Baofeng Airband

This video is to help you get your head around what Baofeng radios are capable of in terms of airband, some theory explaining the differences between AM and FM and some examples of airband receive too.
This is Lewis’s video explaining about receiving Airband on FM.
• How To Listen To Aircr...
Here’s a link for the UV-5RH, remember it’s only the version 1 (multi band) option that has AM airband receive.
www.baofengrad...

[@M7EUP]

I ALWAYS TRY TO REPLY TO COMMENTS, HOWEVER SUBSCRIBERS TAKE PRIORITY.

[@yoavmartin]

thank you for a great video. unfortunately I can't transmit with my: Baofeng UV-5RM plus FCC id: 2AJGM-5RM I don't live in the USA (nore UK). can you help me please?

[@M7EUP]

@@yoavmartin please send a video of you trying to transmit to [e-mail]

[@EdHelms1]

Thank you for this great video. I had always been under the impression that AM and FM broadcasts were a product of where they occurred on the spectrum and not modes of transmissions. This really helped to clear things up.

[@M7EUP]

Glad it helped Ed and thanks for the sub

[@LouDavey]

As a newbee and only interested in airband at this time, I found this extremely useful and very gratefull so many thanks. Now subscribed and watching!👍

[@M7EUP]

You’re very welcome and thanks for the sub

[@onemorething100]

Soon you'll be getting your License!

[@RisingTidesAC]

EXCELLENT video on modulation theory. I want to add that buying ab airband antenna would greatly increase your receive. Here in the US Smiley Antenna sells a GREAT airband antenna with your choice of connector.

[@M7EUP]

Thank you

[@marksaunders1565]

I am new to this science and I am very impressed with your clear and easily followed explanations. Thank you. Subscribed.

[@M7EUP]

You’re welcome Mark.

[@ranakhandkar]

Thank you for making this video. Very helpful!

[@M7EUP]

You’re welcome.

[@BamaChad-W4CHD]

It always blows myind how strong the beacon is from the international airport near my home. It's about 47 miles and is extremely loud and clear here. It's very much the best possible line of site between us though. No mountains and no hills period. Just trees and not even many structures. It's clear on am and fm. Like you said, they also broadcast in fm.

[@M7EUP]

Most airport Nav aids are located strategically to give the best possible line of sight. They also transmit at 200w and above so that helps.

[@nickaxe771]

What sort of beacon are your hearing......is it an NDB Beacon....down near the MW section of the radio band or a VHF VOR maybe.

[@Caderic]

Same question... What kind of beacon?

[@BamaChad-W4CHD]

It's the vhfor

[@miketucker2817]

Thank you! Great explanation on Air Band.

[@M7EUP]

No problem

[@lukpascal]

Great video, thank you.

[@M7EUP]

Thank you.

[@franzjimeno8322]

very good explanation

[@M7EUP]

Thank you.

[@MrKeys57]

The Baofeng radios are just fine, but i will listen to airband via scanner or my old Yaesu FT60, its sometimes fun to hear the Finnish pilots chat in my native language... all the best, Levi

[@M7EUP]

Agreed. None of these small radios are designed as scanners. They do the job but as is often the case they fall a little short sometimes

[@e.d.m5722]

Skip to 10:40 to hear it receive. It’s not bad actually. It’s not as clear as my actual airband transceiver (FTA550L), but it’s certainly readable.

[@M7EUP]

👍🏼

[@mpol701]

U need 8.33 step size there's loads of 8.33 freqs in use, sometimes done freqs are ok slightly off but prefer to have 8.33 capable radios

[@M7EUP]

I agree. The European 8.33 step was introduced to double the number of channels available. Most ATC however stay within the worldwide allocation

[@mpol701]

@@M7EUP wouldn't say most lots of airfield and atc Airways are on actuall 8.33 nowf

[@mpol701]

Some are still on what were original freqs but spacing changed ie 075 became 080 but a 075 is still freq 075 even if channel number is say 122.080 Duxford, it's still 122.075, but we have sone airfield who changed like Oxford radar 125.090 125.0916, Cambridge app 120.9666,many airline company freqs have gone onto 8.33 actual freqs there's lots and lots

[@mpol701]

No 8.33 on a radio I'm. Not interested in terms of airband it means just locally to me in Hertfordshire 10 or more airways freqs and bbmf air to air , blades team air to air, then out even airshows there's the new airshow and event freq 127.10833, there's lots yes some radios can get nearer without 8.33 but if 25 kHz there's so much missed

[@Caderic]

​​@@mpol701Airways? Like Victor Airways? So, do they assign specific airways to a specific fequency?

[@tomdchi12]

Thanks for the “theory”.

