Baofeng UV-5R Hacked | 220MHz Software Unlocked!

[@proudtex]

Once you make the mod, use chirp to read and write the radio as a Radioddity UV-5RX3. This will allow you to save 220 frequencies to the radio.

[@terryjwood]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@miniatures1]

Thanks for the tip man it worked! I was actually coming to this video to ask for help on how to save 220 frequencies to the uv 5r thanks a lot!

[@wb4145]

I've the BF-F8HP and although I'm able to program the 220 freq directly on the radio, if I try to set a new freq using CHIRP it gives me an error message (Invalid edit: Frequency XXX is out of supported range). Any idea how to fix that?

[@justinmoyers1179]

Bro….good save!

[@Steve-qn6bt]

This is awesome. I also discovered, like many others, that if you lie to CHIRP first and select Radioddity UV-5RX3 instead of Baofeng UV-5R before downloading from the radio, you can just change the VHF TX range in the settings and enter your 220 memories just as you would 2 meter and 440 memories.

[@terryjwood]

Thanks!

[@alanklasek7195]

Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks. It worked

[@zingodingo2816]

Do you have older models? My 2016 UV-5R units didn't show FACTORY. I still had success with the rest of the procedures (RadioOddity, etc.) and opened up way more frequencies, and could save them as memory/channels.

[@peterdekeles.]

That's awesome. Now I'm off to brick my 10 Baofengs LOL

[@hamradiotube]

good luck!

[@chrissewell1608]

Pick one as a guinea pig!? 🐷

[@spaceflight1019]

Make sure you have the right driver for the programming cable or yes, you will brick the radio, until you get the right driver for the cable. Been there, done that.

[@thedoobie1]

I did this and added a dedicated 1.25 antenna from amazon for about $12 and made a simplex contact at about 5miles. He had a great antennae, but i was still happy with the results.

[@xe1rew]

Great video !!! As it was pointed out here, programming the UV-5R as Radioddity UV-5RX3 works, so now planning to set up a local repeater on 220MHz and invite local radioclub folks to use this band as here in locally we have no activity on 1.25m. Thanks and cheers from XE2AD.

[@bill3805]

Finally. Someone posted both parts of this hack. Most if not all the other fake posters negelected to use CHIRP to actually enable to hack. Good post.

[@dennisstarks1365]

You should add that unlike 2 meters & 440 there is no harmonic relation on 220. I/E for 220 you must have a dedicated antenna. Other multi band radios that are capable of 220 from the factory will state this in their manual. Failure to heed this warning will result in the failure of RF output transistors. KB0SFP

[@TubeRadiosRule]

You can get aftermarket tri-band whips for these HT's. I was given a tri-band Baofeng for Christmas by a friend of mine and I bought a Nagoya tri-band antenna the following year at the Hamvention, and it works fine.

[@royurick]

Reminds me of back in the day when I had a choice to buy a Packard Bell 486SX, or pay an additional $100 for the DX with the built in math coprocessor. I cheaped out and went SX. I was browsing through the manual one day and I found a jumper setting note. J6:1-2=SX, 2-3-DX. On a whim I opened the case and moved the jumper. Magically I had the more expensive model. Ran like a top. And slightly faster too.

[@hamradiotube]

Ha! That's how they get you.

[@nobodynoone2500]

An SX and DX were completely different chips. So what you likely did was overclock your SX to DX speed, as I think they still had discrete clocks then. Still a very cool hack.

[@royurick]

@@nobodynoone2500 Actually the SX chips were the DX chips that failed the stress tests on the math co-processor side. So it was basically a scratch and dent CPU that worked fine as long as I didnt overwork the coprocessor. And since I wasnt using it for heavy compute, I never (hardly) saw any errors or crashes.

[@bodhi974]

I’m a fairly new general. I’ve seen a few of your videos but this one………this one made me subscribe. Bravo!

[@MikeN2MAK]

Awesome! I heard that can be done. Did you see how much power they put out on transmit? Even if it's not much, it's nice to have.

[@hamradiotube]

I checked with my MFJ power meter both my Yaesu and Baofengs and they didn't show any power at all. Pretty sure the Yaesu is only a half watt though. Not sure about the Fengs.

