Baofeng AR-152 10W handheld, my first impressions

This is just my first impression, haven't been to the woods with it yet, we'll see what happens there.
is it "really" 10 watts? dunno. don't care.
My guess is that it's the guts from an 8W UV-5R packed into a marketable case to look like the L3 Harris military field walkie-talkie. I'm ok with that.
i have no complaints so far. it programs nicely once i found out i have to treat it as a BF-8HP in the Chirp program drop-down.
i certainly like it enough to take it to the woods with me. maybe I'll tell you more once i do.

[@indridcold8433]

My insignificant findings into a dry dummy load and on high power are: 146.000Mhz - 10.5 watts 147.900Mhz - 11.0 watts 222.000Mhz - 1.45 watts 223.500Mhz - 1.10 watts (after a conversion) 432.100Mhz - 14.5 watts 446.000Mhz - 12.0 watts The 1.25 meter conversion allows the radio to operate on 1.25 meters but it is severely hindered. Receive and transmit are mediocre. The near 15 watt transmit power on UHF is rather concerning. The tests were done on a khaki coloured AR-152. I used two different meters to confirm the findings. I have been told that operators can make a contact with repeaters with just the 1 watt on 1.25 meters, if they are within 10 to 15 kilometers. I can neither confirm nor deny those findings. All I can confirm are the dummy load tests.

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

What does the conversion require ? Keypad code or something internal like the Mars mod ?

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

I was finally able to test wattage today. My findings are far from yours, more in keeping with a BF8 or UV82. 7+ watts max.

[@indridcold8433]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 I used a dry dummy load. That may make a difference. On an antenna, the readings will be different. I can not use an antenna for this radio. I have no license and can not transmit on the air. I merely do the technical aspect of the radio hobby.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

@@indridcold8433 i used a dry dummy load as well. I am licensed and tried the radio on several different ham bands all with the same result. Other hams have also tested this radio and find identical results to mine.

[@indridcold8433]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 That is very interesting. I do not understand the difference. Then again, I only tested one and it was taken by the customer. I should be getting another one soon. I do not think the colour would make a difference. Unless the colour of the housing indicates a revision. Time will tell. During the winter months, not much radio repairs, modifications, nor setups come my way. But, it will happen and I will try again. But, as I mentioned, it will have to use a dummy load again. I can do no on the air tests.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Today i was finally able to test wattage on my own. My findings confirm my suspicions, this radio just has the guts of an 8W Baofeng. 7.3W on 147.900 into a 50ohm dummy load.

[@indridcold8433]

I tested one out a few months back. It came out with more power. However, it was just one. It was the colour khaki, if that makes any difference. I look forward to the next one I get to programme and keep for a spell. Usually, people bring them in and they wait for it. Hopefully a different colour will come my way and I can see if they are the same power. Maybe they are like the old Xbox 360s where the black ones had slightly different hardware than the black ones. Then again, they may all be identical under the shell. I am extremely curious. I just have to wait. It could also be the one I tested was a factory freak. I have a Diamond and an MFJ SWR meter that I used for the khaki model. I have a broken one in a parts bin. Maybe I should try to throw it together and find out what it does. But it is really rough. I love electronics!

[@muddybeer6867]

I got one just for the reported battery life, and yes it's mil look. Happy with it got some nice pouches that carry it well

[@mikeofborg2]

Just got mine today. Have yet to try it. Going to program it using the cable tomorrow. I also have a UV-5R and love it. Nice little rig for $40 I paid new. Great video and informative. 73s W8MLD

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thanks for the feedback! Enjoy that rig!!

[@vernonlaws62]

Do they make a ham radio that's picks up people talking on it from longer distance that's hand held or should I get some things bigger

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Good question! In many cases its all about the antenna... attach thevright antenna and you can "hear" a lot! But, the "right antenna" also means it needs a good location - handheld are weak mostly because we are only about 6' off the ground. If you mount a quality antenna high in the air and connect it to your radio via quality cable and connector you'll hear more. If that antenna is matched to your handheld tranceiver you'll also be able to transmit better. If listening is all you need then consider a "short wave radio receiver". They are cheap and can hear broadcasts from around the world. But no transmitting (a high frequency ham radio can do the same with a long wire antenna. Tunevthat antenna to the frequency you want to transmit on and you can talk also, though the FCC will want you to have a general class license to do so). Such radios dont typically work on the walkie talkie type frequencies, if thats what you want you need to go back to the high antenna connected to a handheld (or base/mobile unit). I hope this helps. KA0KAO 🤠

[@redacted8092]

