WRYC330

I have FOUR uv-5r GMRS units with that same exact problem. I bought the first 2 on eBay and found they would not TX on Ch15. I emailed the seller who said "just keep them" and sent me 2 more. And the second pair do the same thing... and likewise cannot be fixed with CHIRP. OK radios that are functional but with defects of one sort or another... typical quality control issues. I paid peanuts for them and got what I paid for

No. It's features that are supposed to be there that AREN'T there. Example: When was the last time somebody bought a "5 watt" Chinese HT and got anything even close to 5 watts... or an "8 watt" HT that got close to 8 watts... or a "25 watt" mobile that got close to 25 watts, etc, etc. (Sorry but minus 20% from advertised power is not "close"). I understand that the difference in db may be negligible, but that's not the point. The point is that many of these radios are being falsely represented to do things that they simply do not do. This BS is all brushed aside because of the low price point of these units. It's pretty basic stuff... you tell your customers that you are going to do something... and then you just DO it! (In defense of the Tidradio TD-H8 (version 2) which is marketed as a 10 watt HT... it does indeed measure 10 watts on my meter. Wow... honesty in advertising... what a novel concept)!!!

All true... I was addressing the unit's capabilities which are completely inconsistent from unit to unit 1 - There are GMRS UV-5R versions out there that ARE capable of transmitting on non GMRS frequencies with NO modification... as evidenced by the operator who entered an "emergency" TX frequency by simply programming with CHIRP. Even Randy at notarubicon addresses that in his video review of the GMRS flavored UV-5R unit that he purchased 2 - And there are GMRS UV-5R versions out there that can TX on non-GMRS with software modification by editing the TX frequency on a memory channel in the XML file and then uploading that file to the radio. 3 - And there are GMRS UV-5R versions out there that are locked down at the hardware level and can't even be programmed to TX on legitimate GMRS frequencies in memory channels 31 through 128. Those channels can only be programmed to RX. I actually had 4 of those units and promptly sent them back to Amazon... what good were they if I could not even program legitimate GMRS repeater channels into the empty memory bank channels. Nothing illegal about that. My point is that nobody knows what they are getting when they buy one... its like the scene in the Forrest Gump movie where he describes a box of chocolates as never knowing what's inside.

I'd be very interested in HOW you programmed your GMRS UV-5R unit to TX on an "emergency" frequency using CHIRP. I have bought 8 of them and none of them do 100% of what is advertised. I have kept 4 of them and have tried everything to open up the TX range. The standard UV-5R hack of holding down several buttons while turning the unit on does not work on my units. (I have read that the TX limitations are "baked" into the chip on this model). Modifying the XML file by changing the data at the memory level and saving it in the proprietary Bfeng CPS (as suggested on numerous YouTube video posts) has not worked either. I just get the dreaded "beep" when trying to TX on anything outside of GMRS. If I would have known how limited the GMRS UV-5R is, I would have simply purchased the "regular" (and cheaper) UV-5R unit that appears to be much less restrictive. IMHO, the GMRS UV-5R is an OK radio for the money, but you never know exactly what you are buying. What you can and cannot do with this model is a complete crapshoot because there are so many different variants floating around out there on Amazon, eBay, Aliexpress, etc. Is there even such a thing as a "genuine Baofeng" anymore.

Great stuff... thank you both for this excellent information. I was thinking of upgrading to either a 20 watt mobile (which I would supplement with an ac/dc power supply to use indoors), or even a newer 10 watt HT (specifically the Tidradio TD-H8 which I understand delivers a true 10 watts)... all to get some extra punch to reach distant repeaters. But from what you guys are telling me, its "tropo ducting" that is allowing me to reach out. A little additional power will probably not have much impact, correct?

I started GMRS only a few months ago. I have, however, been "DXing" both medium wave and shortwave since a kid so I am familiar with sunspot cycles, solar flares, the "K index", ionospheric bounce, F layers, etc etc. Does any of this influence GMRS/UHF frequency propagation? I have two Chinese handhelds (specifically, a Baofeng GMRS UV5 and a Quansheng UV K6), and I am fortunately located at approx 1,350' elevation with a 40+ mile unobstructed view. Using either 5 watt HT with a rollup Slim Jim J Pole antenna tuned for 465mhz that I simply hang from the ceiling indoors, I can hit several repeaters 75 miles from my location during the daytime. After sunset or before sunrise, that distance increases dramatically. Last week, I was talking to a repeater after sunset atop Bagley Mountain in Lincoln Maine... which is 232 miles "as the crow flies" from my NH location. I initially thought this was an anomaly, but there is a consistent difference between my daytime and my nighttime ability to hit distant repeaters. I have discussed this topic over the air with these contacts, and everybody keeps telling me that UHF is "line of sight" and not affected much by solar activity, nighttime propagation etc. But my real world experience is telling me otherwise. Anybody wish to shed more light on this topic??? I'd like to understand and better predict when conditions are ripe for GMRS DX.

