Showing posts with label Baofeng. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baofeng. Show all posts

Friday, July 17, 2020

Intellectual Discourse - Ham Radio Reddit

First - Baofeng Bucks:
"Chinese communist party takes your Baofeng bucks and puts them right in the 'turn America into one big concentration camp' fund. They don't want you dead, they want your whole life. Call me crazy, see what happens.

EDIT: Changed 'Baofeng dollars' to 'Baofeng bucks' because it's funnier."

"Japanese anime porn artists take your Yaesu Yen and put them right into the "get Americans addicted to tentacle hentai" fund. They don't want you dead, they want your whole life. Call me crazy, see what happens."

Friday, July 13, 2018

BTECH DMR-6X2: Firmware Updates

Baofeng Tech has released a firmware update for the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89). You can sign up here to get e-mails when they release new firmware.

Changes in 1.01:
Added Support for Multiple DMR IDs
Allow Timeslot Switching as a Side Key Option
Added International Metric Support to the GPS
Allows the Auto-Repeater to be Enabled within a specific frequency range, Auto-Repeater can be seperated between A & B VFO
Minor Bug Fixes

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Radioddity Giveaway

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

BaofengTech DMR-6X2 Review by Miklor

John got his hands on the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89) and his review is here...

He starts:
"Several Dual Band DMR handhelds have been introduced into the market in the past few months. Having owned most of them, I would have to place this one toward the very top of the list. The DMR-6X2 is both VHF and UHF, Tier II DMR digital as well as a FM analog with many features geared strictly toward ham radio use."
And concludes:
"If you think the BTECH DMR-6X2 very closely resembles a D868UV, you are correct, but it is definitely not simply a rebadged Anytone. There are features and enhancements that set these two radios apart. I think BTECH was wise to wait for the bugs to be ironed out before introducing the 6X2 to the market.

If you're waiting for this radio to drop down in price, don't hold your breath. Its features and performance make it well worth the price."
Lots of good stuff in the middle, so read the whole thing.

Friday, June 22, 2018

BaofengTech DMR-6X2 Digital (DMR)

From the BaoFeng Tech website:
"BTECH DMR-6X2 Digital (DMR) & Analog Two-Way Radio (with GPS and Recording) 
The BTECH DMR-6X2 is the most versatile dual-band DMR radio available. Designed for both amateur and commercial usage with its large, bright 1.77" color TFT display.The DMR-6X2 can store 4,000 Channels with 10,000 Talk Groups and 150,000 Contacts. 
The DMR-6X2 is a true dual slot DMR radio compatible with DMR Tier I & 2"



Available via Amazon for $169.89.

Monday, February 26, 2018

BTECH AMP-25 Series Amplifiers - Miklor Reivew

Miklor reviews the BTECH AMP-25 and concludes:

I was glad to see someone finally develop what is a full featured mobile amplifier capable of DMR as well as all other modes that is small enough to mount in the car, boat, and on top of your computer. This amplifier is Part 90 certified and definitely worth considering.
BTECH AMP-V25 Amplifier for VHF (136-174MHz)
BTECH AMP-U25 Amplifier for UHF (400-480MHz)

Friday, February 23, 2018

BTECH AMP-25 Series Amplifiers

"The AMP-25 series do more than just amplify a signal, they also purify your signal as it passes through! We are also thrilled to present a whole new way to connect with amplifiers, allowing you to use a handheld mic and built-in speaker - just as if it were a mobile or base radio (but at a significantly lower cost)."


Prices range from $88 to $105 based on the model.

BTECH AMP-V25 Amplifier for VHF (136-174MHz)
BTECH AMP-U25 Amplifier for UHF (400-480MHz)


Monday, January 29, 2018

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: DMR HT

Based on the UV-5R form factor, Radioddity is releasing a new DMR HT... the RD-5R:
As the first Radioddity-Baofeng co-produced DMR, RD-5R is featured with solid quality and affordable price. The FM radio function, LED flashlight and built in VFO mode make it stands out from other DMRs.
Sticked with classical design of the 5R family, this time RD-5R is a true dual band dual time slot DMR.
Fingers crossed that this will be a better radio than the DM-5R. Projected price is approximately $70 USD. In the comments, they note that the "RD-5R share pretty much the same CPS with GD-77 and hopefully this will make it a lot easier" to program and thus it will have all the GD-77 DMR functionality.




