Friday, May 11, 2012

Baofeng UV-5R: Extreme Receive Modification


[ Don't have a UV-5R yet? Get one here. ]


Alvin and b1gslacker have been editing the .dat file to expand the receive frequencies of the UV-5R. As usual the results are a big of a mixed bag given the limitation of the hardware and software involved. Steve, WB8GRS, details the limiting factors:
"There are two components (the DSP and MCU chips) in the UV-5R that determine the band limits.
 1. The RDA1846 DSP chip is the chip that generates all the transmit and receive functions and it specifies the band limit as follows.
134 MHz to 174 MHz200 MHz to 260 MHz400 MHz to 500 MHz
This information is provided in the RDA1846 documentation in the file area. Many have reported the UV-5R will operate outside of these band limit on the 134 to 174 and 400 to 500 MHz bands (no one has reported any success using the UV-5R on the 222 MHz band), so my guess is the above band limits are not "hard coded" in the DSP chip, but are just guaranteed band limits and in fact some chips may operate outside these band limits to some degree.
2. The MCU which I believe is a custom version of the EM78P568-44 microprocessor tells the DRA1846 DSP chip what frequency to tune. If the MCU does not send the correct commands to the DSP chip the right frequency will not be received or transmitted. If for example you load in a 222 MHz frequency, the DSP chip is capable of receiving and transmitting on 222 MHz, but only if the MCU provides the correct commands to the DSP chip. If the MCU does not provide the correct commands, the display may should the correct frequency, but the DSP chip is doing nothing. Even if the MCU send the correct commands to the DSP chip, the RF pre-amplifiers and RF amplifiers external to the DSP chip are not designed to operate on the 222 MHz band so even if the DSP chip was commands correctly by the MCU, the power output and receiver sensitivity would likely be very bad."
b1gslacker gives the details of how to make the change here. The usual warnings apply - do this at your own risk.
"For those of you who would like to attempt to destroy your brand new shiny UV-5R, here are the instructions for "slightly modifying" CHIRP to accept frequencies WAY outside of the manufacturers recommended operating boundaries. These instructions are for windows XP only (but will probably work for others also)
1) Download the UV5R.pyc file in the files section.
2) Using your favourite zip utility (I recommend winrar) open the library.zip file located in your C:\Program Files\CHRIP\ directory (location may slightly differ based on your flavour of windows, but you get the idea).3) Delete the UV5R.pyo file from the zip4) Add the UV5R.pyc file5) Save the modified library.zip
I know that your thinking, but if you don't understand the instructions, you should definitely not be trying this, so don't even ask.
Now that you have installed the "ever so slightly enhanced" version of the UV5R CHIRP module you should be able to program frequencies between 10MHz-999MHz in the CHIRP application.
NOTE: Even if the radio accepts the frequency and displays it on the LCD display, this does not mean that the radio will actually work on that frequency (in fact we do know that there are definitely limits)"

133 comments:

  1. Just a little fix on the UV-5R tutorial, b1gslacker (with all the credit for the find) made it... a bit tricky.
    Here's a step by step tutorial, after all my tests:

    1) Open the library.zip file located in your C:\Program Files\CHIRP\ directory (location may slightly differ based on your flavor of windows, but you get the idea).
    2) Enter the Chirp folder inside the library.zip
    3) Delete the UV5R.pyo file from the zip
    4) Add the UV5R.pyo file (if it's named uv5r.pyc, rename it to .pyo before placing it in the zip file)
    5) Save the modified library.zip
    6) Open chirp and on the radio selection popup, select the Vendor "Baofeng Hack"
    7) Program your radio as desired (be aware of the radio chip limits)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello
      I will send the file UV5R.pyo could not seem to find it anywhere
      if possible sent me by email
      benedito.marcio @ gmail.com
      Thank you for your attention

      Delete
    2. where we try the PYC file?

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    3. will only display uv-3r in selection...

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    4. Hello All where is file to download ?

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    5. could a kind person email me the UV5R.pyo file
      cant find it on the site to download

      lainegadd@gmail.com

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    6. Where can i get the uv5r.pyc-file?
      If anyone has ist, pleas send it to me "ktb76132@yahoo.de".
      Thanks.

      Delete
    7. I know this is an old post, but in the latest ver of CHIRP 0.4.1,
      and you tell me the location or the library.zip or the uv5r.pyo files?
      Thanks

      Delete
    8. has anyone tried this mod on a bf-f9 v2 ?