[@AlanMuenzel-v3x]

I order the radio and did the mods and now power out as well. But will receive just fine

[@Chris-in-ky-ky4ckp]

Great mod, thanks for sharing Mike! So far no joy on an older BF-F9v2+. Of course chirp does not have this version listed specifically so that could be it. It did work on an older uv5rv2+ that I have.

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for the info!

[@devineproductions8359]

my uv5r 1.25 will not work on b band, only a band try it on a band. 73

[@AlanMuenzel-v3x]

Well I just bought a new UV-5R to test this mod. Did all the things you talk about to the letter (Video) and it worked. But it's not putting out any power to the antenna and there is no SWR showing on my bird watt meter. Antenna used was the comet CX-333 tri band base antenna. I have the UV5RIII and this radio works fine and puts out the power but not the UV-5R on the 1.2Mhz band only. Works and 2 and 70 just fine. Well this mode dose open the radio up for receiving only. Will TX on the band as well but now power output and will not bring up the repeaters just nearby radios in the same room only. Good mod for receiving only please note. N7GAD - 73's

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I would love to see how much power this puts on on 220 and the spurs 🙊

[@hamradiotube]

For some reason my watt meter wouldn't measure power on any of my radios. Even the Yaesu, which I know puts out .5 watts.

[@NathanMazanec]

Sounds like a test is needed on your handy dandy thingy mabobber!

[@jamess1787]

Sounds like we've got another on HRCC in the works. 🥳

[@theDAK71891]

I wonder if @notarubicon will give us a legal video on this hack. . . Hmmm.

[@jamess1787]

@@theDAK71891 it has nothing to do with gmrs, so probably not.

[@AvtodomUSA]

I did that 3 years ago. :) Looks like you saw my tutorial. :)

[@W0CYC-HamRadioEndeavors]

Dude! Thanks for this Mike! I usually skip right over the Boofwang videos, but this is cool. Maybe this will bring some action to the band. I had only one ht that ran 220 and I’ve never talked to anyone on it. I’m gonna convert all my Boofwangs now! 73

[@AlanMuenzel-v3x]

Well how did your mods go. Mine open the band for receive only. No output power to TX. Will not bring up the repeaters.

[@brazoon1]

Is 226mhz the upper limit? How about the upper and lower limits of both VHF and UHF? How high/low can you go? Edit: VHF goes as low as 125.7mhz any lower and the radio stays "stuck" and doesn't transmit. The upper is 249.8mhz but it is low sound quality. The UHF limits are 400mhz (low) and 519.995mhz. (high) All checked with SDRUno. Great video, thanks for making me explore this!!

[@wecontrolthevideo]

Above 225 and below 136 would be aircraft which is AM and the B-Feng is not setup to receive AM, audio would be very very low and have distortion

[@brazoon1]

@@wecontrolthevideo You would think so but 125.7 TX comes through loud and clear on SDR and on my KG-UV9D. Not optimal but it works. Unfortunately, the KG doesn't transmit at that freq and I only have one UV-5R. I'll test it with my neighbor's UV-5R when i get a chance.

[@meola69420]

@@brazoon1 Probs shouldn't leave such direct proof on the internet of you using a non-compliant radio in restricted bands, I mean I am not the police, but you kinda want to make it hard to prove anything should the alphabet boys come a knocking, eh!

[@redneckwhitehouse5919]

​@@meola69420 "the alphabet boys come a knocking" Dude you need to grow a pair and live like an American and not worry about tiny rule infractions. Its rulebook warriors like you who bring on the "sad ham" label for good reason!

[@brazoon1]

@@meola69420 True but beyond the quick testing I did I don't plan on using any of these frequencies. For me it was just a curiosity. Plus, I'm in Canada so as long as I don't mis-gender someone the authorities won't care. lol

[@shandybrandy5407]

I had tried this a couple of years ago in my UV5R and it works fine.

[@hamradiotube]

Nice.