Saturday, January 13, 2018

BaoFeng BF-T3

I saw this post about the BF-T3 on the BaoFeng UV-5R Yahoo Group. I recently looked the BF-T3 up on Amazon and it looks like it is being sold under a bunch of different names. That's not uncommon for these Chinese radios to be rebranded.
"BaoFeng has a new HT. 
Over the past several months I had been exchanging occasional emails with a “Robert Frost” who had been asking me questions about the features needed or desired in a new Amateur Radio. Recently he informed me that BaoFeng has a new radio about to be released and he asked me to review it. I agreed, and they sent me a pair of their newest radio. This is NOT an amateur radio, and it does not even resemble anything we had talked about in the previous emails. This is a traditional FRS radio – complete with blister pack packaging. (See pictures 1-3) 

The radio is the BF-T3 “Walkie Talkie Set” sold in two-pack. The package contains two HTs and a User’s Manual printed on both sides of a single large sheet of paper. (Pictures 8-11)
Interestingly enough, there is a barcode sticker on the package that I received but not a UPC code (perhaps an Amazon item number code, these radios are now available on Amazon at $17-18 a pair). The barcode sticker shows the product as “Kids Walkie Talkies BaoFen.” (Picture 2)
The package includes the FCC logo that is supposed to mean Part 15 compliance, but nothing on or with these radios indicates that they are actually approved for FRS use (although they do appear to meet all the requirements for the new 22 channel FRS radios that go into effect with the revision of Part 95.)  
...
The radios themselves are black with silver trim and look pretty much the same as most other FRS radios other than that these have no knobs and 9 buttons to control the radio. The size is appropriate for average tween to adult hands but might be a bit large for smaller children. The PTT button is labeled TALK and is located at the center front of the radio not on the side. The speaker grill appears larger than it actually is. (Picture 3)

The User Manual (pictures 8-11) contains a few minor errors but is far better than the manuals provided with the vast majority of Chinese radios. The manual is what I would call an Almost-Final-Draft and seems to have been written as the radio was being designed rather than after the radio itself was fully completed. For example, at one point the User Manual says “There are two kinds of sub-channels:” and then goes on to describe CTCSS, but it never does mention the other kind (presumably DCS, which this radio doesn’t have). 
Each radio uses three AAA size batteries. The area where the batteries go is sized to hold four AAA batteries but there are only contacts for three. (Pictures 6-7)

In true BaoFeng style, these FRS radios also include the LED light on the top (on/off only, no flashing setting). (Picture 4). The Push-to-talk (PPT) button is the large button on the front center of the radio, and is labeled TALK. Other buttons are labeled LAMP (turns the flashlight on and off); a Z shaped arrow (activates scanning); a musical note (sends the call tone); Up and Down pointing triangles (increase and decrease the volume, also change the settings in each of the menus); MON (the monitor button); MENU with a picture of a padlock (press the button one to four times to bring up different menus, press and hold to lock the keypad); and the power button with the common power on/off icon. (Pictures 3 & 11)
Hand a pair of these radios to a couple of six year olds and they will quickly figure out how to use them, although they probably won't be able to change the channel, the CTCSS tones, or the call tones. 
Speaking of the call tones, the package (picture 2) says five of the call tones are animal sounds -- fortunately this is not true. All the call tones are typical computer style ring tones and musical riffs.
Other than the unusual position of the TALK button, these radios work pretty much just as you would expect of any 500mW FRS radio. Audio is reasonably clear. Range is nowhere close to the claimed "3KM Call Range Distance" but in my suburban location they worked reliably for about 1/2 mile (about 0.8 KM) which would be typical for this sort of radio. I'm sure the call tones would be audible at longer distances than ordinary voice. These radios might manage 3KM from one mountain top to another or between a pair of boats on a large lake, but not on the ground in a normal urban or suburban area. The range claim on the package is no worse than those on any other FRS radio that I have seen. All FRS radios claim much more range than the radios actually accomplish. 
One feature that really does not work is the belt clip on the back of the radio (pictures 5 & 6). These are molded rigid plastic. You might be able to thread a belt through the clip, but unless the belt is VERY thin, you won't be able to slip the radio on and off the belt using it as a belt clip should function. Also, the catch that is supposed to hold the clip on the radio isn't very secure. The clip comes off the radio easier than it would go on or off a belt. 
One thing not visible in the photos is the earphone/mic jack on the top of the radio (picture 4) between the LED light and the fixed antenna. The User Manual says that this jack is for an earphone/microphone and that you need to use the one provided or it could damage the radio. There was no earphone included in the package (and no place for any earphone). Based on the warning I didn't try experimenting by plugging anything into the jack, but I would hope that it takes the same earphone/mic as most cell phones.