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    9. Mac Software version is a little different. Use "show package contents" on the app "file" (package). Use and Text Wrangler to edit the py file directly.

      Delete
    10. Works on BTECH branded UV-5X3 to open receive range. Use a proper FTDI cable to save yourself some grief, or make on using a real FTDI chip. BTECH branded cable worked right off for me.

      73's

      Delete
  2. If the Baofeng HTs were truly Part 90 certified, the manufacturer would have allowed full range on UHF (400-500MHz) dealer option just like the Wouxun UVDx HTs. Then most of these silly range extension mods would be limited to folks wanting a cheap thrill fruitlessly attempting operation on the 1.25m band.

    Well at least I would use it as stock.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The hack works fine except and number in the new range can only be programmed from the cable and PC. Also there is a problem with the frequencies outside the 480 range, you cannot assign CTCSS code to these frequencies. Hope someone improves this mod.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. uv-5r can be program for 220 also works like a charm

      Delete
  4. The user above is correct, I hope B1gslacker can fix this bug. Great job though!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So it it possible to listen to CB band after these mods?
    I would like to use the uv5r like a scanner from 10Mhz to 500Mhz.. Tx im not that botherd.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've not heard of anyone doing that.

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    2. LOL!!! lamer...

      Delete
    3. I can hear 27mhz on my waccom uv5r after the mod.

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    4. If it can even receive on 27Mhz/CB band then the audio would sound garbled because CB operators operate on AM. This is an AM radio only. Not capable of AM receive.

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    5. *I meant this is a FM radio only.

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    6. Yeah in the states its AM in the UK we use FM on the cb band.

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    7. all europe uses FM primarily, and some AM as legacy.

      So for europeans that would work, but then again.. who wants to listen to CB radio?

      HAMs, and those are the only ones who can legit own one of these
      babies - could not care less about thr CB bands...

      Delete
    8. I can talk to an airband radio on 136mhz. The airband radio is AM and my baofeng uv-5ra is FM but it still sounds OK at close range.

      Delete
    9. where did you get the software (UV5R.pyo )

      Delete
  6. Any news about uv5r?

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anyone seen this UV-5R software mod video yet?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyPJ46pXDc4&feature=colike

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello, I foolishly bought the baofeng uv5r and didnt look at the upper edge of the transmit and recieve freqs. i need it to rx and tx to about 490.mhz. I am public safety and they do let us take our dept issued portables home but the hook is if you lose/damage it youve got to cough up 700 bucks. ive had the yaesu vx2r and needless to say for the 5 years i had it it was not ruggedized for my daily needs. it died on me and I needed a replacement. i saw this bad boy and got the works the speaker mic an extra battery and the prog cable..got to programming and voila i lose the patrol zones i needed most. is the chirp hack able to help me out in the area of 470-490 mhz ?? thanks in advance for the help

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have a baofeng uv 5r and I can use 490.mhz range with no hack I can go between 400-520 MHz

      Delete
    2. I have a baofeng uv 5r and I can use 490.mhz range with no hack I can go between 400-520 MHz

      Delete
  10. Hi, I'm so new I have a license but not a radio. Is there a table showing radio types, receive frequency range and transmit frequency range? I see UV-5RA, UV-5RB, UV-5R+, and I also understand that this modification works on other radio models.

    Anon09152012, I eagerly await responses to your request, and wish you all the best.

    ReplyDelete
  11. "...the RDA1846 DSP chip specifies the band limits.
    IE:

    134 MHz to 174 MHz
    200 MHz to 260 MHz
    400 MHz to 500 MHz..." - Yahoo Group.

    You have multiple source confirmation. Give the hack a shot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check out google for kourosh delpak you can find out something

      Delete
  12. 470-490 mhz your better off looking on ebay for a motorola portable. There are portables for that freq range listed and you can also purchase the programming hardware for it there also. The software is readily available using google. Depennding on the # of chans needed I would try a MT1000 99 ch. uhf or HT1000 or even a Saber. With the Motorola your dept. may already have the programming gear needed.

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  13. So thanks everyone for the help and for recommending the CHIRP hack. i applied it and I get about 80 percent of what I use for work (public safety. The problem is that the software doesnt allow anything over 480.000 when programming with the cable. it gives you a notice that the uppermost freq is 480.000 unless you attempt to do it manually on the radio..and even so the offset for the tx is blanked out when saving to memory.. a couple of bugs still there. any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Download the latest VIP software and you can program to
      listen from 400-520MHZ and xmt up to 500MHZ...