[@shandybrandy5407]

@@hamradiotubeHi, I have been watching your videos since more than a year now. It is not that anybody who have recommended your channel, but it was due to my own efforts to find someone who is honest in their reviews of Ham Radio related equipments. And that honesty had led me to subscribe your channel. I appreciate the way you scathingly criticise manufacturers for poor quality and deficiency of rigs while wholeheartedly appreciate when manufacturers improves the flaws. For instance, the videos on Xiegu rigs and MFJ's HF multi band telescopic antenna. Such reviews helps me to decide in buying too and keep up such good videos coming. Cheers! VU3TQT

[@DJCee1973]

A little late to the party! Thanks for showing this Much Appreciated!! It worked!!!

[@netfixr1]

Once again you brought the goods! Thanks Mike, 73

[@dennisstarks1365]

I have tried this on 5 radios. All would accept the program edit but only one had any measurable output power. That one radio also had very distorted audio. Baofeng now offers a UV-5 that has factory 144/220/440. The set included 2 antennas, 1x dual band and 1x for 220. KB0SFP

[@BradSnyder1]

Pretty cool! Thanks for sharing it Mike! 73

[@hamradiotube]

You bet

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Ditto for me

[@douggalt]

I have several UV5R radios that are unlocked but none seem to want to accept the 1.25 meter frequency. I changed the VHF upper limit to 226 but when I try to enter 222.500 it just say cancel. Any ideas?

[@devineproductions8359]

my uv5r 1.25 will not work on b band, only a band try it on a band. 73

[@Denzlercs]

Cool hack! How is the receive sensitivity going that far out of it’s designed frequency limits?

[@robertmeyer4744]

I my GT-5TP and UV5-R my power level dropped on 222 Mhz. did nit test receive. but antenna match was over 3:1 except on Nagoya tri-band which is great

[@Denzlercs]

@@robertmeyer4744 that small matter too

[@mongo6167]

Awesome video not sure why i never thought of that

[@hamradiotube]

And it was right in front of our face the whole time...

[@spryjunco3686]

Which desktop reference mat do you have shown at 1:03?

[@nandrews8412]

Would have liked to see power output and emissions on 220.

[@hamradiotube]

None of the radios would register on my watt meter. Including the Yaesu which should put out .5 watts. My high quality MFJ meter just might not be sensitive enough to go that low. Someone else commented theirs put out 1 watt.

[@robertvantichelt6448]

The UV5R III tri band only puts out 200-250 mw on 220. I'm pretty sure this mod won't hit that. But at least you can listen on 220 Mhz.

[@mycods]

Why press the 3 keys? I was able to change frequency range in CHIRP without doing this step.

[@zachpeters7096]

I did this after watching the video. My Daiwa CN-901 read 0 power output on 220. Didn't even budge the needle one bit. 6w on 2m and 70cm, but a big fat zilch on 220.

[@av3510]

I have one of the Tri-banders (S9?). It is probably the same guts as the UV-5R. Never been able to hit a repeater with it unless I'm standing right under the receive site!

[@hamradiotube]

yeah I doubt they are putting out much power. My Yaesu VX-7R only puts out half a watt on 220.

[@Kevin-w8ni]

As many mentioned, what is the power level… I think it would help if you had a 1.25m antenna. The stock 2m/70cm rubber duck surely is not doing you any favors. Test it with a 1.25 antenna and it may show more power output.

[@hamradiotube]

I don't know. None of the radios would register on my watt meter. Including the Yaesu which should put out .5 watts. My high quality MFJ meter just might not be sensitive enough to go that low. Someone else commented theirs put out 1 watt.

[@VE3FAL1Fred]

Works well as does on my radtel radios. Only radio I cannot get 220 on is the Wouxon UV8DPlus....will keep trying.

[@hamradiotube]

You can do it!!

[@vonleiningen]

I'm not getting my radio to read. What "port" do I have to set? Assuming the preferred USB port?

[@davidlawson17]

I have been told new uv5r’s are unlockable if so, is it possible to get an older one somewhere?

[@cciummo]

Have you tried entering the freq in via Chirp? It errors out as a unsupported range. But it works via FPP on my UV-5R. Chirp won’t program. Latest version too.

[@AdamosDad]

I did this a few weeks ago and its pretty cool. But what I did was use the original software to edit the frequency range then tell chirp that the radio was a UV 9x3.

[@murcuryvapor]

Did this with the UV5R Plus. I can direct enter 132.000 MHz but anything above 199.999 MHz it will say 'cancel', but I can manually arrow up into that range. Any thoughts or tips on this?? Thanks.

