Have baofeng uv5r. Now what?

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
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Okay, I know I need a ham license to broadcast so I'm just listening right now. Anyone else ham it up? Any advice, tips, or general anecdotes? I'm already thinking I need a second one. Sometimes my wife and camp with a larger group and this would be cool if the group separates. Right now, well, you can only listen to NOAA for so long. What am I missing?
 
Best bet is to find a local HAM guy who can program it, via program cable/softwear. He can add your local channels, all set with PPT off so you don't get yourself in trouble. (Check local laws on programmable radios, and restrictions.)
Another note, these are not walkie talkies. And using them as such, with out proper ch. authorization, can cause a stir with local officials or worse, FCC.
 
Did you ever get hooked up to a club or find anyone to help you get going with your radio? If not, let me know and I will get you started in the right direction.
 
He needs to search for his local repeaters and program them (assuming there are some where he lives or travels) so he can listen in. Then hit up the ARRL and get a study guide for his Tech license. Then he can use the radio to is full potential.
 
+1 on finding a local club. Most clubs do testing at their monthly meetings.

Also, check out the various online practice exams.
 
I was in the same boat several months ago, but our local county emergency/disaster response group got me hooked up with an all day lunch & learn event, and then tested us at the end of the day. It was pretty intense, but I came out with my tech license.

After I got my ticket, the world really opened up. I really would encourage you to study up and test. You can't imagine how much things change. Feel free to email or pm me. I'll do whatever I can to get you on the right track.
 
baofeng uv5r ??? $30? My old Radio Shack 2m HT was over $200 when I bought it.

You can use the GMRS frequencies, but you are supposed to get a license. https://www.fcc.gov/general/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs

There is also the FRS, 462 to 467 mhz. I don't think that you need a license for that, but your output power is supposed to be 500 milliwatts to be legal. (Who's gonna know?)

To use the 2 meter or 70 cm HAM bands you need an amateur radio license. So would your wife.
 
At one time I had both my Ham Tech and GMRS licenses. Dropped the GMRS... no point for me. Still use 2 meter quite a bit as we have very active repeaters in our area.
 
If you want your license, there are web pages that have all the test pool questions. You can keep taking online tests until you get a passing grade. You will probably cycle through all the pool questions and when the time comes to take the actual test you should have no problem passing. I wouldn't bother with getting books or anything. This is what I did and I passed my test with flying colors.

Chad
 
I second the idea of programming in the GMRS channels. I've had a General class ticket for years, and dear ol Dad has none. I bought a pair of the UV-5R with the programming cable and if we take trips in separate cars, we keep them on just in case.

Yeah, a cell phone works just as well, but it's a lot easier to grab a HT and say "Hey, pull off at the next exit, I need gas" than it is to make a phone call.

There is a license required for GMRS, but it's just an application and not a test. If you are interested in radio comms, I highly recommend you at least get a tech license. You can go online and do the practice test until you're comfortable, and most local clubs offer testing sessions. Whole lotta fun out there......
 
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