Showing posts sorted by relevance for query baofeng. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query baofeng. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, May 1, 2015

Baofeng BF-F8HP: Battery Testing

So Hank did an experiment using various batteries and a BF-F8HP:
"AA Battery Monitoring-Only Duration Test 
Conditions: 
Radio: Baofeng BF-F8HP with original factory settings except for 10 second LCD display backlight on-time (Menu 6) to induce heavier battery drain. 
Battery Adapter: Baofeng (Baofeng Tech) BL-5 AA Battery Adapter (and “place holder” battery as needed).
Environment: Indoor environment with stable 72° temperature and typical indoor relative humidity values. 
Tasking: Radio continuously monitored local fire band frequency with an average of 3 to 4 calls per hour at 3/4 full volume. 
Test #1
Energizer brand “Advanced Lithium” batteries (5 batteries + “fake” jumper)
Started on 4/10 at 11:50 AM
Ended on 4/14 at 6:35 AM
Duration: 3 days, 19 hours, 25 minutes (91.4 hours)
Test #2
Kodak brand “Max” alkaline batteries (5 batteries + “fake” jumper)
Started on 4/14 at 7:15 AM
Ended on 4/16 at 6:17 AM
Duration: 1 day, 23 hours, 2 minutes (47 hours) 
Test #3
Baofeng OEM BL-5 Extended Capacity 2100 mAh Li-ion battery
Note: Battery was cycled with four previous charge/discharge cycles to maximize charge capacity.
Started on 4/19 at 10:00 AM
Ended on 4/21 at 7:57 PM
Duration: 2 days, 9 hours, 57 minutes (58.9 hours) 
Test #4
Panasonic brand “eneloop” Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (6 batteries)
Started on 4/26 at 11:47 PM
Ended on 4/29 at 12:40 PM
Duration: 2 days, 12 hours, 53 minutes (60.9 hours)"

Thursday, June 1, 2017

BaoFeng Tech X-Series Mobiles

I'm way behind on the BaoFeng Tech mobiles, so I'm spending some time looking at them. Who all grabbed one of these? Comments? The UV-25X4 has the highest ratings on Amazon - averaging 4.6 stars over 21 reviews.

The X-Series:
"The X-Series Mobiles introduce our new fully customizable Multi-Color LCD display screen. You can adjust the complete display to be exactly as you want it (with 9 available colors across 10 display elements). Beyond the display, you can fully customize your channels to display their alpha-numeric names or frequency settings.
The X-Series Mobiles also introduces our new dual sync mode! With this option, you can single or dual sync two different channels and display both their frequency and name simultaneously. If you prefer instead to monitor up to four channels; you can single line display a channel's name or frequency. Additionally, as a new feature added: you can even monitor both VFO (frequency) and channel modes simultaneously.

Another feature introduced in the X-Series mobiles is the ability to edit your channel preferences without needing to program a new channel! You can edit tones, additional squelch information, and even add or remove it from your scanning list anytime!

Scanning channels and frequencies has now gotten even easier! A new menu allows you to select scanning resume methods. You can set the radio to start scanning immediately during reboot, resume scanning if you interrupt scanning to transmit, or start scanning soon as it powers on."

BTECH UV-25X2 - 25 watt dual band mobile
BaoFeng Tech link
Amazon link ($114.89)



BTECH UV-25X4 - 25 watt quad band mobile

Saturday, January 13, 2018

BaoFeng BF-T3

I saw this post about the BF-T3 on the BaoFeng UV-5R Yahoo Group. I recently looked the BF-T3 up on Amazon and it looks like it is being sold under a bunch of different names. That's not uncommon for these Chinese radios to be rebranded.
"BaoFeng has a new HT. 
Over the past several months I had been exchanging occasional emails with a “Robert Frost” who had been asking me questions about the features needed or desired in a new Amateur Radio. Recently he informed me that BaoFeng has a new radio about to be released and he asked me to review it. I agreed, and they sent me a pair of their newest radio. This is NOT an amateur radio, and it does not even resemble anything we had talked about in the previous emails. This is a traditional FRS radio – complete with blister pack packaging. (See pictures 1-3) 

