Friday, November 22, 2013

Baofeng GT-3

Thanks to Rob for the pointer... the Baofeng GT-3. I may have to get one for "self-consumption" since it is the "2014 latest Baofeng two way radio with human-oriented features" for only $63 (USD).


"This is the 2014 latest Baofeng two way radio with human-oriented features. Large capacity Li-ion Battery can last for 7-9 hours of continuous use. Small and lightweight, it is small enough to fit in a pants pocket.  Upgraded frame material and black&orange color matching make it more durable and give it a more fashionable appearance. Multi-Language manual is available, including English, German and French. Moreover, it comes with a user-friendly user manual for bringing fabulous user experience. It's the best choice for gifts and self-consumption. 

Features:
* Dual-band handheld transcevier with display function menu on the display "LCD".* DTMF encoded.* Incorporates 105 codes "DCS" and 50 privacy codes "CTCSS" programmable.* Timer transmission "TOT" programmable.* Selecting the Scan Mode.* Built-in RX CTCSS/DCS scan, LED flash.* Programmable by PC.* Dual Watch/dual reception.* Level Threshold "Squelch" adjustable from 0 to 9.* Crossband reception.
Specifications:
* Memory channels: Up to 128 channels* Frequency stability: 2.5ppm* Antenna impedance: 50 ohm* Operating temperature: -20 ~ +60 °C* Supply Voltage: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion mAh 7.4V/1800* Cunsumption in standby: ≤73mA* Cunsumption in reception: 380mA* Cunsumption in transmission: ≤1.4A* Mode of operation: Simplex or semi-duplex"

16 comments:

  1. I can't wait for the Baofeng with the canine-oriented features for my dogs.


    Rob in AZ

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  2. It says "It's the best choice for gifts and self-consumption."
    So if I get really hungry, I can eat it?

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    1. Would you really want to eat something made in China?

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    2. I have had my GT3 for 3 weeks now. I'm very pleased with it, The new hardware inside is different. It seems a bit quieter and more stable, than other models I have purchased from Baofeng, and the audio volume is comparable to the UV-82. The software features are similar to previous Baofeng radios. It is easy to manually program. There is no "free" Baofeng software for this GT-3 model yet. Chirp does not have it yet either. I chose RT Systems programming software, which make it very easy to program. I have used it on a local repeater systems here. And changing repeaters is a simple process. The screen has a black background, and is very easy to program by computer. Transmitting is clear, and other contacts have said the audio is crisp, and quite running at 5 watts. I have used the radio for simplex operation, and clarity of voice on flat open terrain is exceptional for 2 - 4 miles. Repeater operation is solid also. I also like the Baofeng UV82. In addition I have a ICOM ID 51 D-Star radio, but find myself on the Baofeng's most of the time for general use. Also because I cannot use a earmic on the ICOM radio without an adapter. Overall I'm very pleased with this Baofeng GT-3. Top items that make this radio very worth while:
      1. Light weight, (Due to the closed cell plastic)
      2. Compact size (Even the rubber antenna is small, but does not compromise on gain).
      3. Improved hardware exceeds previous models.
      4. Unique look compared to other Baofeng radios.
      5, Better hardware and performance for 2014.
      The Chinese seem to be listening to their american customer pool.

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    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    4. Actually there IS Baofeng software :)

      Here is where you need to look:
      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baofeng-gt-3/files/

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  3. It looks like yet another UV-5R to me. I wonder if the said "upgrades" really make any difference. If you buy each flavor of the UV-5R, you'll be throwing your money away for almost the exact same features. I do admit, however, these are fun to collect. So far, my favorite performer is the UV-82.

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    1. i notice someone had this vedio to compare GT-3 with UV-5R, maybe it is really be upgraded.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zap9N4XN6gc

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  4. I have one on order, and the Yahoo group created. Let's see if this one is really special, or just the same old radio in different clothes, like all the rest have been. I have an original, so I can compare.

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    1. Hans sees changes, but as you say, we'll have to see if they are better or just different.

      http://hamgear.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/baofeng-gt-3-might-be-different-after-all/

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    2. can't wait for your review , how can i join your group?

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    3. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baofeng-gt-3/

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  5. I am surprised Baofeng dosen't do something truly special like making a radio that does 2m, 220, and 440, or something similar to the IC-T8A which does 6m, 2m, and 440. This would be a feature that I would be willing to buy several more of these over.

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    Replies
    1. That's souds interesting! but I'd prefer UV-5R for it is small and cheap. Anyway it is really the cheapest and functional radio than any others

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    2. The interesting thing is that these radios have the chipset to do 220 in addition to 2m/440. If you read up on the SDR chipset inside the radio, it's pretty awesome. Something smaller than the tip of your pinky is a fully tri-band radio, needing only an external microcontroller and some choke filters between it and the antenna to operate.

      In fact, the UV-3R mark 2 can be software modded to do to 220. I did that with mine and it makes a great tri-band radio. I put on a Jetstream 144/220/440 antenna on it and I can use it just fine on the local repeaters.

      Admittedly, the 220 transmit operation is not as good as it is on 144/440, so you're going to be just under 1W of power. But for my local 220 repeater, it works great. I would not recommend attempting to transmit 220 using the stock antenna, you could burn up your radio that way.

      From what I have seen, the UV-5R line doesn't allow this and the filters filter out the 220mhz range. There is this page: http://www.brickolore.com/2013/04/baofeng-uv-5r-tri-band.html where someone claims otherwise, but in the comments, it didn't work for others.

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