Baofeng UV-5R : Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The UV-5R Ham Radio - The UV5R For Dummies

In this video I tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the Baofeng UV-5R amateur radio. I explain what the UV-5R is, I explain the FCC rules and laws regarding using a UV5R ham radio, I explain what frequencies this Baofeng can receive, what a "locked UV-5R" is, what unlocking a Baofeng means, and much, much more.
You can watch my video about people NOT getting in trouble by the FCC here: • What Happens If You Br...
You can watch my video explaining how easy it is to UNlock most locked Baofeng UV-5R radios, here: • How To Unlock A New Ba...
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Music by Stern Beats - You can find him here:
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[@davycrockett6701]

I'd never buy another baofeng. Junk is what they are

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Then why would you go out of your way to watch a video about one?

[@dklima]

@@TheNotaRubiconI love these pin of shame LMAO

[@lacrossed55]

I only use my Space 1999 walkie talkies I got as a kid. I don't need problems with the government, in any universe

[@bodazaphfa]

Davy cockit went out of his way to watch and comment on a video of a radio that he or SHE would never own again. Brandon voter alert. I bet he sniffs kids too.

[@dennydenson9046]

Pure gold 😆​@@dklima

[@Crushbandicoot-wv8xb]

This is by far my favorite radio channel

[@volvo09]

He's smart, and isn't obsessed with being a radio dork. Radio guys can be like car guys "bench racing" and fighting over paper stats.

[@bendeleted9155]

It's the #1 HAM channel, if you divide views by the number of years as a channel. It must be so saddening to some. 😢

[@mcdonald1743]

I like the guy and find him entertaining, but it's the same video over and over.

[@jonnporter6081]

It would be more entertaining if he broadcast his stuff on a Baofeng UV-5R

[@cliffandrews]

I talk all the time to people on my Baofeng and no one ever ask for a license. I tried to talk to a sheriff yesterday but I don't think he could hear me. My neighbor is mad at me for constantly talking on his baby monitor (the baby likes it). My favorite is talking to people in the drive-through at the Jack in the box across the street from me.

[@WaltKO4LFE]

😂

[@barretwitt1987]

Yeah that's not illegal or anything. . . Keep it up lol

[@Delta2-4Gaming]

​@barretwitt1987 throwing tea in the harbor was illegal...

[@mcdonald1743]

​@@barretwitt1987dude wasn't being serious

[@jimf1964]

You’re so lucky! Where I am there’s almost no one, except for a restaurant or something.

[@garykingston1662]

This channel is so important. Tried getting into this hobby recently and I’m clinging. Went to a meet up with a UV5R, and the guy testing the “clean” ability of my radio with some meter, seemed a little bummed that it was super clean. And then another one bagged on my Nagoya antenna. I’ll just pretend you’re my friend and be happy.

[@kjbathe]

Hams complain their bands are dead but all they talk about is FCCs and spurious emissions. Shocking 🤷‍♂️

[@mondavou9408]

Similar experience. I stopped trying. There is hope though, we are here now. Cheers!!

[@npa4863]

New drinking game! Take a shot every time he says Boo-fuang.

[@robertbritt6134]

Shit faced 5 minutes in. You nailed it.

[@killsplaque]

LMAO!!!!

[@SixStringJoy]

I was actually looking forward to an informative video but he only ever talks about sad hams and says baofeng uv5r a thousand times.

[@somethingclever1234]

@@robertbritt6134 Unsubscribed for that alone

[@memento_mori6454]

​@@somethingclever1234 Goodbye 👋

[@lakesnake2005]

As a retired long haul truck I loath "roger beeps". Late at night you could hear bull haulers miles away on their "big radios", first just by the roger beep and then talking nonsense 90 miles an hour in all their echoing glory until they blew your doors off....and faded back into roger beeps again. And then there was always "The Channel Master" sitting at home walking all over everybody and blowing out your speaker. Those "big radios" weren't legal either, but it was rare that anyone was fined or radios confiscated. You could get your CB "tuned up " at any large truck stop and some Cobras and Unidens will put out a strong signal by themselves. Still have a couple of mine and the antennas for them. And I do enjoy my Baofeng UV-5R....LMAO

[@brandonm6052]

Those freaking tuned CBs sounded like echo end of a culvert bullcrap

[@Marty48034]

I’m pretty sure he was being sarcastic about the beep. I know NO hams that like the beep. Ugga.

