Ordered A Pair Of Baofeng UV 5RAs

It is NOT advisable to hit the Transmit Button, on ANY Frequency, that REQUIRES a License, if you do NOT have one, in your possession.
....... YMMV.....

 

Go with the ht (UV-5R, I think it is) as a starter, they work on 2M and 70cm repeaters (and simplex, of course.) Perhaps not the most powerful and quality option, but by all accounts they work. The main problem is programming them using the directions; I'm told they are less than easily understood, but there is programming software out there in webland. See the forum at Prepared Ham there's a review and discussion to chew over. (I think there's some discussions here on the Monkey, too.) You can't use them on all the Tech frequencies, but will give you a taste of repeater operation when you participate in nets. For portability and mobile use, an ht cannot be beat. You can add a mag mount whip antenna to an ht that will extend the range a bit over operating it from inside the car.

Come time for a base station, I was inclined to jump in with both feet and did, a pricy option I thought over carefully before sending out a check. YMMV, you might want to consider something less, ah, "fancy" (and more limited) for a starter base unit. From what I've gathered, most hams wind up getting fancier and fancier as time wears on, and end up with the pricy rigs eventually along with some dust gatherers.

 

I just ordered pair of these the other day.
Amazon.com: BaoFeng UV-5RE Plus(UV-5R+) Dual-Band 136-174/400-480 MHz FM Ham Two-way Radio, Improved Stronger Case, More Rich and Enhanced Features (2013 Enhanced Version): Car Electronics

 

Get the latest version that they make... if you are buying new.... I have a pair of UV-3R's that I bought for Third Level Backups. These are Part90 Devices, so they are legal for ANY Part 90 Radio Service, as well as Ham Radio Services. I believe the UV-5R+'s are also Part 90 Devices as well. There will not be a lot of Price difference between "Latest" or Previous Versions, and they are so cheap there are few being sold used as most folks who upgrade keep them for Backup Comms. Momma carries he UV-3R in her Travel Gear because it is so small, loaded with features like Dual Band, etc, and can be charged off her USB Charger, that services her iPhone and iPad. She also carries he Kenwood TH-D72A Dual Band APRS Handheld as her Main Comms Unit.

 

It may be the forum software is tagging links to key words.....

 

Sorry, that is what I was suggesting (web address link tag vs a thread tag). But some young mod may set it straight.

 

Good link DKR gracias!!

 

Just a heads up, the Baofeng UV-5R and 5RA's are dropping in price. Recent check on amazon placed them around $35, shipped.

 

Pain in the ass to program... just my O