Baofeng UV-B5 and UV-B6 Review

Two new radios from Baofeng have just arrived today, the UV-B5 and the UV-B6.

Baofeng UV-B5(left) and UV-B6 (right) 

Both radios sell on the Internet for less than $50 U.S. and have similar features such as 99 channel programmable, UHF/VHF, dual watch with 5 watts of transmit power.  Both units received an excellent audio quality report when I tested them on a couple of local repeaters.

Baofeng UV-B5 with channel selector knob and alarm button

Baofeng UV-B6 with LED Flashlight

The slight differences between the two radios can almost immediately be spotted.

The UV-B5 has a channel select knob at the top of the radio where the UV-B6 has an LED flashlight.  The radio must be on to use the flashlight.  

The UV-B5 has an red alarm button just below the antenna where the UV-B6 has none.  The instructions on the B6 claims to have the button on the microphone/earpiece/programming jack but we have not found it yet.

Both radios use the same USB Prolific programming cable as the Baofeng UV-5R series as well as any microphone / head set systems.  The programming software is unique, which can be downloaded from the Baofeng website:

  http://www.baofengradio.com/en/services.asp

Chirp software has a daily build for the UV-B5 & UV-B6:

http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download

The Belt Clip on both radios have extra firm springs.   The chance of losing this radio from your belt or vest is slight as it has a very strong grip.

One very cool feature about this radio is the volume knob.   When you turn on the radio the volume knob appears to stick around the first quarter of the volume control.   I thought that this was a defect on the first radio until I noticed the same thing with the second radio.   I think it is intentional.  When you turn on the radio and set it for a desired volume around the first quarter turn of the knob there is less of a chance of that being identically turned down to zero should the radio be attached to your belt or vest and you brush up on something.  For someone using this radio with a headset in a security job setting this could prove a valuable feature.

LED read out on both radios is not as big as the UV-5R series but it is legible.  You can also turn off the back light on the LED to conserve battery.

The Battery on the radios charge up in about 5 hours, according to the manual.  The charger cradle has an LED that will turn green when it is fully charged.

The important thing to know about these radios is that you should not allow your hand to make contact with the battery charging terminals on the back of the radio while you are transmitting.   I noticed that they tend to generate some heat, which could result in a mild burn.   It may have been the humidity adding to the factor here in Long Beach when noticed this.

It's all Chinese to me!!

Programming the radio with the Baofeng software is pain free except when you load the software in from the site it is defaulted to Chinese.   When you run this software for the first time it literally is all Chinese to you.

To switch to English simply press ALT S to get to the Settings Menu. then  L, select English with your mouse and hit Enter.   

Switching the software to English

You can also use mouse controls by selecting the second pull down menu from the right (or second to the last menu) and selected the bottom option on the menu.

There is also a red short cut on the menu to switch languages.

All in all, both radio are super, easy to use and put out a great signal.  They will remind you of another popular radio that comes from China.   The only thing I really did not like about these radios is that they took about 4 weeks to get here from China.   Best have patience if you order this from a vendor overseas or pay a little extra and get one sooner from a US vendor who might stock these.

I still prefer the Baofeng UV-5R series but will keep these radios in the to go bag for back up.

Specifications:

1) Output : 5W/2W
2) Frequency Range: 136.00-174.00 MHz
400.00-470.00 MHz
3) PC or Manual Program
4) Radio Function
5) Voice Prompt
6) DTMF Code
7) 50 CTCSS and 104 DCS Codes
8) Time-out Timer (TOT)
9) Step Frequency（5,6.25,10,12.5,20,25KHz）
10) Battery Saving
11) VOX Function
12) Busy Channel Lock Function
13) Low Battery Warning
14) Dual Band, Dual Display and Dual Standby
15) Auto Back Light
16) 3 Scanning Ways (Time, Carrier wave, Search )
17) PTT-ID (Press PTT to transmit code, release PTT to transmit code, or both can transmit
code)
18) Frequency Difference Setting
19) Keypad Number directly choose the Menu Function
20) Reverse Frequency Function
21) Emergency Alarm
22) High &Low Power Switchover
23) Priory Scanning Function
24) Wide/Narrow Band Selection
25) ANI Code Edition
26) Relay Forwarding Confirmed (1750 HZ)
27) Noise Reduction
28) U/V Cross Band Dual Watch
29) Dimension: 116x58x36mm
30) Packing Details; 30 Units/CTN, Carton Size: 52.5x33x67 cm
N. W: 16 KGS G.W: 17 KGS
Technical Index:
Unity Section:
Frequency Range: 136.00-174.00 MHz
400.00- 470.00MHz
Storage Channel 99
Step Frequency 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/20/25KHz
Rated voltage DC 7.4 V
Battery Capacity H-1800 mAh
Battery Life About 10 Hours
Frequency Stability ±2.5ppm
Work Temperature -20 ℃ to +60℃
Frequency Combination PLL frequency synthesis
Antenna Impedance 50 Ω
Wok Mode Same Frequency simplex Operation or Different
Frequency simplex Operation
Dimension 116x58x 36 mm (Excluded Antenna)
Transmitter
Output Power 5W/ 2W
Modulation Mode(W/N Band) FM (F3E)
Maximum Frequency Deviation (W/N Band) <5KHz(W), <2.5KHz(N)
Spurious Power ≤7.5 μW
Adjacent channel power 65dB (W) ,55dB (N)
Spurious Radiation <-60 dB
Audio Distortion <5%
SNR 45dB(W), 40dB(N)
CTSCC/DCS Frequency Deviation(W/N Band) 0.7±0.1KHz (W), 0.4±0.1KHz (N)
Modulation Sensitivity 8-12mV
Transmitting Current ≤1200mA
Receiver
Sensitivity ＜0.20 μ V (12dB SINAD)
Audio Power 1W
Inter modulation
Interference Resistance
≥65dB (W), ≥55dB (N)
Adjacent channel Sensitivity (W/N Band) ≥65dB (W), ≥55dB (N)
Audio Distortion <5 %
Receiving Current ≤400mA

