Baofeng for Beginners: How to Use Baofeng UV-5R Buttons and More

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Join us as we host a question and answer session on the Baofeng UV-5R. We review the radio button layout, how to use squelch, advantages of VFO and memory modes, the transmit dual receive feature and more.
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[@alex0711a]

Wow. Dude with three hands

[@drinxs505]

It's the t-1,000!

[@LPTek]

🤭🤣

[@gecko4310]

Lol. I thought that was odd too

[@ScreenTalker]

Five!! Who’s holding the camera? That’s just such a weird way to start a video

[@alhannawaz9122]

And two mouths 🤣

[@kippnovak9833]

How many people do you need to hold a 5 inch radio ????

[@brianscott4371]

Just got my first ham radio today, baofeng uv-5r. No clue what I’m doing but this video helped me out a lot. Saved it to my favorites to watch again, thank you very much

[@noahzark7975]

Could you retake this video without the other guy and maybe have a close up of the radio, so we can see the buttons as you push them. The other guy just makes it more confusing.

[@irsyad8346]

agreed I got really lost when he asked too much questions

[@ivantomasic3571]

can we first talk about how you have 3 hands?????

[@chrisaskme811]

One for working one for twerking and one for jerkin

[@sandy1989ize]

@@chrisaskme811 🤣🤣🤣🤣 lol... i literally died laughing

[@helpmenowmark]

What a great video with a very knowledgable instructor. Thanks for taking the time guys!

[@shannonjensen3855]

Thank you! I learned a lot. One thing you might want to consider with future tutorials is to start out just talking about The benefits of one of these And what they’re capable of. And when you slipped into the more advanced stuff and started talking about repeaters and tone… No idea what you were talking about there. This is an easy to explain I’m sure and I do really appreciate the effort!

[@j.g4104]

1 radio , 2 men , 3 hands... to hold a Radio ..... and how many monkeys does it take to screw in a light bulb . Lol jk

[@ANYTHING-AND-EVERYTHING.]

Excellent video, this will help a lot of people, wish more people would do helpful videos like this.

[@Lunas88]

Video was very helpful to get started, liked the Q&A during because it would of been same questions I had.

[@toddjenest3212]

16:40 - You can always lock the keyboard when you throw it in your ruck. Press and hold #.

[@chuckpeters1]

Baofeng for beginners... But you are talking about programming repeater frequencies, simplex, etc. I'm sure beginners found all that very confusing. And.. the other guy needs to be quiet.

[@k1ngkongkane184]

yeah i just bought it n i have no clue what any of this is. you know of any more simple videos?

[@michael1973two]

Dude just walk all over the video

[@LUEO103X]

How many hands do you have?

[@PuerinTheHunter]

Thank you! That was a nice overview.

[@MrSte2222]

hi i have a similar F8+111 model if you set Squelch to 0 you cant get into the FM radio only when Squelch set to 1 or more can you access FM radio i presume this is because of the active receive function that auto returns from FM to a detected receive signal so if you cant get FM to work turn up the squelch.........

[@TheAx504]

Just got this radio. Thanks for the intro!

[@tedbox6299]

Thank you. You did a good job explaining this.

[@fritopg285]

best video on this radio i have seen sofar, thanks for putting this out

[@TalonSurvival]

Your welcome, our pleasure. Thanks for the feedback.

[@fhuzy]

Holy crap! He has three hands... Damn I wish I had three hands...the possibilities...man.

[@joshua_forrest]

Ever seen Total Recall? Yeah lol

[@ddsbabes7140]

haha are u kidding?

[@Joshk007]

thanks for the video but i was looking for some explanation of how frequencies work and how to use them

[@bodazaphfa]

What an awesome video. Thank you!

[@PreparedGuy]

Very helpful info thanks 👍

[@tylerw4593]

Watching these two guys battle over who's holding the radio is painful

[@Widersystems]

I was thinking the same

[@kenneychappuis1853]

Once you got past use the rotary power switch I was done

[@cantiflascantiflas8460]

I don’t know how to use this and just watched part of it and am a little more lost if possible

[@whatheheckdoidonow]

How many hands are needed to hold a friggin small ham radio?