The radio is the BF-T3 “Walkie Talkie Set” sold in two-pack. The package contains two HTs and a User’s Manual printed on both sides of a single large sheet of paper. (Pictures 8-11)
Interestingly enough, there is a barcode sticker on the package that I received but not a UPC code (perhaps an Amazon item number code, these radios are now available on Amazon at $17-18 a pair). The barcode sticker shows the product as “Kids Walkie Talkies BaoFen.” (Picture 2)
The package includes the FCC logo that is supposed to mean Part 15 compliance, but nothing on or with these radios indicates that they are actually approved for FRS use (although they do appear to meet all the requirements for the new 22 channel FRS radios that go into effect with the revision of Part 95.)  
...
The radios themselves are black with silver trim and look pretty much the same as most other FRS radios other than that these have no knobs and 9 buttons to control the radio. The size is appropriate for average tween to adult hands but might be a bit large for smaller children. The PTT button is labeled TALK and is located at the center front of the radio not on the side. The speaker grill appears larger than it actually is. (Picture 3)

The User Manual (pictures 8-11) contains a few minor errors but is far better than the manuals provided with the vast majority of Chinese radios. The manual is what I would call an Almost-Final-Draft and seems to have been written as the radio was being designed rather than after the radio itself was fully completed. For example, at one point the User Manual says “There are two kinds of sub-channels:” and then goes on to describe CTCSS, but it never does mention the other kind (presumably DCS, which this radio doesn’t have). 
Each radio uses three AAA size batteries. The area where the batteries go is sized to hold four AAA batteries but there are only contacts for three. (Pictures 6-7)

In true BaoFeng style, these FRS radios also include the LED light on the top (on/off only, no flashing setting). (Picture 4). The Push-to-talk (PPT) button is the large button on the front center of the radio, and is labeled TALK. Other buttons are labeled LAMP (turns the flashlight on and off); a Z shaped arrow (activates scanning); a musical note (sends the call tone); Up and Down pointing triangles (increase and decrease the volume, also change the settings in each of the menus); MON (the monitor button); MENU with a picture of a padlock (press the button one to four times to bring up different menus, press and hold to lock the keypad); and the power button with the common power on/off icon. (Pictures 3 & 11)
Hand a pair of these radios to a couple of six year olds and they will quickly figure out how to use them, although they probably won't be able to change the channel, the CTCSS tones, or the call tones. 
Speaking of the call tones, the package (picture 2) says five of the call tones are animal sounds -- fortunately this is not true. All the call tones are typical computer style ring tones and musical riffs.
Other than the unusual position of the TALK button, these radios work pretty much just as you would expect of any 500mW FRS radio. Audio is reasonably clear. Range is nowhere close to the claimed "3KM Call Range Distance" but in my suburban location they worked reliably for about 1/2 mile (about 0.8 KM) which would be typical for this sort of radio. I'm sure the call tones would be audible at longer distances than ordinary voice. These radios might manage 3KM from one mountain top to another or between a pair of boats on a large lake, but not on the ground in a normal urban or suburban area. The range claim on the package is no worse than those on any other FRS radio that I have seen. All FRS radios claim much more range than the radios actually accomplish. 
One feature that really does not work is the belt clip on the back of the radio (pictures 5 & 6). These are molded rigid plastic. You might be able to thread a belt through the clip, but unless the belt is VERY thin, you won't be able to slip the radio on and off the belt using it as a belt clip should function. Also, the catch that is supposed to hold the clip on the radio isn't very secure. The clip comes off the radio easier than it would go on or off a belt. 
One thing not visible in the photos is the earphone/mic jack on the top of the radio (picture 4) between the LED light and the fixed antenna. The User Manual says that this jack is for an earphone/microphone and that you need to use the one provided or it could damage the radio. There was no earphone included in the package (and no place for any earphone). Based on the warning I didn't try experimenting by plugging anything into the jack, but I would hope that it takes the same earphone/mic as most cell phones.

Overall, the BF-T3 radios are perhaps a little better than the typical 500mW FRS radio of a few years ago. They certainly work well enough for my grand-daughter and her husband to use back and forth around the stable and field while taking care of the horses. I don't know what price BaoFeng has in mind for these radios. Anywhere under $20 for the pair, I'd consider them a reasonable. If the price were above that, most people would be better served stepping up to a better radio."

