Baofeng ???

DKR, are the minis as small as the old UV-3 models?

 

Don't know..

They are small. Compared next to my UV-5R8W - both less batteries, it is as thin, but 'shorter'

It has several software features I enjoy -
--one button push to WX channel
--with 2X PTT buttons, you can set up a 'channel' with 'upside down' RX/TX to mimic a repeater.
--so many channel memories, I can set up GMRS/FRS channels with the proper BW (same freq and wide or narrow BW) and display both - and chose which to talk on with the PTT sw. Great if running a mixed GMRS/FRS mix of radios. Like when camping.

Don't like
--Scanning is a two button press process

I don't see any AA battery shell, that may be in the works. The battery is nothing like the earlier UV-5R series, so I will have to exercise some patience.
Already have the adapters to all use of my ham radio, BNC based antennas.

And as always, this is - IMO - a good deal for the radios sitting on my monitoring shelf.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am always looking at new HTs, but just counting in my head, 5 UV-5R, 1 UV-17, 2 UV-32D, 6 UV-9G in a gang charger, 2 Wouxun, 1 Anytone 878, Yaesu VX-6r, Kenwood F6a, 2 Motorola Sabre. I really need to stop buying them as I carry the VX6r almost exclusively, and the 878 when in the DMR mood. Yet I know I will buy more. I can't help it.

 

I'm trying to get my time right so I can spend a little time to get my Ham license ,,, but was going to get a handheld Baefong radio to have on hand for the learning process. Which one would you recommend,, as far as ease of use ,,,operability ,, etc . I'm not real good with high tech stuff. But,, which would you folks recommend . Thanks for the input.

 

The 2 pk would be nice .
I googled the best radio for a newbie as far as set up ,, ease of use ,, etc ,,, and it spit out the Baefong DM-32uv ,,, anyone have any input on this one .
I'm just really needing simplicity for the beginning of this voyage ,,but I need enough that's going to teach me the basics till I can grasp this whole concept.

Thanks for your input Brokor ,,,

 

Well folks ,, it seems a few yrs back when I was wanting to get into this 2 way comms thing ,, I had already asked some questions,, and got some really good info from you all . Back then I got pretty busy work wise ,, and this hobby got pushed to the side .
I apologize for my faulty memory ,, and I'll carry on with what you all have already answered for me.
Thanks again ,, and I may have a few questions once I get my radio ,, and get started on my testing.
Thanks folks .

 

UV-5R Mimi. About the same size as my FT-5R. Fraction of the cost. USB-C charging.

5 watts, full coverage. Cheaper than a scanner. Happy I bought it and I'm not a fan of Baofang. Good audio for both TX & RX and I have recommended it more than once. I paid $32 from Amazon - impossible not to be a good deal.

 

The stand out version for me right now in the Baofeng line is the DM-32UV. Dual band, DMR, AES256 encryption (as long as it is to another Boafeng), color display, etc. Our little group of friends just adopted these and I placed a few encrypted channels in, as well as GMRS frequencies. All of the group is getting GMRS licenses ($35, no test, covers you and your family) to get on the growing list of GMRS repeaters. The down side is that being a DMR radio the programming is a bit of a learning curve.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=DM-32uv&crid=2EQL7QV309WVJ&sprefix=dm-32uv,aps,143&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Another Awesome radio is the BTECH UV Pro. Just VHF and UHF but allows programming from an IPad or tablet via bluetooth. It also has a list of features to explore such as Satellite mode that tracks Amateur satellites and the International Space Station, so another little carrot to dangle for you to get your Amateur License.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBW24N8M/?tag=survivalmonke-20

Just about any radio you get programs with a computer these days