[@kressano]

it is really necessary to play with button ? I 've done this on chirp without the factory mode several years from now. a security update may be ?

[@vango3820]

My UV5R8W is locked and i get a notifications when i hit settings that says error occured, none type, object not writeable. Doesnt work with the model i have

[@patriknagy5639]

Sry, I'm a beginner. Do I need to switch the antenna for this? And is this safe for the radio? If I see it correctly, this one doesn't have the default antenna, I'm trying with the UV-9R Plus with default antenna.

[@hamradiotube]

I honestly wouldn't worry about hurting your radio. This doesn't really put out much power at all on 220MHz. I am using the stock antenna in this video. Different variations of Baofengs will have different antennas. It wouldn't hurt to get a 220 antenna, of course. But honestly if you have a lot of 220 activity around you (most places don't) you'd be better off with a radio that's actually made to TX on 220. This is more of a hack.

[@patriknagy5639]

Thanks for the response, sorry for writing just now, KZbin didn't notify me. I'm not interested in values close to 200MHz, but rather in the 110-135MHz range, is it possible to bring it down to that? What are the limits where this radio is operational?@@hamradiotube

[@familyoffour8020]

Does this work for the UV-5RH? Id like to be able to transmit on aviation frequencies, not just listen

[@brandonki5mjh709]

I was just wondering about this today i was digging around data sheets to figure out how to hook into the serial coms on them and seen the rda1846 chip was capable of 200-260mhz.

[@hamradiotube]

Nice to know!

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Pre-premiere comment: is it possible that the software supports it but the hardware doesn't? Very interested if it works well

[@kenroberts4767]

When I hold down the three buttons mentioned, and turn the radio on, it says, "COPING". And the Chirp software still will not allow the entry of 220 MHz frequencies, even after extending the upper limit in the software as shown in the video.

[@w5cdt]

What about antenna resonance? Don’t you need a 220MHz antenna?

[@ki4qfl]

Only works on the UV5R not the UV5R Plus. The UV5R Plus looks like it works, but will not key on the 220

[@nicleopet7742]

Hello, can this Baofeng UV 5R model be shortened with any Baofeng model?

[@tweebthelerker3952]

Mine will not enter factory mode this way. I am just beginning to learn radios, other than using them, and how to program them. But, i cant get this one into factory mode. Will Chrp read/write to it anyway?

[@N2RI1]

comments show some not using chirp correct is why not working. are you turning volume max during programming with cable?

[@bigjj974]

I am a photographer, and I am looking for a scanner for rail, and both civilian and military aircraft. Can the hack that you just showed give us the capability to monitor those channels on the UV-5R? If not, what scanner would you recommend?

[@hamradiotube]

I really don't know much about canners, but I'll tell you, the UB5R is a terrible scanner.

[@oldjarhead386]

Uniden Sds100

[@TennesseeFrank]

Tried it on my new UV-5R and it'd not take. I can't get anything in the 220Mhz range. Must be somekind of firmware lock out or something on the newer radios.

[@SuperCapsfan101]

Dude! You’re an evil genius! Awesome! 73, Mike K3CXG

[@umershahid84]

Do I need a license to use these radios? If so, where do I go and how to obtain a license, thank you!

[@suprlite]

What frequency-range does it have after the hack? Can it be extended in both directions?

[@nopenadda4415]

How do I get settings to pop up for my uv5r because mine is by EWC and it never has shown settings for my radio on chirp anymore. Why is that?

[@mosierbuild]

Worked like a charm.

[@jirisvoboda7356]

I have a Baofeng UV-9R. Do you know if it would somehow be possible to receive frequencies below 130 Mhz? Maybe 120? I think it might just be a software issue because it can receive FM radio (76-108 Mhz) and I doubt there is another tuner. Chirp won't let me overwrite the VHF range outside of 130-176 Mhz. Any unlocked version of Chirp?

[@magiwarwolf1]

There actually is a second tuner for commercial FM stations. Unfortunately that tuner is a solid state soc, and can't be modified.

[@N8RKAW3FLQ]

I followed the instructions that you said to use to unlock the radio. Then i opened up my Chirp program and changed the parameter in Chirp and it will not take the frequency I input. This is the error that I get invalid edit Frequency 224.060 is out of support range. Please advise...