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Baofeng UV-3R: Battery & AA Battery Case 2

Today, I got the AA battery case that is based on the Yaesu FBA-37 and should fit the Baofeng UV-3R. I already had a Yaesu case, so I am comparing it to the cheap eBay version. I hate to give away the surprise, but you get what you pay for... The $21 FBA-37 is clearly better made than the $10 eBay version.

The eBay case (right) had a film all over it. It wiped off easily, but it looked like it came from a dirty plant.


The Yaesu (left) is much better engineered. On the eBay case (right), the metal strips that run between the contacts are just roughly covered with some plastic tape.


Here is the eBay case on my VX-3R. It is hard to tell in the photo, but there is a gap along the side where it does not fit well. I think the batteries do not sit flush against the base of the case and this keeps it from close snugly.


As usual, once I get the actual Baofeng UV-3R, I will update when I try this case on it.

Previously Baofeng UV-3R: Battery & AA Battery Case

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal: BF-F8HP - Second Try

This Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal is now live - hopefully for real this time:
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.

Monday, November 14, 2011

One Year of Brick O'Lore


One year ago today I started this blog with a post about Financial Commitment Sunday at my church. At the same time I was contemplating a purchase of some radios and guns. Well, I got some radios (IC-7000 and UV-3R), but I never did get the AR or the Glock. And now I've been leaning towards the M&P9.

When I was writing that entry, I was thinking that I would blog for a year and then see if I wanted to keep doing it. I plan on continuing the blog, but I feel less pressure now. I've had various undocumented goals - three posts a day, so many a week, etc. None of which I've consistently met. I blog when I feel like it - which is fairly frequently. I had envisioned longer, more thoughtful posts (like Linoge and others), but it turns out that I'm closer to being a linker. As far as the personality of my blog, it was going to be some guns, ham radio, technical, commentary on society, etc. It turns out I was going to post quite a bit about a little radio and the page views would go up dramatically.

As you will see in the stats below, some how this became a Baofeng UV-3R blog. It all started with a simple post about a Yaesu VX-3R knock-off.

As of late yesterday, the blog had 112,231 page views for its first year. I've made 856 posts in that time.

The single largest referring URL was Say Uncle - primarily for the Ninjas in my House post with 1,850 views.

However, the single most visited post is the Baofeng UV-3R software instructions at about 7,000 views.

The single most visited page is the Baofeng UV-3R summary at almost 11,500 view for the year

Google.com is the largest referring site at about 12,500 pointers to the blog. If I add in the referrals from Google in Germany (2,500), the UK (2,200), Italy (2,100), Netherlands (1,200), Spain (600), and Canada (400), then Google is responsible for 21,500 views. Most of the hits from Google are from searches for the UV-3R.

Feedburner tells me I have a few RSS subscribers. Google Analytics tell me that I have lots of people who get here by way of the Baofeng searches and they click through to another post between (roughly) 30% to 60% of the time depending on the particular starting page. People average 2.93 pages and 3.15 minutes per visit.

So, where do I go from here?

More of the same I suspect. The UV-3R has been a great learning experience for me - both as a ham radio and as a blogger. I've got too many interests and not enough time. I think you've see that here... radios, running, tablets, guns, prepping, computers, reading, etc. Toss in a wife and an almost three year old - time is my limiting factor for sure. The Radio Amateurs Code reminds hams that playing with the radio is a hobby and that the ham should be balanced - never letting it interfere with "duties owed family, job, school or community." I might add church to that, but it still sums up where I am.

Let's see what the next 365 days bring. Some goals... pass the Extra Class exam, keep running - maybe a marathon, earn a WAS award, pay off my student loan, finally pick up that plastic pistol, and blog a little.