[@odeean]

I learned some stuff, thanks.

[@macheeneraid230]

hi, i have this kind of radio. currently i have 2 issue, 1st, our local community give us a freq to monitor current situation. but they gave us 4xx.xxx, i try to change the freq. but it returns to original freq. (lower than 200.xxx i guess) 2nd, they gave us another freq. a temporary one with 1xx.xxx. i can now hear them, but the issue is, they cannot hear me. or right term is, my input does not broadcasting to them. pleae help. thanks!

[@Lololumadbruh]

A more structured format would've been helpful. Going from top to bottom on the buttons, then through the menu and explaining what the options mean. Your title makes people think that those without having touched a radio would be given an intro on how to use it. I think you still get points across but its a bit.. meandering.

[@bigjondavid]

Thank you for doing this.

[@arizonafirebuff1433]

Is this also a scanner and not just a radio?

[@samgraham2110]

Can I program frequencies into the memory without using the software?

[@zeroxhunter826]

very helpful, thanks

[@helpmenowmark]

Does your amazon link to your UV-5R radio link to a radio with the FCC ID number inside? Are these FCC compliant with the new rules (today is 8/18/19 ). What I mean is - is the logo FCC good enough? Or must the label have an actual ID number inside? Will any radio currently purchased - be grandfathered in?

[@TalonSurvival]

The units I have purchased though this link do include an FCC ID in addition to the label. And that is from multiple sellers. That said, there is no guarantee that the one you purchase from the link will have the ID in addition to the label. This is due to the multiple number of sellers on Amazon that sell the same unit. It is completely dependent on the seller and who their supplier is. If you are highly concerned about having the ID, I recommend contacting the seller you plan to use to check on the matter before making your purchase . As far as grandfathering, radios you own aren't going to be stripped from your hands. If you have em, use-em. Just stay legal on the bands you transmit on.

[@intrisik]

I’m more confused than before

[@rrandomperson24]

settings for longest distance in sub urban areas pls

[@tomwolves6953]

Do I have to go to collage to learn how to program these for two way radio?

[@wilcoxtactical3716]

Real simple. Use Chirp.

[@fredflinstone8750]

Thank you!

[@demofilm]

This thing could come in handy , get it.. handy

[@pankist]

Amazing detailing

[@JessHines]

This was so much more helpful than the manual! One thing though; on mine the memory mode doesn't show MURS, it shows frequencies. Also, I can't figure out how to set the memory channels.

[@TalonSurvival]

To get the names you will have to name (alpha tag) your memory channels. Programming can be done via the face of the unit but is way easier to do in the CHIRP software.

[@gmoney8873]

How do you disable the push to talk button while on a channel??

[@richardsavings6690]

As soon as I discovered the FM radio function, I tried it out. The first thing I heard was Despacito.

[@ouroboi]

how do i use FM radio

[@bobolson7610]

Thanks man!!

[@SPACE_CHUCK_NORRIS]

Does he talk about how to mute the actual radio when using a 2 pin plug in?

[@addisonkempf649]

Just got this radio as well if someone could help me understand. I can hear some people locally using some channels when i scan and when I try to attempt to speak to them it seems they cant hear anything I;m saying. I just found that my local area does a Trivia night and they couldn't hear anything i was saying. what could be going wrong?

[@MatthewPherigo]

They may require you to transmit a CTCSS tone. The menu in your radio lets you program this in, but you'll have to know what the tone is. I would google the frequency you're hearing them on, plus the name of your city or county. You can also check a free website and app called Repeaterbook to see if the station you're hearing is listed close to you.

[@cliffordparmeter6940]

Love it.

[@cagneymoreau4216]

great video. its amazing the smart ass or negative comments people will leave

[@whatzupmomoland9377]

Forgive them there too bright or smart that they become stupid lol

[@f2f.photography]

how do you hit the enter key on FM radio. I can key to 99.9 for example but then it just sits there. How do you tell it to GO?