[@chrissewell1608]

When I recently was messing with the cheesy FM radio feature, it scans from 88 Mhz to 107 Mhz... What ever is standard! Okay. BUT, when you manually plug in a frequency, it will go down to the 50 - 64 Mhz range! All I heard was static, and bleed over & Other worldly voices. But I was using the 2m/440 rubber duck 🦆 antenna. I am curious if it would actually recieve on that band.

[@harrycaul2494]

Not sure if this is a great idea in the UK though?

[@alphamike7548]

When I access the preferences it says ´NoneType’ object is not iterable. How to resolve the problem please?

[@bigfranksworld]

Sweet! The 2m and 70cm antenna works okay on 220mHz?

[@hamradiotube]

Oh no, you'd def want a 220 antenna for sure.

[@redneckwhitehouse5919]

It's in the middle of what your using now. @@hamradiotube

[@VE3UET]

your upload screenshot does not say you uploaded 223.500mhz or anyother 220 frequency

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Very cool.. Now I just need to convince myself to get a BaoFeng.

[@hamradiotube]

You don't have a Baofeng??

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

@@hamradiotube Believe it or not!!!

[@kidbach]

(Faints) if you get a Baofeng, you just might make the universe implode, Jeff. Lol. KC3UEE

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

@@kidbach Kind of like with the Android tablet... If I ever get that working with my new radio.

[@KaL_Terow]

​@@hamradiotubeI've bought 3 thanks to Randy😅😂

[@j.trevorharris5645]

I purchased the UV-25, did you have a unlock trick so I can transmit on 220?

[@alpha9675]

How to do this with Baofeng- UV13 PRO model please?

[@MeOnTech]

Verry Nice!👍

[@eijneB06]

is there a way to see the corresponding frequencies in a preprogrammed channels in a B-UV5R? in just the radio itself as I don’t have such cable

[@hamradiotube]

You've gotta have a programming cable.

[@rapache1]

Thanks for posting

[@keithfrost1268]

Maybe you might know, I have a BTech uv5x3 & uv5x4. both are decent for what they are, but my gripe is that on both radios the squelch needs more increments between 0 and 1. Zero is nothing but static and one is missing a lot. Any hacks to increase the sensitivity of the squelch?

[@zingodingo2816]

Get into CHIRP and change the squelch numbers. No need to go too high; just spread the numbers out over a reasonable range.

[@kchedville]

i just got a UV-R5 and gave this a Try -- it did nothing -- i could read the Radio with Chirp and change and save as you showed -- but when i enter 220.500 into the Radio it says ""cancel"" and goes back to displaying the 462.550 frequency... what could be my problem??

[@b.u.g.a.j]

Baofeng UV-5R did not work on 1.25, after using chirp. Can that be done using Hex Edittor instead ?

[@theDaftman]

don't work on mine! did what was in the video all goo till clicking on setting in chirp, (new or old versions) all i get is ('Nonetype' object is interable) so all good until hitting settings in chirp.

[@QXZASX]

I did this hack to both of my Baofeng BF-F8+. It worked on both. I had to set the upper limit on one though to 227 instead of 226 as it would not go to 226. Not sure why. I also set the lower VHF to 108 Mhz, the beginning of the Airband and it also worked. I was curious as I dont have a bnc connector and coax to my bird meter or a 1.25 meter slug for that matter to test the power output of this. Any idea what this might be putting out? Thanks in advance. KE0WQB

[@notthepainter]

What radio did you select in Chirp? I tired UV-5R, couldn't set the frequency. It says "Cancel" when I try a frequency. Curiously, when I read back from the radio it does have 227 set!

[@robertmitchum2972]

Doesn’t seem to work on the 1st. gen Baofengs. No big deal though, I have plenty other 220 MHz. Ht’s

[@Eric10179]

Im really curious as to how this works. So what it seems like is the tri band baofengs don’t actually have extra internal components that make the 220 band work. Confusing…

[@hamradiotube]

I mean, how many different 'Fengs are there? I've had a LOT over the years and they are all pretty much the same.

[@j.trevorharris5645]

how do you take the UV 25 pro max to factory so I can transmit on 220?

