Baofeng Tech: Tri-band Mobile

From the Boafeng Tech guys:

"Look for a true low-cost Tri-Band mobile coming soon 😉"

So I bet we actually get 220 MHz instead of 240-260 MHz like this one!

Juentai JT-6188: External Speaker Jack Hack

Modify your JT-6188 to have an external speaker jack.

2015 Brickolore Top 10 Links

Looking at my Google Analytics data, the top 10 visited links in 2015 were:

10. QYT KT8900: Software

Both this post and number four on the list suggest a real desire for a good quality, but inexpensive mobile. They made the list despite only getting posted in May of 2015.

9. Baofeng UV-5R: Schematics

The UV-5R remains popular and hams like to tinker/fix things.

8. Brick O'Lore: Ham Radio Page

I'm surprised that this got so many hits as I don't maintain it - looks like I should do some updates.

7. Baofeng UV-5R: Software v2

Again, software posts seem to be popular. And everyone that got a UV-5R wanted to check out the the new version of the software.

6. Brick O'Lore: The Radios Page

I'm glad this gets some hits as I try to keep it updated as a quick reference - I would like to expand it by keeping track of lowest prices and other miscellaneous data.

5. Baofeng UV-B5: Best Kept Secret

The UV-B5 still seems to be a sleeper.

4. QYT KT8900: Dual Band Mobile

I think the Baofeng Tech UV-5001 and Baofeng Tech UV-2501 mobile radios would have been more popular posts than the KT8900 - except they weren't released until November.

3. Brick O'Lore: Baofeng (UV-3R) Page

The little clone of the Yaesu VX-3R, the UV-3R, really got folks interested in the Chinese radios. I can't believe it still gets so many hits.

2. Baofeng UV-5R: Extreme Receive Modification

And hams would love to get something for nothing!

1. Brick O'Lore (main web page)

This tells me that lots of people visit my blog the old fashioned way - by going straight to the root domain.

Here's to an interesting 2016. May it be everyone's best year yet!

Baofeng Tech: BTECH UV-5001 & UV-2501 Software

One of my favorite ways to check-out the features of a radio (without actually having my hands on it) is to look at the software. Here are some screenshots for the software for the Baofeng Tech UV-5001 and Baofeng Tech UV-2501 mobile radios.

Menu options:

FM Radio:

Channel memory:

Optional features/settings:

DTMF and tones:

Other/squelch:

Baofeng UV-5R: Lightning Deal

Baofeng UV-5R for $31 (Free Ship) as an Amazon Lightning Deal - only about an hour left.

Via Hank Curmudgeon on the Baofeng Amateur Radio Network (BARN) on Facebook

Baofeng Tech: UV-2501 and UV-5001 Miklor Reviews

John has been involved with the Baofeng Tech UV-2501 and Baofeng Tech UV-5001 development. He's got a review up that covers actual power output and the new features. He also talks about the issues that do not exist in the Baofeng Tech versions of the radios:

"Early first generation models of similar radios had two audio issues.
- When changing or returning to an Active Channel, there was no audio present until the PTT or EXIT button was pressed.
- During a channel scan, a loud tone was heard when stopping on an active channel, requiring a PTT reset. (or turning off the beep tone)."

He also does a comparison of the UV-2501 and the KT-8900/JT-6188.

From the Making Stuff Up Department

And while I'm stirring up trouble on Twitter and posting about the Baofeng Tech UV-2501 and Baofeng Tech UV-5001, should I read anything into the fact that both radios are explicitly listed as "analog" two-way radios?

Crank up the rumor mill - the digitals must be on the way. ;)

I have no shame.

Baofeng Tech: BTECH UV-5001

And now some more details on the dual band 50W mobile Baofeng Tech UV-5001 ($149.89).

The Baofeng Tech website mentions a few key features that differentiate it from the other similar radios:

"Synchronize Display Mode
Scrambler/Inversion, DTMF, 5Tone, 2Tone, CTCSS, and DCS Calling Modes (Remote Kill/Stun Supported)
VFO Lockout
Menus, Programming, and Reset Lockout
Auto Power Off Function
Dual Watch Delay Time: Allows the receiver to stay on the secondary channel longer after incoming transmission - customize the delay up to 50 seconds; This avoids manually channel switching when you are engaged with simultaneous contacts on two frequencies"

(For those of you following along, this will look just like the features of the UV-2501 from the previous post.)

And now to the specs...

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
BTECH UV-5001 Mobile
Mounting Bracket and Hardware
Remote Speaker Mic and Mic Bracket
Inline Fuse and DC Connectors

FEATURES
25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable (Wide/Narrow Band)
FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz)
Large Tri-color LCD Display (3 Selectable Colors)
High /Low RF Power Switchable
50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS Tones
5Tone Support
2Tone Support
Voice Inversion (Scrambling) Support
Tone searching/scanning
Dual standby
PC programmable
Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
Remote Stun/Kill

UV-5001 MOBILE SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency range:
[TX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz
[RX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz, 68-108MHz (FM Broadcast)
Channel Capacity:
200 Channels
Channel Spacing
25KHz (wide band)12.5KHz (narrow band)
Sensitivity
≤0.25μV (wide band) ≤0.35μV (narrow band)
Operation Voltage
13.6V DC ±20%
Frequency step:
2.5-25KHz Selectable
Antenna:
Antenna Connector: SO-239
Stability:
±2.5ppm
Output power:
50W / 10W
Audio Power Output
1000mW/10%

Baofeng Tech: BTECH UV-2501

Some more details on the dual band mobile Baofeng Tech UV-2501 ($114.89).