[@waynehendrix4806]

I fired up some old cobras, and unidens etc, this last year. I was floored by the amount of baseline noise on the CB band. It's almost unusable at this point.

[@RabbiJesus]

Stryker and Ranger are the powerhouse 10meter imports.

[@matthewjaco1485]

Beep beep beep

[@BravoBassin]

At least once a day I get crazy and go all outlaw and push the PTT button on my boofwang uv-5r radio just to see what will happen.

[@johnfish1194]

Felon

[@lucasmeijer9111]

Don’t let the FCCs MQ-9 reaper drone strike you while you sleep

[@richardgroves290]

You will go to jail.

[@obsequious_obsolescence]

I like to find a local company’s channel and rubber band the ptt button down until the battery runs out.

[@Model3GenerativeANdroid]

@@obsequious_obsolescence evil only begets more evil

[@bendeleted9155]

Congrats on the #1 HAM Channel 👍

[@Rusted_Link]

2021 when I wasn't dieing from COVID I watched your video on the BooFwang, learned how to use it, got my GMRS license then amateur tech and then my amateur general license. Now, today, because of 🫵🏻 I am an angry (because of the sad hams) HAM but am happy as well. I own two GMRS repeaters that cover two cities and can talk to many strange men all around the world on HF and CB, which is HF. Thank you Randy

[@bendeleted9155]

Thanks for sharing your story. I am reminded of a poignant life lesson I learned from a great book many decades ago. TO THIS DAY, I remember thinking I didn't like them, but turns out I do. I DO like green eggs and ham, though sad hams try my patience. 73

[@waynehendrix4806]

That's a great uplifting story.

[@IM1deadMONEY]

What you said at 8:35 is so on point! There really is a lot of sad hams who will pay $600 for an icom handheld radio, and not acknowledge that the Bofweeng is a bargain for 20 bucks. I respect CB radios too! I got my ham just because I wanted to nerd out with more frequencies, but I have no judgment for anyone who respects a bargain when they see one!!

[@waynehendrix4806]

Some of us buy radios just for their rejection. It's a love hate thing. This might explain why Randy never gets flowers.

[@Codyjrt]

Ham operator here. I own 4 UV5Rs. Actually I own 6 but two are lost in the house, garage or truck. They’re awesome radios.

[@baconsledge]

Thanks, Randy...always enjoy your thoughts! My UV5R acts as a remote for my paper shredder and funny thing is, it has no remote.

[@kzerobkobrian8937]

Am I the only one hypmotized by the blinking wall o' radios behind Randy? It's reason enough to watch.

[@rolfrobertson6404]

I started to build my own wall, thanks to this man.

[@tenncutt]

Hyp-mo-tized

[@cliffandrews]

Did you notice that one radio wasn't on?

[@waynehendrix4806]

homotized?

[@RSole9999]

That's the only blinking you'll see on his videos.

[@paull3031]

This video was a master class in mixed and broken metaphors. So many I lost count. Well done, sir. Your humor is near perfection.

[@dennydenson9046]

I loved it.

[@mattmizell7340]

Hilarious

[@minigpracing3068]

You don't need a Boof Wang to make Boeing aircraft fall out of the sky, they seem to be doing this by themselves. BEE boop.

[@Heywoodjablowme2]

That joke just blew the doors off this..... oh wait....

[@mondavou9408]

BEE boop 🤣

[@RandellReeder]

Congratulations on 200k, this only gets better. You sir is a superstar influencer for GMRS and the mighty UV5R.

[@joshua511]

And the most-watched channel of Sad Hams!

[@fredhinck9685]

Bought a pair off Amazon with the larger batteries. Programmed with Chirp for the FRS and GMRS channels for use on the farm. Get about three miles. Plenty good for here. No skip like CB.

[@joshua511]

The FCCs will take you straight to jail, right away...

[@jeffmccleskey]

The best background photos of any channel by a mile!

[@jimf1964]

Usually I’d agree, but this one just annoyed the hell out of me so much, I couldn’t watch half the time…..which I guess was the point .

[@dbphillips1978]

Putting up political stuff on a KZbin channel that's not political is a good way to limit your subscribers.

[@joshua511]

@@dbphillips1978Meh, the Sad Hams seem to be the same as "Fudds" in the gun community. Folks who *should* know better, but still support Team Blue no matter what.