Baofeng UV-5RA

The Baofeng UV-5RA is a dual band UHF/VHF hand held radio from China.  It has an output of 4 watts but with an optional high gain antenna I have no problem making contact on any of the local repeaters in my area.   The radio can be programmed from the keypad but it is much easier to program it from either the Baofeng software that comes with the programming cable or CHIRP software.  RT Systems also sells a cable and programming software for this radio.

The radio is well supported by a Yahoo Group:  Baofeng_uv5r

The radio has a large LCD display and it is very easy to read.  You can also set the display to three different colors, orange, blue and purple.

The radio can be set for single watch or dual watch, which allows you to monitor up to 2 different frequencies at a time.   The display can show text (name), frequency or channel number.   It does not have a VFO button to switch you to the frequency display but one way around that is to set the A band to NAME option and set the B band to FREQUENCY.  If you need to know what frequency you are on simply look at the A band that you are talking on for the channel number. Then hit the A/B button, dial it in on the B band and read the frequency.  That is much faster than figuring it out using the menu function.

The radio can also be used as a marine band VHF radio.  The CHIRP software has a an auto setting in the programming options.  If you are a boater you can move the VHF Marine frequencies to the corresponding channel numbers where you would normally find them on a Marine VHF radio.  That way if you need to get to Marine VHF 16 you just enter 016 on the keypad and you are there.

The radio comes with  SMA-J flexible antenna, 7.4 volt 1800mAh Li-ion battery, belt clip, wrist strap, wall wart AC adapter  and drop-in charging tray.   Average chart time is 4 hours.

This radio FCC Part 90 acceptable, dual watch, and can support up to 128 different programmed channels. I have been using this radio for about 6 months and it has proven to be a great tool for my various needs.

There have been some chip set upgrades to this unit which have improved ease of use, voice menu and performance.   Turning on the power while pressing the 3 key will display which chip set the radio has in it.  Version 293 and above are preferred by most users.

I suggest the UV-5RA to be purchased with the following accessories:

* High Gain Antenna

* External Speaker Mike

* Car lighter adapter

* Programming Cable and software

For my local Long Beach Hams I can sell and configure this radio for your needs, load software and drivers on your lap top, test it, and include a CD Rom of resources for $100.  I will also be happy to run you through the operation of the radio as well as the software.

How to order: 

Email me at  KI6DZV@GMAIL.COM  for more information.

Specifications of UV-5RA found on the Internet:

VHF/ UHF  DUAL-BAND TWO WAY RADIO

Frequency Range: 136-174 / 400-480MHz
Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby
Output Power: 4 /1Watts
128 Channels
50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS
Built-in VOX Function
1750Hz Brust Tone
FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz)
LED Flashlight
Large LCD Display
Hight /Low RF Power Switchable
25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable
Emergency Alert
Low Battery Alert
Battery Saver
Time-out Timer
Keypad Lock
Monitor Channel
Channel Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz
Roger Set


■  Dual band, dual display, dual standby
■  A/B band independent operation
■  128 groups channels storage
■  Shortcut menu operation mode
■  VFO & Memory channels scan
■  Emergency Alarm
■  Tri-color background light selectable
■  0~9 grades VOX selectable
■  PTT & ANI ID
■  FM radio and 25 stations storage
■  Voice companding
■  CTCSS/DCS coder & tone searching
■  PC programmable
■  Wide/Narrow Band(25kHz/12.5kHz)
■  Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
■  High/Low TX power selectable
■  Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)

Specifications:

