BAOFENG UV-5R Dual Band Two-Way Radio
- 144-148 MHz and 420-450 MHz dual band, VHF and UHF
- 4 W or 1 W selectable RF power
- 128 memory channels
- 65-108 MHz receive band covers FM broadcast
- Dual watch and dual reception supported
- 12 hour average battery life per specs
- USB-02 programming cable not included, software download required
- 2.5 to 25 kHz frequency steps, wide or narrow selectable
Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A compact dual band handheld with selectable power, memory channels and an FM receive band, suited to hobby and backup radio use. Plan on buying the programming cable and loading software before the first use.
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ASIN: B007H4VT7AModel: UV-5RCategory: Two-Way Radios
Overview
A dual band transceiver board drives this Baofeng handheld across VHF and UHF, with a flexible SMA antenna on top and a lithium ion battery pack below. Dual watch and dual reception are supported, along with a built-in flashlight, key lock and VOX.
Flexible channel memory, selectable power and wide or narrow bandwidth give hobby users a capable handheld for both bands. Setup is the hurdle: the listing says a separate programming cable and software are needed before use, and the frequency and battery figures differ between title, specs and description.
Who it's for
Hobbyists who program radios from a computer and want VHF and UHF in one handset will get the most from it. Families after simple walkie talkies should skip it, since it needs a cable and software before first use.
Pros and cons
- Covers VHF and UHF in one handset
- Selectable high or low RF power
- Large memory channel bank
- FM broadcast receive band included
- Programming cable sold separately
- Software download required before use
- Frequency ranges differ across the listing
- Battery listed as both 1800mAh and 1500 mAh
Performance notes
Range in use depends on the power setting, the stock flexible antenna and the terrain between radios, since the listing gives no distance figure. The higher power setting reaches farther at the expense of battery drain, while the lower setting stretches run time. Channel steps and wide or narrow bandwidth must match the other radio for clean contact.
Specifications
| Brand | BAOFENG |
|---|---|
| Model | UV-5R |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Dimensions | 5 × 4 × 8 inches |
| Bandwidth | Wide or narrow selectable |
| Capacity & performance | |
| Operating temperature | -20 °F |
| Power & efficiency | |
| RF power | 4 watts |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Other details | |
| Tuner type | UHF, VHF |
| Water resistance level | Not Water Resistant |
| Frequency steps | 2 Hz |
| Memory channels | 128 |
| Antenna | ANT5 SMA-J flexible |
| Charger | AC adapter 8.4V 600mA, drop-in charging tray |
| Fm receive band | 65-108 MHz |
| Signaling | DCS/CTCSS encode |
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Baofeng UV-5R?
The listing gives 5 by 4 by 8 inches and 16 ounces, and the description calls it a compact handheld transceiver. A belt clip and wrist strap come in the box for carrying.
Can the Baofeng UV-5R be used straight out of the box?
Not according to the description: it requires purchase of the USB-02 programming cable and a software download before use.
Why does the UV-5R listing show two different frequency ranges?
The specs and title give 144-148 MHz and 420-450 MHz, while the description lists 136-174 MHz and 400-480 MHz. Confirm the bands you need with the seller before relying on either figure.
Which battery comes with the Baofeng UV-5R?
The description lists a BL-5 Li-ion pack rated 7.4V 1500 mAh, while the title says 1800mAh. Charging runs through the drop-in tray and an 8.4V 600mA AC adapter.
Can the UV-5R be used in rain?
The specs list it as not water resistant, so shield it from wet weather.