Baofeng UV-82 Question

[Santange11]

I am looking to get a low cost radio for the upcoming OP Snake Eater and the Baofeng UV-82 looks very promising, mainly because its not a pair. My question is do I need a licence to use this radio? I understand its capable of doing things the require a licence, but if I don't use those features do can I still use it legally? If this wont work what is a good alternative?

Thanks for the help,

[Action Figures LLC]

Yes, legally the radio requires a licence due to the amount of power it transmits. That being said, 99% of the users out there don't bother to get it. The HAM guys shouldn't bother you as long as you stay on the right frequencies. I personally don't see much difference with transmitting on low and high power as long as you are staying on the public channels. But yes, you do need a basic licence to legally use them. You might look into contacting your local HAM club and have them help you get the licence. I hear that it's relatively hassle free and the test isn't hard. Might be worth doing.

[McNair]

Yeah, as the above said, it technically requires a license. But so does using GMRS.
However, as above mentioned, you don't shazaam with certain freqs, you'll be fine. Also, since you'll most likely just be using FRS/GMRS channels, its not an issue at all.
There are some people that will huff and puff, but really no one gives a shazaam.

[ClownBaby]

Don't let friends/little brothers mess with it at home.

In fact, if you only use it at games, you won't have a problem. They'd have to arrest/fine us all.

[ClownBaby]

Frickin cellphone double post

[Santange11]

This being would it be better to just fork up a little more money and get a Motorola Talkabout ( or something similar) that is simpler and easier to use since I am such a novice at radios?

[Cyclops]

No you don't need a license to run the radio. You can program the radios to certain channels and you'll be fine. Our team uses these and they are great! HOW EVER if you use other certain channels then yes you can get in big trouble. Not a toy to let anyone play with tho. Keep in mind that most of the set ups for the radio does not come with the cable to program it. So the answer to your question is no you don't need a license to use this radio ( ON CERTAIN CHANNELS).

[Jester316]

[Action Figures LLC]

It's not the channel you're using that makes it need a licence, it's the output of the radio. On it's lowest setting, it's still too strong to use without a licence. It transmits too far.

[Jester316]

[Action Figures LLC]

Let me rephrase my intent. Even if you stay on the civilian channels, the radio is too powerful, even on it's lowest setting.

[Santange11]

So it sounds like I just need to get a set of Motorola radiosto avoid any complications. Airsoft will be its main use, but I would like to use them for other things.

[Jester316]

[Action Figures LLC]

I bow to the superior knowledge. But no reason to be a tool.

[Jester316]