(Part 2) Best products from r/Baofeng

I second this. I have a UV-82HP paired with a Signal Stick antenna. It has been absolutely fantastic. The dual PTT is A really nice feature especially when paired with a compatible dual PTT external mic. You can't go wrong with this setup.

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If you want to go semi-big and get into DMR, I have heard really really good things about the Btech DMR 6X2. It's a dual purpose analog/digital radio with 4,000 channel slots, 10,000 talkgroup slots, and 150,000 contact slots.

Awesome man. Thanks a lot for the response.

So something like:
Baofeng UV-5R+ Plus UHF VHF Long Range Dual Band Ham Amateur Two Way Radio, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CMZ2QCF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9TRjDb4CCRKBJ

And maybe the kit that has the programming software and the antenna for like $57?

The 'standard' UV-5R will be great for that.

If you're in a car, and wanna be cheap, just by a car antenna and swap it whenever you get into the car.

If you don't wanna be cheap, this lil guy will do you well, but you'll still need an antenna. This Diamond antenna has worked out okay enough for me. My requirements aren't yours though (I wanted a mag mount, and something short enough to stuff in the trunk when I wasn't using it). Due to them, I don't get as much range as I could with a larger antenna, but it works well for me.

Out where it's flat country? You'll have plenty of range.

Generally, UHF is better suited to urban environments. The shorter wave length of the frequencies has an easier time of being reflected and bouncing around off glass windows and other metal surfaces to reach the repeater or other intended station.

Almost all the Baofeng HT's (handheld transmitters) are dual band and will work on VHF & UHF. Personally, I would recommend the Baofeng BF-F8HP 8-watt model. It can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-BF-F8HP-Two-Way-136-174MHz-400-520MHz/dp/B00MAULSOK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501540520&sr=8-1&keywords=BAOFENG+f8

If the 1.25m band (220 MHz) is popular, you can look at the the UV-5x3 tri-band model. It can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-UV-5X3-Watt-Tri-Band-Radio/dp/B01J2W4JUI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501540679&sr=8-1&keywords=UV+5x3

Sure thing! Sounds like a fun project.

You could pick up one of these and modify the cable, it would be a bit easier.

Don't be too worried about the perceived small amount of power. 5 watts is nothing to sneeze at.

I have a mobile antenna installed on the roof of my truck which I usually use with my 60W mobile unit. That unit is on the way back to china so for the last week or so, I've connected my UV-5R to the antenna feed line using this adapter.

I've found that I am able to hear and get into repeaters all over my area. 20, 30 miles no problem.

Antennas are more important than power output (or at least as important), so driving around with a mobile antenna hooked to your handheld is going to be miles away better than trying to transmit with your handheld from inside the car. That's going to be true for two reasons: 1. The mobile antenna is just going to be better than your HT antenna. 2. The mobile antenna is outside the car

Much luck to you, I say go for it.

FYI there's also this one, I do not own it, but it's Baofeng's version of a "commercial" mic. Reviews are good, just again, FYI.

http://www.amazon.com/QHM22-Platinum-Rainproof-Shoulder-AnyTone/dp/B00Z4X3MM6

Actually, Amazon has hand crank/solar radios that do AM, FM, LW, weather, have a telescopic antenna with an optional external antenna and LED flashlight would be a better option as an emergency radio. Be safe my friend!! This is the one I have-

I am using https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Cigarette-Lighter-Converter-Transformer/dp/B0196DXEBI/ref=mp_s_a_1_24?keywords=ac+to+dc+converter&qid=1567208299&s=gateway&sprefix=ac+to&sr=8-24

Can probably get away with a cheaper one but this one was rated able to run a fridge and had active cooling so figured it was better to over buy than fall short.

This.

1. Cut sheath
   
2. Fold back braid like a Chinese finger trap
   
3. ???
   
4. Profit
   
   Some coax is way easier than others to do this with. I have a shitton of BNC Twist-ons for quick easy antennas & repairs
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Valley-Enterprises-Twist-Cable-Connectors/dp/B002A6ER2O/

I love the UV-82 - own several, but more recently I picked up a GT-5TP which is kind of like a UV-5r with UV-82 features. I'm really liking that radio.

This was my solution.

For Power.

For access.

For mounting I made something similar to this out of banding strap and clip the belt strap to it.

And for improved range/signal I use this mag mount

With the baofeng 888s being so cheap I actually keep that on my belt and keep my uv5r permanently mounted in the car.


Here's a mount and go mobile option for $104, you will need to pick an antenna.

Neither (yeah, I'm gonna be "one of those guys").

I say that because there are so many knock-off Nagoyas -even on Amazon- that I don't trust them any more.

I bought this Comet, and I love it!

Kenwood Original SMC-34 Hand Speaker Mic w/ Swivel Clip, Volume & Remote Control, & 2.5 mm Earpiece Audio Jack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FHVAZC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J3B8CbXWNYRVE

That's the one?

I would recommend this one actually, it has more reviews and IMO a less sketchy label

ExpertPower Baofeng UV-5R Extended True Capacity Battery (Model: BL-5L, 3800 mAh, Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATTVKFQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_eeHDAbT348N72

It's a baofeng accessory. Working in the first place is a plus. I have one of these For the same setup you have and it works great. you can still only hear mono on left side though.

Only $45

BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MAULSOK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_aDVfAbDCQJW0J

The Motorola RSMs only work with Motorola radios. The btech one can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-QHM22-Platinum-Rainproof-Shoulder/dp/B00Z4X3MM6

This bad boy right here
BTECH QHM22 Platinum Series IP54 Rainproof Shoulder Speaker Mic for BaoFeng, BTECH, Kenwood Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z4X3MM6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zYMXCbV4MABYS