      Delete
    2. Check out this guy he unlock baofeng uv5r his names kourosh delpak

      Delete
  14. Yeah, it's because you can burn your radio haven't correct antenna over 480mhz.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The US gave a perfectly good 11 meter HAM band to the public as CB to skip their asses off and cause interference and create an underground amplifier and export radio market from China..Who wants to listen to the "Bucket Mouths" and skipshooters on 27.555 with a perfectly good Dual-band rig? More and more Public Service radio is moving to 700Mhz-800 Mhz anyway.Cellular frequencys will be changing soon to clear the way for Homeland Security expanded range.We shoul be modifyiing UP frequency,not DOWN!..Listen to them,because there listening to YOU..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Do you know if there is a way to mod the frequency up to 800-900mhz on a baofeng uv -5r v2+? If you know could you please email me at
      usroadking1@gmail.com
      Thanks

      Delete
  16. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yCd408h98k

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check out Google 4 kourosh delpak maybe find more

      Delete
  17. dnd se podria onseguir el archivo que hay que descargar?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hallo!
    Please helpme, where can I find the download link for uv5r.pyc?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Search kourosh delpak you can find out

      Delete
  19. Hello guys i would like to do the frequency mod to my radio UV-5R if anyone can help please writte me yv2afc@hotmail.com many thanks and merry christmas

    ReplyDelete
  20. But that trick is not working stable.

    ReplyDelete
  21. i got mine to piss the hams off cos they think they are an elite bunch of super human geniuses.the dont half bite when i fire the repeater . boring twats

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. trollin...trollin....trollin.....keep those trolls a trollin!

      couldn't pass the test eh? typical.

      Delete
    2. wait till the fcc comes and find your willfull radio disturbance you will get one heck of a fine and trust me they will and do it all the time.

      Delete
    3. So you're too stupid to pass the Tech exam...My 10 year old nephew passed the Tech exam for God sake. You must be a throw back to HomoErectus.......LOL
      You keep firing that repeater there little buddy. Have all the fun you want....Enjoy yourself. If you turn on a scanner and program the repeater your own you can even listen to yourself talk. Sing us a song some time. WE'd love to hear from you...LOL

      Delete
    4. so. much. butthurt! keep it up, op! maybe i can join you sometime!

      Delete
  22. Yes thats the problem with Amateur radios any moron can purchase one and play with it and annoy people until the amateurs get tired of them and track them down with an OO (Official Observer),And then the F.C.C raids there house takes all radios and computers and serves them a Notice of Monetary Forfeiture (its like a feine except you have no choice in paying it and they do not wait) and with that they start seizing your assets your house GONE, your car Gone, your stocks bonds IRA 401k GONE,your Pay checks Gone because you owe them 500,000.00$ and until they have collected that you don't get any money or anything, all your personal possessions will even be auctioned off to the highest bidders- even if you had your dead mothers ashes turned into a diamond somebody would buy it- so have fun messing with the Hams till your caught and make sure to go to the library and let us know that you have been caught and how much you regret doing that because it was so not worth the embarrassment and financial ruin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right! How DARE some lowly non licensed person DARE operate (or even THINK about operating) on our SACRED Ham bands! I mean after all they lack the super intelligence to become a ham operator and spend all day and night in a dark basement lit only by the pilot lights of our transmitters! We are a 'special' group of people that are very territorial about our radio bands. After all how else can we escape our nagging wives and kids? Hell each year I invest at LEAST 5000 dollars in ham radio equipment,coax,antennas portable repeaters and a host of other things in preparation for the "big day" when I can puff my chest out,turn my "HT" on and 'assist' in a disaster. ..-. ..- -.-. -.- .. -. --. / -- --- .-. --- -. ...

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    2. ha ha exactly ,, listen to that moron 'sacred ham bands,,..i have my tech cert in electronic engineering , i wouldnt dream of becoming a ham , listening to their boring banter. hams are a relic from the past .20 pounds buys you a cheap radio you charge it up and switch it on and use it. and also looking at some of the posts on here , there is talk of radios being modded to recieve out of band ect, what gives you hams the right to do this, its illegal for even you lot to transmit out of your allocated frequencies so stop thinking you are a superior breed.

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    3. ..- / .-. / --- -.. -..

