BAOFENG UV-5G (UV-5X) GMRS Radio, Long Range Rechargeable Two Way Radio with NOAA Weather Receiving & Scanning, GMRS Handheld Radio for Adults, Support Chirp, 2 Pack

The package was delivered overnight, but the contents appeared to have been a return. I contacted the seller and they arranged a replacement shipment. In the mean time I tried out the radios and, while some of the firmware limitations imposed by the FCC type acceptance as interpreted by Baofeng make it somewhat difficult to use, it worked fine for my use. This is certainly a great deal, two complete radio sets for less than $40, so if you understand the limitations and how to work with them, this is a great set to use.

They work great and are easy to use. Battery lasts awhile when stored away, and lightly used.

ValueI have several other Baofengs in the ham bands. This one's in the GMRS band. It's actually an Radioddity UV-5G. When you're using Chirp to program your radio, specify the Radioddity as the radio.The Baofeng is not super-sensitive to radio signals, like a Yaesu or an iCom. Still, for the money you're paying you're getting a great deal.What Comes With the Radio2 radios2 batteries (1800 mAH)2 belt chips2 ear pieces with microphone2 lanyards2 antennas2 base chargers with two AC/DC adaptersInstruction manualNo programming cable is included.Bad Quality Assurance/ControlEach of the radios has a different firmware version. One radio does not let me set the CTCS tones. I will have to return this as there seems to be no way to update the firmware once the unit leaves the factory.Programming Through Keypad Can Be PainfulPretty much, the ideal operation here is to leave the default memory slots alone. This is because of the way the firmware has the memory slots locked down. Some folks think Baofeng did this as the quick way to FCC Part 95 compliance. Basically, you cannot program the radio to have custom, transmittable frequencies, even in the GMRS bands.For repeater use, they are memory slots 23 to 30. You navigate to the memory slot that corresponds to the repeater's frequency and set the CTCS transmit tone. The +5 MHz offset is baked into these memory slots, meaning you do not need to set them through the menu system.While you can program in frequencies using the keypad, you only only save into memory slots 31 and above. The firmware will prohibit you from transmitting in all cases.Programming Is Possible But Through ChirpIf you really want to customize the radio to use transmittable GMRS frequencies, then you'll need a USB-to-serial cable and use Chirp. You can pick up one for $20. Avoid counterfeits as Prolific and FDTI have both imposed bans on these counterfeit cables in the Windows OS. Windows will not let you communicate to the cable anymore. Linux, however, will. Chirp is available on Linux.This means the radio is not friendly in field-use applications where you must program the radio using the keypad. Folks have mentioned that more expensive brands like the Wouxun allow you to do this.Dual Channel MonitorThis radio allows you to monitor both A and B channels at the same time. In a ham band Baofeng like the BF-F8HP, you can monitor only one channel at a time.VFO and TransmitVFO does not work, like in a traditional ham radio. If you try to transmit in VFO mode, the computer lady says, "Cancel", meaning this is disallowed.VFO and ReceiveYou, however, are allowed to receive both inside and outside of the GMRS bands in VFO mode.Repeater UseI have tested this radio, and it works with repeaters. Like ham bands, there is an agreement in UHF to use a +5.0 MHz offset. You receive at a base frequency and transmit at +5 MHz.This is accomplished through SFT-D (menu 25) with a "+" value. In the Offset (menu 26) provide a value of 005.000 to get the 5 MHz offset. This being said, DON'T do this because the firmware will not let you transmit anyway if programmed using the keypad. You'll have to use Chirp to set these values to be able to transmit.Quickly Jumping to a Channel.Like most Baofengs, there is no knob that lets you quickly move through the pre-programmed channels. You will have to use the keypad's up and down arrows. Likewise, you can input the memory slot location if you happen to remember it. This is a 3-digit input. In channel mode, for channel 1, type "001". For channel 10, type "010". For channel 100, "type 100".NOAA WeatherThis radio comes preprogrammed with NOAA channels.WaterproofingThere does not seem to an IP rating for this particular brand. If you're looking for your radio to survive a deluge, then look at IP69K. IP67 is not the same as IP69K. If you leave your IP67 radio out in a misty rain all weekend long, your radio is guaranteed to be damaged.

Great radios

As advertized.

Thank you the item came very fast. I was very pleased just as described.

What can you say Boafeng one works as advertised the other doesn't receive the same. That is I can talk to others at miles with one the other never heard them? Seems to be issue with Boafeng but very inexpensive radio and it works for our purposes.

I like that these are programmable easily, and the basics are all there. Receiving a signal has not been an issue...I've been able to pull in some long distance stuff up high on hills. But between devices, even 100ft away over flat open water, its been a bit of a disappointment. for me, these are great scanners/listeners, but communicating between each other I had many issues even over open water and direct line of sight, which is why I got it in the first place. All in all, they're ok unless you need them for more important stuff. In that case, I do wish I went with a better brand