1 - My earlier BFeng GMRS UV 5R "Pros and Cons" post was my objective assessment of the product after 1 month of use... I intended to assist future buyers and let them make a value judgment, not to start a war of words. 2 - Sorry, but I don't view a post suggesting viable alternatives (the K-Woodies) to the specific product being discussed (the BFengs) as "off topic" anymore than Road & Track reviewing a Ford F150 and comparing it to a Dodge Ram or Chevy Silverado

Really helpful info. I don't need the radio to do my thinking for me, but I assume they can be programmed to fully comply with GMRS regulations? eBay has the 3170 at around $125 and a used 1300 at around $70. For perspective, 70 bucks is the total combined cost of my 5 Chinese HTs. My Bfengs all have warts, but they are perfectly functional (hell, I'm talking to 12 different repeaters, and distant contacts can't believe I'm using a 5 watt handheld). But, your suggested higher quality K-woodies would make nice additions to my collection. Thank you for your excellent info... much appreciated

Agreed... my old Kenwood and ICOM gear (made in Japan), and my even older and still working Hammarlund and Collins gear (made in USA) are built like tanks. But those days where quality ruled are gone... what isn't built in China today? And you're right... the Quansheng will probably be more "CHjunk", which means I will have thrown away a whopping $11.54 including shipping on Aliexpress

So, its been a month since my original GMRS UV-5R purchase. After going through EIGHT units, here's my epilogue: 1 - First pair purchased (on eBay): Neither unit would transmit on Channel 15. Units simply beep and the red transmit light stays blank. Seller eventually refunded my full purchase price 2 - Second pair purchased (this time on Amazon): Both units properly transmit on all GMRS channels, but now, neither unit can be programmed using the keypad. Any frequency (including all GMRS frequencies) entered and saved into the units' memory will not allow any transmission - units simply beep. (Note: Frequencies programmed using CHIRP work fine). Both units returned to Amazon for replacement 3 - Third pair purchased (the Amazon replacements): Same problem as the second pair... units will not transmit on anything programmed via keypad. Both units returned to Amazon, this time for a refund 4 - Fourth pair purchased (back to eBay for another try): Yep, same problem as the first pair purchased. They again refuse to transmit on GMRS Channel 15 I kept 4 of the 8 units purchased above (the four eBay units), as the ability to program "in the field" is more important to me than losing one channel (Ch 15) for simplex transmission. Pros: Transmission Range: I can hit four different repeaters all over 75 miles away "as the crow flies" (probably more a function of my elevated location) using the extended range "771 knockoff" antenna. Transmission Audio Quality: Excellent - everyone I have interacted with on repeaters reports that the received audio is loud and clear Battery: Approx. 10 hours of usage with an approx. 90/10 rx/tx ratio on a full charge (which takes 4 - 5 hours) Technical Support: Baofeng's technical support was very responsive to my inquiries (even though I did not purchase from them directly). They even sent me the correct WIN10 driver to use with my programming cable (something the seller failed to do). But ultimately, they could not resolve any of the transmission issues on these units Cons: Quality Control: The obvious weak point. And as with most Chinese electronics, the customer and the beta tester are one and the same. Since I'm a glutton for punishment, I'm now going to try out the Quansheng UV-K6 for comparison!

In partial defense of eBay... I don't know if I would go as far as a "den of liars and thieves". I have been buying electronics (both new and used) on eBay for almost 25 years representing hundreds of purchases and have had no issues - until my last purchase which was two Baofeng GMRS UV-5R units, with two additional antennas (the extended range Abbree AR771 antennas), and a programming cable (labelled Baofeng-Abbree Pl2303 Chip). Everything was purchased from an eBay seller identified as "walkietalkie".. under 60 bucks total. The cable was accompanied by a CD-ROM allegedly containing the correct drivers for the cable... forget it... garbage. I was unable to find a working Prolific driver online (problems with counterfeit chips, etc) so I emailed the seller 3 times to get the right driver, and he simply could not comprehend what I was asking for. I finally emailed Baofeng's outstanding tech support and within hours they emailed to me a working driver that Windows 10 does not choke on. Problem SOLVED The two GMRS UV-5R units?? Strangely, neither will transmit on Channel 15 (nor 462.550mhz if programmed separately as a Memory channel). Getting eBay's Mr walkietalkie to resolve this... forget it. This guy wouldn't know the difference between a GMRS radio and a Honda Civic. He indicates that he sells only new factory original Baofeng units, but I highly doubt he will honor Baofeng's 1 year warranty against defects if I push him that far. So, that problem remains UNSOLVED (so far) I do think that eBay serves a purpose - it does have low pricing (I could not get the Baofeng package on Amazon for anything close to what I paid on eBay). But if something goes wrong post purchase, eBay sellers' support is usually a complete crap shoot, and refunds/returning product is a hassle and is going to cost you return shipping. If I would have purchased these on Amazon, these 2 units would have been returned no questions asked within days and at zero cost to me... and Fedex (an hour away) picks the return up at my front door! I was also unaware that OffRoaderX (who does a great job of promoting GMRS with his outstanding videos) had an Amazon link purchasing link there... oh well - next time.