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    4. What a load...
      Signed.. a ham that got popped for being a pirate and nothing important happened.

      Delete
  23. Another loser who couldn't pass the test so threw their skirt over their heads and went on the revenge......if you can't play with the big boys go back to pre-school!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. cmon guys... ive litened to hams...and they ARE boring old farts...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a renewed in interest in 'Ham' Amateur Radio these days. There are lots of new modes to experiment with, not just for Rag Chewing anymore. So its far from 'boring' and not just for the 'boring old farts'. In fact, the new digital modes are of no interest to lots of those older guys. So get licensed and enjoy!

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    2. Geez... My 10 year old grandson passed the online tech prep test at ARRL. I find it hard to believe that anyone wouldn't be able to at least pass the tech test... Wow! Oh, and yes... I'm licensed.

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    3. 2 meter licensing..what a joke

      Delete
    4. Keep telling yourself that....You obviously have not seen some of the new XYL operators at the hamfests.......We'll be glad to keep them all to ourselves....lol

      Delete
  25. You can slag us 'Hams' off but We are the one's who can point a 5 ele beam wherever we want, push 400w through it (LEGALLY) and talk to the world.
    When you get a brain, fell free to join us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh please, are you serious right now?!?

      First, a lesson in grammar and spelling: "one's" is the possessive form of "one" (like "to eat one's cupcake"), whereas "ones" is the plural form (pssst - this is the one you should've used). You'd do well to learn the difference. Also, "fell" is a transitive verb that means (roughly) "to bring down". Perhaps you meant "feel"?

      Secondly, who the hell cares that you "can point a 5 ele beam wherever [you] want, push 400w through it (LEGALLY) and talk to the world."? I mean seriously, if you need a yagi and/or anywhere NEAR 400W to "talk to the world", you're doing it wrong! "Real" hams use QRP and CW to talk around the world on well under 50W, so what's your excuse?? Also, I take exception to your statement that you can point that 5 element beam with 400W behind it wherever you want. I guarantee if you pull anything like that near the NRQZ that you WILL be breaking the law. Look it up if you don't believe me. In fact, please just stop posting this drivel until you actually know what you're talking about. It's folks like you that give us "real" hams a bad name. Believe it or not, being an amateur radio operator really isn't the panty-dropper you think it is, so please just stfu and quit acting like you're all that just because you paid ~$15 and passed a 50 question (or less?) test....kthxbi!

      Delete
    2. Now THAT was funny!
      Thanks... I needed a good laugh this evening.
      KE7XJ

      Delete
    3. A fool is a fool, ham ticket or not.
      K2NSX

      Delete
    4. hey oldies now days we have INTERNET did you heard about such thing :D i don't think we need any ham just transferring voice or Morse tones, when you can send pictures, have video conference etc.. :D what is the point to spend thousands on equipment just sometimes to have a chat with some bloke from other side of the world :D

      Delete
    5. "because you paid ~$15 and passed a 50 question (or less?) test"

      I'm not the guy you where talking too, but I studied for about 10 hours one day, took the test and got my Technician, and I never paid a dime, lol. One of the testers paid for my license. It was only $10 btw.

      Delete
    6. 400w? Are you kidding me?
      If you need to buy a 400w burner to "talk to the world" then you are doing something very very wrong indeed.
      Instead of spending all that money (that only helps you splatter your message over many frequencies and bands at the same time) on an amp why not just spend some time and effort tuning the radio so that it sends all of its' 5w cleanly on one frequency where you want it to be. Spend $50 on some aluminium stock and $20 on a couple of toroids and enamelled wire and build an antenna that can pull in the signal you are aiming for and send your signal, again cleanly, to the other side of the world.
      Then, instead of being able to say "i spoke to someone on the other side of the world and wiped out dozens of other frequencies and spread RFI around my whole neighborhood" you would be able to say "I built a rig that is possible to talk to anyone anywhere. I built that stealth antenna, i built that RF choke and that balun, i tuned my radio almost to perfection...i did that, it's awesome!"

      In fact...instead of spending $250 on a 400w amp why not just spend $50 on a prepay cell-phone and talk to whoever you want, wherever they are and leave amateur radio to those that are REALLY interested in it?

      Just a thought

      Delete
  26. The problem the FCC created when it made the various ham tests so easy several years ago is now we have licensed fools instead of just plain CB fools....