The Baofeng Tech website mentions a few key features that differentiate it from the other similar radios:

"Synchronize Display Mode
Scrambler/Inversion, DTMF, 5Tone, 2Tone, CTCSS, and DCS Calling Modes (Remote Kill/Stun Supported)
VFO Lockout
Menus, Programming, and Reset Lockout
Auto Power Off Function
Dual Watch Delay Time: Allows the receiver to stay on the secondary channel longer after incoming transmission - customize the delay up to 50 seconds; This avoids manually channel switching when you are engaged with simultaneous contacts on two frequencies"

The specs...

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
BTECH UV-2501 Mobile
Mounting Bracket and Hardware
Remote Speaker Mic and Mic Bracket
Inline Fuse and DC Connectors

FEATURES

25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable (Wide/Narrow Band)
FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz)
Large Tri-color LCD Display (3 Selectable Colors)
High /Low RF Power Switchable
50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS Tones
5Tone Support
2Tone Support
Voice Inversion (Scrambling) Support
Tone searching/scanning
Dual standby
PC programmable
Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
Remote Stun/Kill

UV-2501 MINI SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency range:
[TX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz
[RX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz, 68-108MHz (FM Broadcast)
Channel Capacity:
200 Channels
Channel Spacing
25KHz (wide band)12.5KHz (narrow band)
Sensitivity
≤0.25μV (wide band) ≤0.35μV (narrow band)
Operation Voltage
13.6V DC ±20%
Frequency step:
2.5-25KHz Selectable
Antenna:
Antenna Connector: SO-239
Stability:
±2.5ppm
Output power:
25W / 10W
Audio Power Output
1000mW/10%

Baofeng Tech: New Mobile Radios

I'm late to the party as usual these days, so I'll keep apologizing, but continue to work under the "better late than never philosophy."

Baofeng Tech announced two new mobile radios more than a week ago:

"We're excited to unveil the UV-2501 and UV-5001 Dual Band Mobile Radios. We have spent the last several months refining our first mobile radio release. The UV-2501 is a Mini Mobile VHF/UHF radio capable of 25 Watts Output. The UV-5001 is a full-size Mobile VHF/UHF radio capable of 50 Watts Output.

These may look similar in appearance to other radios, but we have re-built our mobiles from the ground up with a new menu system, audio and bug fixes, exclusive enhancements, and much more - with insight and improvements given to us from amateurs nationwide."

The similar radios are the JT-6188 and KT8900 that I've posted about. I like the naming of these - I'm a simple man, so UHF-VHF-50 Watt, version 01 makes sense to me for the UV-5001.

Baofeng UV-82HP: Cyber Monday Deal

I missed the Black Friday sale, but you can get the Baofeng UV-82HP for $48 between 11:40am (Eastern) and 2:40pm (Eastern) today. That price saves you about $17.

Grab one or two, so your tree can start to look a little like this.

Baofeng UV-5RE: Special Function Problem Sale

Marketing is key!

Special Function Problem Sale

Baofeng UV-5R: Extreme Testing

More via /r/amateurradio:

Spurious Emissions

Over at /r/amateurradio...

"Apparently the ARRL set up a Spectrum analyzer at Dayton the last few years and offered to test attendee HT's for spurious emissions." 

"At Dayton this year, only 25% of the Baofengs that were tested, complied with Part 97. 21% of Baofengs were borderline, and 54% of Baofengs were non compliant. 86% of Wauxon's were compliant and 14% of Wauxon's were not compliant. Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and Connect Systems: 100% were compliant with the Part 97 standards. 

The ARRL concluded that many of the radios that did not comply, would cause harmful interference with other radio services. 

The article is on page 74 & 75 of the November QST."

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose.

Baofeng or Pofung

The BaofengTech guys make sense of the introduction of the Pofung brand:

"It was simple exploitation of the trademark system. Way back in 2012; right after the US introduction of BaoFeng radios; an individual realized that the ‘BaoFeng’ name had not received a US trademark. The individual applied for the trademark and in January of 2014; was granted the trademark."

As Paul Harvey would say, "And now you know the rest of the story."

Blackbox Base Station Unboxing

From the guys at BuyTwoWayRadios... the Blackbox Base station that I've posted about a couple of times.

Baofeng BF-F8HP: Amazon Prime Day Deal Alert

$50 gets you the Baofeng BF-F8HP!

Baofeng Tech: Baofeng UV-82HP

Much better news for the Baofeng UV-82HP coming from John's review on Miklor.com:

"- The original UV82 took a traditional UV5R, and added design features such as an upgraded case design and Dual PTT switch. (comparison) 

- Next came the UV82C which included the options to synchronize the Dual PTT function to emulate a Single PTT, and the ability to lock out the VFO to prevent accidental field programming. 

- Next came the 8W F8HP. This was the radio that started the HP / TP movement. 

- An expanded feature added is R-Tone, a repeater tone for those requiring a 1000, 1450, 1750 or 2000Hz audible tone for access. This is not to be confused with CTCSS or DCS. Prior models provided Tone Burst for 1750Hz only. 

The UV82HP now includes all of the above features in one package. The PTT synchronizing, VFO lockout, High Power, R-Tone, and newest generation chipset. 

It has kept the traditional UV82 case design to ensure compatibility between all existing options, including Dual PTT Spkr/Micr, battery cases, holsters, battery eliminators, etc."

Google Trends - Chinese Radios

Just messing around with Google Trends... any other interesting comparisons or surprises?

Baofeng Tech - Baofeng UV-82HP

And now the Baofeng UV-82HP is showing available at Amazon for $65.