[@M7EUP]

NP

[@Ldighera]

As a FAA licensed pilot, how can I enable BAOFENG 5RM air band transmit? Is a schematic available that might provide a clue of how this might be accomplished? WB6BBB

[@M7EUP]

No. As an FAA pilot you should know that the production of transmit capable radios is highly regulated and scrutinised. Regulations: (UK) • The radio equipment should be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority or EASA; • The radio installation is approved by the Civil Aviation Authority Approved Maintenance Organisation; • The installation and use of the radio equipment is covered by a Wireless Telegraphy Act Radio Licence issued by the CAA on behalf of the Office of Communications; • The user of the equipment holds a Flight Radiotelephony Operators Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Hardware: The Baofeng radios are $30. For this you get a basic FM radio. The AM airband receiver (if available) is a very basic demodulator and is not a modulator for AM transmission. Even if it was Transmit capable it does not have any filtering, nor does it have any level of spectral purity. In a nutshell it is A: Impossible and B: highly illegal if it were possible. I find it highly unlikely that ANY responsible person would want to transmit on AIRBAND with a $30 radio for any professional reason. [edit] However, and after sleeping on this and realising that my initial reply was a bit of a rant (I apologise) and in the spirit of amateur radio which encourages learning and experimentation, I would add the following… It may well be possible to force the radio to transmit an AM signal by modifying the software but there are two main issues. The first is that Baofeng flash the firmware to the radio at the factory and have historically never issued any updates. Unlike Quansheng and TidRadio no one has been able to develop custom software for Baofeng due to this. People have tried but not really succeeded in modifying the software due to the complexities of how it is initially installed. Secondly, assuming that we in fact could modify the firmware to Tx AM airband the limitations of the hardware itself would not lend itself to any sort of quality output.

[@QuizFever1]

I am really enthusiastic towards aviation and want to listen to atc communication. I tried to get the baofeng UV-5RM but was unable to because of the shipping restrictions in my country. I'm able to buy the UV-5R. Can I be able to hear the AM Band with some programming or something. I'm really new to this please help.

[@M7EUP]

👋 Sadly not. The UV5r is just a basic FM radio and doesn’t have the AM decoding that is required for airband. You could get the TIDRadio TD-H3 from this link which will give you an additional 10% off and they ship worldwide. tidradio.com/?ref=wtdnxwks

[@rawcado]

@ 3:36 UV5R HEDGE?? 🤔

[@M7EUP]

“H” 😂 “Haitch” in Yorkshire, however if your posh and use Queens English you drop the H and pronounce it “aitch “

[@cs_kpe]

In the Uv-5r is possible to hear 118 to 129 frequencies?

[@cs_kpe]

Nevermind, answered in the end many thanks

[@M7EUP]

No problem

[@randyhavener1851]

Very well done! Thank you!!!

[@M7EUP]

You’re welcome

[@franzjimeno8322]

the part I dont understand is they market it as transceiver. Which alternative to ICOM price wise can also SEND signal? Im looking for one but ICOM price is really expensive as I will be flying gyrocopters for example. Or lightweight aircraft

[@M7EUP]

It’s a “Transceiver” because it transmits and receives on the 2m and 70cm amateur ham bands. Airband transmissions can only be done from calibrated, licensed and heavily regulated radios. These are purchased from very specialist suppliers who’ll need the aircraft details and relevant licenses. Sadly there is no such thing as a cheap airband transceiver.

[@brandonmunger8113]

Interesting. I am about to purchase a UV 5RH but did not know there were two versions. I am also seeing a UV5RM which seems to be these same radio, but can not find any info on it.

[@M7EUP]

It really depends on the seller as to what you get.

[@A1ko_]

honestly as much as I love baofeng I can't recommend either of those, instead opt for like the quangsheng uvk5(8) or uvk6 for airband especially (egzumer firmware with am fix sounds amazing for me)

[@ryLisa2022-k4y]

Is there a way to unlock airband on uv5rh v2 with modification?

[@M7EUP]

I’m working on it, essentially they’re the same radio so it should be possible with some software modification. If you’re subscribed you’ll be notified when I post the video.

[@kendexter]

I got my UV-5RM 8W "multiband" same as RH open versions - but the AM Airband is not true modulated AM i suspect . very bad , picks up planes well but sounds FM on AM. impossible to make out what they say. Newest Chirp 23 dec got UV5RM added now

[@M7EUP]

My experience with the AM airband is that it works perfectly well as you’ll see in some of my other videos. Check that you are not off frequency slightly and be aware that signal degradation of AM over distance is worse than FM

[@kendexter]

@@M7EUPi meant i got the UV-5RM.. i live 400 meter from the airport runway . propeller passenger planes, . getting another uv-5rm tomorrow in the mail so i will compare them on AM..all other bands is very good, like the speaker. all settings ,khz step,and freq correct. i have a lot of radios. old airband 1986 no problem,.he he, crystal clear. been into cb,scanners,. all meters ,and all kind of radios since 1979

[@onemorething100]

Can you tell me what exact antenna you were using in the beginning?

