BaoFeng *UV-5R Plus* UV 5R+ Dual-Band HAM radio - opinions?

[caseyc]

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097252UK/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097252UK/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1</a><br><br>Anyone have an opinion on this <span id="btAsinTitle">BaoFeng *UV-5R Plus* UV 5R+ Dual-Band 136-174/400-480 MHz FM Ham Two-way Radio ?<br><br>It's so cheap for less than $50.&nbsp; I'm thinking of getting one to compliment my CB radio.&nbsp; I don't have a HAM operator license, so I won't be using this unless I need to make an emergency call for help if I'm out in the boonies somewhere.&nbsp; <br><br>Casey</span>

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;The reviews on Amazon look pretty good. ..Willy.

 

[caseyc]

Yeah, based on the reviews, people are saying this brand from China is trying to compete against the much more expensive $300+ models from Japan. I personally won't know the difference since I'm new to this technology, and won't be using it other than for an emergency.&nbsp; I would be using my CB radio instead, I'm guessing. I just like the idea of having both a CB radio and HAM radio to cover all bases!&nbsp;

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;If I end up getting my credit card approved, I'll definitely pick one up. As a starter unit, you can't beat the price and, for emergencies, it could be a lifesaver. Could even be useful if you're out hiking and get injured. 50 bux is peanuts for what ya get too. ..Willy.

 

[caseyc]

<p>Yeah, I agree, $50 is like....nothing!&nbsp; Especially for all its great reviews.&nbsp; I actually did already order this, so will receive it sometime soon.&nbsp; I was trying to figure out how to order a 12 volt adapter for this, but the one advertised on Amazon doesn't seem to be the right one based on user comments.&nbsp; I was also wondering if I should order the USB cable for this and hope the cable would charge the radio, but again I couldn't determine that based on the product description. I figure I'd wait to actually try out the device first before spending on accessories.</p>

 

[caseyc]

<a href="http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-001019" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-001019</a><br><br>I called this place that specializes in HAM radios, and the rep recommended this short 19" antenna for $24.95.&nbsp; I should be getting the HAM radio very soon.

 

[caseyc]

I got the new HAM radio today. My immediate impression is that this device is quite compact and is as small as a 2 way walkie talkie! But it appears to be well made and solid. &nbsp;I also went to a local HAM Radio Outlet store to buy an antenna for the van, plus an extension cord. Geez, all the accessories added up to $90 and cost more than the darn device! &nbsp;I turned on the unit, and it appears to work okay. Problem is I don't know anything about using a HAM radio, haha!&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[Pikachu711]

I've heard that this vhf/uhf handheld radio is a good alternative to a more expensive amateur radio. I'm an amateur (ham) radio operator am thinking about buying that precise radio. As much as I enjoy my Yaesu FT-60 I would love to have the precise radio for a number of reasons.<br><br>The radio &amp; accessories are plentiful and very inexpensive. I would love to have a radio like yours. Just the price of the accessories are worth buying the radio. It's a win/win scenario. You should consider becoming a licensed amateur radio operator as well. The process is pretty straight forward. Study a little it, pass the written test and receive your ham radio license in the mail. It's worth the effort! I've been a ham radio operator for over 14 years &amp; love it!<br><br>Enjoy the new radio!<br><br>KC7RJE

 

[caseyc]

Thanks for the tip. Do you have a link for how to obtain a HAM radio license? Also, who do you talk to on the HAM radio? Are HAM radio users that much different versus CB radio users? I've heard that HAM radio users are probably more "educated" since they have earned a license, but I'm wondering what that really means in practical terms? &nbsp;Is using a HAM radio like one big chit chat Skype group call?&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">&nbsp;Thanks, Casey<br><br>

 

[Pikachu711]

<p>Casey, getting a ham radio license is fairly easy. The best part is that the test questions you need to study to pass the written test is FREE online. I'll do some research and locate the "question pool" for the "Technician Class" license. That's the entry level class of amateur radio licensing. <br><br>As far as being more "educated" about radio, it's just that you have to study more materials to pass a written test. Some of it can be a bit technical but with some study it's not overly difficult to study.<br><br>Go to your favorite search engine and search for "Technician Class License Question Pool." There are some questions pools that are downloadable and you can save these questions on your computer. No need for the internet once the questions are downloaded.<br><br>I talk to other ham radio operators on the radio. And I'm not only talking about local ham radio operators as well. Nowadays you can actually talk to people all over the world with that small radio you have. Ham radio operators link radios to the internet with computers. You can now talk to people all over the world with a push of the button on your type radio. You can literally talk to people all over the world if you get your ham radio license.<br><br>Amateur radio &amp; CB radio are similiar but ham radio is a lot more fun. It's similiar to skype but you don't need a computer to talk to anyone. Once you're licensed you can talk to any other ham radio operator who you hear on the radio. It's fairly easy once you get used to it.<br><br>Again, find "Amateur Radio Technician Class License Question Pool" and it should bring you to the questions you need to study to pass the written test. Go for it!</p>

 

[offroad]

to expand on what has been mentioned:<br><br>1). ham radio can be used for non-commercial communications only. no selling in any context.&nbsp;<br><br>2). you can talk via REPEATERS that can receive and echo your signal out many miles. REPEATERS are supported by private owners and clubs and groups. just plan to communicate about five miles or less with a handheld radio.&nbsp;<br><br>3) some REPEATERS are cross connected to the internet or to long distance HF ham radio. &nbsp;<br><br><br>