got Baofeng?

A fellow group member just became the owner of a Baofeng UV-5R. I told him that he should read this post and I figured many may not have seen it the first time around. It was published originally HERE on ModernSurvivalOnline.

HAM radio is one of those mysterious phenomenon that most people ignore because they just don’t understand it. I totally identify with that as I was in that same boat for years. Reality smacked me in the face when my efforts with line-of-sight communications just failed to fulfill my requirements. I am still learning and would barely consider myself knowledgeable. What I do know is I am able to communicate with most every member of my preparedness group within a 25 mile radius – which was my initial goal.

The equipment I use is not fancy and is NOT the best out there. Make no mistake the Baofeng radios – which have gained incredible popularity with preppers – are cheap and made with decent manufacturing quality. Other brands such as Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, and TYT are built better, are easier to program, and cost up from 5- 10 times more.

Thus far I have been very happy with my Baofeng radios which I have several and members of my group have several as well. Problems really have been non-existent.

If you are wanting to get into HAM and improve your survival communications I highly recommend Baofeng handheld radio’s. Great entry-level radio’s with a low cost of around $35. Another positive thing with the Baofeng is the enormous number of accessories such as batteries and antenna’s. From comments left here and from people I have heard from the main issues with Baofeng’s are speaker failure and external speaker and mic adapter port quality issues. Thus far I have not met anyone with these issues – they are just reported.

Just a few quick spec’s for the popular Baofeng UV-5R:

• Dual Band – 136-174/400-480
• 128 programmable channels
• FM radio built-in
• LED flashlight built-in
• Back-lit display programmable to different colors
• Duel power – 4 watt/1 watt
• Includes charging stand, VOX mic and earpiece, battery, belt clip and antenna

I have put together a “Baofeng Showcase” below so you can see a variety of choices. Remember, any purchase made help support ModernSurvivalOnline with no additional cost to you.

– – Rourke

Baofeng Radio’s:

Antenna’s:

Programming: 

Batteries and Battery Packs:

Misc: