Baofeng UV-5R - Yaesu FT-65R Capabilities, Comparison, And Suggested Frequencies To Monitor

Baofeng UV-5R vs. Yaesu FT-65R
I compare and contrast the two radios, go over their capabilities and uses, and show you how to find frequencies in your area that you may want to monitor.
Yaesu FT-65R Radio:
amzn.to/2NcHdzN
Yaesu FT-65R Programming Cable:
amzn.to/2Egut8v
Yaesu Website:
yaesu.com/
Baofeng UV-5R5 Radio:
amzn.to/2GOdqfG
BaoFeng Programming Cable:
amzn.to/2NdOXkQ
LEGAL MURS Radio:
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LEGAL FRS Radios:
amzn.to/2BH1d9b
Miklor Website:
www.miklor.com/
RadioReference Website:
www.radiorefer...

[@ricks4361]

3 years later and this is still one of the best most informative videos I’ve found on this subject. Had narrowed down my search to Baofeng F8HP which is basically the UV5 pumped up and the Yaesu FT65R. Also looking at a newer Baofeng entry, UV17H Pro GPS because of the GPS feature. The number of accessories for the Baofeng, higher Mah batteries, batteries w usb-c charging, the DC car charger and just the sheer ubiquity of Baofeng has me thinking that’s the way to go. Thanks!!

[@allyburg7145]

I put my Baofeng in the bin after I got my Yaesu ft65 . What a difference in quality !!!!!

[@AdamosDad]

I retired a few years ago and threw all my stuff from my maintenance job into my tool box to take home, I turned in my UHF Motorola to the company and now after years I see this video and think that mic looks like my Motorola so out to the garage to the forgotten tool box and whamo its still there and works perfect on my FT-65r. Bonus from the old workplace.

[@TNRonin]

Hmmm I have a bunch of Motorola throat mic stuff. I need to check the Yaesu when it come in.

[@AdamosDad]

@@TNRonin I hope you find one that works.

[@therealpreparedhomestead]

Good comparison video! Another option for beginners on a budget are older used Motorola and Kenwood's. The boafengs are ok and will get you on the air but aren't as tough as older radios.

[@28ebdh3udnav]

I agree. I got a pair of baofengs because of the budget. Then again, if you want a great quality radio, you'll need to spend the extra cash.

[@roberts3942]

As a new technician license holder, this video was very informative and helpful.

[@CanadianDrifter777]

Great video and information Gordy! Thanks. Just got my license up in Canada. Using the UV 5R for a radio skills course. It has the upgraded antenna and works quite well. Probably gonna be getting the Yaesu --very nice. You covered a lot of good stuff. Power to the patriots in America, Canada and worldwide. The empire will be defeated. Keep the faith!

[@mburkhart41]

Great rundown on those two radios. Thanks for all the reference info!

[@miriamsmith7135]

I have no problem programming a Baofeng with the key pad. Great video.. Have a great one.

[@no5x937]

April 2019 the FT-65R sells for $85 @HRO and $85-90 online.

[@docmacg6315]

The was a great tutorial. I learned so much as a first timer interested in radios and licensing.

[@monawarrajayki5445]

Just got the ft65r as my first ham radio Thank you for everything

[@SuperFlatrock]

You can easily place the Baofeng in an inner pocket or backpack and use it with an earpiece/mic to protect it from the elements. In rainy conditions I'd do the same with the Yaesu. The Yaesu is still worth the investment.

[@BBaldwin]

I’ve got both. The Yaesu is far superior..

[@jj01a]

Thanks Gordy. I greatly appreciate you putting all the effort into making this. I'll be going with the 65r's going forward instead of the 60's. Next question, how do you keep them fed? :)

[@childfree83]

Thanks for the cool video. I have two uv5r’s with the 3800mah batteries, a yaesu ft 65r with the upgraded battery as well and an ft 60r with an upgraded battery. I love the yaesu radios but wish they offered the 3800 mah battery packs cheap like the uv5r’s. The uv5r is a great value for the price I just wish it came standard with a bnc antenna connector and and a proper signal strength meter like the yaesu’s.