[@davidniemi4051]

Thanks for the video Mike but considering that Baofeng UV5Rs generally have 3rd harmonics above standards, I'd imagine that the radio might be even further out of compliance on 1.25m. It would be good to check this to ensure we hobbyists don't cause interference problems.

[@elfenmagix8173]

That is only for the older Baofengs built before 2019. The newer ones (2020+ units) are much cleaner in their outputs.

[@ccchas2]

It works for me as you showed. However my CHIRP app will not allow defining a chanel with a 220 band frequency,

[@McPilot_W3DDS]

correct is there a workaround?

[@baronvonshekel7323]

Hello sir,does this work with UV-5R+ ?

[@islandupcyclery3432]

Can this be done without the programming cable?

[@leprechaunblood889]

I have 1 out of 3 radios that this will not work on. Any suggestions?

[@K1DTC]

Do you have a video where you used a Jackery for POTA? I thought i remembered you did one but i cannot find it or perhaps i was seeing things. Best 73

[@hamradiotube]

I do not

[@KaL_Terow]

Randy from @Notarubicon has several videos in his channel, where he uses a Jackery unit to plug in the GMRS radios he tests. He's also listed the links to get 'em, if you so decide.

[@n3vmt126]

does not work on uv5r when I hit the button combo it display 'COPING' whatever that means 🤔

[@kevinroberts781]

I have been a ham for 57 years. UV-5Rs is the only radio I have ever used. No need for anything else

[@kevinroberts781]

It's pronounced boofwang

[@hamradiotube]

You are correct sir. And THANK YOU for letting us know how long you have been a ham lol!! I wound't have taken you seriously otherwise haha.

[@dougfriel3842]

how is the swr on the antenna?

[@robertburdoff1789]

Why would you stop at 226mhz? (Ham curious UHF CB'er - so totally academic but... why?!)

[@J_mann81]

I wonder if this will work for a BAOFENG BF-F8HP?

[@steelgtr]

Works on the GMRS radios?

[@KennethYates-e1r]

any chance to put it on a meter and see what sort of transmit power you get?

[@hamradiotube]

None of the radios would register on my watt meter. Including the Yaesu which should put out .5 watts. My high quality MFJ meter just might not be sensitive enough to go that low. Someone else commented theirs put out 1 watt.

[@VA2DXR]

when I key up I get a tone like a phone dialing how do I stop it

[@CrantonProductionsUK]

Does this work on the uv-21

[@aaron334]

The city i live in they freq is 825k is it a way changing my uv5r

[@Johnyrocket70]

Wonder if it works on the UV5X games radio. Unlock the VFO to transmit.

[@plugnalong2186]

Yeah, I unlocked my UV-5R's 220 MHz a year or so ago.

[@gsleatherworks2442]

Well, on my uv5r radios, the only thing showing on the “other settings” page is: Firmware msg 1 & 2 There is no vhf or uhf settings or anything. Mine are brand new ones, so maybe they can’t be modified for that range-trad unlock did expand vhf & uhf though. Any ideas?

[@hamradiotube]

Hmm, interesting. Dumb question but did you read from radio first? It shouldn't matter though. I'm really at a loss. I can pull it up from a save file in Chirp and Chirp Next. Or try it again now that you've unlocked it??

[@gsleatherworks2442]

It was already unlocked. Yes, I downloaded the current programing. I have the original file when I first bought the ht. Also, it’s the 8w variant-that could be the issue too. Thanks for the response. Good video.

[@Gordon705]

I have the UV-5RX3 which is supposed to be a triband radio. Everybody on FB claims Chirp will eat your 1.25. I tried your suggestion and no go. As I type my frequency in VFO mode the angry chinesse voice says; two two three five zero CANCEL. 223.500 being the national simplex frequency.

[@N2RI1]

works fine

[@tattoosteveneo]

Mine does not display factory? What am I missing here?

[@stevenemert837]

Shoulda figured. When I bought a UV-5R, I bought a specific tri-band model for $15 more that supported the 1.25 meter band. Now if there was someone on it to listen to... (No, not talk to. Not licensed yet).

[@Dmpddiver]

Does this work for the UV82 series Baofeng?

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

What's pwr out at 220 though?