Baofeng UV-82

Hans spotted the Baofeng UV-82 a while back. He'd seen it on both e-Bay or AliExpress.

Features:
- Frequency Range: 136-174 & 400-520MHz
- Dual Band, Dual Display, Dual Frequency,Dual Standby
- Output Power: 5 / 1Watt
- 128 Storage Channels
- 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS
- Vox
- 1750 Hz Burst Tone
- FM Radio (65.0 MHz – 108.0 MHz)
- LED Flashlight
- Large LCD Display
- High / Low RF Power Switchable
- Wide / Narrow 25KHz / 12.5KHz Switchtable
- Emergency Alert
- Low Battery Alert
- Battery Saver
- Time-out Timer
- Keypad Lock
- Monitor Channel
- Channel Step: 2.5 / 5 / 6.25 / 10 / 12.5 / 25 KHz
- PC Programming

Nate sent me a note with some updates:

"Can be ordered now from a US dealer for $50:
http://www.radio-mart.net/Baofeng-UV-82-Dual-Band-Handheld-Transceiver.html 

It also states that this radio is "Pending FCC approval" (which they probably will get, like they did with the Baofeng UV-5R variety). 

Also, checked the pictures here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2013-May-New-Arrival-Baofeng-UV-82-Dual-Band-VHF137-174MHz-UHF400-520MHz-Professional-FM-Portable/955846467.html 

Looks like you can unscrew the bolt that holds the Mic/Ear rubber cover, and bolt in an accessory plug, like you do with commercial rigs, which might suggest better build quality.
The two top LEDs on top might suggest dual RX at the same time, but you can't really tell. the display in the brochure isn't very encouraging (Only a single "S-Meter")."

Martyn posted his video of the UV-82 (see below) on the UV-5R Yahoo Group.

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 UV-82: Software

Interesting work by Jim (KC9HI):

"I don't have a UV-82, but having an interest in one, I downloaded the software and installed it to see what I could learn from it. The software that I installed for the UV-82 is v13.01.12. 

The software I am testing has an identical layout to the v12.05.06 CPS software for the UV-5R. With both Optional Features menus set to the same values, there is no difference that can be seen when switching between both programs. 

So how did it get all of the settings to be the same. Easy... I just loaded the .dat file from my UV-5R. It read it right in. Every channel and every setting is there."

Baofeng UV-82: Software

We've ended up with a second Yahoo Group for the UV-82. I don't know which came first, but the one linked here was started by Martyn (K4TEC) and he uploaded the software for the UV-82.

Some screen shots for your viewing and internet analysis pleasure...

Baofeng UV-82: Brochure and Manual

John K3NXU uploaded a brochure and manual for the UV-82.

Baofeng UV-82 Manual

Baofeng UV-82 and UV-5R: Fight!

John (K3NXU) and Hans (PD0AC) both take a look at the UV-82 and the inevitable comparisons to the UV-5R are made.

Hans starts off with this:

"If you hate lengthy reviews: this is mainly a Baofeng UV-5R in disguise. If this is all you wanted to know you can leave now."

There is a lot more detail, so check it out.

The review did prompt me to ask:

"So what is your current favorite Baofeng if you were buying new without owning anything? What is your current favorite Chinese HT overall?"

And his answer was:

"For ham radio use the UV-B5 / UV-B6. While boring in appearance and lacking fancy options, these radios deliver. When price is less important, Wouxun is still the way to go (or maybe the Quansheng TG-UV2 if you don’t need DTMF)."

So, I still feel that the UV-B5/UV-B6 continues to fly under the radar. That's despite the love it has been getting on the AR-15 site. BTW - that thread alone has created about 30 new licensed hams.

Quansheng TG-K4AT (UV)

Nate has been following up on the Quansheng TG-K4ATUV that he first talked about here. (Following is Nate's research with some edits from me - so assume any mistakes are mine.)

This is a radio I've sent you the link for, a long time ago, but there wasn't much discussion about it. Now there is a short video:



And a 26 minute full un-boxing, comparison and demo video in Russian:



Can't speak Russian, but minor things like language barriers didn't stop me before:

Highlights:

- Seems like he is happy with the quality of the plastic.
- The battery label reads: 7.4V 2000mV
- The radio is slightly larger than the Baofang UV-5R (slightly taller and wider, roughly the same thickness), including the display, which will be easier to handle for all those who say that the UV-5R was too small. I think the display is clearer/easier to read too (nice side by side picture at 07:50).

* Note that in the video he is also comparing the radio to the TG-K4A - a mono-band radio that, ahmm, 'resembles' the Yaesu FT-50.