[@M7EUP]

It was just a dual band mag-mount antenna on the roof of my car. Search Moonraker 2m/70cm mag mount.

[@DonzLockz]

I sounds great, way better than my Quanshengs.💪😄

[@M7EUP]

Apparently the Quanshengs improve dramatically on airband after the egzumer updates.

[@nickaxe771]

Used to be 25khz......but not now....spacing for airband am is 8.33khz now. I wonder.....have you any experience with the Baofeng UV-17M airband capable hand held....looks promising.....up to now I struggle to find a budget hand held with good am airband.....I dont want to p[ay silly Uniden 1215 sort of money. Can I ask.....your demo of 128.175 was scratchy..... how far from the tower are you.....and what antenna,. Nick 2E0LPL.....life long airband listener.

[@M7EUP]

Hey Nick. Yes, the 8.33kHz spacing is standard across Europe but for a “Basics” video I didn’t want to go into too much detail with that. Most airport will also publish secondary “near enough” frequency as well. The UV-17 radios have the same internals as the uv-5RH but be very careful if getting the latter as there are two variants. Make sure you select the correct one and from a reputable seller. 128.175 is the ATIS for Manchester airport which was located 28 miles from my location. I have a simple dual band magmount on the roof of the car. Be aware that these cheap handhelds don’t have any sort of AGC or ACL so volume and quality are always an issue. That combined with the minimum bandwidth being 12.5 when set to narrow audio quality is always going to be an issue.

[@nickaxe771]

I live in Runcorn....I get the atis quite well here....good for checking antennas ect. Hand held airband for me is purely visits to the airport on my motorbike....not very often.....I have a 2 very good base station scanners at home for most of my listening. My old hand held is getting past it and cant get some freq with it being 25 and 50khz steps only. Been an airband listener since the mid to late 60s...1960s. ..I am 71 now. Airband in some ways was more fun then....well if you collected reg number like I and my mates did....all airliners used the a/c reg as a callsign....exciting times. there is no way will I pay unidens prices.... So the UV-17pro M looks very attractive if its better than the other offerings from china. Seen a few youtube clip with a bit of audio....sound quite good....but need to be convinced....some more home work req. Need to find somebody who has one and understands radio a bit. But in a high signal strength area ie at the airport.....it may indeed get swamped.....and as they only are supplied from china at present...sending it back is not an option. What bands do you work.....mainly HF for me....I do have VHF/UHF but dont use it much....be good to work you. Have 160m and 80....so ok for local on them. Nick 2E0LPL

[@M7EUP]

@@nickaxe771 I’m limited to VHF UHF at the moment as I’m just getting started on HF. I’m in the process of setting up my EFHW at the moment which should give me 40-20-15 and 10 with a view to adding a loading coil in the gutter for 80. Hopefully I’ll put you in the logbook soon 👍🏼

[@nickaxe771]

@@M7EUP Yeah I am sure we would have plenty to chat about. My c/s lima papa lima.....I live very near the LPL NDB location in runcorn....349.5khz....so borrowed it ident.

[@nickaxe771]

Update I bought the Baofeng UV-17m with airband...£29....result on airband....its useless....some who dont know any betting may think its ok.....not being insulting honest. Get badly overloaded with any sort of signal with any strength. Came from China so sending it back is not an option.....I would have if I could as I already have to Baofengs for VHF and UHF ham bands....not that I use them very often.....for FM vhf and UHF they are all very good I must say....AM Airband forget it. I have since bit the bullet and bought a very very over priced Uniden for my visits to the airport....not the 125....I just would not pay £150 for one....yes they are good but its a 100% rip off for RX only..... Uniden have the airband AM market more or less to themselves and the abuse that position. But I needed an airband scanner so bought the Uniden 133 at £85.....its very very good.....sensitive....strong audio ect and mains rechargeable. Sensitivity on a very good VHF diy dipole on my roof.....its as good as my base Pro2005.....and thats good. I only bought it as it was a gift. Tricky to program even for an experienced scanner user of over 40 years.....but after a day I sorted it. Has no mil airband.....not important to me. Such a shame That Tandy with there Realistic Range where not still going. Nick.

