Being from a law enforcement family, my dad was always using radios on and off duty. He sparked my interest in electronics and radios as a kid. Recently I've come across a variety of lower price point radios which offer some great features even compared to some of the nicer iCom and Motorola models at a significant discount. In the past couple years, I've used a few including the Puxing 888K, baofeng (pofung) UV5R, UV5RA, BF-F8+ and recently the newest BF-F8HP. After having used all of those models (based on function, price and user friendly-ness) I suggest the Baofeng BF-F8+ or BF-F8HP. Please, If you buy one of these radios, make sure to follow FCC rules and regulations. Get the licensing required for the frequencies you use when applicable. Having used these for awhile I highly suggest getting the program. Most are free and available for download, you just need to buy the cable to hook it up to your computer. Some programs are super easy to use and allow you to get your radio going how you want in very little time. What makes these radios appealing? - Cost starting around $35 - Dual Band. UHF (ultra high frequency) & VHF (very high frequency) - User programmable in field or via USB to computer (which is much easier) - Power. 4watt output on most models. The newest BF8-HP offers a whopping 8watt output. - Size and weight. These are compact (shorter than most phones but several times thicker) and weight around 8ozs. What are they good for? - Group or family outings. You can use them like your typical FRS or GMRS radio but with much better results and range. Keep in mind, GMRS is regulated by the FCC and you are required to obtain a license to use those frequencies. Also most channels including the FRS frequencies are regulated by the FCC and will have power (wattage) restrictions. - Emergencies. Have friends or family near by but need a way to talk when power or phone lines are down? These will work great. - Backpacking. Some areas will have GMRS repeaters for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), SAR (Search And Rescue), REACT (Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams). These repeaters can offer some great range/coverage and are often in areas where cell phones do not work. - Off duty LEOs. Some departments allow you to take your radio home, others don't. Figure if you don't have one with you or atleast available, for the $35 being able to get ahold of dispatch (and other officers) on the radio is quicker than on you phone. - Great radio to start with for someone looking to getting your HAM Radio License. Specifications (BF-F8+ specs shown):
65-108MHz (FM Receive only) 136-174MHZ 400-520MHZ Channels: 128 Stability: ±2.5ppm Antenna: High Gain, Dual Band Antenna Impedance: 50Ω Operating Voltage: DC 7.4V Modes: Simplex or semi-duplex Antenna: SMA-Female Accessory Plug: Kenwood Weight: 250g (including battery, antenna) Power adapter: Input: AC100V, 50-60Hz; Output: DC10V/500mA; Plug Type: US Output power: 5W / 1W (Max 5W) Modulation Mode: 16kΦF3E / 11kΦF3E Maximum deviation: 5kHz(Wide) / 2.5kHz(Narrow) Spurious Radiation: 7μW Current: ≤1.6A(5W) CTCSS/DCS deviation: 0.5±0.1kHz(Wide) 0.3±0.1kHz(Narrow) Intermediation sensitivity: 8-12mv Intermediation distortion: ≤10% [BELOW] Here is a quick comparison of several of the models. LEFT: Baofeng BF-F8+ with standard antenna MIDDLE: Baofeng BF-F8+ with Nagoya NA-771 antenna RIGHT: Baofeng BF-F8HP with standard antanna
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Tactical-BushcrafterI'm an avid outdoorsman who enjoys a good mix of primitive bushcrafting skills and modern tactical gear and survival equipment. Archives
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