HAM Alternative

$63 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/B00MAULSO...olid=21JNEYJPBHJYS&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

This one seems better over the UV-5R

 

Shut up deeds

 

PCI Race Radios is a licensee (WPGK938) for 151.625 MHz and is sharing it with 226 others assigned to that frequency just in California. They also have a license on 154.515 MHz and that's shared with 156 others.

 

Just helping the products. dihc

 

I wonder how compliant those users are with the snippet of 47 CFR Part 90 I quoted earlier (specifically 90.433 (c)) regarding the licensee being responsible for installation and maintenance of all equipment operating under their license.

Just thinking out loud. Well, on a keyboard...

Again, I think it just goes back to retailers not being responsible for end users.

 

Could a firestik be used as an external antenna for the BF-F8HP using this:

$18 Eagles 2pcs 20"/1.7ft/50cm RF Coaxial Coax Cable - SMA Female to UHF SO239 SO-239 Female Connector for BaoFeng UV-82,UV-5R, HT radios External Antenna

https://www.amazon.com/Eagles-20inc...pID=41HGdpappyL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

It probably could work. Physically. I don't believe that a Firestick could be optimized for the same frequencies though.

 

I just did a Google research, as I should've before posting. The answer is "no".
Wrong freq without using coils and stuffs which can degrade signal

 

This would work though

Original Hypario Dual Band UV Antenna for baofeng UV-5R UV-5RA UV-5RB UV-5RC UV-5RE Hypario Sma-Female

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DTQ4A6...colid=BO33B7WMJA8H&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

Firestick makes a 2m antenna but nothing that is dual band or UHF AFAIK. So there are more appropriate choices. But for 2m/VHF it may be an option.

 

Totally wrong frequency range. You are talking an antenna designed to transmit on the 27.00 MHz frequency into a radio that is VHF/UHF
You transmit into an antenna on the wrong frequency range, you risk totaling the transmitter section of that radio.
Way too much VSWR feeding back into the radio when you transmit. You can actually recieve out of band with that antenna (Weather bands) but dont try transmitting that far out of its designed frequency band.

By the way that radio mentioned above can actually transmit (and receive) on the public service bands; Police, Fire, Ambulance, etc.
Totally illegal to do that, however "accidentally", and will get you immediate attention. That's why one poster told the post above to shut up, he knows this.
Yes it can still be sold here; but you are responsible for all legal consequences. Bet the Chinese manufacturer "bao feng" doesn't mention that in the sales page.

 

Thanks for the contribution to the discussion. The question was already answered. Your condescension is duly noted

 

I'm all for everyone having the best comms possible while on the trail..

A $30.00 5watt handheld Baofeng radio paired properly to a roof mounted antenna can be extremely effective. The Baofeng can be programmed (with a programming cable) just about anyway anybody desires (hint) with the open source free software Chirp.

I have this antenna and can say that it works very well..

$25 TRAM 140MHz-170MHz + 430MHz-470MHz Dual Band NMO Antenna (1181)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IDTJ2KE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

That one gets poop reviews. But could be user error too

 

Ummm, you do know that it IS illegal to TX to a non-HAM type radio though... such as a GMRS/FRS type radio. Which brings me to the point, if you are operating outside of the HAM bands then you're, technically, illegally TX'ing. For example, to TX using anything outside of the 70cm band (i.e. 420-450) is illegal... GMRS/FRS is outside of the HAM 70cm band. Just because one has a license, doesn't give them the freedom to TX at any frequency?! Thus, in essence, there technically is a "type acceptance" that HAM's need to adhere to.

Not trying to argue/start some dumb fight, but what I just stated above is, more or less, "type acceptance". It's just like saying that ones car can do 150mph easy on the fwy and just because they have that capability, but in all actuality, it is illegal to do so... obviously.

 

Nagoya UT-72. Spring-loaded so it doesn't get knocked off the roof by branches.

 

Now THIS "I" have no argument for... for sure!!! You could have theeeeee MOST expensive radio setup on the planet, but if your antenna system is CRAP... your TX is CRAP!!! Antenna is, by FAR, KEY in a good radio TXmission!!!

 

check this bad boy out...

BTECH AMP-U25 Amplifier | 20-40W Power Boost for UHF (400-480MHz) | Compatible with Handheld Radios | Amplifies Analog and Digital Modes | Ideal for Mobile, Field, & Home Use

https://www.amazon.com/BTECH-AMP-U2...rd_wg=kmeDF&psc=1&refRID=0G8YSM40KXPRT9H79ZAX

 

Just the other night, and it happens fairly often... to me at least, there was trouble on the 10fwy and I'm calling out over the CB to any trucker and one of them comes on and we chat a bit about what is possibly going on.

The point, CB does have its place and it comes in handy in certain situations, but I can also understand how one wants to "reach further out". In the end, I honestly don't care what you have as I have both as well as a couple other options that I can mishmash together. CB is NOT that expensive and HAM is NOT that expensive (well, HAM can be expensive, but you have the Baofeng as an option for a cheap HAM setup).

Finally, there are other options out there and ever so rarely do you need anything past 4-5W output power. SSB CB outputs 12W (i.e. legally), but an SSB setup, I have to admit, is/can be a good penny for sure.

 

Now THAT is an AWESOME FIND SIR!!!

There is a 2m 35W amp that is out there, but a bit expensive... BUT a possible option for anyone that cares to do so:
https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-001337