General
Frequency Range  65-108MHz(FM Receive only)
            136-174MHZ and 400-480HZ (TX/RX)         
Channel No.   128
Frequency Stability  ±2.5ppm
Antenna    High gain DualBand Antenna
Antenna    SMA - Female
Antenna Impedance  50Ω
Operating Voltage  DC 7.4V
Mode of operation   Simple or semi-duplex
Dimension（W x H x D）100 x 52 x 32 mm
Weight    250g （including battery, antenna）
Transmitter
Output power   4W / 1W (Max 5W)
Modulation Mode  16kΦF3E / 11kΦF3E
Maximum deviation  ＜5kHz(Wide) / ＜2.5kHz(Narrow)
Spurious Radiation  ＜7μW
Adjacent Ch. power   ≤-65dB(Wide) / ≤-60dB(Narrow)
Pre-emphasis characteristics 6dB
Current    ≤1.6A(5W)
CTCSS/DCS deviation 0.5±0.1kHz(Wide) / 0.3±0.1kHz(Narrow)
Intermediation sensitivity 8-12mv
Intermediation distortion ＜10%
Earpiece / mic type    Kenwood Plug type

Baofeng UV-3R

The Baofeng UV-3R is a small 2 watt hand held radio that is made in China.  This model offers a good low price introduction to dual band listening and if you live in a major metropolitan area with lots of repeaters nearby it could provide a decent communication range.

The radio is UHF/VHF dual band, has a large LCD display but only shows the frequencies.   It stores 99 programming channels in memory and the battery and charging system has some nice features.   Audio fidelity is quite good and loud.  I made a contact on a local repeater without an external microphone and my signal and audio report was excellent    Some radio users have noted that covering the speaker with gorilla tape seems to reduce the volume for sensitive listeners.   This might be a good radio to use for working marathons or events where the ambient noise level is louder than normal.


My wife loves to listen to LBPD and she really liked listening to the UV-3 today in the car.   It is small and a lot less bulky than the bigger UV-5 line.

The battery is a small li-ion 3.7 Volt and should run about 12 hours between charges.   Charge time is about 6 to 8 hours.  I charged up my radio about midnight last night and woke up at 7 and it was fully charged.

The charger has a feature that I really like and wish regular Ham Radios had.   It is a 5V USB type converter charger.  You can remove the battery and put it in a cradle or you can plug the charger into the unit.   You can remove the transformer from the charge cable and plug that cable into any USB port on your laptop or a 12V car lighter adapter / USB device.


The box is packed with:
Radio
Battery
Charger
Charger cable
Charger cradle
Belt Clip
Earphone / Lapel Mike
Owner's Manual
Lanyard

The radio is well supported by a Yahoo User group at:
 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UV-3R/?yguid=83257020


Here are the specs, which I found online:

Baofeng UV-3R: The Specs
Functions and Features
- LCD Menu Operations
- 50 CTCSS, 104 CDCSS
- 99 Channels (1 Emergency Channel)
- Time-out Timer (Off/30/60/90/120/150/180 secs)
- Key Tone/Keypad Beep (Off, On)
- FM Radio Built-in (87.0 - 108.0 MHz)
- Shift Frequency
- VOX (Off/1-9 Levels)
- Call Tone (1750 KHz)
- Squelch Set (1-9 Levels)
- Electronic Volume Adjusting (8 Levels)
- Keypad Lock
- Backlight (On/Off/Key)
- Tail Tone Elimination
- Battery Save
- Monitor
- Power Capacity Display (Off, On)
- Low Battery Alert
- Restore to Factory Default
- PC Programming
- FM Radio Channel Storage

Technical Specification - General
Frequency Range | 136-174/400-470 MHz
Channel Capacity | 99
Channel Spacing | 5/6.25/12.5/25 KHz
Operated Voltage | 3.8V
Standard Battery | 1500 mAh
Battery Life | 10 hours
Frequency Stability | 2.5ppm (-20°C to 60%degC)
Operating Tempature | -30°C to 60%degC
Antenna Impedance | 50 Ω
Dimensions | 1.9" x 3.2" X .9" (Approximate)
Weight | 140g

Technical Specification - Transmitter
RF Power Output | 2W
Modulation | F3E
Spurious Emission | 65 dB
FM Noise | 45 dB (N)/42 dB (W)
Audio Distortion | 5.00%
Adjacent Channel Power | 60 dB
Max Frequency Deviation | <= 2.5 KHz (N)/ <= 5.0 KHz (W)
Frequency Error | 500 Hz
Modulation Distortion | 0.1 KHz (300 - 3000 KHz)
Transmitting Current | <= 1.4 A

Technical Specification - Receiver
Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) | 0.2 uV
Squelch Selectivity | 0.15 uV
Adjacent Channel Selectivity | >= 65 dB
Background Noice | <= 50 mV
Spurious Response Rejection | -60 dB
FM Ham and Noise | 48 dB (N) /48 dB (W)
Audio Power Output at 8 Ω | <= 1.7 V
Audio Distortion | <= 10%
Receiver Current | <= 400 mA
Standby Current | <= 75 mA



What I did not like was the belt clip screw was too short so I had to run to Ace Hardware for a slightly longer screw.   No Alpha display - I am spoiled by my other radios.  Accessories are not compatible with other Baofeng products.