Hello WRXE944: So much good stuff here … many thanks for your kind assistance! 1 – RE: Alt Email Address - I assume that would be for private communication between two members and thus bypassing the forum posts? I would gladly enter a second alternative email address in my profile so that I not need bother everyone with this, but have not found where to do that. 2 – RE: Computer Experience - Well experienced with pc, but have never programmed a radio before. The radio does not communicate with and is not recognized by the software. Here are the details. · OS: Windows 10 v22H2; · Cable: Purchased from the same seller as the two GMRS UV-R2 units and is marked “Baofeng/Abbree PL2303 chip”; · Programming Software Tried: CHIRP Next, CHIRP Legacy, and PRG-UV-5R (as recommended in the unit’s user manual); · Radio IDs Tried: Baofeng UV-R2, Baofeng UV-5G, Radioddity UV-5G; · USB/Serial Drivers Tried: Prolific “PL2303 Vista 3200-GD55Plus Win 10” (from the Baofeng site), and Prolific “PL2303G” (from the CDROM that came with the cable referenced above) 3 – RE: Repeater Programming - That is welcome news on Channel 15 as I thought it was going to be the 462.550mhz transmit frequency on the repeater, and Channel 15 transmit is strangely not functioning on either of my two new GMRS UV-5R units bought on eBay. I have programmed and added all of the high power GMRS channels into memory as low power channels (which I would use for snow plowing half mile driveway in the winter to stay in touch with my wife inside), so I got the basics down… I and am now going to use your template to program the Keene NH repeater on 462.725 who kindly gave me permission yesterday. I am still trying to figure out the identity of my local repeater on 462.550mhz. It identifies in Morse Code making ID more of a challenge. Its either the low power Manchester “550” repeater that you referenced, or the higher power “Lit Holler” repeater in Richmond… will contact the appropriate party when I figure out who’s who. As I posted in an earlier conversation, coverage maps are meaningless for my location due to its elevation. (Example: I’m in SW New Hampshire and I use old fashioned rabbit ears on my household TVs… and I get 74 channels south to Providence RI and north to Portland ME… a radio enthusiast’s dream)! I also receive a strong repeater signal on 462.575 identifying as “WRWL517”, but it’s not listed in any of the repeater databases, so I have no idea who this is or how to obtain permission. Any clues? Thank you so much for all of your help. I just got my license, am brand new to the forum, and everyone has been extremely helpful. Now if I can only get Mr “walkietalkie” on eBay to make good on the two defective Bfengs that he sold me. Best regards, Ralph L

Thanks OffRoaderX for that valuable info. RE 1) Unfortunately, the strongest repeater available to me just happens to occupy Ch 15 on 462.550 making this a major problem for me RE 2) Yes, same behavior here... does not work in Channel mode, but does work in Frequency mode. But the unit does not transmit in Frequency mode... so what's the design logic of having a functioning Low/High power (#) toggle located there? RE 3) Downloaded and installed numerous USB/Serial port drivers that allegedly work with CHIRP on this unit... nada so far. Seller has offered to email me his programming software if I provide him with my email address (I'm hesitant to do that - call me suspicious). I already have the software on the CD-ROM that came with the cable I purchased from him, so that offer is a waste of time While trying to resolve this mess, I will purchase a few more on Amazon and will use your link as I really do enjoy your youtube videos... very informative. If this GMRS thing works out, I plan to install a repeater up here. My rural location is over 1,300' high with an unobstructed 180 degree 40+ mile view to north-east-south. RF energy up here is pretty amazing. I mention this as I know that you too also have a high elevation base... I assume that a repeater up here would really sizzle... yes?

Got it - many thanks Still curious if anybody else has these issues. The fact that I purchased TWO units and they BOTH exhibit the same issues with transmitting, power selection, programming etc leads me to question whether these issues are unique to my units. It seems highly unlikely that I got 2 defective units with exactly the same defects... (well, OK - they're made in China, so then again maybe not highly unlikely)

Yes, I paid with Paypal. I replied to the seller this morning telling him that 462.550mhz and Channel 15 are one and the same, and are obviously within the GMRS UV-5R advertised transmit frequency range. And, of course 462.550 just happens to be the strongest repeater frequency at my QTH. I suspect that I am dealing with both a language barrier, and a seller who doesn't even know what he is selling... but that's going to be his problem, not mine. I just want to get what I paid for - nothing more and nothing less. Have purchased hundreds of items from eBay over 20+ years, and have never had an issue like this. If I do not get a semi-intelligent reply & resolution from Mr walkietalkie, I was planning to file a claim with eBay... are you suggesting that a Paypal claim would be a better alternative? or are they one and the same? I very much appreciate your input