Are these radios any good?

[Cyclops]

Currently I have the midland GTX1000 and I'm not very happy with those. So been looking at others and came across this set and was wondering if anyone has used these ones.
http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5R-136- ... B007H4VT7A
I'm looking at getting a new set but not break the bank. If I like then introducing them to the rest of my team. Any input on the radios would be greatly appreciated. TY

[Jester316]

These radios are designed for use by HAM certified people. They are meant to transmit on frequencies that require you to be licensed by the FCC to operate on. They are TECHNICALLY illegal to operate on FRS/GMRS channels due to the power output and removable antenna.

I own 2 of them, and am HAM certified.

[Shortbu]

Nug and I also use them. They work well, especially for the price ( thanx to Jester programming them)

[Jester316]

I'll expand on my previous: Yes, they work great. They transmit with 4 watts (compared to the normal FRS required .5W). You can program millions of channels into them (again though if you are caught transmitting on certain channels without the proper license, you can be fined out the a$$ by the FCC, and there are people who's sole purpose in life is to find you and turn you into the FCC). And you can get a better antenna for them. When I use my plate carrier, I have a remote antenna attached to my back, and the radio up front so I can easily get to it. You can program 2 different channels and listen to both simultaneously. You can switch between them with a simple push of a button to talk on the other channel. They work with Kenwood style headsets, so you can get your favorite flavor of military style Chinaman knock off headset and it should work just fine.


Again though, know that you are breaking the law if you use these radios on FRS/GMRS and be prepared to pay the fines if caught.

[Cyclops]

TY for the input. Going to be looking into this more and find out where and how to get a license. TY Jester316

[ogrejager]

TY for the input. Going to be looking into this more and find out where and how to get a license. TY Jester316

Another future HAM. Awesome.

[Jester316]

TY for the input. Going to be looking into this more and find out where and how to get a license. TY Jester316

Look into SARC (Salem Amateur Radio Club). http://w7saa.net/

[Pork]

Home study manuals too.

The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. Third Edition. Participate in some clubs in your neck of the woods.

[ClownBaby]

Plus, it's just fun to say Baofeng!

[McNair]

DOn't you technically need a FCC license to use GMRS in general?

Anyway, been using these and others without issues from the HAM police.

[Jester316]

DOn't you technically need a FCC license to use GMRS in general?

Anyway, been using these and others without issues from the HAM police.

If you use these to transmit on FRS frequencies (what airsofters commonly use) than it's difficult/near impossible to tell (it just sounds like you are closer to the reciever than you really are). If you use these to transmit into repeaters or on HAM bands and are unlicenesed, you'll be found out quickly.

Like I said, you can use them if you want. Just know that you could be caught, and fined.

[Shortbu]

You can also program to use as a scanner. When used as a scanner, you could transmit on police band, but if you transmit for more than 2 seconds, the cops are on ya. I don't think they take too kindly to that, but it's kinda cool to be able to use them as a scanner.
They're pretty nifty little buggers, especially for the price. I'm probably about to upgrade to the Wouxon, but the Boafeng is definitely worth more than the price.

[McNair]

DOn't you technically need a FCC license to use GMRS in general?

Anyway, been using these and others without issues from the HAM police.

If you use these to transmit on FRS frequencies (what airsofters commonly use) than it's difficult/near impossible to tell (it just sounds like you are closer to the reciever than you really are). If you use these to transmit into repeaters or on HAM bands and are unlicenesed, you'll be found out quickly.

Like I said, you can use them if you want. Just know that you could be caught, and fined.

How do they tell you're unlicensed?
I've used ham radios on HAM bands many times without a license and I've yet to be fined.

And again, I believe you need a FCC license to use GMRS frequencies with any GMRS radio?