Is a BaoFeng a ham radio?

Yes, the popular BaoFengs are amateur (ham) radios, and the right ham radio can indeed communicate over hundreds of miles. But BaoFeng handi-talkies are not the right radio for long-distance comms.

Do you need a license for a Baofeng radio?

The baofengs are easy to program for FRS/GMRS frequencies. Also, it is perfectly legal to transmit on ham frequencies without a license in an emergency. I typically program in repeaters where I travel for this reason, but don't use them for basic communication.

Can you listen to police on Baofeng?

No, Baofeng radios are not police scanners. So you decided to sink a couple bucks into a Baofeng just to see what all the hype is about.

What happens if you transmit on a ham radio without a license?

Key Points: You need a license to transmit on a ham radio, but not to listen. The penalties for transmitting on a ham radio without a license include seizure of equipment, fines, and civil/criminal penalties.

Can I use my BaoFeng as walkie talkie?

The baofeng UV-5R is dual band and most certainly does cover MURS, which is an acceptable choice if you want a commercial "walkie-talkie" to be able to talk to an amateur radio. If you're stuck with FRS/GMRS then that's fine too, FRS is also licence-free (but GMRS is not).

Watch This Before Buying A Baofeng Ham Radio... Or Another One

How far can a BaoFeng radio transmit?

BaoFengs use the very high frequency (VHF) and ultra-high frequency (UHF) parts of the spectrum, which are limited by terrain and only travel from one to ten miles under most normal conditions.

Are BaoFeng scanners any good?

Overall Take. The BaoFeng Dual Band Two Way Radio is a handheld scanner that can pick up 128 channels. The low price on this model makes it popular with those who simply want to give scanning a try. You can also customize your channel names, giving them names that mean something to you.

What is the most powerful BaoFeng radio?

The BF-F8HP is the most powerful BaoFeng capable of transmitting 8 watts! The BF-F8HP is the third and final generation of the UV-5R.

Is it illegal to own a BaoFeng UV-5R?

While it's true many of the Baofengs are wide open on any frequency in the 136–174Mhz and 400–520Mhz range, and it is illegal to import, market and sell these devices, it is not illegal to own or operate these devices if you are a licensed Amateur radio operator and you are operating only on amateur radio frequencies.

What license do I need for a BaoFeng?

While the CBRS, FRS, and MURS can be used without obtaining a license, an FCC license, costing $70 for ten years, is required to operate a GMRS system.

Is BaoFeng FCC approved?

The FCC asserts that Amcrest marketed Baofeng model UV-5R-series FM hand-held radios capable of transmitting on “restricted frequencies.” The Baofeng models UV-5R and UV-5R V2+ were granted an FCC equipment authorization in 2012 to operate under Part 90 Private Land Mobile Radio Service (Land Mobile) rules.

What frequency can I talk on without a license?

Almost all GMRS radios also support FRS frequencies, which can be used without a license. Channels 8-14 on a typical 22 channel consumer radio reserved exclusively for FRS. These channels can be used license-free, but are limited to a half watt of transmit power and will have limited range.

Can I use ham radio as a walkie-talkie?

Can a Ham Radio Talk to a Walkie-Talkie? Technically speaking, yes, a Ham radio can talk to a walkie-talkie. Most handheld ham radios are built to operate on the 70 cm band, which includes frequencies very close to the FRS and GMRS walkie-talkie frequencies.

Can anyone buy a ham radio?

Anyone can buy Ham radio equipment and listen to whatever signals they can receive. Those signals are floating through the air anyway, and it's harmless to listen in.

Is a ham radio a police scanner?

Ham radio is a transceiver, which means, unlike conventional police scanners it can not only receive but transmit signals as well. So, given that a Ham radio is your go-to communication device for emergencies, can you use it to transmit on police frequencies? The answer is no.

Does BaoFeng make a CB radio?

BAOFENG UV-82 Plus 8W Ham CB Amateur Portable Two Way Radio+771 Antenna+PL2303 Programming Cable.

Where are Wouxun radios made?

In the high-tech park in Quanzhou, a modern factory belonging to WOUXUN has been designed and built.

Is BaoFeng a good radio?

The BaoFeng BF-F8HP wins our Top Pick Award as the best radio for properly licensed ham radio operators. It can only be used legally by those who have a valid Technician ham radio license or higher. It has an amazing amount of settings, its battery lasts quite a while, and it has an unbeatable range.

What is the longest range ham radio?

The absolute maximum distance that you can talk over with a ham radio is around 4000 miles (6400 km). This would only be possible during something like an emergency if both antennas were high enough, such as up on top of mountain peaks or skyscrapers.

How far will an 8 watt ham radio transmit?

Most airband radios are 5 - 8 watts and typically have a range of around 200 miles.