Baofeng K5-Plus Tri-Band radio review

This K5-Plus tri-band handheld radio just arrived, let's take a quick look at it.
i really like the screen, when its lit 🤠 but it's black as sin when its not back-lit 😔.
The 220 band might be useful to some, but make sure you use the special antenna for it!
The standard dual-band antenna that comes with the K5 is phenomenal, you might not believe the SWR readings i got - amazing for an inexpensive handheld.
**post-publication note: as noted by tdk761, the "one touch" key for TX power control is the "8" key, press and HOLD to cycle-through the L/M/H options.
Also noted, press and HOLD the "0" key to access WX (weather) channels. Cycle thru them the first time to find the frequency for your area, then press and hold again to return to normal listening. when you return to WX your local frequency will be first-up.

[@EndEverAfter]

Press and hold “8” to change from Low to M to H power 😊

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thank you. I have added that to the description

[@TheMajorKC]

Just got one to try out and they fixed the exit .

[@ferchox117]

Great video, I have a few baofeng radios, and my kids broke the antenas out of them. I am looking at where you buy your antenas from? Thank you

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thanks! Check Amazon and anywhere radios are sold to finf an antenna. One of the best mods you can make! A Nagoya 771 would be a good start for antenna.

[@ferchox117]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 Thank you very much

[@RobertHunter-zk9pj]

I liked the ability to listen to the local airport and some of the mil frequencies. Not a lot of traffic in a small town but still kind of a fun novelty I wasn't expecting when I bought it. I thought it was only the 70 cm, 2 m and 1.25 but has more than that. Don't transmit of course on those channlels so be aware of that. Good little ham radio though.

[@tmk761]

The one-touch power key is pressing and holding the "8" key. This radio also supports one-touch NOAA weather by pressing and holding the "0" key. Some Baofeng models (but not this one) display the battery voltage while holding the "1" key. The way to find these is to press and briefly hold a keypad key. If the radio immediately speaks the number, there is no long-press function. If it only speaks when you release the key, it has a long-press function. Pressing and holding the "BAND" button (above "EIXT") initiates the frequency / tone detection of a nearby transmitting radio. In that mode, the "#" key cycles between UHF, VHF, 200 and 350 bands.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thanks Terri, thats awesome!! I've added that to the description text.

[@scottgarvy]

👍 👌

[@rogermarcoux4467]

Thanks for the one touch power button location.

[@alexnikolaevich2110]

Friend, tell me, do you have a program for flashing channels? Using "chirp" it is not possible to enter both Rx and Tx frequencies at once. The radio is good for beginners. I was pleased with the frequency capture.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

I'm not familiar with the term "flashing channels". Using chirp you can program an RX and a + or - "shift" to provide a TX frequency for that related channel.

[@allmyhobbiesareexpensive2676]

The band grouping on the antennas is kinda... Odd. Personally I would expect there to be less of a technical leap grouping 144/220 than 144/440. (Although it does make sense from an "off the shelf" standpoint). Regardless of 'how it's labeled', I would be interested to see if there's excessive power reflection on 2 meters from the 220 duck.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

We inadvertently found out that the dual band duck doesnt work well for 220 when my son in law tried it and couldn't reach far. He thought the oddball 771-looking antenna was for 220, when thats actually the dual-bander.

[@davebostic12]

Has anyone programmed it on chirp yet? I tried to use ODMASTER and it won’t connect.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

@@davebostic12 yes, chirp worked great for mine.

[@davebostic12]

Also can’t find option to leave screen on. Goes out after a few seconds.

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

@@davebostic12 Dave, the option to leave the screen on is only available through direct programming via computer, using a program like Chirp.

[@davebostic12]

@@kobblekraftka0kao29 yes thank you I have it now

[@DeanCox-mj3ng]

How do you get the screen to show frequency and the repeater name? Thanks in advance...Mike

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Hi Mike, Those are settings you can easily change in chirp if you program using a computer. Or you can use menu 24 & 25.

[@scottgarvy]

I leave my display on continuously and it lasts me all day.

[@TomRolfson]

Hey, purely constructive criticism - please get a better mic. You can get a cheap lav mic that will pair with your phone or computer for under $20-25 or go all the way up to a SnoBal for plug'n play pro quality. I had to chuckle, I'm at 3:01 and you've not mentioned you also got one with the "EIXT" key on it. I was sent mine as a Beta, told them about that defect immediately and apparently they mistook "Hurry and Fix It" for "Hurrah Ship It"!

[@kobblekraftka0kao29]

Thanks Tim, good idea re the mic! I got a chuckle too on the EIXT, but hey, been there and done that myself 🤣