Baofeng HT's How to figure which is newest release?

[n6hcm]

i got mine through an amazon seller. the first one i got was DOA so i returned it and got a replacement from a different vendor which works fine. if you want to be sure you're not getting old firmware then find a vendor that moves lots of product. anyone who's selling lots of stuff (and can show it on ebay or amazon in their reputation) is probably selling recent firmware radios.

[KC2UGV]

Thats what im concerned about. How do I make certain I get the newest firmware. I have seen threads on other boards which buyers state they got a "Brand new radio" with the older firmware. Most listings I see of them for sale say nothing about which software/firmware is included.

Three Old Crows is a reputable vendor. I do believe they actually check firmware of units they are selling, to ensure the newest. There's a couple of others that do the same. In fact, the owner of 3OC is available on the Yahoo! UV-5R group.

However, I would not buy one on eBay, unless you are comfortable with "Random Pick" by order selectors. You might get an older firmware, you might not. Hell, you might not even get the right radio. Personally? I would buy it from either 3OC, or Amazon (Prime eligible vendors). 3OC has excellent customer service, and Amazon will accept returns/exchanges pretty readily.

Now, all that being said, there really isn't much difference in the firmwares, AFAIK. All of the features advertised work on all of the firmwares. Things like the voice prompts change, menu labels, and other odd assortments. There is a cutoff in firmware where there are some serious flaws, but it is relatively old, and unlikely to get one with that old a firmware if you buy brand new from one of the two vendors I named.

[W5BRM]

OK Thanks for all the replies guys. Much appreciated. Think I will get one from Amazon. Found a seller who ships direct from Amazon and I have more experience with them then I do with 3OC.

I will be ordering something from 3OC at some point. Just have never heard of them before. Will try small stuff before I move onto more expensive things from them. I live about 3 hours north of Keller. Would be nice if they had a brick and mortar store i could go in and puts hands on before buying.

[K9CCH]

I will be ordering something from 3OC at some point. Just have never heard of them before. Will try small stuff before I move onto more expensive things from them. I live about 3 hours north of Keller. Would be nice if they had a brick and mortar store i could go in and puts hands on before buying.

You probably could. Contact Kurt at mooneyjockey@yahoo.com

He's the guy that owns Three Old Crows. He'll email you back usuall within the same hour.

[KB3LAZ]

I am looking at the TOC's website and I see not only the UV5R but BF-F8, F8+, and F9. I cant find a difference. Is there one? Also, I see they dont carry the UV3R which is what I want to pick up once back stateside. Any suggested retailers?

[K9CCH]

Well the BF-F9 and BF-8+ have a white on black display. That may be the only real difference from the original 5R. And you may want to email Kirt directly. He may be able to import a UV-3R for you.

[KC2UGV]

I am looking at the TOC's website and I see not only the UV5R but BF-F8, F8+, and F9. I cant find a difference. Is there one? Also, I see they dont carry the UV3R which is what I want to pick up once back stateside. Any suggested retailers?

If you in fact want the 3R, there's a couple of vendors on Prime as well.

[K0RGR]

I suggest you buy from a U.S. distributor, preferably one with a warranty. It will cost a little more, but at least you know it is likely to function when you get it. I've had good luck with wouxun.us now called importcommunications.com Here's an add for what they say is the latest UV5R variant: http://www.wouxun.us/item.php?item_i...facturer_id=43 They also give you the firmware info. I believe the big thing is to match the firmware with versions of programming code that will work. There re instructions on the web for checking the firmware level.