[@jeffmccleskey]

​@@joshua511nailed it!

[@bill72pa]

MAGA

[@karmaotsutsuki771]

I find it hilarious that you say the whole name and lift it up everytime 😂 Im new to radios and have skimmed your channel, very informative, Thanks

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You are very clearly a man of wealth and taste.

[@stevenmackenzie59]

It is because of you I found a new hobby. I have always been the blacksheep anyway and sarcasm is my second language. so I highly enjoy the content you provide. thank you!

[@JohnQDoe-ut3jj]

Hopefully the FCCs won’t be coming to your home in the same manner as the ATF did in Arkansas busting your door down and dispatching you with their phasers and proton torpedos. Please keep your light saber close by and remember to use the force Luke! And please for the love of Zena - keep these videos coming! I consider them therapy to lift my spirits.

[@vdacevedvdaceved6460]

Thank you for all your videos really helped me out past few days learning about HAM and GMRS radios

[@twoshadows2665]

Been thinking about purchasing a couple of these. The host is a trip. Great info without me falling asleep. Like the humor.

[@rolfrobertson6404]

Yeah, thanks to this channel, I own a few of these magical devices. My number 1 channel for radio.

[@SolarGeneral]

Thank Xenu I grabbed a couple unlockable UV5r’s. My AR-152 is also unlocked and I guess I’ll be grabbing a few more of those.

[@bsdavidson0360]

You are correct. My Japanese neighbor confirmed it is pronounced boofwang. Anyone telling you otherwise is wrong.

[@ArthurHerronW6HER]

Congrats on 200K Randy👍🏻

[@Sonicgott]

I am now the proud owner of two Boof-Wang UV-5R Pro radios. They work reasonably well.

[@latergator3367]

I am not a “normal” person, therefore I understand everything you say. Thank you Randy for all your uncommon knowledge. Godspeed. Zenu.

[@goober7127]

Now that is a sense of humour that I like! You just made me subscribe. Good work.

[@billleblanc819]

200k, congratulations!!!

[@witchdoc5075]

Love my baofengs! Love how you say it. I was actually saying it with you. Thanks!

[@redlion3d]

Greatly appreciate the knowledge in an attempt to deconfuculate myself.

[@mikeperry2814]

Congrats on 200K!

[@Wreckeem]

I am buying one just because I love your content. IM COMING BACK EVERY UPLOAD THATS ON GOD.

[@John-cj3ve]

Love the changing background pix over your right shoulder!

[@andersjankov7178]

Love your vids. Keep em comming

[@JLeezy864]

Just because of you I am now a new subscribed follower and am absolutely purchasing this radio because ofnsad hams.

[@trulylynn9941]

I am glad I found the best so there is no need to watch the rest!

[@NightHiker72]

You Rock Brother! Keep The Videos Coming!!

[@domlecompte2415]

Your video's got me to purchase the Amateur Radio License Canadian Basic Qualifications Study Guide, 9th Edition also with 2x UV-5R. Great info and I am getting involved with the local club VE2CWQ.

[@Yugo-CA]

I come here for the lulz and you never disappoint randy!

[@LikeOnATree]

I raced to the comment section to say that I both laugh a lot and learn a lot from your videos! I especially like learning how “fars” these radios will transmit! Thank you! 😊

[@buckeyeblaster]

I love my UV-5R! Ended up buying many more for the family and some spares for... "Some people" when Shtf. *Roger Beep*

[@user-qq9tf1tr7x]

Thanks for the informative video's, I appreciate it!

[@YoungFanguiZhe]

Just received the Baofeng (pardon me, "Booofwang") 5RX the other day. I was very impressed with the build quality. I appreciate your videos as they have helped me in programming the unit as i was able to learn prior to receiving the unit manual. The 5RX is capable of receiving AM -"airband", which was of interest to me. Would be cool if you were to review one of the AM capable variants

[@silverismoney]

Love this guys videos. The opposite of the sad HAM gatekeepers. Congrats on 200K. Have you used the Quansheng UV-K5?

[@alexfetterhoff2147]

Getting mine tomorrow..i cant wait.!!🎉🎉

[@richardmillican7733]

200k Randy! Congratulations. Ive 3 baofeng UV-5r... i had 4 but i dropped one into the sea!😢

[@sauletto1]

Congrats on 200k ! :)

[@thegreener196]

gawd I f****ing love this guy. great content! subscribed sir.