Thanks for reading.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Baofeng BF-F9: On Woot

At the end of May, Woot was selling the Baofeng BF-F9 for about $40. It generated quite a thread on the UV-5R Yahoo Group. There was some worry about unlicensed folks getting their hands on the radios, since they were promoted on Woot. I guess the thinking was that Woot has a diverse audience that might be interested in the cool toy/walkie talkie, but have no interest or knowledge of the licensing requirements to transmit. (Also, speculating here that this is different from Amazon or other web sites where people are more likely to be intentionally searching for radios instead of having one pop up on the page.)

k4rgn shared this note:
As someone who ordered a Baofeng from Woot yesterday before they sold out, I just received an email from Woot saying: 
"Dear Potential Hammie, So you bought the BaoFeng Ham Two-way Radio Transceiver from us very recently! Thank you! Listen to your hearts content! But we somehow forgot to offer a little reminder that HAM radio transmission requires a license! And if you send without it, you're gonna get in trouble with the FCC. Read here for more: http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed http://www.arrl.org/getting-licensed . If you already knew all that, excellent! But if you didn't know that, we want to give you a chance to get a refund. Just email support@woot.com by June 3rd, 10 AM CST and say I CAN'T HAM-DLE IT! and we'll cancel the order and get you your money back, just like that. Or, of course, you could get that license and learn the wonderful and majestic world of HAM. Wouldn't that be fun? Huh? Wouldn't it? It's up to you, Woot.com" 
Congrats to whoever provoked Woot to send this.
I think it is nice that they sent the note, but I believe the obligation is with the buyer. I'm trying to think of analogies with cars or guns. I'm pretty sure I showed a license to purchase my last car, but that was more a piece of the financial transaction. It wasn't to prove I was permitted to drive. I'm pretty big on personal responsibility and since there is a real (however unlikely) case that the radio could be used as a receiver only, I have no problem with them being sold on Woot.

Hopefully, we'll add even more folks to the hobby.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Blackbox (Baofeng) Base Station

A while back I posted about what I called the Blackbox Baofeng Base Station. The guys over at BuyTwoWayRadios discuss the Blackbox base station on their podcast. They've watched the video from Richard Klein (see below). There isn't a ton of information, so they speculate a little, ask some questions, and offer some opinions. I pretty much agree with everything they say - interesting idea, mounting to the wall would be odd unless the antenna rotates, either this is a repackaged Baofeng or they are taking advantage of popular (thus cheaper) components, and the $239.95 price tag means few amateurs will be interested.



What I don't understand is the comment left on their post - the name displayed with the comment is Richard Klein:
"You should ask questions before you post ignorant comments.
Yes we use a Baofeng keypad and screen due to low cost, but the entire thing from there is custom.
The power supply is modified to accept AC.
The speaker output is 3X a portable radio (4 Ohm speaker with amplifier).
The housing is custom.
The circuitry is completely modified with high quality shielding, voltage protection, and coil mod.
So you think it's a Vega from the headlights, but we wrapped it in a Ferrari body, and put a Maserati engine inside."
Drop the first and last lines and you've got a helpful response. I really don't think anything said in the podcast was as harsh as the response.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Baofeng UV-5R: 2M/220 Gone and Back

They were gone.

marksenk Seems that the 220 MHz version of the Baofeng UV-5RAX is no longer being sold on Amazon #hamr Any other sellers?Sat, Apr 13 23:15:16 from SenseTwit

And now they are back.

marksenk Baofeng 220 Mhz radios return to Amazon with the UV-5CAX and UV-5RCX - one even has a user reviewSun, Apr 21 00:31:27 from SenseTwit

Get one here: Baofeng UV-5RAX 144/220 Transceiver

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Baofeng UV-5X: Happy New Year 2015!

Nate sent me a link to the "2015 Exclusive Sale" of the Baofeng UV-5X. You can run over it or drown it!













    BAOFENG UV-5X UHF+VHF Dual Band/Dual Watch Two-Way Radio FM Function
    Kindly reminder:
    It is a thin layer of protective film on the screen, not scratches. To tear it off while using is not recommended,
    as such layer protects the screen well.
    Features:
     1. Dual-band handheld transceiver with display function menu on the display “LCD”
     2. DTMF encoded
     3. Lithium-ion battery with high capacity
     4. Commercial FM radio receiver (65 MHz ~ 108MHz)
     5. Incorporates 105 codes “DCS” and 50 privacy codes “CTCSS” programmable
     6. Function “VOX” (voice operated transmission)
     8. Alarm function
     9. Up to 128 memory channels
    10.Broadband (wide) / Narrowband (narrow), selectable
    11.High power / low (5W/1W) selectable
    12.Display illumination and programmable keyboard
    13.Function “beep” on the keyboard
    14.Dual watch/dual reception
    15.Selectable frequency step 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25kHz
    16.Function “OFFSET” (frequency offset for repeater access)
    17.Battery saving function “SAVE”
    18.Timer transmission “TOT” programmable
    19.Selecting the Scan Mode
    20.Function Busy Channel Lock “BCLO”
    21.Built-in RX CTCSS/DCS scan
    22.Built-in LED flashlight
    23.Programmable by PC
    24.Level threshold “Squelch” adjustable from 0 to 9
    25.Crossband reception
    26.Tone end of transmission
    27.Built-in key lock
    How to set the frequency you want?Have you see the button of VFO/MR? That's it! By this button you can switch the mode between frequency and channel.
    - First turn on your tranceiver, press the VFO/MR, make sure it is on frequency mode;
    - Second,press the numbers on keypad directly to enter the frequency, for instance: 5 2 0 0 0 0.
    Congratulations, now the frequency of 520 is set well.