[@f2f.photography]

I figured it out for anyone else that has this question. For 99.9 you have to enter zeros afterwards. So 99.900 and it will go to that station.

[@neeko7878]

The Baofeng does not auto add the +/- frequency shift for repeaters like most nicer radios. You have to manually add it in the menu options and then best to save that channel to memory. His just probably had a negative shift. You will not be able to talk on a repeater without setting that up. Unless the repeater doesn’t require it... most do though from my experience. Also you can set your “step size” for getting through frequencies faster or just direct dial.

[@sergiu.m]

Hello. for longer distances what do you recommend for baofeng uv 5r? narrow or wide band? Thanks

[@TalonSurvival]

Wide and and narrow band should be dependent on the band you are using. If in ham, use wideband, GMRS or marine use wide, public safety or FRS use narrow. The radios on each end of the conversation need to have the same setting or one won’t be able to hear the other at distances greater than a few hundred feet.

[@erichjort2546]

You were at 999 subs I figured I'd make it aneven 1000 for yah👍

[@tmssp]

Can I just make a suggestion about your video format? It'd be extremely convenient and easier to locate specific segments of your video, for quick reference, if you time stamp the start of that segment. To do that in your video description put the time in brackets and the title for the segment outside of the brackets. As an example: (03:44) Menu items Would be amazing

[@chicwantie2855]

Is this man have 3 hand

[@NoNORADon911]

Yes

[@charlottec8793]

Two things. It's kind of hard to hear two people talking. With one being off mic and his voice being low. And it would be nice to beable to see the screen, so we can understand what you're doing to the radio. All we see is a blue screen.

[@reyesmc]

Sir ask k lng po kng paano magkonick nito

[@reyesmc]

Channel 6 po freequincy nmin ang skn po kc wlang number

[@davidcollins7306]

Funny coincidence, 146.640 happens to be my repeater in Tawas Michigan, but everytime I try to program it into my uv5r and key up, I keep getting a solid red light on the transmit led. I used chirp to program it, so It should've been entered correctly. I even added the transmit memory to the the same channel on the b frequency line. Not quite sure what I'm doing wrong, unless I'm just too far away for it to pick up my signal, 11 miles away

[@dwightstewart7181]

The transmit LED is supposed to be red when you key up. That means you're transmitting.

[@spacecalander]

I just got mine and has no band button on front.

[@SpeakNowHoldYourPeace]

Quick question: I have two (2) Baofeng UV-5Rs. I have them set and programed identically the same in the menu. I also have them on the same frequency. When I transmit from Baofeng radio # 1 to Baofeng radio # 2 it works fine however when I try to transmit from Baofeng radio # 2 to Baofeng radio # 1, the Baofeng radio # 1 will not pick up the transmission from the other Baofeng radio #2. SO I cannot hear any signal/transmission from Baofeng radio # 1. Do you think there is something wrong with Baofeng radio # 1?

[@TalonSurvival]

Could be, but probably a programming issue. Check to make sure they have the same TSQL/PL settings and be sure the repeater mode split is not turned on. Also make sure both are in The same FM narrow/wide setting.

[@akshaysolomon]

Do they work just out of the box. I have ordered for 4 Baofeng UV 5R's. Does it require programming to transmit and receive all the four. I want all the four to interact with each other. Thanks

[@TalonSurvival]

Akshay Solomon so they do....but not on the frequencies you will want to use. Those will have to be tuned using the keypad manually or you can save them to memory using the keypad and menu (I.e. face programming). Our NOAA Weather Radio Tuning Video shows you how to set the frequency on the UV-5r as well as a few other radios. While the video discusses the NOAA channels, the tuning process is the same for any frequency the radio is capable of. Baofeng face programming isn’t the easiest way to program in the world, this is why most people prefer to computer program at this point using software. If you want to go that route you will need an FTDI chipset programming cable (about $20) and use the freeware called CHIRP. There are a number of videos out on KZbin about chirp programming you can check out. We hope to have a few soon as well but no timeline yet.