What antenna did you end up putting on the AR-152? After some research feeling like I wasted money on this thing to learn on because a friend recommended it. Determined to make the best of it and learn on the platform before getting something in the motorola family.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Apart from the size I've grown to like the radio. The factory rubber duck antenna is pretty decent, the one i show in the vid is: HYS 2m/70cm Gooseneck CS Tactical... www.amazon.com/dp/B07V4S4Q6M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@indridcold8433]

The teams I have been setting these up for request the Abbree 18.5 inch tactical antenna. The standing wave ratio is near perfect on the 2 meter band and the 70 centimeter band. Those that do the 1.25 meter conversion have been asking for the Abbree triple band AR-771 rubber duck antenna, or they bring in a stubby 1.25 meter antenna of their own. I can only test antenna SWRs when the owner of the radio is in. I can not transmit on my own.

[@a77gascan]

Hello, great video, I like that radio, it looks very TactiCool :). Do you know what the battery voltage is? I would need it to calculate the Watt-hours, because IATA only allows a maximum of 100 Watt-hours. Thanks man.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thanks! On a full charge it reads 7.9v Zero info on the battery specs

[@a77gascan]

Hi, thank you for you answer. I read the PDF manual of the AR-152 and it says: Operation Voltage DC 7.4 V ±10%, so the voltage you gave me would be within 10% of error. Thanks for your help. Have a nice day.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

@@a77gascan enjoy your radio!

[@anthonyshepard9606]

: I would like to use it for receive only, how's the receivability?

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

It receives quite well, especially with a really good antenna

[@rjy8960]

If only it had a flashlight.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Lol! Someone must have said that about the UV-5R 🤣 honedly, i have used it a few times.

[@KalashmanNC]

Most hams don’t realize who this radio is marketed towards. This is not for the ham hobbyist. It’s for the war gaming hobbyist or someone who wants something that looks similar to a radio they used in the military. 73s, KN4TQJ

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

I noted that in my review. And imo, regardless the market, it should not be marketed as a 10W radio.

[@thetravi1348]

Mine puts out 9.74 watts, hit my favorite repeater and was told I was coming in better then my $600 mobile setup. So I went inside and compared it to my base station. Was told it was about identical. I could get 5 of these for the price of just my antenna. I originally got it to put on the shelf and make fun of it. Spurious emissions aside, it beat my Q10 in the real world.

[@AlexanderSenese]

Where could i find that antennae?

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Amazon

[@mentalllllll]

@kobblekrafy,kaokao Hello Shannon, This is Olivia from Baofeng support team. The output power will be affected by various factors; however, some dealers will appear to misrepresent the output power. Also, the AR-152 radio is a customized model for our dealers, and we suggest you can confirm the output power of the radio with the seller again before purchase. Thanks for your understanding. If there's anything else we can help with, feel free to contact us. Regards, Olivia Baofeng Support Team

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

I appreciate your input. Output power is really all that matter to me, how much wattage can i get to my antenna is the question i always want to answer.

[@timsmith9169]

Can this be programed with the Od master blue tooth programer

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

It doesn't have blue tooth, but if the OD master does and it's the typical two prong dongle like anyvuv5r or uv82 then I'd guess it can.

[@timsmith9169]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 I will give it a try it is for the k type two prong program /hand mic hooks

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

@@timsmith9169 let us know your result please 🙏 🙂

[@timsmith9169]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 will do 👍🇺🇸

[@ronkramer7563]

Who makes the tc771c. I like the design

[@ronkramer7563]

Found it TNX

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

By HYS, i found it on Amazon.

[@anthonyshepard9606]

: I took note : It looks like you are using an SMA to BNC adapter. Your HYS is BNC. I don't know if you are aware that the HYS come in SMA also. If you knew that why didn't buy the SMA version? I'm just curious. 🐢 🤔 🐢 📡 🐢 😀

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

At the time i could not find it in sma, plus bnc makes an easy swap to other bnc radios

[@anthonyshepard9606]

: OUTSTANDING I was thinking the same thing. But no problem. I am digging your setup. Thank you for the fast and quick response. 🐢 📡 🐢 📻 🐢 👍

[@ManuelPinner]

I like My Yeasu FT5D,

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Teasu makes great radios!

[@indridcold8433]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 Yaesu does make great radios. They seem very valued by the amateur radio community. I acquired a wrecked Yaesu FT-991a. Only the housing, and screen was good on the devastated radio. Someone saw the wreck on a table and asked about it. I told the person that I doubt it had any hope of repair. However, this did not deter the person from wanting it. He offered a working Icom IC-7000 transceiver. He tested it in front of me. Everything worked except 70 centimetre band. It only produced about 5 watts. But, I got the schematics and service manual with it. I am sure I can bring that back up to 40 watts again. It uses the common RD70HVF1 MOSFET. It could fetch a respectable sum after repair. The person wanted the wreck for the screen and the covers. The only issue I have with repairing it is my oscilloscope only goes up to 150 megacycles. I will have to test the output strength with a basic watt meter.

