Trying to keep this sub category going here so I thought I'd do a little write up on the Baofeng UV-3R dual band hand held.

This radio is one of the many Chinese radios that have flooded the market and have become very popular. Similar to Troy's post (http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.ph...6&topic=9325.0) folks have been waiting for these radios for several different reasons.

The main reason people are snatching these up is the price. The UV-3R's are cheap (between $40 and $60 for the smaller radio package). There is a huge following for the UV-3R and it's similar versions (UV-100 and UV-200). Worldwide there are online groups and communities devoted to the radio, modifications and developments to new models.


I bought this radio because it's cheap and it's small. This is an internet photo but it gives you an idea of it's size. FWIW this is the original UV-3R. The current model is the UV-3R Mark II. The most obvious difference is the dual frequency display and it has a dual band antenna instead of the original that had a 2m and 70cm antenna.


It's a clone of the Yaseu VX-3R dual band which retails for ~$250. The radios have very similar features and actually look alike. Again another internet picture.


From internet reviews it seems like you get what you pay for. In other reviews guys are using this for their primary radio. The plastic is thin but it makes for a small package and light weight. The buttons are solid and the control knob on top gives solid clicks. One down side of the radio is it's output, 2 watts. This isn't much but can be very powerful if you're using a repeater. Simplex to other radios would work similar to a CB (maybe better) but would most likely have a lot of noise, same with repeaters.

Another thing I like about the radio is that it is a Yaseu clone, therefore I understand it. People like a lot of easy menus and plug and play. Honestly a lot of radios are nothing like that. I've learned my two Yaseus so this radio was easy to program even without a keypad. Some models come with a programming cable and software. I guess it works well but I didn't need it so I stuck with the basic package.

This radio requires an amateur radio license to operate on the UHF/VHF bands. The device will receive many more frequencies than is legal to transmit on so you will have to be careful. Another thing is that if it can receive the frequency it can transmit on it. This in itself would make this an illegal amateur radio here in the states. It's registered in the US as another type of radio so it flies under the radio, I guess. Reports online say that guys use it on FRS and GMRS frequencies but that's a big no no and you stand the risk of losing your license if not worse. If you have no license it's just worse.

Overall I tend to use this as a back up and on bicycle rides I volunteer on. My Yaseu FT-60r is a much nicer radio (with 5 watts of output) but it's much much heavier. It has it's place but the UV-3R can be held in a pocket or glove box along with everything else.