Baofeng UV-5R
{{Short description|Handheld radio manufactured by Baofeng}}
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! colspan="2" | Baofeng UV-5R |
| colspan="2" |File:Baofeng UV-5R transceiver 5.jpg |
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:left; font-weight:normal; background:#bbd;" | Technical data |
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| Frequency range{{Cite web |last=SDR |first=One |date=2024-06-03 |title=Baofeng UV-5R Frequency List |url=https://www.onesdr.com/baofeng-uv-5r-frequency-list/ |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=OneSDR - A Wireless Technology Blog |language=en-US}} |
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| Frequency steps | 2.5–50k Hz |
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| 5 W PEP |
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| Waveforms (modulations) | FM |
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| Power input | Receiver only 20 mA, Transmitter 1 A max. |
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| Operating voltage |
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! colspan="2" style="text-align:left; font-weight:normal; background:#bbd;" | Measurements and weight |
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| Height | 95 mm (265 mm with antenna) |
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| Width | 55 mm |
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| Depth | 30 mm |
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| Weight | approx. 400 grams |
| colspan="2" style="text-align:left; font-weight:normal; background:#bbd;" | Further information |
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| Producer | Baofeng |
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| Scope of application | radio amateurs, (semi-) professional users |
The Baofeng UV-5R{{Refn|group=note|English IPA: {{IPAc-en|'|b|uː|f|w|æ|ŋ}}; {{Lang-zh|c=宝锋|p=Bǎo fēng}}}} is a handheld radio transceiver manufactured by the Chinese manufacturer Baofeng. This model was the first dual band radio (VHF/UHF) to be successfully distributed by a Chinese brand.{{citation-needed|date=October 2024}} It is inexpensive and relatively simple to use. Because of this it is used by radio amateurs, outdoorsmen and professional users worldwide, outputting about a 4 watt FM signal.{{Cite web |last=Joe |date=2020-03-02 |title=5 Best BaoFeng Two Way Radios (Reviews Updated 2022) |url=https://www.cwtouchkeyer.com/best-baofeng-two-way-radios/ |url-status=dead |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=CW Touch Keyer |language=en-us |archive-date=2022-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627142549/https://www.cwtouchkeyer.com/best-baofeng-two-way-radios/ }}{{Cite web |last=Official |first=Tidradio {{!}} |title=Great alternatives to the Baofeng UV-5R |url=https://hamradiomall.com/blogs/news/great-alternatives-to-the-baofeng-uv-5r |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=Tidradio {{!}} Official |date=31 March 2020 |language=en}}
History
The Baofeng UV-5R has been produced since 2012 and exported to markets worldwide. The controversial radio had no FCC Part 95 certification{{Cite web |title=New FCC Part 95 Personal Radio Services Rules Published in The Federal Register |url=https://www.arrl.org/news/new-fcc-part-95-personal-radio-services-rules-published-in-the-federal-register |access-date=2022-07-21 |website=www.arrl.org |language=en}} in the United States. As a result, it was not authorized for use in the GMRS and FRS, only for amateur radio.{{Cite web |title=FCC Cites Baofeng Importer for Illegally Marketing Unauthorized RF Devices |url=http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-cites-baofeng-importer-for-illegally-marketing-unauthorized-rf-devices |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=www.arrl.org |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=10 Best Baofeng Radio Reviews 2022 – Buying Guide |url=https://www.palmgear.com/best-baofeng-radio-reviews/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=PalmGear |language=en}} Baofeng launched a number of other models based on the UV-5R technology, since 2012. Other radios from other Chinese manufacturers have mainly the same range of functions, specs and menu like the UV-5R, for example the Retevis RT5.{{Cite web |last=AmazonUS |date=2018-11-15 |title=The difference between Retevis RT5 and BfUV-5R |url=https://www.twowayradiocommunity.com/the-difference-between-and-baofeng-uv-5r/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=Two Way Radio Community |language=en-US}}
The UV-5R has attracted the attention of multiple telecommunications regulators due to problems relating primarily to frequency interference and is banned from sale and use in Switzerland, Germany, Poland and South Africa. The German Federal Network Agency has banned the device because it dampens harmonics too poorly and can therefore disturb other users.https://www.radiobunker.de/archive/1458?v=3a52f3c22ed6 The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa issued a ban after finding the UV-5R to be causing radio frequency interference and for having continuous tuning capabilities, a feature that would require an operator obtain a Frequency allocation license before purchasing or using the device.{{Cite web |title=Notice to prohibit the usage and sale of BAOFENG, Model Number: UV-5R – Independent Communications Authority of South Africa |url=https://www.icasa.org.za/legislation-and-regulations/notice-to-prohibit-the-usage-and-sale-of-baofeng-model-number-uv-5r |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=www.icasa.org.za |language=en-us}}