Other than that, all in all, a fun little radio to add to your collection.

I can get these and program them for your area as well as train you on how to program them radios with your lap top. To order your UV-3R please contact me for pricing. KI6DZV@GMAIL.COM

73

Solar Report A Great Tool

---

When it comes to transmission and reception on the high frequency (HF) bands of Amateur Radio there is an important thing to remember, some days are better then others.    Also, some times are better than others and some bands will perform differently than the last time you used them.   This is all because of the Sun, the Earth and their effect on radio waves.  

The above tool is called a Propagation Report and comes in different formats for you and you can even put them on your own website.   If you don't have a website, or you don't want to put this on your website you can go to QRZ.COM to check out the on their front page.

You can get your own tool at:  http://www.hamqsl.com/solar.html

Thanks to Paul Herrman of Sierra Vista, Arizona for providing such a wonderful utility.

How to get started with a Technician Class License

In Amateur Radio you have to start somewhere and that is at the Technician level.

Looking at the chart below, a Technician operator may work all VHF (2 meter)  and UHF (1.25 meter, 70cm, 33cm and 23cm)  bands with no restrictions. The 6 meter band (50 MHz) is open at this class and there are other areas in the HF bands where they my operate with limitations.    If the Technicians know Morse code they may work CW on 80, 40 15 and 10 meters in the HF bands.   Technicians may also communicate by single side band phone (voice) from 28.300 to 28.500MHz on the 10 meter band.

 Here are some valuable resources to help you prepare for your Amateur Radio License:

Start at the Element 2 or the Technician Level.  This will get you on the air on VHF, UHF, 6 meter and a small portion of the 10 meter band. You can also work some other bands in CW (Morse Code) and RTTY (Data) with limitations.

The good news is that you do not need to lean Morse Code to get a Ham License.

Technician Class 2010-2014 by Gordon West -Click here
Technician Class 2010-2014 Audio Theory Course [Audio CD] by Gordon West - Click here
Once you have gone through the material go to HAM TEST ONLINE and practice taking your test.

The test consist of 35 questions from a pool of 394 questions.
 
Click here for HAM TEST ONLINE

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?  Practice, practice practice!!

Do your mock ham tests online until you feel confident with at least 90% of the material.  You can subscribe to that site and keep track of your progress.

Once you are ready to take your Element 2 test go to the ARRL - Amateur Radio Relay League website to fine a group of volunteer examiners conducting a test  in your area.

Click here to find a test in your area.


Need more help?   Try the instructional videos posted on the Ham Whisperer website.

Study hard, pass your test and I hope to hear you on the air in the near future.

73
KI6DZV

Who's your Elmer?

Congratulations on passing your exam and getting your Amateur Radio license.  

Welcome to the world of Amateur Radio, now what?   

This is what I will be discussing in this blog, as well as various product reviews, resources for learning more about Amateur Radio as well as tips that you can use to improve your radio skills.  

I am relatively new to Amateur Radio but I have been involved with radio most of my life. So much so that my friends say that my voice fades when we drive through a tunnel.   Seriously, in 1963, when I was 7 years old,  I visited radio station KRLA on an outing with my Cub Scout pack.   From that day I thought that working in a radio station would really be fun.   When I grew up, I went to Long Beach City College to study Radio/TV production and have worked in some capacity in the industry from 1976 to 2011.  

It was not until 2006 that I decided to get my Technician's Amateur license.   I studied all the material to pass my test but really didn't have a clue as to all of the cool stuff that I could do until many years later. 

I thought that I was really happy with my 2 meter hand held transceiver, which I manually programmed to work on a few local repeaters.   It wasn't until a friend invited me up to the wireless room at the Queen Mary (W6RO) that I realized that HF was the coolest thing since sliced bread.  I studied for my General and passed my test in less than two months and then set my goal to pass my Amateur Extra class by my next birthday.   Amazingly, I found a Volunteer Examiner team that conducted the test on my birthday and within days I was granted the status of Amateur Extra.

So far I have made contact with other ham radio operators around the world from my home station using a simple HF 100 watt radio.  I have also seen the same radio send  5 or 10 watt digital communication on the 20 meter band half way around the world. 

In the blogs to come I will be writing about some of the new dual bands radios from China and how to have fun with JT-65 digital communications.

 

If this is the sort of stuff that interests you I hope you will come back.