The programming cable will greatly help you as well as the free chirp program, while bulky an upgraded antenna will greatly help with range, Nagoya NA-771 is one of the better long range antennas, they are about 15" long but help. Be advised though you really need at least a tech license to be legal on these radios.
Good deal, they are a pretty good radio for the price, although you can not transmit on them right now you are legal to listen on them, I would look up what local repeaters you have in the area and you can listen in on what is going on around you. You also have the ability to listen to the local/ regional weather broadcast as well.
Even if you don't have your license yet. You can still use the radio for receive only. Pull them out push the buttons and get familiar with the controls and what they do. Get them programmed for the local repeaters and listen to other radio operators. You'll learn a lot just listening to them and how they function. Basically don't wait for the SHTF moment to have to pull out the radio manual to figure out what the radio does and doesn't do.
A agree with @Akonaste, Ham Radio Crash Course is a very good reference to have. Something to keep in mind is that getting your tech license will not make you proficient in ham radio it just tests on a basic knowledge, the real learning comes after when you get to do practical application, if you can it helps greatly to find an experienced Amateur or a club to learn from and most are more than willing to impart a whole lot of information to help you.
I wish google still had "Hangouts". I'm thinking the seasoned hams(pun intended) would be great at showing us noobs how to program and listen properly. I have 2 uv-82 hp's but no ticket(license) yet.
Yeah, I got my GMRS license... there's no test. Just a fee. And the whole family can use it. I'm eager to learn but still very much a n00b. I at least have my radios programmed for simplex.
Has anyone found a good User Manual for these radios? (Baofeng UV5R) The one that came with it is a joke. It basically shows you where the buttons are and not much more. I saw the YT videos posted above, but I'm looking for a paper manual or a digital one that can be printed. Thanks!
The program CHIRP really is the best way to program the radio, it can be done from the front after you get the hang of it but using chirp really is easier especially if you have several channels, with chirp there is also several data bases that it lets you directly import, chirp is free but you do need the cable but that is dirt cheap, if you need more help let me know I have talked people over the phone and had them on the air in 5 minutes.
The programming cable will greatly help you as well as the free chirp program, while bulky an upgraded antenna will greatly help with range, Nagoya NA-771 is one of the better long range antennas, they are about 15" long but help. Be advised though you really need at least a tech license to be legal on these radios.
Thanks. We got a package that came with the cable, a CD, extra batteries & 771 antenna.
We are planning a license. These are strictly SHTF right now.
Even if you don't have your license yet. You can still use the radio for receive only. Pull them out push the buttons and get familiar with the controls and what they do. Get them programmed for the local repeaters and listen to other radio operators. You'll learn a lot just listening to them and how they function. Basically don't wait for the SHTF moment to have to pull out the radio manual to figure out what the radio does and doesn't do.
Enjoy!
Some useful videos... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeXKrKEaeiI&list=RDCMUChAu6Cof9KlfFxSbL9ytosQ&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyHwAq7w9QE&list=RDCMUChAu6Cof9KlfFxSbL9ytosQ&start_radio=1&t=11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZMRKJy6HBA&list=LLc8xUo6iZj49NIG4OOBrHrw&index=2&t=0s
A agree with @Akonaste, Ham Radio Crash Course is a very good reference to have. Something to keep in mind is that getting your tech license will not make you proficient in ham radio it just tests on a basic knowledge, the real learning comes after when you get to do practical application, if you can it helps greatly to find an experienced Amateur or a club to learn from and most are more than willing to impart a whole lot of information to help you.
Thanks everyone. I know this was the right place to ask. We are excited to continue learning.
I wish google still had "Hangouts". I'm thinking the seasoned hams(pun intended) would be great at showing us noobs how to program and listen properly. I have 2 uv-82 hp's but no ticket(license) yet.
Yeah, I got my GMRS license... there's no test. Just a fee. And the whole family can use it. I'm eager to learn but still very much a n00b. I at least have my radios programmed for simplex.
i'm literally on hangouts right now,
And congratulations on the newest acquisition
I found using the Chirp program (free to download) was the easiest way to program mine.
Great help here with the Hams..
I got my General license years ago (KG5FMV) and made first contact with and thanks to
Has anyone found a good User Manual for these radios? (Baofeng UV5R) The one that came with it is a joke. It basically shows you where the buttons are and not much more. I saw the YT videos posted above, but I'm looking for a paper manual or a digital one that can be printed. Thanks!
YouTube. It really is the best source to find out how to use and program the radio. Learn from others mistakes.