[@marcspaz]

I miss my UV5R, but I do love my BF-F8HP. Both awesome radios.

[@rapache1]

Thanks for making this 🎉

[@Timberlinetown]

I am brand new to GMRS and found your channel and now I can't get enough!! The dry humor is to die for and top notch!! I do have a question though that I have been confused on. When it comes to your radios like the UV-5R, TD-H8, etc. when not in use, is it okay to keep them on the charging dock for extended periods of time? Or is it best not to simply "store" them on an active charging dock when not in use? Trying to do what is best for those little batteries, extended life, avoiding possible overheating, etc. Thank you for any advice.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

I would never leave mine on the charging dock unless it's charging due to the potential fire-hazard.

[@Timberlinetown]

@@TheNotaRubicon Enough said! Thank you very much for your time.

[@AdamEisan]

“Undocumented” 😂😂😂 So good.

[@user-yj9jl2ss6u]

I learned a couple things, had a few laughs and left a 'Like'. Take care...

[@archstanton9206]

If you are not already a highly successful fisherman, I think you would be were you to take up the sport. You have a gift.

[@waynehendrix4806]

He could be a master, baiter.

[@richardcorwin1828]

Thank you!!

[@craigmelchiano72]

I love your channel and delivery. Thank you. 🙏🏼PLEASE help me with these questions about the UV-5R; Are there only 5 channels, of 5 frequencies? Or am I doing something wrong? Is that why I only get about 1 mile distance? I’m using the tall antenna, should I not be? It’s on high power, is that automatically 8W?

[@killsplaque]

I played a staring contest with you multiple times. You won every time. :)

[@user-oi4fg3os7t]

Randy is "qualified" to talk about the UV-5R. Unfortunatley, SOME PEOPLE are not "qualified" to shut up and listen.

[@RonanKeane]

Entertaining as much as educational.

[@vvogt4252]

Great Video Brother R. 👍🇺🇸

[@Point_Blank55]

Love your sarcasm it makes the video and will subscribe because of it.

[@RedMurkal]

I'm really starting to understand the term "Sad Ham". From my living room I can access at least half a dozen repeaters. These repeaters are quiet alot of the time. However, a radio check without a call sign will get you a lesson in "the rules" from any of the "sad hams" that are listening. If they aren't going to use these repeaters then why do they care so much about "qualified operators"? Also this channel is by far the one true channel for two way radio content. Rando rocks!

[@johnsmith7676]

Neurotic control freaks, of a sort, they are. There is no order in the World, so they vainly attempt to create [ridiculously overreaching, whimsically absurd] illusions of order within the confines of their own miserable, little, personal "realms". Good Christ... You should see their homes. It's not just Sad Hams, either. It's pretty much everywhere these days.

[@stevenemert837]

A couple of years ago I even saw a park ranger at Yellowstone using a Boofwang UV-5R.

[@pr_beast_23]

Love your T-shirt. Thanks for the video.

[@johnpauljueroberts4759]

Always enjoy this guy's content. Watched hours of his videos, still don't know his name. Stay true, notarubicon. More than a boofwang i feel most inspired to get a Jeep.

[@jamescarter431]

Dude, you’re the best. This video had me cracking up

[@guillaumeboutet5964]

Tanks for your vidéo ❤

[@6tim7]

I have no idea how to use my boofwang, but it's fun to scan and listen to. Living in las vegas, there's plenty of chatter at times

[@CentralVirginiaEAS]

I own a boofwang UV5R++. Great radio.

[@erikbetancourt7194]

I use my baofeng more than my yeasu hand held. They are so fun to use.

[@codypal55]

Ear holes and ocular sacs were educated and entertained. Thanks.

[@farmerwayne1404]

I see you have posted your "favorite" judgenot behide you. Jolly good!

[@DiggerX]

I have 4 Boafeng's and 2 Quansheng HT's that are Wonderful, the Quansheng has a really Awesome roger beep. I'm Not a Ham, I'm more of what you would call a "Free Bander", but I do hold a GMRS license.

[@mickqld3003]

My UV-5RA receives all local services and can transmit/receive the CB frequencies. I'm ham licensed and consider it a very practical & useful radio. I forget the differences, maybe it's the A model that allows all this, but also I recall 2 different versions of the radios having different band coverage capabilities. One going to 520 MHz, one only 470 or something.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

You must not be in these United States because no UV-5R could ever transmit on 'Merican CB radio due to the low frequencies that 'Merican CB radios use..

