Should i get this model or vhf/uhf verson for my first walkie talkie?
875917
I would for the price. There are a few in my club that have one. We all like it.
875918
This model is dual band radio , frequency is 1326-174MHz ,400-470MHz . VHF and UHF in one radio ,you can place the order .Thank you.
875919
The model referenced is the VHF/UHF model. This model would be a good choice. I am assuming you are aware that an amateur radio license is required to transmit with this radio in the ham bands.
875920
I had power supply problems with mine and retuned it. Also was very disappointed with the programming software. For a little more money I found the Yaesu FT60 to be a solid choice.
875921
This is my first one and I love it. I use it as a scanner for all the emergency frequencies to keep up with what is going on in my neighborhood and it is hands down the best!
831924
It is a dual band VHF and UHF FM transceiver. Depends on what "marine frequencies" you want to use and whether they are FM or not. The VHF range is 136mhz to 174mhz, so if the marine frequency you are wanting is within that range, and is FM, then yes.
348236
These are UHF only. They really would sell a lot of these if they made them in VHF though.
304338
On a watt meter UHF output is just about exactly 4 watts on the high setting. I ended up going with a Diamond SRH805S stubby since I wanted this HT for UHF use anyway and I can say that the combo, even for a stubby and only 4 watts, is impressive as far as true distance is concerned. The stock antenna is not going to impress you for UHF IMO. Ron, W2ZXL
518593
I returned mine since it didn't get me more channels then the 2v but I use a winegard lna-200 with the 2v. Antennas direct has a vhf add on you can get from their website
204288
Nope, you need a large directional model instead. I actually pick up my stations that are 23 miles away better then the ones that are 14 miles because they are VHF. My problems stations all kept their old analog bands. This model is at least tow levels too low. It's going to be about 8 to 10 feet long/wide in order to pick up a violet station. I'd also get a pre-amp. Most people live in a yellow or green area. You are three or four levels lower with light blue and red between. Violet is the single lowest level. It's completely not right for you. You might also need a CPA19 (very low noise) pre-amplifier as well.
55244
ClearStream 5 is VHF, ClearStream 4 is UHF. If you buy only the 5, you will get long range VHF, and some short range UHF, and if you buy only the 4, you will get long range UHF, and short range VHF, so you really need both. I've had both installed since Dec 2012, saving me $1500 so far....would be more savings, but I still need the cable company for Internet access :-). If you get both, make sure the cable length between the antenna and the signal combiner is exactly the same....so just buy some pre-made 3', or 4' cable lengths.
596584
I just received my Baofeng UV5R+ today and it has firmware BFB 297. A good friend programmed it with all our area Emergency frequencies used by both the Search & Rescue as well as our Emergency Radio Communication group for our Whatcom County volunteer personnel; he uses the very reliable RT Systems programming with its' accompanying radio specific programming cable. I got an excellent quality mike for it from my favorite supplier (located in Portland, OR); the mike cost more than the little transceiver, lol. But it was worth the expense because the little Kenwood mike has a great volume control on it. I just received my Baofeng UV5R+ today and it has firmware BFB 297. A good friend programmed it with all our area Emergency frequencies used by both the Search & Rescue as well as our Emergency Radio Communication group for our Whatcom County volunteer personnel; he uses the very reliable RT Systems programming with its' accompanying radio specific programming cable. I got an excellent quality mike for it from my favorite supplier (located in Portland, OR); the mike cost more than the little transceiver, lol. But it was worth the expense because the little Kenwood mike has a great volume... » Read More I just received my Baofeng UV5R+ today and it has firmware BFB 297. A good friend programmed it with all our area Emergency frequencies used by both the Search & Rescue as well as our Emergency Radio Communication group for our Whatcom County volunteer personnel; he uses the very reliable RT Systems programming with its' accompanying radio specific programming cable. I got an excellent quality mike for it from my favorite supplier (located in Portland, OR); the mike cost more than the little transceiver, lol. But it was worth the expense because the little Kenwood mike has a great volume control on it. « Show Less
2159904
UHF is less prone to interference than VHF but needs a direct line of site from the Mic to the Receiver. Also, the range is not normally as long as VHF. UHF is not great at going through walls and other obstacles.
1176247
Gary, thanks for the question but I'm unsure? I have not yet even installed this VHF as a major refit has been delayed. All the best
390276
These are probably too complex for the casual user. You might might consider good quality GMRS walkie talkies, which will have about the same range as these.
1768168
I have a the Leaf and a DB4 antenna in my attic; neither are amplified. The Leaf gets better UHF but the DB4 gets better VHF. For an all-in-one antenna in the attic, I think the DB4 is better.
1200563
Very dependant on terrain as this is UHF and is mostly line of sight. From a hilltop using a Roll up J-poll antenna I was able to reach about 40 miles to a UHF repeater, but I know it will go further in that situation. From the same hilltop using the supplied antenna from the box hodling the radio at face level I was able to get a 20 mile simplex contact full quieting (no static). This is best case scenario though on average around your house or a theme park or something like that you will get a few miles typically. In really congested area a mile.
2220873
It has everthing to start playing around with it, giving the batteries as the exception. But you may consider options such as an additional antenna (rubber ducky), the ac charge/adapter, the programming software and cable (makes it somewhat easier). There is also other advanced options such as a external home/car antena, cable, bnc adapter etc. All in all it is fun straight out of the box, slap some batteries and read read read the instructions and you will be glad you did. Consider also information via web and even Ham radio operators in your area. Have fun but don'get stupid chasing ambulances and stuff, you could end up in jail.
2172294
I assume you mean handheld walkies, your walkie has to be designed to work on CB frequencies. The cheap handhelds found in most stores almost always work on FRS frequencies.
530330
If there is a mountain in the way, you won't be able to talk to someone on the other side since VHF is essentially line-of-sight. Weather and solar activity can significantly affect range. Since it is a handheld, and I believe only 5 watts, the higher up you are the better range you will get (line of sight). This one is special since it has a built in GPS which is now required for offshore racing.
1955947
It depends on what you like. I was very captivated by the idea of ham radio as a child in the 1950's and when I was most active in the hobby it was because I liked working ships at sea, people on other continents, the Amazon, Antarctica etc. Cellular phones and the internet have taken away a lot of the thrill for me for that sort of thing now. For you, it may depend on what you like to do i.e. do you like to chat with people in public conversations that anyone can listen in on. Unfortunately for me personally, it's not my thing. I bought the Baofeng Radio mainly for emergency use and, sadly perhaps, have talked on it very little. You might want to seek out a local ham radio club and see if they are the kind of folks that you would enjoy chatting with. If so you might enjoy the VHF/UHF thing like the Baofeng. If you are interested in DX (HF) that's another story. I hope this is helpful to you. I would be happy to try to answer any other questions you may have.