The Baofeng UV-5R is a dual-band transceiver (radio), meaning it operates on two bands: VHF (Very High Frequency) and UHF (Ultra High Frequency). View for how to use instruction, manual programming tips, frequency list, manual and troubleshooting steps.
Baofeng UV-5R Manual
Legal Permission
- In the United States, the Baofeng UV-5R is legal to use, but transmitting on certain frequencies requires an amateur radio license. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), if you intend to use the UV-5R to transmit on amateur radio bands, you need at least a Technician Class license.
- For Non-Licensed Users: If you don’t have a license, you can still listen to broadcasts on the UV-5R but cannot transmit on frequencies that require a license. Some channels (like FRS (Family Radio Service) or GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)) may be available without a license in some regions, but transmitting without proper licensing on restricted frequencies can lead to fines or other legal consequences.
Always check the local laws in your area to ensure you are in compliance with frequency regulations. If you want to legally transmit on ham radio frequencies, consider obtaining a Technician License by passing a simple exam.
How to Use the Baofeng U-5VR for Dummies
Step 1: Charging the Battery
Before using the UV-5R, make sure the battery is charged.
- Insert the battery: Slide the battery into the back of the radio. It should click into place securely.
- Connect the charger: Attach the charging dock or USB cable to the radio’s charging port.
- Charging time: Let the radio charge for about 2-3 hours or until the battery is fully charged (the LED light will indicate when it’s done).
Step 2: Turning the Radio On
- Power On: Press and hold the power button located at the top of the radio until the screen lights up.
- The display will show the frequency and current settings.
Step 3: Switching Between VHF and UHF
The Baofeng UV-5R is a dual-band radio, meaning it can operate on both VHF and UHF frequencies.
- Switching bands: Press the BAND button to toggle between VHF (136-174 MHz) and UHF (400-520 MHz) bands.
Step 4: Setting a Frequency (Manual Tuning)
- Enter Frequency Mode: Press the VFO/MR button to switch to Frequency Mode (VFO), which lets you manually tune to a specific frequency.
- Tune the Frequency: Use the Up or Down arrow buttons to adjust the frequency, or turn the knob to fine-tune.
- Confirm: Once you’ve set the desired frequency, press the Menu button to lock it in place.
Step 5: Programming Channels Manually
You can store frequencies in memory for quick access. Here’s how to program them:
- Enter Menu: Press the Menu button to access the radio’s settings.
- Navigate to Menu Option 27 (Memory Channel): Use the arrow buttons to scroll to Menu 27. This allows you to store the current frequency.
- Select a Channel: Use the arrow buttons to choose an available memory channel (from 1 to 128).
- Store the Frequency: Once the memory channel is selected, press the Menu button to save the frequency.
- Exit Menu: Press the Exit button or use the Menu button to return to the main screen.
Step 6: Adjusting the Output Power
You can switch between High (HI) and Low (LO) output power to conserve battery life or increase transmission range.
- Press the Menu button and navigate to Menu Option 5 (TX Power).
- Use the Up or Down arrow to toggle between HI (High) or LO (Low).
- Press the Menu button to confirm.
Step 7: Using the Push-to-Talk (PTT) Button
- To transmit: Hold down the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button on the side of the radio while speaking.
- To listen: Release the PTT button and listen for incoming transmissions.
Step 8: Scanning Channels
The Baofeng UV-5R can scan through its memory channels to find active transmissions.
- Press the Scan button to start scanning. The radio will automatically stop at any active channels.
- To stop scanning, press the Scan button again.
Step 9: Using the Menu Settings
The UV-5R has a variety of settings you can adjust. Some of the most common settings include:
- Frequency Step: Use Menu Option 9 (STEP) to adjust the frequency step size (e.g., 2.5 kHz, 5 kHz).
- CTCSS/DCS Codes: These are privacy codes used to reduce interference from other users on the same frequency.
- CTCSS: Menu Option 13
- DCS: Menu Option 14
- Squelch Level: Set the squelch level to reduce static. Go to Menu Option 23 (SQL) to adjust.
Step 10: Changing the Language to English
If your radio is in a different language (like Chinese), follow these steps to switch it to English:
- Press the Menu button and go to Menu Option 15 (Language).
- Use the Up or Down arrow to toggle between English and other languages.
- Press the Menu button to confirm the selection.
Channel Frequency List
While the Baofeng UV-5R can cover a wide range of frequencies, it is important to know the common frequencies that are legally allowed for use in your region. Here’s a basic list for reference:
- VHF (136-174 MHz):
- 146.520 MHz – Simplex (2m band, common for amateur radio)
- 147.000 MHz – Repeater (2m band)
- 162.550 MHz – NOAA weather service
- UHF (400-520 MHz):
- 446.000 MHz – PMR446 (license-free in some regions)
- 462.550 MHz – GMRS (license required in some regions)
- 462.675 MHz – GMRS repeater (license required)
Ensure that you’re following local laws regarding the use of these frequencies. Some frequencies, such as GMRS, require a license in many regions, while others, like PMR446, may be license-free.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers
How do I reset my Baofeng UV-5R to factory settings?
Answer:
To reset the Baofeng UV-5R to its factory settings:
- Turn on the radio.
- Press the Menu button, then scroll to Menu Option 40 (Reset).
- Select Menu Option 40, then choose All Reset (this will clear all memory channels).
- Confirm by pressing the Menu button.
This will restore the radio to its default settings.
What does the “TX” and “RX” mean on the Baofeng UV-5R?
Answer:
- TX stands for Transmission (sending a signal).
- RX stands for Reception (receiving a signal).
On the Baofeng UV-5R, TX appears when you transmit, and RX appears when the radio is receiving a signal.
How do I turn off the squelch on the Baofeng UV-5R?
Answer:
To adjust or turn off the squelch (which reduces static noise):
- Press the Menu button.
- Navigate to Menu Option 23 (SQL – Squelch Level).
- Use the Up/Down arrows to set the squelch level. A lower level will let more static through, while a higher level will filter out unwanted noise.
- Press the Menu button to confirm the setting.
There is no “off” setting for squelch, but you can set it to the lowest level to minimize filtering.
How do I turn on the flashlight on the Baofeng UV-5R?
Answer:
To turn on the flashlight on the Baofeng UV-5R:
- Make sure the radio is powered on.
- Press and hold the Flashlight button (located on the side of the radio).
- The flashlight will turn on; press and hold again to turn it off.
Can you unlock a BaoFeng UV 5R?
Yes, it is possible for people to “unlock” or modify a BaoFeng UV-5R to transmit on frequencies outside the factory settings, which typically include both licensed and unlicensed frequencies. This process can involve programming the radio to access a wider range of frequencies, including those not normally available to amateur radio operators. However, unlocking or modifying the radio in this way can have legal and regulatory implications.
What “Unlocking” Usually Involves:
- Broadening Frequency Range: The BaoFeng UV-5R is pre-programmed to cover certain bands, but with some modifications, it can access additional frequencies. This could allow the radio to transmit on frequencies used for public safety, military, or commercial purposes, all of which are illegal for an unlicensed individual to use.
- Programming via Software: Many users modify the BaoFeng UV-5R by using programming software, such as CHIRP, to manually enter additional frequencies or settings that are not part of the radio’s default range.
Is the Baofeng UV 5R illegal in UK?
The Baofeng UV-5R itself is not illegal in the UK, but how you use it and the frequencies you transmit on can make a big difference in terms of legality.