    Specification:
    General
    - Frequency Range: VHF 136-174 MHz (Rx/Tx). UHF 400-520MHz (Rx/Tx);
                    65MHz ~ 108MHz (Only commercial FM radio reception)
    - Memory channels: Up to 128 channels
    - Frequency stability: 2.5ppm
    - Frequency step: 2.5KHz/5KHz/6.25KHz/10KHz/12.5KHz/25KHz
    - Antenna impedance: 50Ω
    - Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C
    - Supply voltage: Rechargeable Lithium-ion 7.4V/1800mAh
    - Consumption in standby: ≤ 75mA
    - Consumption in reception: 380mA
    - Consumption in transmission: ≤ 1.4A
    - Mode of Operation: Simple or semi-duplex
    - Duty cycle: 03/03/54 min (Rx/Tx/Standby)
    - Dimension: 110x58x33 mm
    - Weight: 222g (included battery+ antenna)

    Transmitter
    - RF power: 4W/1W
    - Type of modulation: FM
    - Emission class: 16kΦF3E / 11kΦF3E (W/N)
    - Maximum deviation: ≤ ±5kHz / ≤ ±2.5kHz(W/N)
    - Spurious emissions: <-60db br="">
    Receiver- Receiver sensitivity: 0.2uV(at 12dB SINAD)
    - Intermodulation: 60dB
    - Audio Output: 1000mW
    - Adjacent channel selectivity: 65/60dB

    Power Adapter
    - Input: AC100-240V, 50-60Hz; Output: DC10V/500mA; Plug Type: US

    Package contents:1x BAOFENG UV-5X FM Two-Way Radio Body (One 7.4V/1800mAh Battery included)
    1x Antenna
    1x Power Adapter
    1x Belt Clip
    1x Battery Charger
    1x Earpiece
    1x Hand Strap
    1x User Manual

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal: UV-82HP

This Baofeng Tech Amazon Prime Day Deal is now live:
BaoFeng UV-82HP (RED) High Power Dual Band Radio: 136-174mhz (VHF) 400-520mhz (UHF) Amateur (Ham) Portable Two-Way - this link is to the red one, but other colors are available.
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 Amazon Prime Deals: The Schedule Part 2

Amazon has changed the schedule - apparently their algorithms want to keep things exciting.

Here is the latest information I have:

2:34 PM EDT
PC03 FTDI USB Programming Cable for BaoFeng, Kenwood, Wouxun, AnyTone

4:09 PM EDT
BaoFeng UV-82HP (RED) High Power Dual Band Radio: 136-174mhz (VHF) 400-520mhz (UHF) Amateur (Ham) Portable Two-Way - this link is to the red one, but other colors are available.
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.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Baofeng UV-3R and Wouxun KG-UV6D

Looks like Hawaii Radio Sales (aka NH7QH Radio Supplies aka Baofeng-UV3R.us) will soon have the Baofeng UV-3R Mark II. They have added it to their web site and listed it at $60.00.

Wouxun.us also has a couple of updates:

KG-UV6D with 2.5 tuning steps and other new features in stock in mid October.  Special introductory price announced soon.
New Baofeng UV-3R with Dual Display will begin shipping October 11, order now.  All colors available.  Colored shells also available.