    But the manufacturers are happy, because they are selling cheap HT's like crazy to folks that spend all their time trying to get other folks to help them modify their sub-$50 radios to work all bands, all modes, and have the ability to control their TV and microwave as well.

    PT Barnum was right, but now there's one licensed every minute.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I first noticed the trend about five years ago. I entered ham radio in college in the early 80's because it was the most fun club I could find in which to belong. I mean they got to do all the fun stuff with the police and sheriff. They even gave us their radios on game day. The most fun was when a commander said he wanted us to go out and buy one of those Kojak lights to use for special events. Now you call those guys REACT, yek. So I attend events today with our local active ham club and almost always some newbie shows up. The one thing I try to remember is that older hams have a bad wrap. I try to break that image. I remember being treated like crap from older hams who thought if you didn't use tube operated radios, you were worthless. You are correct, newbies show up with the newer Chinese throw away radios. I didn't think I would ever buy one until a guy wanted to sell me his. I went out and bought the double capacity battery for a UV5R and the extended length antenna. Now in my car, I'm a bit of a rebel. I strictly use Relm radios. I have the software and hand held programming box. You can get Relm radios that work on ham bands because all public safety radio pretty much had to narrow band a couple years ago. So I have a stack of Relm radios that are wide band. I have three Relm xceivers in my car and I like the setup. If someone gets sticky fingers, a pawn shop probably won't help them. I also have plenty of others to replace them.

      Delete
  27. Some hams operate QRP (which is normally 5 watts or less, not 50), but many more operate with the full legal limit.

    Thankfully I don't live in the backwater section of WV or VA (truly the land where time and progress forgot), so I don't have to worry about interference to the NRQZ or the NSA folks working there either.

    Many hams I know would consider only running 400w with a 4 element beam on 20m to be "QRP", so to each his own.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Less than 200 Miles away in WV is a Global Listening station so even in the backwoods of VA they can still listen....lol

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    2. To the poster on March 8, 2016:

      Please stop telling people we're here. Some of these hillbillies still think we're aliens , or ghosts, and we're really having fun with that.

      Thanks in advance,
      The Government

      Delete
  28. ME CAVEMAN...BIG ANTENNA...BETTER SINPO... NO NEED QRP... NEED MORE POWER... ME CAVEMAN... ME LADIES MAN... ME KNOW...

    KD7TP Albany, OR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You Dickhead, no brain, not ladies man, only in own mind.. Ladies want rich smart man, not ego man with no brain.....Dumb Dumb...

      Delete
  29. Who cares, lick my balls! Frequencies are created with transmitters not by the fukin fcc so they can screw off, i'll transmit on any I want. FREEDOM!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You want FREEDOM? TRY A PIRATE STATION AND YOU WONT HAVE FREEDOM FOR LONG...LOL

      Delete
    2. Check out Google 4 kourosh delpak you can find out

      Delete
  30. Even with the modifications, I can enter the frequencies but the radio doesn't work far beyond the specified bandwidth.

    ReplyDelete
  31. My 5ra burned.... But able to get the best thing out of this hack... To coupled with my kids walkies... Already replaced with new 5ra with 5re and b5! Coming soon with moto turbo for my suv readily bracket... Cheers! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. burned ? how ? im trying to get it working on 027.305 because my friend have a walkie talkie for this frequence

      Delete
  32. If the cartels can do it without special training or special license or special coolness factor, then anyone can do it. Live within 50 miles of the border and listen on any freq and see what you hear. If it's in spanish, they have probably followed none of the US regs and protocols. Following the rules and setting up equipment that can do anything are two different separate things. Hell, just set up radio over ip and transmit from mexico.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I passed the exam years ago, do they expire, i cant even remember my call sign, is there a
    directory of them etc

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Assuming US...

      Look up here:
      http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchAmateur.jsp

      They are good for 10 years.