- The charger he got (European plug) had the AC plug going directly to the charger's base (no wall wart like the UV-5R).
- The charger has an indentation at the bottom that enables you to charge the battery without the radio (very useful if you use multiple batteries).
- He is talking about the layout of the keypad which is 0 at the button, "like in a telephone'.
- The rubber that protects the accessories jacks has a hinge, it doesn't hang on a band like the one in the UV-5R.
- All in all the quality of the build seems very similar.
- Has both 2.5KHz and 6.25KHz steps.
- Keypad operation is the same as the Baofeng UV-5R.
- A/B operation, if I understand correctly, if you started in A, and a signal made the radio go to B, it will eventually go back to A after 3 seconds of inactivity (I think the A/B on the UV-5R stays where the last signal came from).
- The flash light LED can light up as usual, but it can also be in flashing mode (like the UV-82).

Top 10 and Best/Worse of 2014

409Shop's Top 10 Most Popular Baofeng models:


For those who don't want to watch the video:

10. BF5301
9. BF-A58
8. UV-B6
7. BFQ19
6. UV-82
5. BFUV89
4. A-52
3. BF-888S
2. UV-3R+Plus
1. UV-5R

The only surprise for me is the UV-3R+Plus coming in at #2.


And Hans has his best and worst of 2014 here.

Baofeng UV-82: Batteries

What is 1000 mAh among friends?

AliExpress and eBay say that the UV-82 has an 1800 mAh battery.

Martyn says his are 2800 mAh.

Hans want to know for sure.

Baofeng UV-82: $29.99

You can get a Baofeng UV-82 for $29.99 at Radioddity.

Baofeng UV-82: FCC

The Baofeng UV-82 now shows up in the FCC database.

Baofeng UV-82: Real Camo Edition

Just in time for the holidays, Baofeng Tech has the UV-82 Outdoor Edition in real camo.

Baofeng UV-82: Charging Problem

Hans had a problem charging his new UV-82 battery. He took apart the charger and thinks he found the problem. I think if he looks more closely at the battery, he will see he just wasn't patient enough.

Baofeng UV-82: BaofengTech Camo Version

First, many thanks to Baofeng Tech for sending this radio to me!

I usually post about how I like getting radios in bright colors, so I didn't think I would be a big fan of the new camo Baofeng versions. Well, I was wrong. I really like the way this camo UV-82 looks. My pictures do not do it just. I'll have to figure out a better way to show off the pattern.

Baofeng UV-82: CHIRP Support

John (K3NXU - http://www.miklor.com and http://www.miklor.com/UV82) let us know that the UV-82 now has CHIRP support. I don't see it in the list, but I suspect it is in the latest builds.

Baofeng UV-82: Yahoo Group

In case you were afraid there wouldn't be one... a UV-82 Yahoo Group.

Squelch Threshold Adjustments

Jim (KC9HI) writes on the Baofeng UV-5R Yahoo Group about making squelch threshold adjustments through a software change to the image file:

"This capability isn't available in CHIRP (yet).

I am working on it and wouldn't mind a few testers. 

The oldest radios must get the settings from firmware and can't be adjusted. My UV-5R with BFB231 firmware can't be adjusted. 

I first tried this out on a UV-82L with success. Then later on a GT-3. Earlier this week, I got to try it on my own UV-82 and BF-F8HP radios. The difference is amazing. I don't know why Baofeng ships these radios with the squelch so "broken"."

 And continues:

"Here is your .img file back with the updated squelch settings. Make sure you have a backup image before you get started. I now have a backup here. ;-) 

I believe that you will now find that Squelch 9 can really squelch out stronger stations and you will have to reduce squelch to 6 or maybe 5 for normal operation.

If you like these settings, don't upload any other image file into your radio or they will be reset to the values in that image file. If you don't like these settings, or that don't appear to do anything, then just upload your original image file and everything will be as is was before."

I'll be following this to see how it develops.

Baofeng UV-B5: Miklor Reference

John (K3NXU) started with the UV-5R information. He added the UV-82. And now, you can get information on the UV-B5.

Baofeng Tech - Baofeng UV-82HP

Baofeng Tech sent an e-mail announcing the Baofeng UV-82HP. Quoting from their website:

"WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
* It has 3 Power Levels (1, 5, 7 watt)
* VFO/ MR (Frequency Mode) can be locked via software
* The Dual Push-to-Talk Switch can be synchronized via software to simplify operation of the radio
* A new 80 Page In-Depth User's Guide
* It includes the High Gain V-85 Antenna to Optimize Performance
* Full Accessory Compatibility with ALL UV-82 accessories
* Multiple TONE Burst Options on a NEW user Menu. Selectable Tone Burst Options Include: 1000hz, 1450hz, 1750hz, 2100hz"

You can order the Baofeng UV-82HP at Amazon for $65. (At the moment, it is showing as "currently unavailable," but the press release said it is available now.)

Baofeng Comparison

LA3ZA has compiled a handy chart to compare the Baofeng UV-5R, UV-82, and the UV-B5.

Of course, my favorite is the GT-3*.

*Yes, I'm just saying that to stir up trouble.