Other commitments have taken up my time (video games) so I am just now getting around to reporting on it. In between the event and this post, my cell phone expired when I tossed it out of the window of my vehicle. The information I gathered from this event was irretrievable.
All posts by Glen
Guess I’ve been gone awhile.
As you can probably see, my last articles were basically around the May time period. I can only say that leash laws are getting a little rough.
I have been doing my normal reporting, but I have not dropped out of amateur radio. I have been working on several projects associated with that hobby. I participated in an event, decided to become ARES certified, worked on a proposal to form an emergency communication system in my community and bought some new equipment.
I will cover all of this in upcoming articles. Particularly new equipment.
Now you might think that I get to test the latest BaoFeng equipment because I’m such a widely-read reviewer. You may think that because I review a lot of BaoFeng equipment. I wish that were true, but not so. The reason is mainly cost. BaoFeng is within my retirement budget.
I have been an amateur radio operator for over a year, now. Made a lot of friends and a few enemies. I’d just like to say to you all, stop calling me Kid.
A microphone made for Baofeng
Source: Hamcity on Amazon.
As a rookie Ham I am always on the lookout for products that help me in my communications, as is anyone. While listening in on a conversation concerning Baofeng radios, I overheard someone talking about the Kenwood SMC-34(G) microphone.
Many new amateur radio licensees start out with a Baofeng because of the low cost. With the purchase of a programming cable and free CHIRP software, a new operator can get on the air for less than $50. It is nice to add a microphone. Most go for the cheap Baofeng mics which are of poor quality. I hope to help new amateurs avoid the same trap.
I would like to have had the microphone on a recent trip that I took to try it out. I had to wait, however, until I returned home to test the Kenwood microphone. I was happy to learn that I received it a day early.
The interesting thing about Kenwood is that they use the same connector style as Baofeng on some of their microphones. This happens to be one. The first thing that I noticed was that the microphone fit tight into the microphone connector on the Baofeng. It was smaller and a little more difficult to remove.
The cord, however, stretched much better. I was able to put the Baofeng in my back pocket and run the microphone to my collar—which is, of course, the idea. I was surprised and pleased to hear that microphone clarity was good on the receive end.
The microphone, itself, is about the same size as the cheaper model, but slightly heavier. It also claims to be water resistant, but I am reluctant to dump in in a sink full of water to test it. I’ll just wait for the next rain.
If you are new to amateur radio and were attracted by the lure of the Baofeng radio, I recommend that you spend the extra money for the correct programming cable, a good extra antenna and the Kenwood SMC-34.
Baofeng UV-82 review
Baofeng UV-82
Source: BAOFENGTECH through Amazon.
Before I even obtained an FCC amateur radio license, I had heard of this tremendous Baofeng radio. Indeed they have become all the rage because of their low cost. The people I know were buying the Baofeng UV-5R mostly because it came per-programmed from their source with what they needed.
I began to work on obtaining a license and ordered the Baofeng UV-82 which was advertised as the upgrade to the UV-5.
When it arrived I immediately studied the features of the radio. It is pretty solid. It is a VHF/UHF radio with an FM radio to boot. It seems to be of solid construction. I have dropped it a couple of times and it still works. Like many other brands, including Baofeng, it can monitor two frequencies.
DISLIKES
The UV-5 has one feature over the UV-82 that I immediately liked. It has a button on the front to switch between VFO and Channel modes. With the UV-82, you have to hold the MENU key and turn the radio on to switch between these modes. This is inconvenient when you are trying to manually program the unit. Once I programmed it with CHIRP, however, I usually stay in Channel mode so it is not a problem.
Another thing that I noticed is that while I can monitor two frequencies, I can only transmit on the B channel. This could be that while I was playing with the manual programming, I set something that might be causing it. I tried making several changes in the CHIRP program, but nothing seems to work.
This unit, like all others from Baofeng, came with an ear piece microphone which allows me to transmit on either channel with dual push-to-talk (PTT) buttons. This was convenient until it started to give me a buzz in the ear. I mean actually shocking me. The unit itself is supplied with a dual PTT button to transmit on either frequency and there are dual PTT microphones available.
The belt clip does not hold well. I usually wind up carrying the unit in a pocket rather than trying to keep the belt clip attached to my belt.
LIKES
I may be a new ham operator, but I know what I like.
The price of Baofeng cannot be ignored and has led to the popularity of the radio. The price is in the budget of any new Ham radio operator. It has dual-power 1 or 4 watt capability—though I have not tested this. I have not tested the range of simplex operation, but it works well with repeaters.
Initially I tried manually programming and through YouTube videos on the UV-5 and other sources, I learned to manually program. When I worked with the CHIRP program, it seemed that I could not get through no matter what I did. I contacted my source, BAOFENGTECH, via email and was surprised at the quick response. Their Tech Support worked with me on several solutions. Ultimately I found that the repeater was not working. Once I got the unit programmed, everything opened up. I learned a lot from my first experience with this radio.