Looks like we'll have plenty of items to pick from for Christmas!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Baofeng UV-3R: The Specs

I've posted a lot about the Baofeng UV-3R, but I've been remiss in posting the technical specifications of the radio. The information may not be perfect. I have noticed differences in what others has posted and what Baofeng listed. For example, squelch may be 0-9 or 1-9.

Functions and Features
- LCD Menu Operations
- 50 CTCSS, 104 CDCSS
- 99 Channels (1 Emergency Channel)
- Time-out Timer (Off/30/60/90/120/150/180 secs)
- Key Tone/Keypad Beep (Off, On)
- FM Radio Built-in (87.0 - 108.0 MHz)
- Shift Frequency
- VOX (Off/1-9 Levels)
- Call Tone (1750 KHz)
- Squelch Set (1-9 Levels)
- Electronic Volume Adjusting (8 Levels)
- Keypad Lock
- Backlight (On/Off/Key)
- Tail Tone Elimination
- Battery Save
- Monitor
- Power Capacity Display (Off, On)
- Low Battery Alert
- Restore to Factory Default
- PC Programming
- FM Radio Channel Storage

Technical Specification - General
Frequency Range | 136-174/400-470 MHz
Channel Capacity | 99
Channel Spacing | 5/6.25/12.5/25 KHz
Operated Voltage | 3.8V
Standard Battery | 1500 mAh
Battery Life | 10 hours
Frequency Stability | 2.5ppm (-20°C to 60%degC)
Operating Tempature | -30°C to 60%degC
Antenna Impedance | 50 Ω
Dimensions | 1.9" x 3.2" X .9" (Approximate)
Weight | 140g

Technical Specification - Transmitter
RF Power Output | 2W
Modulation | F3E
Spurious Emission | 65 dB
FM Noise | 45 dB (N)/42 dB (W)
Audio Distortion | 5.00%
Adjacent Channel Power | 60 dB
Max Frequency Deviation | <= 2.5 KHz (N)/ <= 5.0 KHz (W)
Frequency Error | 500 Hz
Modulation Distortion | 0.1 KHz (300 - 3000 KHz)
Transmitting Current | <= 1.4 A

Technical Specification - Receiver
Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) | 0.2 uV
Squelch Selectivity | 0.15 uV
Adjacent Channel Selectivity | >= 65 dB
Background Noice | <= 50 mV
Spurious Response Rejection | -60 dB
FM Ham and Noise | 48 dB (N) /48 dB (W)
Audio Power Output at 8 Ω | <= 1.7 V
Audio Distortion | <= 10%
Receiver Current | <= 400 mA
Standby Current | <= 75 mA

Source: Baofeng UV-3R Product Page

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

AnyTone Tech

So the smoke is clearing after the Baofeng Tech announcement about their new venture selling AnyTone radios as AnyTone Tech.

Here is my summary of what people are saying from the various forum posts, blogs, comments, and e-mail reflectors:
1. Some folks were disappointed that there wasn't a new, earth-shattering radio. 
2. Some folks were disappointed that the big news was that Baofeng Tech was selling AnyTone radios. 
3. Some folks were confused about Baofeng Tech selling AnyTone radios. 
4. Some folks don't like the names/models (ANILE-8R, NSTIG-8R, OBLTR-8R, TERMN-8R).
In general, there was a lot more time spent discussing the announcement than the radios themselves. That trend continues here for the moment. My thoughts about each of those points.
1. Sure, I'd like to have gotten new models with every feature imaginable under the sun - and for $25. While not revolutionary, I think we are still moving in the right direction. Upgradeable firmware - good. NOAA weather alerts - I want this feature. (A couple of my cars had the weather band and I loved having it.) 
I may buy the TERM-8R depending on it's price. Price is my segue to my big point about Chinese radios in general... value. What has kept my interest in them for so long (starting with the Wouxun KG-UVD1P and then kicking in to high gear with the UV-3R) is that, for the most part, they've offered a lot of utility compared to the price. It started with the HTs and now we are seeing mobiles and HF rigs.
2. If I'm Baofeng Tech and I'm branching out like this - it is big news to me and I'd be excited about it. You want to get the word out. I don't have a problem with them "selling" the news. I was happy to post the teaser. It was fun to imagine what they might be doing. It's up to us to decide if we want to "buy" - the hype, the radios, etc.
3. If you follow anything in the start-up world, people talk about "pivoting." Some times you start out in one direction and then realize that there are additional opportunities (or better ones) that necessitate a change. We saw Wouxun.us move away from Wouxun radios and become Import Communications. Also, there is a difference from the manufacturer/factory and companies that are resellers.
4. I'm not a big fan of the names, but I really understand what they are trying to do. They wanted something that created a family of radios (the "ator" or "-8R"). They wanted something that would differentiate them from other radios and models. As others have said, while not perfect, at least they are trying and it could be worse (UV-3R Mark II Plus+). The way the current ecosystem works, the manufacturers don't exert any control over the names, so that leaves the resellers to battle it out.
So, where does that leave us? For me, I'm gonna watch for the pricing... and I  might add another radio to the shack.