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

Thanks, I'm starting out getting my Technician's license as soon as a VEC can open a class for me (hopefully soon). I live in Oklahoma as well :) My gateway into this hobby was a couple of Baoeng 8HPs, I find they are a great value even if they are prone to spurious emissions. I did however get a Yaesu FT-991A for a base station rig, and to start out with a Diamond X50A.

[@jay-rus4437]

In tulsa area myself. New to all of this, but looking at some good options for my family emergency plan

[@jec6613]

For EMP and lightning, Motorola and L3Harris do indeed publish information on survivability. It's not easy to find and it's dense, the lightning protection section for Motorola is around 200 pages long, but it's out there. The ARRL also has information on EMP protection available in their lightning protection section.

[@LordGryllwotth]

The Baofeng has the multiple frequency transmit capability since it has no filters! I reccomend Wouxun if someone need a Chinese brand. Filtered and great! I got the KG-UV6D many years ago and it works great. I hate that I have spent money on radios that doesn't work properly, TYT, Baofeng.

[@Robertodiver69]

What a great explanation. Great video. I have learned more from you today then on any other video seen before. Thank you 🙏

[@ivanmendoza2704]

The Baofeng UV-5R is the best radio for preppers. 1) I have 10 (6 for use and bug out bags for my family and 4 in faraday cages.). 2) i also have 2 Baofeng BF-F8HP for use. 3) I will be buying 2 Midland XTS 2500 Military grade incryptable radios from Kemp Wireless for $185 buck each. For most people who prep you do not need anything better than a Baofeng UV-5R at about $25 to 30 bucks, plus they are a lot more versatile with cheap accessories. I will never buy a Yaesu "better quality" radio when i can get 5x UV-5Rs for less than 1x Yaesu FT-65R for my needs (2 is 1, 1 is none ). Also, i have had my UV-5R in all types of wet weather without a problem.

[@BBaldwin]

Where are you going to “bug out” to? Best to shelter in place. Venturing out during SHTF is extremely foolish. The Baofeng is junk, rife with spurious emissions and if you think ham radio is for prepping, you are sadly mistaken. It’s evident you’re not a serious operator, but a fair weather ham and that’s ok. Sure, you and your buddies can live action role play in the woods with your UV-5Rs, but you’re just going through the motions..

[@Tech-NO-City]

I had a kenwood ht the antenna sma male snapped off after about 3 months of owning it. I didnt notice any difference in the front end or transmit with my UV-5r and its currently sitting next to a 4 antenna 2ghz&5ghz night-hawk router and there is no interference on the UV-5R.

[@modex20]

what you do see are the spurious transmissions coming from the baofeng. one look at a spectrum analyzer and it's clear as day.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

@@modex20 the little engine that could ✌😊

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

damnnnn 😳

[@gregorioskelley1724]

What's your opinion on the Tidradio H8 gmrs radio, I just received mine from Amazon today.

[@donadams5503]

qrz I missed your call wa8qzz I just got an FT70d because my ft60 audio finally died after 10+ years of constant use. I thought I upgrade to the FT70 with some digital. However the ft60 battery can last for days compared to ft70 whose battery indicator seems to come on immediately...... DX eng had the ft60 on sale so I bought another one. I don't see a great difference in real performance between fm and dw digital AND fm sounds a lot better. Digital does connect you all over the world through the internet and you tend to have easier control digitally but you can also do that with standard fm. If you have the bandwidth use it it's better.

[@ivanot88]

Hi, thank for your video, I’ve a question, are there a A and B row on the 65r like the baofeng in order to speak and listen one freq and listen the second (B) freq?

