WRXB215 Posted August 4 Report Share Posted August 4 Just wondering if anyone has this radio and what you think about it. Saw this yesterday and it looks like a nice radio. Large screen, easy to read buttons, hearing aid, all the things that are important to old guys like me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
back4more70 Posted August 4 Report Share Posted August 4 I have the UV-17R Pro GPS, which I think is an upgraded version of this one? It's just okay, I would recommend it for listening mostly. I ordered it for the airband and GPS features, which work fairly well. However, I found that if you want to listen to two channels at the same time, then the scan banks for each need to be the same. For example, I cannot listen to airband on A and GMRS on B. But I can do two different GMRS on A and B. The display is nice, unless you take it outside during the day, then it becomes difficult to read (like most radios). Also, the programming software is not very good, and not CHIRP compatible (yet). The good part was that after I got this, I ordered a Wouxun KG-UV-9D Mate a couple weeks later. Now THAT is a radio, and recommended if you plan on doing any communicating. Too bad it costs 5-6 times as much. WRXD372 and WRUU653 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRXD372 Posted August 5 Report Share Posted August 5 2 hours ago, back4more70 said: [...] Wouxun KG-UV-9D Mate a couple weeks later. Now THAT is a radio, and recommended if you plan on doing any communicating. [...] Got mine this week -- after some driver hiccups - a real winner !!! ...and ORANGE !!! WRUU653 and back4more70 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
back4more70 Posted August 5 Report Share Posted August 5 13 hours ago, WRXD372 said: a real winner !!! If I could only have one HT, this would be the one! WRUU653 and WRXD372 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRXB215 Posted August 7 Author Report Share Posted August 7 @back4more70 thanks for the input. I'm on a very tight budget. Would you say that the UV-17R transmits and receives as well as the UV5R? Thanks. WRXD372 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRXD372 Posted August 7 Report Share Posted August 7 54 minutes ago, WRXB215 said: [...] I'm on a very tight budget. Would you say that the UV-17R transmits and receives as well as the UV5R? I do not have a direct comparison! The old saying "you get what you pay for" still holds true. HOWEVER: Those reasonably priced radios will do the job and get you started! Soon you will find out that other factors are more influential than the slight performance differences. If you look at a top ten list of entry level radios, you will find that the "worst" might get a boost to a top spot just by some good operating practices: If budget allows: Better antenna. Clear voice - speak clearly and loudly (happens to the best that either yell or whisper at the radio) If you are transmitting from your back-yard, move around and find the sweet-spot. Pick the radio you like - if the color makes you smile or the design looks cool or the size fits, you will use the radio and have fun! But above all: Do it - get on the air! -- There is only so much theory in GMRS land - the best learning and fun takes place on frequency. Those are my 5 fortune cookies for the day Have a Great Day !!! WRUU653, WRPG745 and Sshannon 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
back4more70 Posted August 7 Report Share Posted August 7 1 hour ago, WRXB215 said: @back4more70 thanks for the input. I'm on a very tight budget. Would you say that the UV-17R transmits and receives as well as the UV5R? I never compared them. However, I did use the UV-17 on a road trip, and it worked okay between two cars about a mile apart. WRXB215 and WRXD372 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRQC626 Posted August 7 Report Share Posted August 7 2 hours ago, WRXB215 said: @back4more70 thanks for the input. I'm on a very tight budget. Would you say that the UV-17R transmits and receives as well as the UV5R? Thanks. I have a UV-5R and about 20 of us here in the Phoenix area passed around a UV-17R orange pumpkin to test out and put through the ringer. Everyone came to the same assessment. The UV-17R can be a decent listener and a UV-5R will eat it's lunch in the transmit dept. WRXD372 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRXB215 Posted August 7 Author Report Share Posted August 7 2 hours ago, WRQC626 said: The UV-17R can be a decent listener and a UV-5R will eat it's lunch in the transmit dept. @WRQC626 Thanks, that is exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. WRXD372 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRQF475 Posted August 30 Report Share Posted August 30 I got the radio today and so far looks like a decent unit. Some caveats: radio is not supported by CHIRP at the moment, and it is firmware-locked to the Amateur bands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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