Baofeng radio (limited freq range)

[n2ize]

Apparently the frequency coverage of the Baofeng vhf/uhf radio (UV-5R) 's firmware covers only the vhf/uhf (144-146) frequencies for Europe. So I am going to have to find a way to reprogram the firmware to enable USA (144-1488) coverage. As it now stands anything I try to program beyond 144-146 gives me an error. So, I am first going to have to see what I can do with chirp and perhaps some firmware hacks.

[kb2vxa]

It's odd you got the European model, what went wrong? Did you check the specs before you bought it? I know it sounds like a silly question but I'm playing computer help desk here, did you plug it in? Did they ship you the wrong model? How about an exchange before you jump into the deep end of the pool?

[KC2UGV]

Apparently the frequency coverage of the Baofeng vhf/uhf radio (UV-5R) 's firmware covers only the vhf/uhf (144-146) frequencies for Europe. So I am going to have to find a way to reprogram the firmware to enable USA (144-1488) coverage. As it now stands anything I try to program beyond 144-146 gives me an error. So, I am first going to have to see what I can do with chirp and perhaps some firmware hacks.

The UV-5R covers far beyond that. Try using CHIRP to open up the VFO to the full spread.

[n2ize]

The UV-5R covers far beyond that. Try using CHIRP to open up the VFO to the full spread.

Yeah, that is what I am going to try before I condemn the radio. As it is a cheap Chinese radio I didn't expect it to be up to par with my Yaesu. And as most people have said, don't depend on the keypad to enter frequencies. So yeah, i'll see what can be accomplished with chirp. Obviously the vfo is locked up and if I can widen it I'll be set.

[KC2UGV]

Yeah, that is what I am going to try before I condemn the radio. As it is a cheap Chinese radio I didn't expect it to be up to par with my Yaesu. And as most people have said, don't depend on the keypad to enter frequencies. So yeah, i'll see what can be accomplished with chirp. Obviously the vfo is locked up and if I can widen it I'll be set.

What I did was program the "outside band" channels in the memories (Along with some repeaters), but kept the VFO locked down to the US ham bands (To prevent me from accidentally going out of band). With the outside of band memories, I locked out transmit. ie, I can hear the local po-po's, but I can't key up their repeater.

[n2ize]

Okay, seem to have got it. I had to connect to "chirp" and widen up the range so that it covers the full freq range. I had to do it vie chirp. In stock condition the radio has limited freq range.

[W3WN]

Apparently the frequency coverage of the Baofeng vhf/uhf radio (UV-5R) 's firmware covers only the vhf/uhf (144-146) frequencies for Europe. So I am going to have to find a way to reprogram the firmware to enable USA (144-1488) coverage. As it now stands anything I try to program beyond 144-146 gives me an error. So, I am first going to have to see what I can do with chirp and perhaps some firmware hacks.

That's very odd. Mine covers the entire R2 2 meter band.

Maybe you have a defective unit?

[n2ize]

That's very odd. Mine covers the entire R2 2 meter band.

Maybe you have a defective unit?

I fixed it. I had to connect it to the computer via "chirp" and widen up the vfo's to include the full 2m and 70cm bands. Out of the box it came configured for operation only between 144-145. I now understand, having the interface cable and programming this radio via the computer is pretty much mandatory. Forget programming it via keypad and forget the "manual" that comes with it. Once I got this thing connected to my system I was able to get it working right.

[K0RGR]

It depends on where you get it. The one I ordered through Amazon came direct from China and it's opened up to the full range the radio covers. Since it's Part 90 certifcated, that is handy for some things. If you're a Red Cross volunteer, for example, some of their comms are on Part 90 UHF frequencies.

[kb2vxa]

Re UGV:
"What I did was program the "outside band" channels in the memories..."

Uh oh, New York is infamous for strict prohibition of any receiver capable of receiving public service frequencies in motor vehicles. Hams and their unlicensed XYLs driving with the OM not in the car who do not operate have been busted by the po po for just having them in the car. You made it worse so you're taking a chance on getting a wolf ticket, maybe having the radio confiscated as evidence with little chance of getting it back (as if you care). If you have an ordinary VHF and/or UHF ham rig in the car you take the same chance, every one is capable one way or another. You might have been taking a chance all along, if so consider yourself lucky. Oh, don't go to Rottenchester, their local ordinance puts you in double jeopardy.

OK, all you New Yorkers go ahead and laugh. Everybody gets lucky once in a while and lucky you haven't been stopped by a cop with a bug up his backside... just tellin' ya.