Low end Ham radio for listen only?

[linuxgod]

Any reason not to get the updated version? Larger battery and more transmit power (though that may not may any functional difference as it's limited by other parameters).

Amazon product ASIN B00MAULSOK

If it’s just for listening $45 would be the reason.

 

[tbisaacs]

Is there a "using your baofeng to listen only for idiots" youtube link out there? I picked up a BF-F8HP

 

[MoJ]

Is there a "using your baofeng to listen only for idiots" youtube link out there? I picked up a BF-F8HP

All you need to do is press the orange VFO/MR key to put it in frequency mode and then enter the appropriate frequency. Once the frequency is entered hold down the # key (with key symbol also printed on it) for a few seconds to lock it in place if you’re concerned about inadvertently bumping the radio. No YouTube needed.

 

[Trukk]

Is there a "using your baofeng to listen only for idiots" youtube link out there? I picked up a BF-F8HP

There is a subreddit just for Baefengs; not a bad place to start: faq - Baofeng - https://www.reddit.com/r/Baofeng/wiki/faq

You can program whatever you want on the Radio via CHIRP, rather than hand programing. It's pretty simple and straight forward: Home - CHIRP - https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home

I programmed in all the frequencies we used at LCDC last year. Made it easy just to move through the memory slots and hop onto the right frequency. Programming by hand is not a big deal, but I'd rather be driving than mucking around with radios on trail.

 

[tdslj]

I just read that I need a Ham radio for an event, but will be in listening only mode. I don't want a permanent Ham rig, since the people and groups that I generally drive with don't use them. Can you please share advice or opinions on an inexpensive handheld Ham setup that will allow me to meet this need?

PS. I have a GMRS mounted permanently that I will use for any outbound comms. I have a GMRS license, but don't have a Ham license, and doubt I'll get one.

Baofeng. They're trash. But they're also unlocked and work on both GMRS and Ham VHF/UHF bands.
But let me plug getting a ham license. It's not hard (multiple choice and the answers are in a book) and then you can use repeater when you're way, way offroad. It's saved my butt more than once.

 

[Trukk]

Baofeng. They're trash. But they're also unlocked and work on both GMRS and Ham VHF/UHF bands.
But let me plug getting a ham license. It's not hard (multiple choice and the answers are in a book) and then you can use repeater when you're way, way offroad. It's saved my butt more than once.

Quoted for truth. I paid for a GMRS license, but need to get my technicians done.


@CharlieS (and any others)

I'm bringing a few extra Baofeng's to the event. They are programmed with the HAM and FRS channels we'll be using. I did NOT set the HAM to receive only, as if there is a real emergency, you will want to be able to communicate. The rest of time just "listen", and don't transmit.


If you want to borrow one for the event, no problem. Just hit me up.

-Chris

 

[Markuson]

Baofeng. They're trash. But they're also unlocked and work on both GMRS and Ham VHF/UHF bands.
But let me plug getting a ham license. It's not hard (multiple choice and the answers are in a book) and then you can use repeater when you're way, way offroad. It's saved my butt more than once.

Too harsh, IMHO. Baofengs work quite well, and I frankly prefer them over my far more expensive Yaesu handhelds that were roughly 15-20x more $.

I have my Tech & also General license, etc, and have a nice built-in in my vehicle…but I would definitely not bash Baofeng, save for an occasional dud. I have 6 of them so I can loan for listening/emergency broadcasting in groups, and only had one with any issue, ever. At about $24 each, they are practically FREE.

 

[MoJ]

Too harsh, IMHO. Baofengs work quite well, and I frankly prefer them over my far more expensive Yaesu handhelds than were roughly 20x more $.

I have my General license, etc, and have a nice built-in in my vehicle, but I would definitely not bash Baofeng, save for an occasional dud. I have 6 of them so I can loan for listening/emergency broadcasting in groups, and only had one with any issue, ever. At about $24 each, they are practically FREE.

Yep. Zero reason to call a Baofeng “trash”. The battery life is impressive and it’s a great starter.

 

[CharlieS]

I got baofeng and a spare battery all for like $35. Getting at least my HAM Technician license is on my to-do list for when I get back; I just ran out of time.

 

[linuxgod]

Baofeng. They're trash. But they're also unlocked and work on both GMRS and Ham VHF/UHF bands.
But let me plug getting a ham license. It's not hard (multiple choice and the answers are in a book) and then you can use repeater when you're way, way offroad. It's saved my butt more than once.

I disagree. I have a 2-band Baofeng and a 3-band BTECH (relabeled Baofeng) and they are great for trail comms. Less than $25 a piece and they have much better speakers and mics and clarity than the previous FRS/GMRS radios I had. I have a tech-class ham license so I can transmit and I've been pleased with their use. Yeah they're not an $800 Yaesu or Kenwood 50W vehicle mount radio, but they are a great inexpensive option. I only wish there was a way to limit power output for the FRS/GMRS channels to make them legal for use on those bands. If you ran an oscilloscope over the frequency bands is their transmission dirty and uneven? Maybe but for $25 and use on a mountain trail with other drivers I'd argue you absolutely cannot beat them.