[@simonnizerontheroad]

I feel you would need to specify a detail about VHF vs. UHF . Yes in theory the vhf travels further than the uhf but uhf deals significantly better with obstacles and changing terrain. We live in the Rockies and my wife and I did several tests from her workplace to home which approximately 12miles away in the valley down a winding highway and where the VHF range are not even close to be reaching due to being blocked by trees and hills. The UHF though will reach inside the house (even the basement) just enough for me to hear someone trying to transmit and if I go on our roof we can actually understand each other clearly enough over the static. So its important to specify that VHF will have greater range than UHF ; IF YOU HAVE DIRECT LINE IF SIGHT WITH EACH OTHER (or with the repeater being used). Like in a flat field or with someone in a elevated observation point. As soon that you have obstacles or changing terrain (both urban and natural obstacles) UHF will most often offer better communication for a wider more diverse area

[@OzarkGeek]

Yaesu does have the AA/AAA battery packs and a cigarette lighter adapter available for "some" models. Need to check the accessory list options for the model you are interested in.

[@childfree83]

I just ordered one of these from hro it was right around 90 dollars. That is a great value considering a cb handheld like a cobra would cost 109 and would be full of static and probably only transmit 1 mile at best with the rubber ducky. A cb needs an antenna 35 feet in the air or an illegal linear to even be heard. I should yet my yaesu on Monday or Tuesday. I have the older yaesu ft 60r and love it.

[@benjaminpauza159]

Have you done any quantitative tests between the two?

[@m_bro6822]

Hey Gordy! Do you have any idea how the $63 BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio would compare?

[@shadomane]

Hello Arkansas Prep. I'm over here in NWA (Fayetteville). I'm interested in getting licensed and learning more about ham communications. I know very little about the ham communications and/or radios. I have a question about the Baofeng radios. What is the difference between the UV-5R and the BF-F8HP(I own this radio)? Thanks for the video and for sharing your knowledge. Subbed.

[@childfree83]

I love how the uv5r is only 23 bucks on amazon. I’m gonna use one as a mobile with a nice speaker mike like the signal code red 21 and a magnetic mount mobile antenna. Nice being able to build a mobile cheap.

[@dave_nunez]

Great channel! @arkansaspreparednessnetwork I was wondering if you can do a review with tthe Yaesu FT-4XR, or do a comparison with the FT-65? I am new to ham radio and considering in getting a technician license. I feel with everything going on that this may be an important trade to learn. Thank you so much for the info!!!

[@tonykendrick618]

Could you compare the ft65 with the ft60?

[@sunnylandcamper]

basically the same radio

[@skippyi6969]

FT60 = Metal cased, built like tank and will last decades along with old school squelch knob. FT65 = new Chinese made Yaesu to compete with Baofeng. they may even be made on the same line as the baofeng except to a higher standard. They are absolutely NOT basically the same radio.

[@daytona1212]

I think the Wifi route issue,says more about your router. I don't have that problem with my wifi route even when i plac my UV-5R on top of my router. But thanks for the video, all info is welcome.

[@ct2gsn]

Is it possible to transfer the programming of a Boufeng to the yaesu-ft-65? with the cable?

[@MattG-dk6sx]

New to this . Will this radio be obsolete soon ? Is it going to digital ? Thanks

[@amoore8761]

Do you know where a person in the OKC OK area could go to begin getting training and info on HAM Certification? Contact points? Thank you.

[@gordy1]

Technician class study guide (PDF is free) www.kb6nu.com/study-guides/ KZbin video series by The Ham Whisperer kzbin.info/aero/PL7564E84F0A8082FD Online flash cards and practice exams hamstudy.org/ hamexam.org/ How to find test sessions in your area www.arrl.org/exam_sessions/search Find a club near you www.arrl.org/find-a-club

[@gregakablackie]

Do you have a part number or a link for the Yaesu external mic?

[@billreid2066]

Baofengs use a Kenwood style speaker mic plug, so they work for many brands. The Yeasu I have been told use the older Motorola style plug

[@boggs2005]

I would choose Alinco DJ-VX50 than Yaesu since it has that dual band dual monitor plus with IP67 and its also a Japanese brand - Alinco.

