Baofeng FAQs

Baofeng FAQs

I'm new to ham radios, what radio should I buy?

Must Haves:
>Baofeng UV-5r (8 watt version). Either get it from amazon or aliexpress
>Programming cable, get the cheapest one you can find and install the drivers that come with it.
>Nagoya 771 antenna (if you're fine with longer antennas)
>Nagoya 701 (if you like shorter antennas)

Optional, but nice to have accessories:
>Extended battery (3800 mah)
>USB charger

How far will it reach?
>It all depends on terrain. But on average you will get about 2-3 miles of range from it. Which would be more than enough for local communications

Do I need a license to buy a Baofeng?
>No, you only "need" a license to transmit. So you can buy it, program it and listen to your local repeaters as much as you want without fear.

Aren't Baofengs banned?
> No they're not. The FCC only banned models that were not licensed to transmit on non-amateur bands. You can still get those from aliexpress

Want to program the radio?
Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZMRKJy6HBA

Intro to ham radio:
>https://pastebin.com/raw/YDiS6yEf

Want to get licensed, watch this: Ham Radio Crash Course Technician series on Y
>https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1KAjn5rGhizrj2pYcQ-b3Ufcq53nZ7dj