The BaoFeng HAM devices are inexpensive yet quite powerful. Additionally, these HTs cover a multitude of frequencies.
When you purchase the BaoFeng UV-5R, it contains pre-set commercial, civil, and amateur frequencies. These can lead to accidental interference with other services. To avoid this from happening, you need to program the transceiver with local amateur frequencies.
You can program your UV-5R transceiver manually or using a programming cable and readily available programming software.
UV-5R Frequency Bands
BaoFeng UV-5R covers the following bands:
- 2 Meter
- 70 cm
- Marine VHF
- NOAA Weather Band
- Public service Frequencies
- FM radio
- FRS (Family Radio Service)
- GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
- MURS (Multi-Use Radio Service)[/su_list]
However, you need to understand that as per the FCC guidelines, not all bands are legal to broadcast on; failure to comply can result in hefty fines.
2 Meter
Several local radio transmissions and repeaters operate in the 2-meter band (144.000 MHz-148.000 MHz). Scan this range to connect with other users.
FRS/GMRS
These are known as the walkie-talkie frequencies. If you’re unable to enter the exact frequencies, use the arrow keys to test them until you hit the strongest signal.
UV-5R is a higher-powered transceiver than standard walkie-talkies. Using the FRS/GMRS bands on it can overpower other transmissions.
Below is the frequency list in which BaoFengu UV-5R can transmit:
Channel | Frequency |
01 | 462.5625 |
02 | 462.5875 |
03 | 462.6125 |
04 | 462.6375 |
05 | 462.6625 |
06 | 462.6875 |
07 | 462.7125 |
08 | 467.5625 |
09 | 467.5875 |
10 | 467.6125 |
11 | 467.6375 |
12 | 467.6625 |
13 | 467.6875 |
14 | 467.7125 |
15 | 462.5500 |
16 | 462.5750 |
17 | 462.6000 |
18 | 462.6250 |
19 | 462.6500 |
20 | 462.6750 |
21 | 462.7000 |
22 | 462.7250 |
23 | 467.5500 |
24 | 467.5750 |
25 | 467.6000 |
26 | 467.6250 |
27 | 467.6500 |
28 | 467.6750 |
29 | 467.7000 |
30 | 467.7250 |
MURS
Are you looking to use a high-powered two-way radio without the hassle of obtaining a license? MURS is the answer. The Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) consists of five VHF spectrum frequencies.
An FFC issued license is not necessary for you to operate a MURS transmitter.
- 820 MHz
- 880 MHz
- 940 MHz
- 570 MHz
- 600 MHz
NOAA Weather
It is always smart to prepare for emergencies, especially harsh weather conditions.
Program the NOAA weather frequencies in your transceiver to receive all weather-related alerts.
- 4000 MHz
- 4250 MHz
- 4500 MHz
- 4750 MHz
- 5000 MHz
- 5250 MHz
- 550 MHz
Emergency frequencies
Here’s a list of some other essential emergency radio frequencies:
- 050 – Port operation
- 350 – Commercial use
- 450 – Boater calling
- 500 – General commercial
- 700 – Port operation
- 850 – State/local government maritime
- 000 – Port operation
- 150 – U.S. Coast Guard only
- 125 – U.S. Government only
- 825 – Public correspondence
How To Enter A Frequency in BaoFeng UV-5R?
One of the significant downsides to UV-5R is the lack of support from BaoFeng and the poorly written user manual. Most users, therefore, rely on programming using the PC. However, if you’re in the field and don’t have access to a computer, your only option is manual programming.
Set your transceiver in the VFO mode and select the upper display (A-side) by pressing the A/B button. Next, select the correct band (VHF/UHF) to enter the frequency. Disable TDR and start entering the frequencies.
You can enter a frequency to start receiving and transmitting by entering the numbers on the UV-5R keypad. For example, typing in 151.820 will key you into the MURS band.
Keep in mind, when entering the frequencies, your device will only accept 6-digits; three numbers before the decimal and three after. It will also only accept 0 or 5 in the third decimal place.
In case the third decimal place digit is not 0 or 5, the device will round it off to the nearest step.
Conclusion
BaoFeng UV-5R is a versatile and portable HT, which offers complete ease of use and programming. You will need an FCC license to operate on most bands legally. However, you may broadcast on these bands, in case of an emergency.