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BaoFeng UV-5R
BaoFeng UV-5R Dual Band (VHF/UHF) Analog Portable Two-Way Radio
BaoFeng UV-5R Radio Background
BaoFeng Introduced the UV-5R Dual Band, Dual Display radio in 2012. Since its introduction the UV-5R has seen a massive success. The UV-5R has seen 2 major changes since its launch with the second generation being signified by BFB297 Firmware (2nd Gen.) in early 2013 and the N5R firmware tweak in August of 2014.
There are several cosmetic variants of the UV-5R. These variants have no differences from the UV-5R besides their cosmetic design along with the possible removal of the ‘Band Key’ (no longer required in Gen. 2).
Variations include the: UV-5R v2+, UV-5RA, UV-5RE, UV-5R+ (Plus), along with several other lesser produced variants. Some of these variations may also no longer work with case specific accessories such as the original UV-5R batteries.
Late in 2013, the UV-5R also included a new variant generation with the inverted (privacy) display series; with the introduction of the BF-F8+ and its own cosmetic variants (such as the GT-3 and 997-S).
Finally, in the fall of 2014, the UV-5R saw the introduction to its successor the 3rd. Generation BF-F8HP.
Features – Original 2012 Product Launch (1st Gen.)
High / Low Power Settings (4W/1W) Programmable Amateur Radio
Frequency Range: 65-108 MHz (Only commercial FM radio reception) VHF: 136-174 MHz(Rx/Tx). UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx)
Customize Channel Names, the Boot Display and More by Using the PC03 FTDI Programming Cable
1500mAh Battery (1800mAh Label); Broadband (Wide) 25khz / Narrowband (Narrow) 12.5khz Selectable
AUTO Keypad Lock, Dual Band, Dual Display and Dual Standby
The BaoFeng UV-5R is a compact hand held transceiver providing 4 watts in the frequency range of 136-174 MHz and 400-480MHz (520MHz later versions). It is a compact, economical HT that includes a special VHF receive band from 65 – 108 MHz which includes the regular FM broadcast band. Dual watch and dual reception is supported. You get up to 128 memories. Other features include: selectable wide/narrow, battery save function, VOX, DCS/CTCSS encode, key lock and built in flashlight. Selectable frequency steps include: 2.5, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5 and 25 kHz. RF power may be selected at 4 or 1 watts. This radio comes with an SMA-Female antenna, flexible antenna, BL-5 Li-ion battery (7.4V 1500 mAh (1800mAh label)), belt clip, wrist strap, AC adapter (8.4V 600ma) and drop-in charging tray. This radio requires the PC03 FTDI programming cable.
Features – Updated Late 2013 ProducT Launch (2ND Gen.)
Radio Frequency IC:
- Upgraded SQ to enhance the anti-interference ability
- RDA1846S adds an new tail tone elimination function, when transmitting and receiving signal between 50Hz with 55Hz
- Improves the receiver AGV switching noise when signal strength changes severe
Frequency-Modulated Receiver Chip:
- The RDA5802N has a powerful low-IF digital audio processor, which makes it have the most optimum sound quality with varying reception conditions
Power Amplifier IC :
- Low crossover distortion
- Low quiescent circuit current
N5R Firmware (August 2014)
- Hold ‘0’ – Display Voltage
- Removes Cloning Capabilities (Due to Several Firmware Edits)
VERSATILE RADIO FOR AMATEUR USE
The BaoFeng UV-5R is legal for use on amateur frequencies. The UV-5R is able to Transmit on Narrowband (12.5kHz) and Wideband (25kHz).
Dual Watch Receiver
The BaoFeng UV-5R has one built-in receiver but can “watch” two channels (semi duplex). Monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.
FM Broadcast Station
You can listen to the FM Broadcast radio, while still monitoring your radio frequencies in the background. Any incoming call will be given priority insuring you never miss an important call while listening to the radio.
Group Tones supported
The BaoFeng UV-5R supports the most common Analog Tones. It supports CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF calling methods. Set-up your calling methods to call by group tones. Tone calling (private line) is required by most repeater applications and the UV-5R supports the latest standards
The BaoFeng UV-5R can even send DTMF tones. This allows for sending ANI (Caller ID) or remote commands that require DTMF tones
Alias Models – Cosmetically Different only
UV-5R5
UV-5Rv2+
UV-5RA
UV-5RE
UV-5R+ (Plus)
Customize Your Operation with channels, Programmable Buttons, and more!
You can program your BaoFeng UV-5R exactly how you want it. There are 128 programmable memory channels. You can add or remove channels from scanning list using the free computer software. You can give channels alphanumeric names, using a computer. The radio has 2 power levels (5 watt maximum), allowing you to choose how far you can communicate. You can set VFO limits using the CHIRP software. You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.
BaoFeng BF-F8+ VIP Software
Product Description
- Reviews (25)
Howaard M. Pierce –
I JUST RECIEVED MY UV5R FROM SANTA. I AM IN PROCESS OF LEARNING MY NEW FRIEND. I THINK IT WILL BE A LEARNING PROCESS THAT I ENJOY.
Jun –
I’m from 🇵🇭
I love the uv5r bec of size, the design it doesn’t look cheap
The features it can compete with other well known brands.. the all black model looks so tactical..
the quality is ok since 2012 up to now in 2020 to 2021 it’s still the most affordable and buyable unit for beginners in ham radio
I hope they won’t change the design bec it is just perfect unlike other dual band walkie
talkie poor design poor color selection but with this uv5r it’s just perfect
I bought mine this dec 16 2020 And going to buy again bec I love the uv5r … nothing compares.
