so if i can program this, will this be a good family radio? Do i need a special license to use it?
1177300
If you're looking for a radio you can use without a license, then no, it is not a good radio for that purpose. This radio is not Part 90 (commercial land mobile) or Part 95 (FRS/GMRS, etc.) certified. If you use it as received from the factory, you'll be transmitting on commercial and public safety channels, so could get in a lot of trouble very quickly (with fines exceeding $10,000). If reprogrammed for ham radio 70cm band and you're licensed, then yes, it can be used legally. If reprogrammed for FRS, then you'll be illegal due to power levels and the removable antenna. If reprogrammed for GMRS AND you have a license, then you'll be on shaky ground, but the chance of getting caught is small. If you're looking for a good "family" radio and don't want to get a license, then stay with FRS radios and stay off the GMRS channels (Channels 15-22 on Motorola radios). The short answer is that is that it is NOT a good solution for a low cost, LEGAL, easy to use radio for unlicensed family use. There are no frequencies you can program this radio to for use without a license and remain legal.
2216193
Not without some relatively serious research and programming. From what I have ready, typically each manufacturer uses their own system of privacy codes or digital squelch. With the BaoFeng radios, you CAN program this with lots of options, but it is not trivial because you need to first find out how Motorola implements their privacy codes and then find out how to match these settings with something like CHIRP programming interface. Probably not worth it.
499933
To legally operate this radio in the United States a Ham licence is required. Fairly easy to obtain.
1913947
You can operate it just fine without a license as long as you don't transmit! People, please don't posture like an expert in something that you clearly aren't an expert (or even a novice, given the replies here) in!This goes for all but 2 of the commenters here, who actually got it right.
1176741
Yes. You can use a preset station or program your own. But the audio over fm is susceptible to interference from other fm stations...
136534
You don't. The radio can be programmed with the keypad. Remember these radios aren't simple walkie talkies. You need an amateur radio license to legally use them.
2241801
What country are you in? In the USA, this radio requires either a 'ham' or business license, as well as the ability to program the radio. Since the radio is capable of operating and interfering with licensed users, I don't suggest using this radio without a license.
123590
Yes. FCC license is required based on frequencies used and transmission power. Anything over .5 watts needs a licence and most frequencies that are not in the range of family service radio frequencies need a license. See the FCC website for more details on what you can use without a license.
251876
It is illegal to transmit with this radio without an amateur radio technical class license. However, what many people don't understand is "there is no benefit to this radio over a hybrid GMRS/FRS handy" for an unlicensed radio operator. Moreover you shouldn't be fooled by the "high power" models of these radios. The only thing the high power versions are good for, is keeping your hands warm!
659953
From what I understand, as long as the FCC ID is the same it will work. Super easy to program.
1226102
Legally this radio CANNOT be used on any FRS, MURS or GMRS frequency. So yes it can be programmed but it is not legal to transmit out on those frequencies. For licensed GMRS use, you will need the UV-82C (the C notes the legally allowed Commercial use).
341896
It is expensive to purchase the equipment necessary for programing unless you are dealing with large quantities of these radios. I can recommend a great inexpensive programing service if it helps.
2011405
yes, you will have to program it. I suggest watching this youtube demonstration : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBQrinVNOyI
1109990
Need to check with the host country. Every country has its own laws about what radios and frequencies can be used for what purposes. Radio users may also need a license to operate in that country.
201885
The only thing I can tell you about this is that it is a very difficult radio to work with. It isn't an easy one to use. I have had to ask several people how to work with it and they all agree that it isn't one to get for a beginner or your first time use. I also recommend to get the software and cord that comes with the software for this radio. that helps with some of the problems I was having. I hope you understand what I am trying to tell you. Jim F.
1709838
Hi fellas! Quick question, is this a radio that a newbie would be able to learn to use, perhaps with a modest amount of instruction?If it is, Ed, would you like to sell yours? Thanks!
699324
Yes you need a license. You'd be least likely to get in trouble if you program them for the FRS frequencies. If you use them on the amateur radio or public safety frequencies, you're almost guaranteed to get in trouble.