Buy VV-898, Get Free BF-F8+

Get a #free Baofeng BF-F8+ #amateurradio when you buy a Leixen VV-898 mobile! http://t.co/JHqtQDXxuM @amatradio @brickolore #hamradio #hamr
— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) January 5, 2015

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 BF-F8HP: High Power

So a there is a new kid on the block... the Baofeng BF-F8HP.

From the Baofeng Tech website:

• It has 3 Power Levels (1, 4, 8 watt) 
• A new 76 Page In-Depth User's Guide 
• It includes the High Gain V-85 Antenna to Optimize Performance 
• It is the only second generation BaoFeng with the Tri-Color Display 
• Full Accessory Compatibility with ALL UV-5R accessories 

Miklor has a review. He says it has the same chip as the GT-3. He also has output power measurements and they look good.

You can order one at Amazon for about $63.

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.

Baofeng BF-F9: Black Inverse LCD Display

A comment on my original  BF-F9 post points to this "exclusive" offering of a version with a "black inverse LCD display" by TokoRadio.com.  If my conversion is correct, it is about $75 USD. I looked for the BF-F9, but did not find it on the Baofeng web site, but they do have the BF-F8+ that has the same screen as the one in the image below. (It looks like they are the same image with the exception of the label at the bottom with the model number.) We've been teased by some pretty screens that have and haven't show up (I'm looking at you TYT), but maybe this one will - the Indonesian site says it is available, but if I click BUY, it says a "color selection is required" and I can't see any way to pick a color.

Baofeng UV-5R: BF-F8+

Baofeng has introduced a new BF-F8+. It looks very similar to a UV-5R, but they advertise an enhanced LCD screen:

BF-F8+ series two-way radio are the newest styles by BAO FENG, it has multi-functions, such as dual band, dual display, dual watch, its performances are excellent, the shape is fashionable. The background is very unique, make it look elegant and luxurious.

It looks good. The only problem is that the listing on 409Shop ($51 USD) doesn't have the same screen. The radio is marked as a BF-F8+. Somebody is wrong.

Thanks to Hans for pointing out the BF-F8+ to everyone.