[@koohlog]

Hello question, how can I set one channel that we can use by my friends. thank you and stay safe all.

[@kingtweets]

Did u ever get that answer ? I need answer too

[@KE8MWQ]

Nice video

[@delstep2255]

Does this radio have an emergency code or GPS location button

[@TalonSurvival]

No it does not.

[@loganhuffman254]

This may sound stupid but, if I have this radio set for example, at murs 10 and murs 10 would I be able to talk to another two way radio that's also on channel 10, 10???

[@wesleybuff2536]

Provided you have made our MURS channel 10 match the typical MURS Channel 10, yes.

[@galenshumaker9274]

Title: For beginners Commentary: Negative repeater offset, which is normal. Me: ???

[@macca9320]

This reminds me of the episode of friends and Joey's Hand Twin.

[@ghp486]

This video seriously needs to be redone.

[@PPGtrikepilot]

Excellent far easier than the Chinese manual supplied with the radio. Thanks .😜👍

[@Ziplock9000]

As Chinese manuals go, it's not that bad really.

[@SuAmigoElilegal]

Hello sir how do I use my baofeng radio to call other countries. Like using Allstars or echolink. Can I program my baofen to dothat without using a computer . I already know how to used local repeaters for local coverage but how can I used them with radio only to call other countries

[@TalonSurvival]

Short answer is no. Not unless you are connecting it to a echolink or all star enabled local repeater. And that would still require programming either on the PC or via the face of the radio. For what you are talking about, a DMR Hotspot and DMR Radio sounds link a good plan. But those are MUCH more complex to get up and cost a little more $$.

[@yokokoyuw]

If you have pre presset the channel, let say channel 2. If i press the frequency mode, is it showing the frequency in channel 2?

[@TalonSurvival]

No. It is showing the frequencies you last typed in while in frequency mode.

[@wesleybuff2536]

There is a way to do this. It requires the computer to set up though as does being able to name a channel. I set A(line 1) to read the channel name I set which I use more commonly. I set B(line 2) to read the frequency. I can then navigate A to the interested channel name, read its memory number on the right, and then move B to the same memory number to read out the frequency and its behavior.

[@ChristiannTyler]

If you had two of these on the same repeater frequency would they be able to communicate with eachother at long distances?

[@tenncutt]

I think each radio needs to be on its own repeater which is local to it's current location. But what do I know lol. Anybody?

[@AquaTech225]

Curious myself maybe someone can supply a worthy reply

[@dimestoreharry3344]

Can you make another video to show how to program in local things and repeaters ?

[@TalonSurvival]

In the works.

[@johnroberts6695]

Antennas pretty much govern what I can transmit rather than what I can receive, right? Are these small radios allowed on airliners or will they be confiscated?

[@iGarrettt]

I thought it was receive, hopefully someone who knows can answer lol

[@jamesfehr2062]

Should do overview before taking questions from your buddy who asks questions beyond "basic" functions. Not good for beginners.

[@ramonsmediablog]

For each frequency. Can you add something such as LAPD VAN NUYS 9 Or VN9?

[@bobleguy]

I think you can name each channel using the programming cable and CHIRP software

[@2mdjr532]

Max characters of 7, u can change it using CHIRP ☺️

[@danaharlan12]

You cleverly skipped right over or edited out setting repeater off set and tone input AND that was all I needed

[@bwc1976]

That was definitely weird, considering repeaters are the main thing people are going to be using it for.

[@joetheox1202]

Watch again at half speed maybe.

[@bkrez6623]

How do you change the letter above the top number line?

[@TalonSurvival]

The letters above the top number line (top frequency line) are associated with menu functions or the type of transmission you are using, They are dependent on the radio settings, VFO settings, or channel settings. See a display layout here (www.universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/0205disp.jpg)

[@toddjenest3212]

My CALL button doesn’t activate FM radio.

[@Biffo1262]

The standard squelch settings 1-9 have VERY little effect and varies between different UV-5R's.

