Baofeng UV-3R: FCC Type 90 Accepted

The Baofeng UV-3R is now Type 90 accepted by the FCC. Documents can be found here.



It helps to know the name of company that is making the application. In this case, it turns out to be FUJIAN NAN'AN BAOFENG ELECTRONICS CO.,LTD..



Via Baofeng-UV-3R.us on the UV-3R Yahoo Group.

Chinese Radios - The Center?

The Baofeng UV-3R is a re-branded Vero Telecom UV-3R.

The Vero Telecom VR-2200 is a re-branded TYT TH-9000.

The Baofeng UV-5R (which I cannot find on the Baofeng site) is similar to the TYT TH-F8.

When the UV-3R came out, I thought VeroTelecom was going to be the actual manufacturer - if not the design house, too. The UV-3R was availible as a Baofeng UV-3R, Magiksun UV-3R, Comtex UV-3R, and a Zastone ZT-UV3R. Vero Telecom was going to be the source.

Now it appears that the VR-2200 is actually a TYT TH-9000. And the UV-5R looks like it has it origins in the TYT TH-F8.

Is TYT going to be the center of the ham radio world for China manufacturers?

Does ICOM buy Yaesu radios and re-brand them? Is Elecraft reselling Ten-Tec rigs? The game is different in China. Maybe they just like to keep us on our toes. I am going to need a map.

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"

Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal: Programming Cable

This Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal is now live:

PC03 FTDI USB Programming Cable for BaoFeng, Kenwood, Wouxun, AnyTone

If you don't have Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial if want to take advantage of the deals from Baofeng Tech.

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.

Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal: BF-F8HP

--- Update --- so Amazon changed the times. I scheduled this post based on the original times. I'll update as I get better info on the actual time of the deals. Sorry for any confusion. --- Update ---

--- Update 2 --- Looks like this will go live at 8:00 PM EDT --- Update 2 ---

This Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal is now live:

BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF, 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery

If you don't have Amazon Prime, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial if want to take advantage of the deals from Baofeng Tech.

Baofeng Tech UV-2501+220: Programming from your PC

A how-to video for installing and programming your Baofeng Tech UV-2501+220. Grab the software here. You'll need a USB cable like the BTECH PC04 FTDI USB Programming Cable as well. (The process is the same for the Baofeng Tech UV-2501 and Baofeng Tech UV-5001 - simply download the appropriate software for those models.)

Some general comments about using programming software for radios:

If the you can't figure out which Comm Port the radio is using, go to the Device Manager in Windows. You can see which port is correct or if the cable isn't showing as installed properly. The latter is often the guess if you aren't using a genuine FTDI chip.

As a best practice, I always like to save a copy of the original configuration before I make any changes.

Baofeng UV-5R: TYT Spare Batteries

Hans compares the TYT TH-F8 and Baofeng UV-5R batteries. The batteries appear to be the same except for a slight weight difference and some cosmetic molding. And despite the different rated capacities, he suspects they may be identical internally. He's going to do some more looking, but if that is true then the TYT battery is a much better deal at $4 less than the Baofeng. Looks like the Baofeng brand is beginning to be worth something.

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:

Boafeng UV-5R: New Models

marksenk Just wondering when the 2014 Baofeng UV-5R model will start being sold - "2013 model" appeared in UV-5R ebay descriptions 5 months ago!Sun, Jan 13 04:04:21 from web

They will be available as soon as the Baofeng marketing guy sees a drop in sales. Here is a reminder about the differences between the models from October:

"We receive many emails asking if we have different UV-5 models. We were also asked if we have the New 2013 latest UV-5 Baofeng has taken the standard UV-5R and packaged it on many different cases. ALL of these new model numbers are the SAME RADIO, no different from one to another but just a different name. There are no 2013 models unless you have a time machine, They talk about extended freq coverage, that change is made in the new software they released, not in the radio. So, pick the case design you like and go with that, your getting the same radio. Hong Kong and Chinese sellers like to confuse you and make you think your getting something different but your not. Better buy from a US Seller that will back the warranty in the USA."

