Posted: 12/19/2014 12:56:52 AM EDT
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When I first noticed the Baofeng radios started making an appearance on the US market, I thought little of them. I already had an FT-897d and a VX6R. But, for only a few bucks I could buy a uv3r so I did. I hated it. Cheap little piece of junk. I gave it away and bought an FT-60r. Love it. Well, it has been a few years and my Elmer has been wanting a Baofeng to play with. So, we talked each other into trying a recent iteration. As such, I purchased us a pair of GT-3 Mark IIs. Wow! They've come a long way! They still are not my Yaesu's, but they aren't the junk that was the UV3R either. Chirp makes it a joy to program and I heard a repeater tonight on it that I've not been able to hear with my Yaesu HTs.
I'm impressed. Thinking about buying a few more for the vehicles and home. Not bad Baofeng. |
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I've got a long thread on programming the UV-5R and other tips here:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_10_22/664274_Baofeng_UV_5R_information.html |
| I'm actually liking it a lot. My only regret is not getting one that will accept a battery eliminator. And, I'm scratching my head with regards to the cigarette lighter charger. It isnt like there is room for the desktop charging station in the standard cup holder. They should have setup a secondary charging port. Silly stupid design. |
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Quoted:
I'm actually liking it a lot. My only regret is not getting one that will accept a battery eliminator. And, I'm scratching my head with regards to the cigarette lighter charger. It isnt like there is room for the desktop charging station in the standard cup holder. They should have setup a secondary charging port. Silly stupid design. Do cupholders come standard in China? (The answer to that question may be the reason why you seem to be scratching your head) I have a UV5R+…I've had it for 3 years and have charged it thrice. Chirp makes them bearable to program. Chirp isn't the easiest to deal with programming software though as it was written by hams for hams. For $30 radios, the Baofengs aren't bad little radios to keep around as spares. |
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Well, that's my point. Why provide a method of charging that isn't practical? Where are they going to put the charger? Silly stupid.
I've heard a lot of whining about programming these things. Five minutes with the manual and no problem. Easier to program these little things than my Yaesus. And Chirp isn't a problem. Simple and straight forward. I purchased mine to keep at work. If it gets stolen, no big loss. But, reception is quite good. I'm truly impressed with it. My first one was the uv3r, not impressive. But the gt3 is good. Now I'm considering a wouxun kg-uv8d to play with. |
The 8D looks promising but don't know that I need any Moar HTs
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They are addictive little things. I have three and want a dozen more. Don't ask me why. It is a sickness. Looking at a Wouxun, a uv82, a uvb5, would like to play with an Icom and a Kenwood. A mental image of a couple of candy bowls full of HTs, decorated for Christmas came to mind. I don't know why. 
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This IS turning into a sickness :-) OK how about some more review of the GT-3. Interesting little radio. Now I'm really going to spike the eggnog! Anyone have/seen/tried one of these: BaoFeng BF-F8HP? This one is a bit different in that it has THREE (3) yes three output levels, 1w, 4w and 8W...yes 8W at least that's what the propaganda says.
Now that could be REAL interesting - a little more money than most of the others at around $70 (YMMV) but IF in fact it DOES do 8W might be worth it? What say you'all? Sarge |
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Do cupholders come standard in China? (The answer to that question may be the reason why you seem to be scratching your head) Cup holders only seem to come standard in the US. Most other countries it's either an option, or not available on everything but the upper-tier trim levels. |
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Cup holders only seem to come standard in the US. Most other countries it's either an option, or not available on everything but the upper-tier trim levels. Quoted:
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Do cupholders come standard in China? (The answer to that question may be the reason why you seem to be scratching your head) Cup holders only seem to come standard in the US. Most other countries it's either an option, or not available on everything but the upper-tier trim levels. You all are missing the point of my cup holder comment. You have to have the desktop dock to use the lighter charger. The radio is very unstable in the desktop unit. A cup holder big enough could work until you hita bump and it wiggles the radio and it comes loose from desktop unit. As such, the lighter charger is worthless. |
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So will RT Systems programming cables work with Chirp?? I have 2 of the RT cables for Kenwood and Wuauxen radios that should work with the GT-3 then try Chirp. Any thoughts on this? Sarge The two pin Kenwood type cables work fine with CHIRP and the UV-5R. |
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I received a Baofeng UV-5RA for Christmas. Once my children settled down I attempted to program the radio with the CD that came with the data cable without luck. I found CHIRIP and after downloading some drivers I was able to program NOAA and local repeaters. I have been listening to traffic on the 2-meter repeater.
I have the practice tests, looks like it is time to get a license. |
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OK folks got a "little" money for Christmas and thinking of picking up one of these little radios - don't know why I have a Kenwood F-6 and a K20 but you can never have to many radios! Looking on eHam the best ratings go to the Baofeng UV82. So from practical hands on experience who likes what and why! Pros and Cons for any of the models!
THANKS ALL Sarge |