      Delete
  34. The Amateur radio operator verses the CB radio operator is a conflict that has been going on since Amateur radios and CB radios have coexisted. I do have an amateur radio license, although it is a very small one. The prices of the amateur radio equipment have kept me away from the transmitting aspect of the hobby on most of the amateur bands. However I have a scanner that receives from 500 kilocycles to 1.3 gigacycles. I hear jerks on both the CB band and the amateur radio bands. I hear great operators on both the amateur radio bands and the CB bands as well. Instead of being either a CB radio operator or an amateur radio operator, simply be a radio aficionado and enjoy the best every band has to offer. I recently found some old radio equipment in the refuse. It consists of one 10 meter band radio, one old CB radio, and a dead dual band hand held transceiver. I plan to get all of them to work and use them all. I have never had a transmitter before and I am not about to limit myself to what someone else deems worthy or unworthy. So far the CB receives but does not transmit clearly. The 10 meter radio now transmits and receives but the receive has issues from time to time. The dual band hand held transceiver has not yet been disassembled. Amateur radio should not be about how much money you have. If I can not get the discarded dual band hand held transceiver to function, I may get the Baofeng UV-5R. I did not even know about it until I read this thread so I must thank both haters and supporters for letting me know about it. I can not spend hundreds of dollars on amateur radio or CB. I plan to still get regularly transmitting on both CB and various amateur radio bands for as cheaply as possible. Sorry to all that are dead against the most affordable way to get on the air. Some of us do not have a choice and can not get thousands or even hundreds of dollars of CB and amateur radio equipment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know this thread is old...but I really like what you said Eddie. I've been around radios (both cb and ham) since I was ten, I'm forty nine now. The fighting between groups is pathetic. It just shows that as humans...we are truly assholes.

      Delete
    2. yeah, why buy expensive radio when you can enjoy the hobby using bargain price rigs. its how you enjoy both wold within budget. It goes not have to cost an arm or a leg just to get and get started with the hobby.

      homebrewing is one of the many venues of the hobby, never mind whos who, just simply enjoy it no more no less. life is too short. fire up those rig and start enjoying the hobby.

      Delete
    3. This is why Ham who have worked years & LEARNED the Electronics skill sets, and the proper knowledge of Band and Frequencies, and those of us who still USE the code were totally against a no code license at all. Now we have the "Good Buddy's" on 2m who still act the same as they do on CB's. Why should you be entitled to use what took some of us a Lifetime to learn and earn? Go play CB with the Truckers!

      Delete
    4. I'm 67 and I have tried to learn CW since I was about 15. No 'elmers' available, just tapes, programs, and listening on air. I still can not copy CW. Yes, I had a cb during the craze years, but I wanted something I could listen to and talk on without all the cursing, foul language, and "good buddy" junk.
      I now have my general and join the weekly 2 meter net meeting of the ham club I belong to. I also have an icom that I use weekly on an 80 meter net meeting. Copy the SSTV from ISS and many other things. I still have about 3 cb radios, none connected up. Plus I have 3 baofeng radios. I am far from considering myself as rich as a low middle class. As far as electronics knowledge, I could have passed the Extra about 20 years ago. Now, since I couldn't copy CW and couldn't get my license, I have forgotten most of the electronics I knew due to not using it.
      So, some hams think that if a person cannot copy CW then they should just shut up? Then there are those that think if you cannot spend at least $5000 on a rig then you don't deserve to be on the air??
      Thankfully, I haven't encountered any of those bigots in real life!

      Delete
  35. so, getting back to the original problem: where can I find the uv5r.pyc file???

    ReplyDelete
  36. Just use only CHIRP 0.4.0 (no hack needed) and go to settings, this is working for my UV-5R.

    ReplyDelete
  37. How do you get the frequency in? I would like to use CB band as well, but it won't let me enter anything below 140 Mhz, despite of the VHF lower limit on the 'other settings'.
    I am using the linux version of CHIRP, version 0.4.0

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UV-5R won't come anywhere close to doing CB. CB is 11 meters (27 MHz) and the UV-5R is 2 meter (145 MHz) and 70 centimeters (440 MHz). Also, CB is AM and the UV-5R is FM.

      Delete
    2. CB can also transmit on FM. However, it is true that there is no compatibility between 27Mhz, 136Mhz and 430MHz.

      Delete
  38. UV-5R factory settings 136 - 174 and 400 - 480
    real limit 127.4 - 178.1 and 382.2 - 529.975 (tested with Polmar RX 1300)
    i suggest to set 128 - 177 and 383 - 529 with CHIRP

    number expres in MHz

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  39. It's impossible to find the software it's not true.

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  40. This is a bull sheet

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  41. Is there a similar mod for the PoFung UV-82?

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  42. I've been chuckling to myself over the responses on here .....reminds of when I was in the Royal Signals based in Germany and we went on a joint exercise with the Americans, we pulled up at the tactical base on top of a hill only to find the Americans playing loud music and failing to communicate with Fort Worth in Texas..... they'd been trying for hours to get through .....so we setup our gear on a dipole (they were using 16ft whips) ....got through all the 5's on CW then switched to teleprinter .....worked like a charm......their comms officer came across and asked what power we were using .....50 watts I said ......no shit he said we're using 500 watts what do you think the problem is ? ........ "inexperience" I said ......