[@aaronbenns9051]

Can you use it as a basic walkie talkie as well ?

[@TalonSurvival]

Yes you can. Program all radios for a MURS or FRS frequency.

[@justamanwithoutabeard2993]

I legit thought that was a Dummy Hand😆😆🤣🤣

[@christopherh6431]

You have 3 hands wow!

[@MrGoogle87]

This is NOT a beginner friendly guide..... lol, so many times go off track, naming too many terms that we don't know yet

[@JustMe-sh5kw]

How many hands do you need

[@CWfist]

is an octopus,,,

[@Rakkasan-vr8xt]

Video was looking good but the annoying guy in the background talks too much. Trying to follow you and having him sidetrack you and ask 20 questions is a bad tutorial method.

[@TalonSurvival]

Thanks for the constructive feedback. We will take note of that for future videos.

[@fleadoggreen9062]

So do I need to buy 2 of these ? What can I do with just one

[@marksee9154]

Maybe try doing a review like this one :)

[@blue9multimediagroup]

Anyone know how to lock out a channel with excess squelch noise so that the scan search doesn't keep stopping on it?

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

Program in a PL code. It's a work-around. Or use Chirp and tell it to skip that channel. Or fiddle with the squelch. Better squelch values for Chirp can be found online.

[@inquisitive1911]

So, if I lock the keypad, how do I next unlock it??

[@echardcore]

hold down keylock again

[@silentmajority8518]

Question for Ham Vets: Can I put a Kenwood or Icom antenna (6 inch) on a Baofeng 10w radio? They have the same connector but can the antenna handle a 10w radio when it was made for a 5w radio? Any thoughts?

[@Dont_stay_long_k077]

Yes

[@Dont_stay_long_k077]

You have to remember the golden rule , Dual band antennas , they are built to size , the ideal height for a handie antenna is about 12.5 inches, it's the power side where when we say use SSB on 2mtr , youd just cook an antenna that attaches to a handie ! You'll be sound with them, but they are Bnc fitting yaesus and kenwood/icon, some are sure screw in, you can get an adapter , but buy a Genuine Yagg 771. Not these 2.quid copies , you'll pay 15 quid for a top whip real Yagari 771

[@Dont_stay_long_k077]

Not without BNC to screw in Jak,,,, Saw a great QT last night , qestion , just checking it wasnt below ,, " can i use a ken/yaesu dual band whip on a Boaef,,,,, !st,,,, id be saying " It should have been used straihht away, buyt they still aint great,,, bare in mind this person was licensed, """ What about the height "? its 15 inch,,,, well Yea, 12,5 inch Diamond , its basic Antenna maths .. Height V freq .... i did tho warn not to use a home base up to 1000 watts antenna, IT CAN SERIOUSLY BURN

[@lawman4life1]

Is the "TENWAY" basically the same radio as the "Baofeng"?

[@nixadventures3938]

Yes

[@sanctusreiki2663]

Is this video catered to ham or without ham?

[@frankjoseph4751]

Can you make a video on baofeng uv-9 R Plus the uv 5r video was not very helpfull..

[@henrywei8090]

try baofeng high power wakie talkie 1-8 watts power output www.amazon.com/dp/B0716ZCX5W

[@whatzupmomoland9377]

I just order online , hopefully it’ll arrive dec 16 to 23 2020 For a good price... nice UV5r lovin’ it ! Can’t wait to receive it OOPS just added last January 3 ... another new uv5r HP 12watts ... hehehe

[@ramonsmediablog]

Just ordered one as well!!

[@yellow3222]

How good is the fm radio?

[@bobleguy]

@@yellow3222 it works, but don't expect great sounding music from the speaker.