Overall, the BF-T3 radios are perhaps a little better than the typical 500mW FRS radio of a few years ago. They certainly work well enough for my grand-daughter and her husband to use back and forth around the stable and field while taking care of the horses. I don't know what price BaoFeng has in mind for these radios. Anywhere under $20 for the pair, I'd consider them a reasonable. If the price were above that, most people would be better served stepping up to a better radio."

Thursday, January 11, 2018

Baofeng BF-T1 (BF-9100) on Facebook

"1. When using the amateur radio band of 70cm, then the 2nd harmonic is approximately -30dBc (dB relative to carrier). No detectable 3rd harmonic.
2. These radios appear as though they can be used on the 2m amateur radio band, by going into the programming system.
HOWEVER! When transmitting on 2m. The fundamental is very low and the 2nd and 3rd harmonics are GREATER than the fundamental. Therefore I conclude that these radios must not be used on frequencies, different to those stated by the manufacturer."

BF-T1 measurements via SDR dongle (so take them for what they are worth):
"I have received and programmed the Baofeng T1 but i may have some problems with it. While it works correctly in the UHF it outputs only very low power in VHF."
I agree with Jim:
"It isn't designed to TX on VHF. You should only program VHF frequencies for RX only. For example NOAA weather radio reception."
You can pick one up for cheap on Amazon:


Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Baofeng BF-T1 (BF-9100)

Some interesting stuff about the Baofeng BF-T1 that Ivan Hazelton shared* on the original BF-T1 post:
Good news! With the programming cable you can program this little rig with 20 channels 400-520MHz and 130-174MHz. Now be aware that the antenna is ... sub-optimal for the 130-174MHz so a suitable replacement will need to be MacGyvered. It'll be great to have a little, >$20, 4oz, disposable, dual band rig. It goes by another name BF-9100A, and the software to program it can be found here or direct linked here (.rar file).  The cable does use a fake PL-2303 serial chip, so you'll also need the drivers off the same page, or direct linked here (.rar file)
Direct link to BF-9100A/BF-T1 Manual (.doc).
Also, it has CHIRP support.

*I've done some editing so the links work.

Friday, January 5, 2018

Friday, September 8, 2017

Baofeng Tech: MURS-V1

The kind folks at Baofeng Tech sent me a couple of their new BTECH MURS-V1 radios. They introduce the MURS-V1 this way:
"MURS is a two-way, VHF short-distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public.

The MURS-V1 is a great introduction to two-way radios as a step-up from common walkie talkies. The MURS-V1 introduces users to common PL (Private Line) tones and terminology. Standard CTCSS and DCS terminology is used without abstract Menu terms (such as "Tone 12") used by bubble-pack radios."
I'll have to recruit the help of my crack team to help me test these MURS radios out.


Thursday, June 1, 2017

BaoFeng Tech X-Series Mobiles

I'm way behind on the BaoFeng Tech mobiles, so I'm spending some time looking at them. Who all grabbed one of these? Comments? The UV-25X4 has the highest ratings on Amazon - averaging 4.6 stars over 21 reviews.

The X-Series:
"The X-Series Mobiles introduce our new fully customizable Multi-Color LCD display screen. You can adjust the complete display to be exactly as you want it (with 9 available colors across 10 display elements). Beyond the display, you can fully customize your channels to display their alpha-numeric names or frequency settings.
The X-Series Mobiles also introduces our new dual sync mode! With this option, you can single or dual sync two different channels and display both their frequency and name simultaneously. If you prefer instead to monitor up to four channels; you can single line display a channel's name or frequency. Additionally, as a new feature added: you can even monitor both VFO (frequency) and channel modes simultaneously.

Another feature introduced in the X-Series mobiles is the ability to edit your channel preferences without needing to program a new channel! You can edit tones, additional squelch information, and even add or remove it from your scanning list anytime!

Scanning channels and frequencies has now gotten even easier! A new menu allows you to select scanning resume methods. You can set the radio to start scanning immediately during reboot, resume scanning if you interrupt scanning to transmit, or start scanning soon as it powers on."

BTECH UV-25X2 - 25 watt dual band mobile
BaoFeng Tech link
Amazon link ($114.89)



BTECH UV-25X4 - 25 watt quad band mobile