[@mickqld3003]

Australia. UHF CB is 477 MHz. Some radios could not do it. Pending which version we order here. I found the Wouxun radios to be good too. Dropped one in water in a flood. It fogged up etc, but recovered in a few days of drying. Still works 10 years later. Hard to criticise that durability. I have a few, so I can hand them to friends if SHTF in some way.

[@tonyp4092]

Quansheng UV-K5 and its variants are $15 shipped...

[@Barracuda48082]

Only my uv5r pro oscillates that high, my uv6r will tune up but struggles to oscillate above 4.48 gigglehertz. The double double set of Tidradio gm5r ( your recommended choice) have channel lock issues. Phzz, phzz, phzz. Like yours behind you on your bench..flicker, flash, phzz

[@Adamdaj]

There are Amateur Radio Operators out there like me who don't always follow protocol. I have owned several radios that were unlock or jail break as some call it. Radios like the YAESU FT-60R will only work on two of the five channels on the MURS band even though it still violates FCC R&Rs.

[@gregorysloat4258]

Both of my radios (UV-5R and UV-5R Plus) came unlocked from Amazon (and I’m assuming the factory).

[@evergreengroup14]

Are there any other viewers interested in seeing an informational video (including programing help) for the UV5G Plus?

[@barrysoutthere]

Gadget Talk channel did.

[@gregsmith1116]

True. So true. I love my cheap Chinese radios and keep them close at hand and along side the more expensive HTs as well. Fun and glee with friends and strangers and many cannot discern that I am using a cheap Chinese radio to talk on the repeater or on simplex. Ha, they are great!

[@zmaint]

Do you have a video showing how to easily program a Baofeng GMRS UV-9R?

[@micwell2247]

Got 2 UV 5 R + rad's and love em I don't care to trans on them. Going to resorts I look up local trunk lines and freqs and run them in scan hear all the goings on ...in the unlocked condition of course

[@user-eo7cf2cd7k]

Thanks for not letting the sad HAMs lie to use, bub!

[@ClintonBowden-jo4yy]

I mainly use mine to let the Walmart stores know I'm at their store to deliver. I've been having an issue with my battery lately. What extended life battery pack would you recommend?

[@MourningConstitution]

Thanks!

[@BennyHubba]

Love it

[@rogerthomas5940]

Will those spurious RF emissions ever interfere with my spurious nocturnal emissions?

[@youveneverheardofme1596]

I love this guy. He is so entertaining. And sadly, I am a licensed Ham Radio operator. But I can’t figure out how to use the. Boof wang walkie-talkie. That’s a big 10 four good buddy.

[@edporter9355]

The thumbnail title to lead us to this episode is rather suggestive and -----I Love it ( use me hard ) I can hear the radio calling out ---Oh, HURT ME !!😵

[@Jeff97405]

Liking the haircut...keep up the good work on this radio.....10-4

[@rowanlawson3844]

Can you comment on the Baofeng AR-5RM ham radio - I believe it ships unlocked, and I’m wondering if it is essentially a UV-5R with a better display and longer life battery. Thanks!

[@bily4566]

That judge will fine you 450 million dollars for not having a ham radio licence

[@X-OR_]

I Love the Sound of a Roger Beep In the Morning...... It Sounds like Freedom :

[@TimsSchoolOfFish]

I’m completely new to the world of GMRS, FRS, HAM, SARS, ASMR all of it. And I have a couple of questions. Will the 771g antenna for the UV-5R extend range like the 771? Or does one work on one band and one on the other? Do I need them both? Also, is there a way to tell if the UV-5R is unlockable when searching on Amazon? Thanks!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

The 771G is only useful if you'll be transmitting on GMRS frequencies, and it seems there is no way to tell if you will be getting a UV-5R that is lockable or not when buying on Amazon..

[@TimsSchoolOfFish]

@@TheNotaRubicon Thank you!

[@Trd2020]

Best Ham channel!!!

[@enigma51ted]

FM only, good to know :)

[@SuperDubmonster]

I was talking with my dad about radios a few weeks ago and his first name drop was NotaRubicon. Didn’t understand why until I watched this video. This man and my dad are the same person lol. So much so my wife walks out of the kitchen like “is that your uncle?” lol.

[@jadonschreck1237]

What’s the best radio for a comms down situation