= Illegal marketing and distribution in the United States =
The Baofeng UV-5R is a popular beginner amateur radio HT in the US. However, the FCC cited the Houston, Texas based importer Amcrest Industries which owns and operates Baofeng radio US for illegally marketing the UV-5R, "capable of operating outside the scope of its equipment authorization", the FCC Citation said, which is outside of its Part 90 authorization granted. The FCC asserts Amcrest marketed "UV-5R-series FM hand-held radios capable of transmitting on 'restricted frequencies'".{{cite web |title=FCC Cites Baofeng Importer for Illegally Marketing Unauthorized RF Devices |url=http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-cites-baofeng-importer-for-illegally-marketing-unauthorized-rf-devices |access-date=18 October 2019 |website=www.arrl.org |publisher=ARRL}} Later revisions of the UV-5R sold in the US had transmission frequencies locked to the ham bands, however, there exists a key combination to unlock the ability to transmit on the full band.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sg3RJf1ZEA |title=How To Unlock A New Baofeng UV-5R - Easy UV5R Jailbreak To Transmit On More Frequencies |language=en |access-date=2024-04-16 |via=www.youtube.com |quote="...all you need to do is press the Push-to-Talk button, the Monitor button, and the VFO button, all at the same time, while simultaneously - simultaneously - turning on the power."}}
= Use in Russo-Ukrainian War =
{{Main|Russo-Ukrainian War|Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used various Baofeng radios, including the Baofeng UV-5R, in the Russo-Ukrainian War and the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Beschizza |first=Rob |date=29 March 2022 |title=Own the cheap, unencrypted walkie talkie that Russian generals love to death |url=https://boingboing.net/2022/03/29/own-the-cheap-walkie-talkie-that-russian-generals-love-to-death.html |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=Boing Boing}}{{Cite web |last=Malyasov |first=Dylan |date=13 March 2022 |title=Russian soldiers uses Chinese portable radios during Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine |url=https://defence-blog.com/russian-soldiers-uses-chinese-portable-radios-during-kremlins-invasion-of-ukraine/ |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=Defence Blog}}{{Cite news |last=Dubey |first=Vivek |date=2 March 2022 |title=Twitter posts show Russian forces in Ukraine lack basic tools, use civilian radios |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/story/twitter-posts-show-russian-forces-in-ukraine-lack-basic-tools-use-civilian-radios-324499-2022-03-02 |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=Business Today}}{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Tom |title=Russian soldiers have to buy their own radios and phones in battle, but the systems are incompatible and proving useless: reports |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/russian-soldiers-buy-own-radios-phones-tech-useless-incompatible-reports-2023-9 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}
Features
The radio is designed to transmit on VHF (on the 2 meter band) and scan between 136 and 174 MHz (VHF) and on UHF (on the 70 centimeter band) and scan between 400 and 520 MHz (UHF). (480 MHz and above is not available in the United Kingdom due to Ofcom regulations). Features include CTCSS support, DCS support, 128 programming channels,{{Cite web |title=Best Bug Out Radio |work=PC Boom Radio |url=https://pcboomradio.com/best-bug-out-radio/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |language=en-US}} repeater support, dual watch and dual reception, an LED flashlight, voice prompts in either English or Chinese and programmable LED lighting for the LCD display.{{Cite web |last=Résilient |first=Le |date=2019-02-03 |title=BaoFeng UV-5R – Prise en main et configuration |url=https://www.la-resilience.fr/2019/02/baofeng-uv-5r-prise-en-main-et-configuration/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=La résilience |language=fr-FR}}{{Cite web |last=JR |date=2018-06-05 |title=List of Common Radio Frequencies for the Baofeng UV-5R |url=https://1776patriotusa.com/list-of-common-radio-frequencies-for-the-baofeng-uv-5r/ |access-date=2022-07-16 |website=1776PatriotUSA.com |language=en-US}}
Programming channels and frequencies by Front Panel Programming (FPP) is challenging and time consuming. Programming via a computer is much easier using the CHIRP application and a specific USB to radio cable.
In popular culture
A Baofeng UV-5R with an upgraded battery was used as a prop in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.{{Cite web |last=Fitzsimmons |first=Jason |date=2024-01-24 |title=Ghostbusters cosplayers warned of safety and legal risks with the use of Frozen Empire's new radio |url=https://ghostbustersnews.com/2024/01/24/ghostbusters-cosplayers-warned-of-safety-and-legal-risks-with-the-use-of-frozen-empires-new-radio/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Ghostbusters News |language=en-US}}
See also
- {{slink|List of amateur radio transceivers|UV-5R}}
Notes
{{reflist|group=note}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.baofengradio.com/products/uv-5r Official product page]
Category:Amateur radio transceivers