I purchased a microphone/speaker separate from the radio and, eventually, a mobile antenna for the VHF/UHF range. Even with the rubber duckie, I was able to make the repeater and communicate from inside my apartment. It currently serves, mostly, as my base unit until I can upgrade.
I purchased the camouflage version and the pattern is good and the radio seems durable. I take it in the woods when I walk my dog. I get good radio operation, but I am only two-to-five miles from the repeater. In my car with mag-mount antenna, I seem to reach about 13-miles when traveling to Flagstaff. Of course, there are obstructions in-between. Traveling toward Ash Fork I would probably do better. I have reached a repeater in Seligman about 35-miles away when I position just right in Williams, but with a weak but readable signal.
The FM radio is useful, at times. While listening to the radio, a call on VHF/UHF will interrupt the radio function. After a short duration, it will return to FM mode.
The radio also has a flashlight function with a strobe for emergencies.
Many people buy these to use as low-cost scanners. You can program in local first responder frequencies. You do not need a license for this and you can set it up so that it does not accidentally transmit on those frequencies. If a local emergency arises, this could be a good source of information for you.
PROGRAMMING
I was able to learn how to program it and load frequencies into memory in the VFO mode. I practiced this while waiting for my license. Once you get the hang of it, it is easy to do.
I recommend, however, if you plan to use this or any other radio that you get a cable and download the CHIRP program. There are several complaints about the manufacturers program that you can download for your particular unit from Baofeng. I have never tried it, but you can see the reviews online.
One thing to check with the CHIRP program is whether or not your radio is on the list. The information on the CHIRP program can be found HERE. This, of course, means buying a cable.
OVERVIEW
Interestingly my source no longer offers the UV-82, but the UV-5 still sells strong. I have seen two UV-82s offered for the price that I paid for one on Amazon—but in black, not in camouflage. I am so impressed with this radio I am considering purchasing the two as back-ups.
The battery seems to last. I run it all day a couple of days in a row before requiring a re-charge. I turn it off at night for obvious reasons.
The reception on the FM radio is better than other radios I have experienced. There is some static in some of the stations. Of course I did not purchase it to listen to FM radio. In the CHIRP program you can disable it. I have accidentally activated it and the alarm, as well.
Baofeng is popular because of its price with UV-5s running around $30 on average. This unit cost me around $68. I later had to purchase the programming cable for about $15. I added a plug-in microphone/speaker. I obtained two for around $6. Shipping, of course, is additional. I would recommend checking into a belt holster rather than depending on the provided belt clip. I bought a Naoya UT-72 mag-mount auto antenna to be used with another radio that I purchased for around $16.
For about $100, a new ham can get on-the-air with this model. This model rates 4 hams.
Participated in SKYWARN recognition day
I am trying to get my web site and blog to work. In the meantime I am writing articles about my experience.
I received my Technician Amateur License, often called a “Ticket” by Ham radio operators, in October. I took the test Flagstaff in mid-October and less than a week later I was on the air with my Baofeng UV-82.
I actually obtained a call sign for GMRS first—WQWI485. It cost me $90. The Ham radio license cost me $15. Of course you have to take a test for this license and Morse code (called CW by Ham’s) is no longer required. I will get into this later, but suffice it is to say that there is an economic lesson here. $15 (it could be up to about $25 in your area) versus $90. I’ll let you do the math.
I was in the Village of Oak Creek when I received word of my license and call sign KG7YDJ. I still stumble over it when I say it even though it is easy to remember. I received my first QSO (meaning contact) with KGYOH in Munds Park. A few days later I received a QSL card. QSL means acknowledge contact and Ham operators send cards to each other for events and so forth. I’m still working on mine.
I have worked several repeaters around Arizona. I have participated in several nets. I have heard about contesting and upcoming events such as the National Parks on the Air sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League. You can participate and get special awards, cards and certificates.
There was a good example today. I was unaware of the SKYWARN Recognition day. I happened to be monitoring the local repeater and heard WX7FGZ calling to make as many QSOs as possible. The call sight WX7FGZ is a special call sign assigned by the FCC just for this special event. The NOAA, who runs the SKYWARN system, out of Bellemont, Arizona was part of the event.
I responded and was informed I earned a certificate. The problem is that I cannot find the link to print it. But I’m still looking.
It is worth noting that the SKYWARN organization is an amateur radio organization which reports unusual weather phenomena in the area. NOAA even provides free training for those amateurs who just happen to be weather buffs. It is one of the many amateur organizations that provide community service.
Of course you won’t be asked to run into the middle of a tornado or hold a metal rod in a lightning storm. This service, however, can save lives. In a rural area, for example, you might be the first one to spot a tornado. Imagine calling it in and saving lives. In fact a few years ago Bellemont was the center of just such an event. If I had my ham license then, I could have tuned in to find out exactly what was going on.
There are many more service organization that you can participate in. You can find out more, and how to get your license, at the American Radio Relay League.
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