UV-5R EX Handy Talkie
Opening
Can you really get started in ham radio for less than $25 dollars? In this review we’re going to take a look at the latest version of the ubiquitous Bao Feng UV-5R. It’s the UV-5R EX from Radioddity.
We’ll I was taking a look on Amazon the other day and found a special price and coupon for a new version of the Bao Feng UV-5R dual band VHF UHF FM handy talkie. This version is sold by Radioddy with some Radioddy branding like the RD 5R DMR radio I’ve reviewed on this channel.
If you’ve looked around for radios you already know that the UV-5R is the hand held most hams love to hate. At the same time they own several of them themselves. In its various versions, the UV-5R biggest claim to fame is its low price. Depending where you look you can find one for under $30 dollars.
UV-5R EX Features
The UV-5R EX seems to be a custom version for Radioddity that falls in the same price range. As I mentioned, I got my via Amazon for under $25 dollars with free shipping. We’ll take a closer look at the radio in just a second but first a couple of overview comments.
The first thing I noticed is that the instruction manual has Radioddity branding and is much better than many of the manuals accompanying Bao Feng radios. They wrote it in a nice conversational style. Besides describing the various functions, it provides step by step instructions for doing some of the basic functions. There is also white space on the pages which makes following along much easier. Some manuals look like there was a contest to see who could put the most words on a page.
Additionally, the included accessories add value to the kit. I was pleased to find a charging cradle included instead of a wall wort style charger with a socket hidden behind a rubber cover. It always amazes me that a $25 dollar radio includes a cradle and a $250 dollar radio doesn’t.
You can program your Bao Feng radio though the keypad but nearly everyone uses Chirp and a computer to do initial set up chores and channel management. You’ll find this radio listed in the Chirp software. You’ll need to set the brand to Radioddity not Bao Feng to find the model number.
The UV-5R EX sets itself apart with a more streamlined, less boxy appearance. I’ll show you that in a minute.
As with other Bao Feng radios, it uses an antenna with the SMA female or socket end in the antenna. Be sure to double check the connector style before ordering any third party.
Last, it’s a dual band radio. This means you can use it as a transceiver in both the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands. It has a function called Dual Watch which means it can monitor the two bands simultaneously. Normally it will transmit on the frequency where it heard the signal. However, you can program it to lock the transmit function to a specified frequency.
To work satellites, you’ll probably need two radios. This is a dual band but not a full duplex radio.
While we’re on the topic of frequencies, this radio will tune the FRS and GMRS frequencies which fall outside the ham bands. You can choose to listen on these frequencies but transmitting on them is not legal with this radio.
UV-5R EX Closing Thoughts
This is a lightweight, easy to carry, dual band handy talkie. I was able to hit my club’s repeater about ten miles from my home as well as another repeater about 20 miles away. Sound quality from the speaker is OK. I did this using the included rubber ducky antenna.
You’ll also want to order a programming cable from Radioddity to connect to your computer. Cables can sometimes be a bit finicky so go with the Radioddity cable to make sure it will work.
At this price point, even the newest technician licensee on a tight budget can enjoy some local traffic while deciding what direction to take his or her participation in the hobby. For the experienced ham, this little handy talkie is nearly disposable. It’s the kind of radio that’s easy to toss in the car, bug-out bag or give to the new ham next door.
Video Review
Referal Link Coupon:
http://radioddity.refr.cc/jmohan351