[@jhorton1600]

12,000mAh battery

[@donalddday7741]

saw one get 9.7 watts one youtuber for

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

That's nice, my inoffensive comment was erased ... Thank you !

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

What?

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Can you explain? I don't recall deleting a comment, or did youtube do it?

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 Probably YT. All I had wanted to say was that I bought one for camping and disaster preparedness... I've been through most every hurricane to make the history books and after Katrina we were out of power for 5 weeks. Last year after Ida, almost 3. I had my comms (plural) but it was a pain shuffling between 4 radios and 6 battery packs. With the AR-152 and a spare 12,000mah battery and car charger, I'm good to go. I use dedicated and tuned 150mhz and 460mhz Smiley Antennas (3-5db gain). It does have a place and not just with role players. A mini USB charging port would have been nice. The military version is the Harris PRC 152 which I DID use in the military. It's about 10% larger than the Baofeng, heavier -> aluminum housing, GPS, very small multi line display, VHF low, VHF high, UHF, 700-900 They aren't for sale to individuals. Anyone who has one shouldn't... Triumph Industries in China makes an exact copy of the PRC even down to battery interchangeability. They illegally brand it "Harris". It sells for $300 and up

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

@@baronedipiemonte3990 hey thanks for the info!

[@indridcold8433]

Remember that we are alive in the monocle, idiot, era. People should all be issued a monocle from their governments. This way when they are offended, they can gasp, and yell out, "Good Heavens," as their monocle falls from their face and breaks on the floor. This new, "I am so offended," trend is stupidity at its worse. There is no law against offending delicate little infantile people. Of course, there is no law against being a decent person, also. People have to stop believing being offended at the slightest thing is stylish and fashionable. On the other side of the spectrum, people can also benefit from being decent people.

[@rogerpeterson7581]

This video is outdated. The radios sold now are 15 watts.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

🤣😂 send me one, I'll gladly eat my words if it shows 15W in my shack. Or 10W for that matter. 😉🤠 In all honesty, I've seen them advertised as 15W. Mine was advertised as 10W, but i never saw that in reality on any frequency i tested it with.

[@ralphgable7815]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmLPq2CCipyje9U I saw this...didn't watch it, though. Based on the title of his video, I don't think he has a very high opinion of it.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Yeah i watched that one, i generally like his videos too. He didnt haveca high opinion of it, and he DID check it on a watt meter to confirm it was NOT pumping 10 watts. But... he's looking at quality ham equipment usually, so I'm taking that bias into consideration. So far it's getting good signal reports when i use it. Even from my ham shack, W0BJE reported that i was hitting our 22 repeater doentown with decent clarity. My regular Baofengs won't make that 6 mile trip. In all i like my UV82's better, but for the market they are apparently trying to reach, air-softers, and other role-play, i think its fun. I'll be plaing with it on MURS, anxious tovsee how that compares to GMRS with the same 2W.

[@indridcold8433]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 I had one configuration for MURS radio requested. I should have taken the opportunity to do some on the air testing. MURS is not fully legalised in Canada but there is already a following and there is a plan in process from CRCT. Since not many know about the impending new band, few are taking interest and CRCT procrastinates with it. I think CRCT is just waiting for a few more licenses to expire to announce the new band. It is officially a business band. However, it seems only Walmart uses it in urban and suburban areas. It will happen soon. This is rather how FM is now legal in the United States of America but few know about it. The word will get out soon. It seems that Channel 40 USB has become the unofficial CW channel for CB in the United States of America. I often hear operators tapping away there. I have to find an old key and tap back. Even with one watt of output power, CW will likely go international distances. That may be the reason there seems to be a small interest in it in CB. As for CW's legality, I believe it may not be legal in both nations. However, I do not think anybody cares.

[@TUBEORATER]

Battery...OMG!

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

🤣

[@Adamdaj]

Yep, MURS is best for outdoor activities and better if you had 2w mobiles if your party is off roading. Don't FRS/GMRS has their advantages over MURS, but VHF works well were UHF fails. CB radio, even now with FM permitted, you gone excellent coverage out on the Highway. That for those who don't or have no interest taking the technician's exam. 4 watts from a CB AM or FM with right setup will outperform FRS/GMRS, I mean when it comes to simplex not repeater. 73 to K3JCP / WQAI363

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Right on Adam!