[@fanman8102]

Excellent video. I do have a question. I have heard that increased wattage increases your output signal. Is that true? I'm not a radio guy and I have been doing some research but I'm not sure. Some say it matters but others don't mention it. Actually I have a LOT of questions. LOL! I'll try to contact you via Patreon (Bear's channel) if that's OK.

[@gordy1]

Ken Fannin Yes, output signal power is measured in watts. More watts = more output power.

[@gordy1]

Let’s connect at Patreon and I’ll give you my email.

[@fanman8102]

Excellent; thanks!

[@anthonypocock]

Ken, in a perfect world yes more watts = great range. The real world reality is that it's all about the antenna. You could push all the power you want through the small radio's antenna at ground level next to your head, and you're still not going to enjoy the results. If you invest in a small antenna and cable to throw up into a tree or hang out of a window, your range will improve exponentially. There will obviously be more hassle involved in deploying it, but it definitely gives you an option if you're not making contact. I do this regularly, and it takes about 60 seconds to roll out the light weight antenna cable, throw it up in a tree and connect to the radio.

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

i got the 30 bag baothing, i agree with the antenna thenng brother ... i have a main repeater system dialed innnn..... sweeeeet ✌😊

[@joshholtan6901]

Actually not quite the same frequency capabilities. I’ve received a few frequencies on the baofeng that my yaesu won’t even let me key in. It diverts me to a close frequency where I can still hear the state troopers. But it’s not the listed frequency that i can tune on my baofeng. However, it does receive from way further and way clearer

[@Lithium023]

Which frequencies does it not do? I'm interested in mainly the 150 to 170 range in vhf.

[@jsbadger]

With the Baofeng's, which is going to be the most "bang for your buck", or versatile? I'm noting about 4 different major types/versions on the placrs that carry them. And thank you for this information!

[@ctsteve1967]

BAOFENG BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

[@follow_fraser3081]

Maybe I missed something here but with that expander code on the Yaesu ft-65, I would be able to transmit on FRS and GMRS channels?

[@crazy4chickens]

Buy one find out for us

[@TNRonin]

Yes.

[@lonestarprepper0156]

Excellent vid. Baufeng really good if you need to buy lots of radios. I think they, or any other radio would survive emp if kept in a metal ammo box with rubber gasket replaced with metal gasket. Store with antenna and battery in seperate plastic bags. Do you belong to amrron?

[@gordy1]

I was a corps member for several years. I even had a local 2M net going for a few months, but little to know interest locally. I am still a member, but not corps anymore.

[@gertjandembele6583]

Is it possible display always on the Yaesu FT-65E

[@robertrockwell7581]

just watched a guy from england on a 5 watt hand held talk to a guy in michigan so they do reach out. and just bought the 65r on Gigaparts for 89.95.

[@MoTown44240]

You slipped at 5:56 stating there are a multitude reasons that the Yaesu costs less than the Baofeng. Also, your pricing of the Yaesu FT-65R is inflated. GigaParts price Oct 23 is less than $80 and Amazon is $99. The 12V cigarette lighter adapter Yaesu SDD-13, for $28 Oct 2019, will work for the FT-65R, although not specified.

[@jeffbrown9648]

Great video Gordy ! Thanks for the info.

[@skippyi6969]

Heres the issue I see with the Baofeng. You NEED that damn $20 programming cable interface to program that radio without pulling your hair out. The Yaesu can be programmed with ease from the keypad and menu system. Now you have $30 in the Baofeng and $20 in the cable. You are dangerously close to the price of the FT4x ( which is basically the same radio as the FT65 but smaller in stature) at $75. My point being that for $25 more, you get a way more robust radio. The economics of the Baofeng doesn't make good sense at that point. And let's not forget the Yaesu 3 year warranty that you are NOT going to get with any Baofeng. We won't even open the can O worms about the Baofeng spurious emissions on the 2nd and 3rd harmonics ( and beyond ) that have been proven on many spectrum analyzers. I call the Baofeng the Chinese splatter box. Still, at $30 , it works.