Baofeng UV-5R: UV-5RAX 2M + 222

marksenk New Baofeng UV-5RAX covers 144 & 222 MHz ham bands - Available March 10 on Amazon for $49 #hamrTue, Mar 12 11:28:24 from The Visitor Widget

A Radio-Mart exclusive at Amazon: Baofeng UV-5RAX 144/220 Transceiver for $49.99 USD. I'd like for someone to try this out since people tend to have a strong opinion about Radio-Mart.

Baofeng Tech UV-2501+220 (Gen 3) Price Drop

The Baofeng Tech UV-2501+220 (generation 3) has been discounted about $10 - down to $128.86.

Via Miklor on the Baofeng Amateur Radio Network (BARN) Facebook page.

Baofeng UV-5R: Standardizing

No, not the models... you will get a new model name anytime Baofeng thinks they can make an extra buck.

I'm referring to KD7LRJ's decision to standardize on the Baofeng UV-5R. Given the cost and features, he has picked the UV-5R as his standard. He only has to learn one radio, can limit the different types of software required to program the radios, and can commonize the accessories.

He goes in to much more detail about his process and some of the pros/cons here.

Baofeng Tech - Baofeng UV-82HP

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

Baofeng UV-3R: Hawaii Radio Sales

Chris, NH7QH, is making the virtual move from www.baofeng-uv3r.us to www.hawaiiradiosales.com.The new site is already a big jump forward. He posted to the UV-3R Yahoo Group with some details about his inventory:

"Also Instock (Not updated on website yet)
35+/- - Black UV-3R
26 - Spare battery
10 - Charger with PSU
10 - Original Antenna Dual Band Antenna type 1
28 - VHF Antenna
28 - UHF Antenna
10 – UV-3R Com Port (DB 9 pin)
40 – UV-3R USB cable
25 – Car Charger

And in two weeks we will have 100 more USB cables, 50 – Camouflage radio, 50 -
Blue radio, 50 - Red radio, 50 - Yellow radio is finally out.

***Ask for the "HAM DEAL" with valid call sign and See our ad in OCT 2011 QST***

www.baofeng-uv3r.us
NH7QH Radio Supplies, LLC.
Veteran Owned Business

73's,
Chris
NH7QH"

And in a comment on an earlier post, Chris had already assured me that he will have the yellow version soon.

More Baofeng Version Notes from Nate

From Nate... he's compiled some information from the various links below. Corrections/additions are welcome.

Complete list of links:

General Radio Descriptions:
http://baofengtech.com/radios
Comparison Chart:
http://baofengtech.com/compare
FAQ (Myths and Facts)
http://baofengtech.com/faq
Firmware Guide:
http://baofengtech.com/firmwareguide

Also reference to:
http://www.brickolore.com/2014/06/baofengtech-charts.html

Radio's currently listed on BaofengTech (Plus some additions):


Generation Zero:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UV-3R, 3R+ (UV-100, UV-100 MKII, UV-200, UV-200 MKII, UV-3R MKII, Vero Electronics UV-X4.
The improved Vero Electronics UV-X5 = TYT TH-UV3R probably belongs here too*).


First Generation:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UV-5R, UV5R+, UV-5RA/X, UV-5RC/X, UV-5RE (and most re-branded clones such as the Ronson UV-8R, the Waccom WUV-5R . 409Shop models - UV5R[A-Q] ** belong here too. also if they have + or UU after the model number, it just means that the frequency range was extended by software on the UHF band from 400-470/480 to 400-520, not an improved firmware ).

Slightly better receiver and newer firmware:
UV-B5, UV-B6, UV-82 (=UV82L), UV-82X (=144/220 Mhz model), UV-82C, (And probably the F11, BFUV66 and BFUV89 belong here too).