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    1. Lol I love it! I've been a Ham now since 1992, when the FCC lifted the code requirement for Techs and called it Tech plus, I operate VHF and now UHF, I'm glad the FCC lifted the code requirement, I tried since 1976 to get my ham ticket but could never get the code, and yes I did try to learn it but it wasn't till a few years ago I found out I have a learning disability that prevented me from learning the code amoung other things like math and languages. So I get a laugh when I read something like that idiot that loves to kerchunk the repeater, he's going to get caught one day ESP. Now he's admitted it over the Internet and its a permanat record along with his IP Address. Oh well let stupid be stupid. N3KRV

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  43. please send me the file
    k9crcin@gmail.com

    thanks
    k9crc

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  44. I got a novice ticket in 1981 and built a Heathkit qrp rig that used crystals on the popular CW channels. As I got out of college and got a job, I bought a Radio Shack 220 radio. I used it for a while but was frustrated they didn't let us access 2m. You needed more code ability for that. The prevalent thinking at that time was if you couldn't learn code, you should buy a CB. Well, lots of guys did that and near my house there was a guy who had acquired some commercial gear and he showed me his 10kw CB operation. He was part of that nationwide group who used a 3-digit code to identify each other. I eventually got tired of 220 and that radio is packed up away somewhere in my attic in a box. I found it a couple years ago and none of those repeaters were active now. I let the novice license go until 2007 where I got interested again. I had a job change and was now able to help with more projects and events. I went from having a random schedule to 8-5 M/F. So I got the ARRL manual and studied and passed the General. There were some Elmers who were great in helping me and there were some old-fart-jerks who don't like newbies invading their territory. I went apeshirt on one of them a couple weeks ago when our local net operator asked you to list a couple of your favorite rigs in use. He said to keep it to just a couple items so everybody had time before the next net happened on that frequency at the top of the hour. It was about 20 minutes until the top of the hour. So, it was going fine until this one operator gets on who is like Mr. Richie Rich. We all knew him and he wound up taking up the rest of the available time, about 10 minutes for him to list every single piece of gear in his shack, including like 15 different radios he has just for historic purposes. He actually went 5 minutes over the top of the hour and took that time away from the next net. I sent him and email stating it was people like him who kept me out of Ham radio but I'm not going to put up with that crap now and I'm not going to take that junk from any conceited twit.

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  45. fuck your radio amaters ham !!! fuck !!! Ham idiots !

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    1. BAD BAD BAD WORDS,common,watch the language,my VIRGIN EYES???

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  46. Haters gonna hate; shake it off, shake it off...

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  47. Why do you feel the need to attack "idiots"? seems like insecurity for sure and smugness, not your job you aren't the law.
    Get some confidence.

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  48. Is there any way that i can set up my my Baofeng UV-5r so i can receive identifiers so i can see who is talking to me?

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  49. Reading this thread makes me shake my head in shame at all these tossers ham and non ham, get a life guys, no one is funny, no one is smart, is it any wonder the world is fucked with some of the people on here. Get back on topic

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  50. For those of us on Linux here's a quick guide...

    1. Do a search for "uv5r.py" (mine was in "/usr/lib/python2.7/dist-packages/chirp/drivers").
    2. Open it in a text editor (you may need root privileges).
    3. Search for the text "normal_bands = [self._vhf_range, self._uhf_range]"
    4. Replace it with "normal_bands = [self._vhf_range, self._uhf_range, self._220_range]"
    5. Save the file.
    6. Open Chirp and Enjoy!

    Note:
    My UV-5R+ Firmware: HN5RV01/1FB297 works great on the following frequency ranges:

    136-260mhz VHF and 400-520mhz UHF

    That includes 1.5 meters!

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  51. I mean 1.25 meters.

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  52. This modification is not worth doing except by its author. The DSP chip actually needs replacement with one that can handle outside two and 70cm range if you actually want to receive and transmit. It's really a drop in replacement from looking at the schematic if you can find a chip that is pin to pin and power compatible. The big issue with the uv-5 is the lack of manual tuning and squelch. Those turn it into a real transceiver.