[@mikemiles3068]

Good video❗️

[@micmucky4993]

I have the vx170 cracking radio solid build still working perfect signal receive and sound quality blows most other radios away I have the original yeasu mic aswell and the antenna

[@ctsteve1967]

THUMBS UP FROM NEW ENGLAND GREAT JOB, BUT FOR THE MONEY THE BEOFUNG IS A BETTER DEAL I AM TALKING MONEY WISE. NOW I HAVE SEEN SOME FOR ABOUT 10 BUCKS NEW NO CHARGER BUT A LOT IN THE 19 DOLLAR RANGE. I WOULD RATHER LOOSE A 19 DOLLAR RADIO THAN A 80 DOLLAR RADIO. THAT IS JUST ME. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[@xfnwfox]

6:40 do you have a bad wifi router? my wifi router does not do this

[@wolffo999]

excellent!

[@bdfh1962]

Excuse my ignorance but didn’t they make UV5r illegal? Or was that just hype. Great video

[@gordy1]

The FCC released a notice to a specific importer. They basically told them to stop the import and sale of these radios. The public, myself included, expected the FCC to follow that with some type of enforcement action, but to my knowledge they have not as of yet. Baofeng radios are still widely available. ...for now...

[@bdfh1962]

Gordy Thank You, I have a 4 complete setups for those radios, extra batteries, up rated antennas, handsets and charging options, but intended to upgrade to the Yaesu, if they do ban them they will just be moved over to my SHTF back up kits. Thanks for the info.

[@mercedescherokee6853]

If you're comparing the ft-65r to the uv-5r, wouldn't the bf-a58 or uv-9r plus be the competitors? both of those radios being labeled waterproof and dustproof.

[@cizzle456]

Does the yaesu fall under theFCC banned for Chinese Radios?

[@gordy1]

No. The Yaesu is sold as a ham only radio, and comes only able to transmit on ham frequencies.

[@indianaconstitutionalpatri9576]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@n6pud]

MURS is also only 2 watt max.

[@m118lr]

Wayyy off on the FT-65R price. As of 10/1/‘20 it was $85 @ gigaparts..

[@OscarRodriguez-ls5bj]

the yaesu cost more you said it was cheaper. not so

[@mrbig0891]

Hi. baofeng radios are forbidden in switzerland, too many harmonics. It is not recommended to use. greetings from switzerland 73

[@ctsteve1967]

TO BAD FOR YOU

[@patrickmaggio5113]

I have the cigarette lighter charger and it goes to my yaesu

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Beware make Shure that the auto adapter out puts 10 vdc. ☠️ 😱 12 vdc will tear up the charger pad.

[@childfree83]

An HT should always come with a bnc antenna connector. Sma female/male is a poor design.

[@alitlweird]

Good info but this was a very awkward review.

[@truthfaction6187]

The Yeasu is only 99.95 as of this moment time 19:30 date 190701. July 1st.

[@GSGExtreme44]

550 cord? You must be ex military -

[@kevinmckay810]

all tolerances are mathematical

[@ctsteve1967]

I GUESS SO

[@pyrmontweb]

Baofeng is horrible quality. My FT-65R is much better.

[@BBaldwin]

Correct. ALWAYS choose Japanese product over mainland China crap. ALWAYS.

[@kevinmorley6300]

It’s not long before the numbers wear off the keypad tho

[@jamesmhebert]

Kevin Morley - off which keypad?

[@kevinmorley6300]

James Hebert // the numbers on the front of the radio that you use to enter frequencies. Those numbers wear off quickly..

[@colddeadhands429]

Baofeng’s are are like a disposable condom with a hole in it. It’s always there when you want it. But it won’t do you much good ?

[@Eckotich]

comparing $30 vs $130? LOL