the same except for minor cosmetics and case design.
This radio would make a great standby radio for the boat. It is small, compact, and so far has good battery life. Not bad for <$50.00.
The firmware on my UV-5R seems to be the most up-to-date being BFB311. Although power up version check shows BFB297. So at least I have the most current firmware.
The radio is very light weight and feels small in my hand. Regardless of that, it also feels comfortable. My first handheld was a Kenwood from the early 90's but I do not remember the model number. I just remember it was large and expensive. (added: TR-2500 was the radio.)
The main problem with the Baofeng, as reported by other even in current reviews, is the supplied antenna. I have found it to be adequate while others not. In SoCal, I can hit the Palomar repeater (20+ miles) and the Catalina Island repeater (60+ miles). Granted, these repeaters have elevation on them so that is a factor. I have ordered, but not received, a dual band antenna that is suppose to be much better.
Now that I have this radio, I plan on working SO-50 (Saudisat 1C) when it does its fly-by. I believe that is just about the only remaining satellite with dual band FM. There are a few others but I think they are now out of service.
Overall, this seems to be a good buy. Not only can I work the ham bands, the radio can be programmed for MURS bands and Marine bands. There is no FCC certification for these two bands, but we know when in an emergency, one uses what one has available. So my radio has the MURS and several of the Marine frequencies programmed.
I selected the UV-5R over the 5RA, 5R+, and 5RA+ because of the battery compatibility. The 5R will take the 3800ma battery without modification. The other radios require some kind of modification to the battery in order to fit. All the radios are basically the same except for minor cosmetics and case design.
This radio would make a great standby radio for the boat. It is small, compact, and so far has good battery life. Not bad for <$50.00.