Second Generation:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GT-3, A-52, B-580T, BF-F8+ (Also BF-530I, BFE500S and maybe BF-F9+  ***).

Notes:

* Vero Electronics UV-X5 = TYT TH-UV3R probably has some small changes in the filter section, similar to what RadioMart\Martyn was trying to do with the TYT TH-UVF9 that probably became the TYT TH-UVF9D.
Ref1: http://www.worldwidedx.com/handitalkies/153179-tyt-th-uv3r-2m-440-also-does-220-a.html
Ref2: http://www.uv3r.com/
Ref3: http://www.brickolore.com/2012/06/tyt-th-uvf9-more-tri-band-info.html
Ref4: http://www.brickolore.com/2012/06/tyt-th-uvf9-story-so-far.html
Ref5: http://www.tyt888.com/en/Products/Detail.asp?ID=2068
** 409Shop models names UV5R[A-Q] might have added letters to indicate the color R/BLUE/CC 
*** Note the lack of [BAND] button on second gen radios that have the UV-5R form - the BF-F8+, the 409Shop's Baofeng BF-F9+ and possibly other clones that we will see in the future.

I hope this will put an end to the Baofeng/Pofung model variation confusion.

Baofeng Squelch Fix

You may have seen it elsewhere, but CHIRP now has ability to modify the squelch levels for some Baofeng radios. I'm really excited to test this with the BF-F8HP that BaofengTech has provided.

Here is the overview from Miklor of the squelch settings:

UV5R / UV82 / F8HP series CHIRP Daily Build 20150111 or newer   Modifying settings will change the way your radio performs. Change them at your own risk. This is not compatible with UVB5/B6 or BF888S models due to differences in firmware.

The factory squelch settings on these models has long been known to have little or no impact on the actual squelch level. The smallest noise burst would easily pop open the squelch. Until now, it was one of those  little 'quirks' you just needed to tolerate.   But no longer...  Through the efforts of Jim KC9HI and the CHIRP development team, this has become a thing of the past.  A new 'Service Settings' tab has been added to CHIRP which allows you to alter the factory level settings, so a weak signal can open level 1, and only a monster signal can open level 9. At this time we are not aware of any measurements made with actual test equipment that is designed to measure actual squelch sensitivity, but on the air testing confirms that it definitely works. Compatibility There are too many Baofeng/Pofung models, variants, and firmware versions to be certain which radios are compatible and which ones aren't. Testing that has been done indicates the following:   The CHIRP Service Settings will adjust the levels on: -  UV82 series radios (82C / 82X) -  F8HP series radios -  UV5R series radios with firmware BFB291 and later. PowerOn while holding '3' button displays firmware on UV5R. The Fix The lowest factory levels were 14 > 22, and the highest were 40 > 48. Using the settings below spreads the range from 24 > 64 in increments of 5. This is a good starting point, but can fine tune these  to any value or increment desired from 1 to 64. You also have the ability to change the VHF and UHF values independently. After changing the level values, test the different levels to determine which is the best for your type use.

You can see the defaults I just pulled from the BF-F8HP.

Baofeng Shop and Website

Hans noticed that Baofeng has a new website (his post, their site), and I noticed an additional link to the Baofeng Shop. The shop is populated with lots of radios, but they all say $0. Some of the links are broken.

So are they working on cutting out the middle man?

I'll dig a little more, but I found the site interesting.

(And if someone wants to explain this other linked site, that would be cool: www.new-ronway.com)

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."

Baofeng A52 and B-580T

I was looking at the Baofeng B-580T and thought about doing a post about it. While I dragged my feet, Hans beat me to it. Except, I just realized he was posting about the Baofeng A52 and I was looking at the B-580T. The B-580T is way different from the A52. See it has a "B" and a dash and a "T" in its model number.

I was looking at the pictures for both listings and realized that they shared a label with the B-580T model number.

I'm going to write a program to randomly generate model numbers for these things and automatically create blog posts about.