Baofeng GT-3 vs UV-5X - Scanning Comparison

Baofeng GT-3 vs UV-5X - scanning comparison via Reddit

Baofeng UV-5R: Bugs

If you are having problems with your UV-5R where the receiver is muted, check out Miklor and the BuyTwoWayRadios pages for some common problems and fixes.

From the Miklor page, the affected radios are:

Some newer radios with N5R-20 and N5R-30 firmware.
This is a current firmware that will ship with ALL UV5R series radios. This includes all UV5R, RA, GT-3, BFF8, F8HP, etc.

Baofeng Comparison Chart

I can't recall if I've seen this before, but a pointer in the comments has it back to the top. The image is from the BaofengTech website.

Best and Worst of 2013

I was going to do a list, but I've been lazy busy. Lucky for me, Hans has updated his "China’s Best and Worst" list for 2013. He does his rankings based on the technical analysis.

Looks like I am going to do a list of sorts after all...

HTs
From a non-technical perspective, I would say looking at the GT-3 has been fun. I'd like to get a ZT-2R as its wide-receive might make it a better micro HT to have around than the UV-3R.

Mobiles
I got to play with the KG-UV950P and learned quite a bit during the testing process. (Thanks again to Buy Two Way Radios for the loaner.) I also was really excited about the VV-808 when it appeared as an inexpensive single band mobile.

HF
The Xiegu X1MKII has taken off - so much that I've not kept up with all the news/mods/firmwares/etc. And I wish that I'd see more about the HF-One MKII.

As for 2014, hopefully we will continue to see advances across the board including the digital radios that are starting to appear. (And hopefully I will get a job, too!)

Baofeng GT-3 and BF-E500S

I got a reply from the 409Shop regarding the BF-E500S and if it shared internals with the GT-3:

"sorry, since we haven't GT-3 and we don't know that"

As a reminder, the response from Baofeng said:

"I am sorry that I do not know the radio in 409 shop is same or not with our GT-3. I think you should confirm this with them."

To sum up... your guess is as good as theirs.

Baofeng GT-3: Names

So the story goes like this...

Hans and I found the Baofeng A52 and B-580T a while back.

Rob pointed out the GT-3.

Then Nate found the BF-E500S that appears to be a GT-3.

Now, Martyn says the A52, B-580T, and the GT-3 are all the same.

Applying the transitive property, that would mean A52=B-580T=GT-3=BF-E500S, so I e-mailed Baofeng and asked if the radios were the same and they replied:

"I am sorry that I do not know the radio in 409 shop is same or not with our GT-3. I think you should confirm this with them."

I've tweeted and e-mailed 409Shop with no reply on the BF-E500S yet. Back to the Baofeng reply:

"B580T is same with A52, same internally but different shell with GT-3. "

If they are the same, where did the "BAND" button go?

Baofeng GT-3: Best of Comments

Pulling some good info out the comments left on various posts...

Michael:

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.

Mike (website):

Brick i just got mine today, Cant go wrong with it. 

Pros:
The squelch works now.
Audio sounds much tighter now on the RX at any volume
The radio is more sensitive (at least to me it is)
I can see the screen in very low light when the backlight is not on
The feel of the radio is nice.
The light is much brighter 

Cons:
The stock antenna is still junk.
I don't like the rubber around the main knob
Hopefully the silk screening on the keypad does not wear off like the other models do.

Baofeng GT-3: Programming

There are always people having problems with programming their Baofeng radios. For those that prefer video tutorials, here is one featuring the GT-3, but might be helpful to UV-5R users.

Baofeng GT-3: UV-5R Comparison

This video makes me want to try a GT-3.

Baofeng GT-3: BF-E500S

Thanks to Nate for pointing out the first revision of the GT-3 revision of the UV-5R: BF-E500S at the 409Shop for $49 USD.

I'd pay a few bucks more to get the GT-3 based on the looks alone. Yikes. And I continue to be amazed by the creative model numbers. This one sounds like the latest Mercedes.

Baofeng GT-3: Review by W9MDB

Mike (W9MDB) shares his thoughts on the GT-3 on a post to the UV-5R Yahoo Group:

"My observations so far. 

#1 Same poor performing antenna as what people refer to as the UV-5R "stock"antenna (it's the Baofeng UV-5R Logo antenna)

#2 Battery/charger is not compatible with UV-5R batteries at all - nomodification possible that I see

#3 Speaker sounds a lot better to my ear (I have some high frequency hearingloss and I hear more low freq on the GT-3)

#4 Had to trim my FTDI cable jack as the radio case around the jack is atouch deeper than the UV-5R so the top pin wasn't seating fully

#5 CHIRP speaks to it as a UV-5R

#6 Firmware is BFS311 and reports as BFB297 on power up so should be fullycompatible with UV-5R

#7 The GT-3 software has one more menu than the UV-5R for setting freq rangeotherwise it's identical that I see.

#8 The specifications in the manual are identical to the UV-5R.

#9 I'm seeing better FM performance on my UV-5R then the GT-3. Stationscoming in weaker on the GT-3 with both radios using identical Diamond RH771antennas. My experience contradicts Jerry's review.YMMV apparently.

#10 I'm questioning the weather resistance. I don't see a lot of differencefrom the UV-5R. The speaker grill is quite open and you can see the LEDlight through the microphone hole. The keys don't look like they are sealedto the case. I suppose they might've coated the board (haven't taken itapart yet to see)..that would be the only thing I can think of that mightmake it more water resistant than the UV-5R.manual/box says nothing aboutwater resistant.

Software available here if you want to try the Baofeng VIP software

http://www.radioddity.com/downloads

Mike W9MDB"

Baofeng GT-3: UV-5R Comparison

A GT-3/UV-5R comparison video from Radioddity



He points out the different chips used in the GT-3 and UV-5R.

And has the following details on the site:

Radio Frequency IC

• Upgrade SQ to enhance the anti-interference ability
• RDA1846S add an new tail tone elimination function,when transmit and receive signal between 50Hz with 55H
• Improve the receiver AGV switching noise when signal strength changes severe

Frequency-Modulated Receiver Chip

The RDA5802N has a powerful low-IF digital audio processor, this make it have optimum sound quality with varying reception conditions

Power Amplifier IC

• Low crossover distortion
• Low quiescent circuit current

LED Flashlight

High lumens degrees

Shell

Upgrade Dustproof， waterproof and drop resistance ability

Baofeng GT-3: Unboxing

An unboxing video of the GT-3 from Radioddity:

Baofeng GT-3: Yahoo Group

The GT-3 now has a Yahoo Group. Better buy one so you can participate fully. And since I am unemployed still, I can't rationalize one, so I am counting on you. Yes, you - the one reading this right now.

Baofeng GT-3: This is the one!

Okay, I don't actually know that this is THE ONE, but Hans points out some differences between the UV-5R and the pretty GT-3. John is taking one for the team and going to try a GT-3 out to see if it is just different or actually better.

And the Baofeng website says it is the one, so there is that.

Baofeng Comparison

LA3ZA has compiled a handy chart to compare the Baofeng UV-5R, UV-82, and the UV-B5.

Of course, my favorite is the GT-3*.

*Yes, I'm just saying that to stir up trouble.

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"