I hope they make it in 10 watts next generation of uv5r
kevin barrow –
I had my radio about a year ago I am still learning new things about itI like it very much It is a good Radio for the price I would like to know if I can receive digital frequencies
Kevin Scott –
Purchased a Baofeng UV-5R and received the radio with a microphone/transmit headset with a broken wire on the microphone/transmit headset. Made several calls to try and get a replacement with negative results. Baofeng does not seem to have a very receptive customer service department.
William Matthews –
I want to.purchase 4 to 8 UV-5R radios
Bill –
I bought a UV-5R about a month ago. All of a sudden I have no audio at all ? I tried a full reset to see if that helped which it didn’t.
Please help
ngotyd –
Gr8 It Work Horse
Chad Shaffer –
Radio has been great but the charger sucks, some reinforcement of the power cord to the circuit board needs to be stronger snapped it clean off the end of the board
neil –
i can listen but i can’t transmit. great radio, easy to use but i’m having a hard time trying to figure out how to get it to transmit.
Eric –
Locks out certain ranges and doesn’t specify what ranges it can use. I just keep guessing frequencies brute force style to figure it out. Even though I have licensing to transmit with this device on vertain frequencies, it blocks them with no way to enable it. Software CHIRP also doesn’t work to fix the range.
Big Buddy –
Look, I don’t know much about these things yet as I am new but for the price, this thing is amazing. It is great for beginners and it works absolutely perfect.
Claude Nevels –
I just got it from a friend. Trying to get the charger for it.
Noah –
excelent radio but I am in El Salvador
do not Know how to program, it is there any software for it
can you Share it
Sam –
If you think its cheap and its ok if its not working after one month or next CHIRP upgrade- then its ok.
Otherwise, there is no updated firmware by BAOFENG and CHIRP has damaged my radio
THERE IS NO SOUND – there is no help and support.
Radio working fine – but no sound !
P O’Neill –
I would have to give the U.V. 5 R… A FULL 10/10, It is a Beautiful looking Radio and where would you get a Transceiver at such a low Price where????
Karl –
Good radio. Terrible instructions
Grateful –
I’ve had my four UV-5Rs since they were first released. They are quality radios at a very reasonable price. Too bad the FCC doesn’t care about the survival of the American people and has hassled Baofeng to the point that they had to reduce the versatility of the radio to get FCC approval. This is over regulation at its worst…just as bad as the FAA regulating model airplanes and drones.
robert –
how do i change the setting so i can just manually push the buttons in so i can do a FQ that’s not programed already
Reg –
well, I must say that I am extraordinarily disappointed in the Baofeng UV-5R handheld, two-way radio. Bought two of them. It has been four days, now and I still have not been able to get anything useful from them. First, after I received them I went out to find the software to program the radios; this is when I find out that Baofeng’s UV-5R is obsolete and apparently isn’t even supported anymore. It seems that there have been several revisions of the UV-5R. The radio’s that I received have only a physical resemblance to the radios described in Aliexpress ad. As well as I have been able to discern these radios don’t even cover all of frequencies listed in the ad, even in the receive only mode. Part of that may be due to the fact that I have not been able to program the radios, yet. The program I used to program Quansheng’s version of the radio, can not find Baofeng’s UV-5R. And Chirp does not work either, so, I bought two copies of Baofeng’s software on mini CD with their cables. That can’t find the radios either! It seems that I may only have a pair fence post targets. I wondre what a 30-30 would do to it?
Don Evans –
I just purchased 2 of these radios and added a 3ft tactical antenna for longer range I have not tested the range on these yet and have no idea how to program them I can pick up a few talk radio stations with h tell me it can pick up frequency at lo g range as I live in the mts of west Virginia and there’s no local radio station for at least 50 miles but no idea how to program them came with a tiny instruction manual that basically tells you how to turn it on and off I’m a beginner and a bit of a pepper. Purchased from temu at 25 bucks a piece its sturdy and looks like it has cool features that if in the right hands would be a very good radio with several miles of range. Baofeng has no customer service that I know of who can I take these to to get help? Can someone on here comment some advice?
Alan –
Great QRP low power portable. Inspite the fact that it at times picks up rubbish. Its well worth the money. Realize its minimum amount of components. No frills but best bang for your buck. Easy to program by hand.
Fred –
I purchased my first UV-5R last year as my first ham radio and enjoyed it very much. It broke, and I threw it away. I bought a replacement, which is 8 watts, and I like it just as much. I enjoy using it and keeping it ready in my go kit. I also use it for fox hunting. I like the cost and ease of use. I could purchase many of its accessories because of their low cost.
Kathy Hendrix –
Great little radio. Most of the complaints are from people who don’t know how to use them. I have had 5 or six of them. I have no complaints.
I suggest people put a little effort into learning how to use these. They will serve them well.
Jason –
Learning how to use them.
YouTube is my friend.
Finding out there are many more listening frequencies than transmitting. Still learning.
Had to replace a few antennas. Bought larger antennas when the first ones stopped working. Thank you Amazon.
Ruslan –
I have three of them. The first and the best one is from 2013 or 2014, i believe. Black version, the firmware is 297. Once i left it untouched for around 8 years, and when i came back and put it on, it was ok, and still is ok :} Works just fine. Tried it with several Nagoya anntennaes – just as good.
Then two more recent ones, both are camo versions, fw is 298 on both.
The second is ok, but less responsive and a bit more mumbly then the first one.
The third one is a disappointment: it recieves and sends fine, but it seems that it doesn’t recieve enough power from the battery: the display is dimmer than on the previous two, and the reception is waaay quieter, also with fm radio – quiet. Idk how to fix it even. Tried to change antennaes, batteries, external ptt’s – nothing helps…