[@xxxsmail]

Good 👍

[@M7EUP]

Thanks

[@nickaxe771]

Bought a UV-17 pro with airband....at £29 I thought take a chance.....my old hand held bit the dust. I tried one of these walkie talkies a year or so ago with air band not Baofeng....it was useless got a refund as I got it off an UK supplier. The Baofeng was from China so I knew if no good I would be stuck with it....and my thoughts where if its a Baofeng good chance it will be acceptable. Well I was wrong.....the AM Airband on the radio was useless....any signal with any sort of strength was so distorted to be more or less unreadable....the odd weak station may have been clear enough to make out. I am a licenced radio ham in the UK so not a total loss as I can use the 2m and 70 cm allocation that on this radio.....and to be fair the FM side was very good.....great reports from a radio chum 5 miles away. But as I already have 2 baofengs I didn't really need a 3rd one....my advice....keep your money in your pocket. But I still needed a hand held for my visits to the airport on my motor bike.....I already have 2 very good base station scanners....both realistic prob 30 years old...still doing a great job. There really is not much choice for small hand held Airband Scanners....those that are are silly prices.....Uniden seem to have cornered the market....£160 is a rip off for the UBC 125. But then I discovered the cheaper EZI-33-XLT....at £85 I could live with it....civil only airband....no prob as Mil dont interest me. Is the EZI-33 any good....yes clear....even at the airport with a 737 50mts away transmitting....audio was find....again...the 737 50 mtrs away....up at my ear...fine....and even not overloaded when hooked up to my very good external house chimney mount antenna. The manual is quite poor though.....I dont need a PC to load freq....just program it from the key pad.....took me a day to figure that out.....and I am very used to scanners. Nick 2E0LPL.

[@M7EUP]

I understand what you’re saying Nick. The Baofengs lack AGC and the AM conversion is simplistic to say the least but ultimately it’s a case of “you get what you pay for” If it brings new people to the hobby then it’s a good start. 73’s and hope to catch you on the bands sometime. M7EUP

[@IrishFuryan]

I hear both, aircraft and ground control on my quansheng

[@M7EUP]

Sounds like you’re close enough to the airport 👍🏼

[@frequencywatchers]

I Did SomethinG to My Old UV5R And Now I Can Tranceive From 130 To 176MHz Wich Is Crazy, I Have Videos To back It Up And I Can Transmit On Them Air Band To, Butt I Would Never Do Such Thing. All I Do Is Try To Hack Or Mod Devices And Try To Make A Good HF Filter For The SDR I Have So I Can Listen In To Russian And Ukrainian Broadcasts, I have ANtenna, 14 Element Yagi Pointed At The Border And My Location Perfectly Lines Up With It !x

[@M7EUP]

👍🏼

[@JackSep-qi4gr]

version 1 best recive signl

[@M7EUP]

Both identical boards.

[@MrKeys57]

Its funny, 90% of the scanner-radio owners wants to listen to airband, 90% of them dont understand the terms and the special "flight-english" used! Lol!

[@Kombokiller123]

Its "funny" how just because you know something about air band you like to mock people that just want to listen to people speak and havent said anything negative what so ever about the 'terms' airband use. Habe you always been a bully or was you bullied?

[@MrKeys57]

​@@Kombokiller123 you don't seem to understand humor! 😆😆 Loosen up man! 😆😆

[@Kombokiller123]

@@MrKeys57 it wasnt humour though and you know it wasnt. Theres a lot of toxic ham operators knocking about and you clearly are one of them and now try to pass it off as ‘banter’.

[@MrKeys57]

​@@Kombokiller123 i dont even own a ham radio! Lol! 😆😆

[@MrKeys57]

​@@Kombokiller123just grow up kid..😉😉

[@RosssRoyce]

It’s funny but when I talk to the controller while another plane station is talking the controller hears a high pitched carrier peeping chime and gurgled half canceled, half modulated voices.

[@M7EUP]

That’s capture effect… or lack of should I say.

[@gutfinski]

Heterodyning.

[@JohnSmith-wl8cv]

Technically it is illegal to listen to airband transmissions.

[@M7EUP]

You are technically correct. But, it is not illegal to own an air band scanner… go figure 🤔

[@LawpickingLocksmith]

cheaper with a Quansheng

[@M7EUP]

Personally think it’s much better audio too

[@haydenbrown8421]

What model Quansheng please?

[@M7EUP]

@@haydenbrown8421 he’s probably talking about the UK-V5 from quansheng however the AM reception is poor out of the box and even after doing the various firmware hacks it’s still not as good as the UV5RH version 1

[@e.d.m5722]

Cheaper because it’s garbage. What’s with the obsession to the cheapest? It’s like there is a race to the bottom.

[@RisingTidesAC]

I don't understand all the hype about an HT being capable of receiving airband. Who cares? Buy a cheap analog handheld scanner for airband.

[@M7EUP]

I tend to agree but it’s a nice thing to have.