Cheap Comms - Baofeng Radios

[Gunner]

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[FromMyColdDeadHand]

I've gone through the thread over a few days, but is there a FAQ post?

I saw a lot of posts and videos about legality and Baefong radios, is that all settled??

I'm looking to be able to use radios for general use and even use on the range. My thought is to learn how to use them and get certified along with my son. The idea is maybe over a school break watch some of the training videos and use some of the training tools to get ready for the test. Thought about over Thanksgiving since we don't have plans, but the boy might have school work. If not then over Christmas.

With no radio or electronics experience, how much time (I know it will be variable) to study for the test? Best training videos/tools?

Where to take the test? I saw these links:
http://ppraa.org/ve-testing
http://w0eno.org/
Live in Denver, is there online testing?

Gear (It's all about the gear ) With Christmas coming up, I thought I could tie this into some Xmas presents for the boy.
Don't need to go cheap, but don't need the 'Knights' version.
Looking for the radios and accessories (cables?) to make it all work.
Looking to use them as standard radios, but also as headsets. Getting tired of yelling at the range, on-line and also when setting up steel. Even noise cancelling can only help on-line so much.
How do you set up headphones? Son has a set of Peltor MT15H68FB-02 headphones, I don't have any that are comm ready.
I guess this is a pretty big question. Cables, headphones, switches and inter-options.

Also, I'd like to support local radio shop stores if possible.

Thanks.

[FoxtArt]

I've gone through the thread over a few days, but is there a FAQ post?

I saw a lot of posts and videos about legality and Baefong radios, is that all settled??

I'm looking to be able to use radios for general use and even use on the range. My thought is to learn how to use them and get certified along with my son. The idea is maybe over a school break watch some of the training videos and use some of the training tools to get ready for the test. Thought about over Thanksgiving since we don't have plans, but the boy might have school work. If not then over Christmas.

With no radio or electronics experience, how much time (I know it will be variable) to study for the test? Best training videos/tools?

Where to take the test? I saw these links:
http://ppraa.org/ve-testing
http://w0eno.org/
Live in Denver, is there online testing?

Gear (It's all about the gear ) With Christmas coming up, I thought I could tie this into some Xmas presents for the boy.
Don't need to go cheap, but don't need the 'Knights' version.
Looking for the radios and accessories (cables?) to make it all work.
Looking to use them as standard radios, but also as headsets. Getting tired of yelling at the range, on-line and also when setting up steel. Even noise cancelling can only help on-line so much.
How do you set up headphones? Son has a set of Peltor MT15H68FB-02 headphones, I don't have any that are comm ready.
I guess this is a pretty big question. Cables, headphones, switches and inter-options.

Also, I'd like to support local radio shop stores if possible.

Thanks.

Also interested in much of the same info. I'd like to get licensed, but want to get the right "stuff" in advance of that and it's a bit difficult to figure out what's the best to buy in advance, being mostly clueless about the best bands to be using, etc. I do understand the programming end at least, and expanding some of the options from that. Looking for waterproof, reasonable, 8w or better radios, that can use earpieces with a decent battery life. I'm assuming nothing can bluetooth, but even wired earpieces+mic would be nice if the connections can tolerate being wet. Mostly for SHTF coordination/comms if other networks go down, I want to be able to communicate reasonably quietly, but also keep an ear free. Do these have the same kind of audio input/output as for instance, a cell, or do you have to buy specific equipment?

[ChadAmberg]

Also interested in much of the same info. I'd like to get licensed, but want to get the right "stuff" in advance of that and it's a bit difficult to figure out what's the best to buy in advance, being mostly clueless about the best bands to be using, etc. I do understand the programming end at least, and expanding some of the options from that. Looking for waterproof, reasonable, 8w or better radios, that can use earpieces with a decent battery life. I'm assuming nothing can bluetooth, but even wired earpieces+mic would be nice if the connections can tolerate being wet. Mostly for SHTF coordination/comms if other networks go down, I want to be able to communicate reasonably quietly, but also keep an ear free. Do these have the same kind of audio input/output as for instance, a cell, or do you have to buy specific equipment?

You are a thousand times better off with a decent antenna and 2 watts than getting an 8 watt radio using the stock antenna. Every doubling of the power output only gives you a 3 decibel boost in the received power which is barely detectable. Testing the actual output of the 8w handhelds basically say: Not worth looking at.

Baofengs are the radio equivalent of Kel-Tec, Taurus, or even Jimenez. They work of course, though quality control on them isn't the best, the design is kind of questionable, and it can cause problems for it's users. But just like those brands, it's hard to beat the price. So as long as you realize what you're buying, that's fine. They're not the easiest to use or program compared to Icom or Yaesu. Long term reliability? Remains to be seen. But you can buy 4-5 of these for the price of a Yaesu.

[powerstroke79]

Looking for some input on mini mobile radios. Less than $120 25w-50w. I have been looking at the QYT KT-8900D, Radioddity DB25,Btech UV-50X2 or UV-25X2. Want radio to be chirp compatible. I found Chirp to be very easy to use on the baofeng ht radio when programming. I mounted a Ed fong antenna on the house and want a little more power out put then the Ht.

[Tim K]

Hey fellas, I just broke all my radio crap back out after several years of disuse and also ordered several of the new 8w Baofengs. Is there any consensus on best whip and car antennas? I'm already using 15" whips, but I have no idea how good or bad they might be.

A guy up here local to me is suggesting these three, but I don't know how much testing he's done.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC4PWQQ...v_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086YSGWBP...v_ov_lig_dp_it

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016SIJX28...v_ov_lig_dp_it

BTW, I'm monitoring the MARC and Colorado Connection at my desk if anyone wants to call. I could use the practice. KD0ZFB
My connection to CC is shaky. MARC is solid.

[battlemidget]

Hey fellas....

Tim, I just gave you call on Colorado Connection, no luck so I'll mention here that I've had that Nagoya HT whip antenna for >10 years, awesome antenna. Generally speaking, Nagoya is well regarded and is considered great bang for the buck.
On the 'tape' antennas, I suggest you get the longest one you can find and add a gooseneck. Look on Amazon for 'HYS Gooseneck' and you'll find them reasonably priced.
Baofeng's use "SMA female" as the antenna connector.

[gnihcraes]

Which MARC repeater? Several are listed on website. I'm guessing woodland park?

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[Tim K]

Correct. If I understand correctly, the MARC repeaters are interconnected. Maybe I’m confusing that with Colorado Connection. It’s been six years since I turned a radio on, I’m fuzzy on the details.

[StagLefty]

I've been watching this thread for awhile now and thinking of jumping into this radio hobby as we approach winter.
I'm considering the Baofeng UV-82HP as I've seen it in action on quite a few you tube channels. Any feedback on this model ?
I only need one and I'll probably set it up as a scanner until I decide if I want to proceed into the whole ham radio arena.
Thanks for any feedback.