Friday, January 3, 2014

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.


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?


Thursday, August 14, 2014

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.

Friday, July 17, 2020

Intellectual Discourse - Ham Radio Reddit

First - Baofeng Bucks:
"Chinese communist party takes your Baofeng bucks and puts them right in the 'turn America into one big concentration camp' fund. They don't want you dead, they want your whole life. Call me crazy, see what happens.

EDIT: Changed 'Baofeng dollars' to 'Baofeng bucks' because it's funnier."

"Japanese anime porn artists take your Yaesu Yen and put them right into the "get Americans addicted to tentacle hentai" fund. They don't want you dead, they want your whole life. Call me crazy, see what happens."

Friday, March 23, 2012

Chinese Radios - The Center Part II

A commenter on yesterday's post about which Chinese manufacturer is really making all these radios pointed me to this link at Kightradio. (He is the one offering the TYT TH-UV3 for sale.) There are multiple updates on the page:
03/19/12 "The TYT TH-UV3 Dual Band HT is on the way to me now. I will update everyone as soon as I receive them."
So he could have the TYT TH-UV3 any day now. We do live in interesting times.
02/20/2012 "Baofeng UVD-5R Dual Band 4 watt HT was just released for sale in China. This is a nice little Dual Band rig but as of now, the menuis only in Chinese. This is howthe first UV-3R started out and then they made the english menu later. I would like to note that this radio looks exactly like the TYT F8 Radios. In talking with TYT I found out this is a COPY and not a radio made by TYT and sold to Baofeng. TYT has a patent on the case so we will see what TYT does about this later. So if you buy one of these on the internet, BEWARE, its menu is ONLY IN CHINESE and hard to figure out. I have one to test and I am having the menu translated and I will update you later on this.
Dual Band mobiles are not anywhere close to being released. I would not look for them at Dayton this year. Maybe if we are lucky, a few months after Dayton but this is just my personal guess with info I hear in talking with the MFG's every few days."
We know that are now versions of the UV-5R that do Chinese only, Chinese & English, and English only. And he has been told that Baofeng is ripping off TYT's case. More interesting is his claim that the dual band mobiles (KG-UV920R anyone?) won't be available for a few more months.
No Date "We attended the Hong Kong Electronics Fair and the Canton Export Fair Oct 15,2011
We will be updating the site in a few days with all the New Goodies we found at the show. Lots of exciting things in the works so be sure to check back with us and get updated.
We are in China now so if you have any special radios you would like us to purchase for you, contact us and we will be glad to purchase for you.
Call 405-227-9980 (Our time is opposite the USA time so when its 11 am in the US, its 11 pm in China) Please call late evening your time to reach us.
We can get you the latest versions of Wouxun,TYT, Baofeng and others at Hong Kong Prices."
Pretty cool that he offers to ferry radios back from China. Shipping and wire transfers can make a good deal go bad very quickly.
11/11/2011 "Wouxun is going to raise the price effective now of the KG-UVD1p & UVD3 about $22.00 This is because of dealer requests to add 2.5 steps to those models. Its seems more like a move on Wouxun's part to increase the retail price like they have been wanting to do for sometime. They also increased the min wholesale order to 500 units. This is going to put the Wouxun HT's in a higher price class and TYT and others will have the advantage. Hong Kong will have a much lower price and attract more customers. As far as the Dual Band mobile, I would not look for it anytime soon and when it does come out, I am anxious to see the price. Wouxun is not aware of other companies working on Dual Band Radios because they pay little attention to their competition."
Build your brand and demand higher prices. It is the American way!