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  53. I actually have been using the uv-5 quite a few years now. I'm going to be switching to the 8 watt model. I have not installed a manual freq and squelch adjust but once I have a 8f I'm going to. Another issue with the UV is all the blocking capacitors used to limit the transmitter. That really screws it. Replacing those capacitors with enough resistors to keep the wattage @ 10 or 15 or less is a great idea too. I have many great ideas. Like pulling the junk FM receiver the DSP mpu and voice then installing analog tuner and actually having a simpler system with all this obnoxious non working software.

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  54. Whoever thought of a CPU in a radio ham or not was a moron. Fact the CPU is redundant and complete waste. EPROM stores radio values just fine. Pay people for stealing their voice types that what they need to do.

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  55. My UV-5R works on 128 - 260 and 383 - 529. Its HN5RV01/1FB297 version like someone above. I saw some Brazilian youtubes doing the same thing and they burned out after transmitting in the high 200s for a while. The one guy who got it working well said above 248mhz the radio is unstable.

    Also the guy who burnt his was using high power into an old frequency analyzer. So my suggestion here is stay between 128-177 and 200-248 and stay on LOW unless you're in an official band AND have the right antenna/load. The stock antenna is not for 220, get a proper tri-band or dedicated one else you'll be pumping that power back into the radio and eventually it will be a paperweight.


    I know transmission on 380, etc is happening too as I can pick myself up on the scanner but again, don't know if the stock antenna is any good here. Maybe need to look at harmonics/etc with RTL-SDR or buy a proper frequency & SWR analyzer + add a dummy load. Certain freq out of band transmission (ie >248), the power drops too which may again mean the watts are going somewhere else so without real testing take it easy.

    My next idea is to do this to BF-F8+ since it uses the same chips.. in fact I think the fancy new $50 TRI band BFs are the same as all of these just with proper antennas and maybe some software mods.

    Ironically, there is NOTHING in the 200-260 range besides some satellite down-links, hardly anything on legal ham bands either, nor 380s. The only radio users in my area are in the 400+, ie the cops, business, etc and this is a major metro area. Of course there is some AM stuff there but really cell phones killed the radio star. When it comes time to use these for actually talking it will be FRS/GMRS/MURS for me; all empty.

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  56. the uv5r will take the numbers im trying 27 mhz to 380 and haveing problem because the radio will not enter the 0 as the first number will scan down to it not nowing if reciveing on the scan from 100 mhz will tx on 220 enough to bring repeater up dont hear any audio fun to play with to learn real capibilitys

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  57. Booka chooka waaka waaka

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  58. My uv-5rtp has a penny slot inside you stick a penny in to do 500 watts

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  59. My UV-5R was working perfectly fine, battery holding a full charge, radio operating correctly, and then today it will not charge at all, the light on the charger stays green when i put the radio in it to charge it. I tested the charger output and it was operating normally, but the battery will not charge. What is the centre contact for on the battery, as the charger has 2 contacts (+ & -) but doesn't have a contact for the centre contact on the battery ?

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  60. My UV5R says: "Epstein didn't kill himself, the pandemic is a fake, its all about control, the jab will destroy your immune system, stand up before its too late, say NO"... Its not broken

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  61. Why can't Baofeng make a half decent handheld CB radio, instead of constantly re-designing the same 136-520mhz stuff they churn out. Theres hardly any decent handheld CB's out there, with Midland Alan 42 being the affordable option (Approx £90-£120). With most cb'ers using ssb these days, theres plenty of space. I'd buy a couple

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  62. Thunderpole have released a new CB radio called the T-X. Its £99, 360 grams, has 4 display layouts, night light and back-lit buttons, is powered by an 1800mAh Li-ion battery, USB-C charging, 40hrs stand-by and 4hrs continuous talk time at 4 watt, and is sold with antenna, battery, belt clip USB-C charging cable and mains charger. I bought one and it works very well.

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  63. Why can't someone design an sdr dongle that plugs directly into the TV, instead of into a PC, cut out the middle man so to speak? (I'm a lazy sod, i don't like having to set up the laptop, what with updates and stuff).
    I'm sure someone could design a sdr dongle with antenna input, and wireless remote, that i could plug into tv usb and get a fully functional sdr display, that i could surf the radio waves, doesn't need to transmit, just a receiver say 1 Mhz to 2 Ghz, with a scan function and frequency manager/memory.
    I await its construction with a fist full of money, lol,...Seriously, i want one.

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