[@2mdjr532]

Got mine online a few hours ago, +1 to my 6 radios 😂

[@jangajunga7839]

Might be a very stupid question, but why does it have 2 listed frequencies (A/B)? Is there any difference or what is the purpose? Please explain

[@codyman117]

dual band so you can have a backup channel

[@sharpy155]

@@codyman117 dule band is two bands like 2 meter and 70cm eg frequency starting 145.000 and 446.000 are two different bands

[@nathan-ls8yw]

i’ll dumb it down for anyone who’s confused, it allows you to have two channels preset where you can switch between either with just a push of the a/b button so you can have one channel for regular talk and maybe use the other one for important info nit in order to do this you need to (IMPORTANT) duel recive and single transmit so you can hear both channels

[@Anri75]

90% of the video is out of focus. The screen is turned so we can't se much.

[@TalonSurvival]

Thanks for the input, we will work on that for future videos.

[@Airmanmx1]

Why is an instructor teaching another just as knowledgeable person? The competition to out do the other ruined the video

[@AbdulMannan-yq7xy]

can two of these sets communicate directly with each other like other normal radios?

[@SteveFlanigan]

Yes, but they have to be programmed to the same channel. Just be aware of what channel you are TX/RV on. FRS is usually "no license" required on the lowest power, but other channels require a license. This info is based on the FCC in the USA.

[@thrash99er]

They can't be set up legally, unless both of you have your ham license.

[@foxman362]

You don't need license on MURS and FRS

[@thrash99er]

foxman362 but you need fcc certified radios and these aren’t part 90 or 97. For FRS and MURS the license is with the device

[@jamesslick4790]

@@foxman362 This is true, BUT!!! These radios are NOT "type certified" for FRS or MURS!!!! I have NO PROBLEM with anyone USING them for those bands, BUT!!! Keep within "specs" to avoid unwanted attention from the FCC!!! (I am NOT a lawyer, Use TX on your radio at your own risk,but BE INFORMED of the law!)

[@Morcego538]

Can you turn off ctcss on this?

[@Jake-yv9cr]

Yes, if you go to CTCSS, and scroll through, you will eventually see an 'off' setting.

[@wallyjackieturgeon3070]

I guess you have an older version, the two I just received do not have a ‘band’ button. I do not see in the manual how to get to the 3rd band?

[@TalonSurvival]

Are you sure it is the UV-5R and not another Baofeng version? All the 5Rs I have seen have the band button. Some of the other Baofeng models do not. The UV5Rs also only have 2 bands UHF and VHF. However, usually (on most models) you can change bands simply by entering the frequency directly via the keypad. If the radio is capable it will take you right there when in VFO mode.

[@wallyjackieturgeon3070]

Talon Survival I just checked the label, it is a 5 R. Suppose to be , 2m, 70cm and 440. I can take a pic of the front to email you, if you’d like

[@KE8MWQ]

@@wallyjackieturgeon3070 mine also has no band button but it is not needed (440 is a 70cm band) purchased within the past two months.

[@TalonSurvival]

@@wallyjackieturgeon3070 interesting. Yes please send me an image. Would like to check it out. Front and the back label please (if you don't mind).

[@jdkrzentertainment3440]

If my frequency is 46.32 what do I do?

[@TalonSurvival]

If your freq is truly 46.32MHz, then unfortunately it is below the radios tuneable range. You will have to find another radio that is capable of the VHF Low band. The UV-5R is capable of the following ranges: VHF 136-174 MHz UHF 400-480 MHz

[@johnshorba]

How do you know you are not transmitting, I want to only monitor a station. Is there a way to accidentally lock the PTT? And does the call button every ring like a walkie talkies call button, I do not want to accidentally call a chanel i am monitoring

[@jaredreaux3109]

John I believe in frequency mode the bottom row of numbers is what frequency you wish to receive something. And the top row is the frequency you wish to transmit. So theoretically you could receive and transmit on 2 different frequencies

[@johnshorba]

Jared Reaux i thought that is just presets

[@Lololumadbruh]

If you program it with CHIRP you can set it to not allow you to transmit. What that looks like in the program is to set Duplex to "Off" I'm not sure if you just mean temporarily or permanently disable

[@vintageguitarz1]

Please redo this video WITHOUT THE DISTRACTIONS of the other guy because YOU get off track on tangents that LOSE US! D'UH!