BaoFeng's New UV 21R Ham HT. What You Need to Know.

[@stevereynoso7820]

Great informative review - thanks!! I received my UV-21R from Amazon about a week ago. I was able to program it using CHIRP if I select UV-17Pro radio. I like it better than my UV-5R - easier to use, larger screen, USB-C chargeable, rain & dust resistant. Below are the power measurements I got. Surecom SW-33 Plus Power & SWR Meter with the included dummy load: 144 MHz: 6.0 watts 430 MHz: 4.5 watts 223 MHz: 6.8 watts Freq ranges: TX & RX: 136 to 174MHz, 220 to 260MHz, 400 to 520 MHz RX: FM65 to 108MHz

[@torreywatkins3341]

What did this mean

[@Danwemyss]

Thanks for the great overview on this one. I picked one up and was able to program it with CHIRP using the UV17 selection.

[@yoelreads8924]

I own two UV-21Rs and have bench tested four. They have very sensitive receivers according to my IFR 1200. My display is light blue with dark blue text. Menu 45 for firmware version doesn’t exist, so unsure which firmware mine has. I am a hardcore Yaesu guy but this is the Baofeng I would recommend. I bought them to stuff in the glovebox of family vehicles, USB charging was a must. The CPS software I used is P15UV from Miklor. Very nice video review!! 73

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and adding to the conversation. 73.

[@garryharris9098]

Is it also type accepted for gmrs? I now hold both licenses and do not want th tote 2 radios

[@journeyman6752]

Wow! I just saw one of these for sale on FB marketplace then typed it into YT and saw your video. You are wealth of information! Watching from Australia.

[@sickofthebullshit1967]

These are highly illegal in Australia. If you get caught transmitting or receiving on any baofeng radio you can get fines up to $260,000.

[@handynothandsome261]

@@sickofthebullshit1967- *Is Australia as anti-ham-radio as it is “anti-gun?”… And if so… WHY?*

[@kiranthirumala]

You got a new subscriber, love the way you review it, please continue doing this 😊

[@BogusBolloks-mf4wq]

I love the USB charging this is my 1st radio ever with USB charging. The DTMF tone dialing is also very nice. There is no settings to change screen brightness or to map/customize the side function buttons and you cannot scan interference tones in channel mode. Hopefully itll be added in a future firmware release. Overall a nice radio though a bit tall, a little shorter would have been nice.

[@toddstarkey7476]

Thanks a ton for this. All the other post I’ve seen the CPS wouldn’t work. The one you used worked perfectly for me.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Excellent. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers

[@yogidemis8513]

Another Baofeng that I don't need but have to have for my Baofeng addiction.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Too funny. I feel your pain. 73

[@bodhi974]

Great overview. I just received mine Saturday and have not programmed it yet. I’m a new ham and have. UV-5r and just programmed it this weekend. I like the weight and feel of the 21r. Hoping to try programming from the cable in a few days. So far I’m liking it.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Great. Enjoy. 73

[@l.c.3150]

thx I watched to compare with uv s9 plus. You reviewed both so grateful. Which one would you go for?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

These are very similar radios. Go with the style that you like. The biggest difference that may affect you is the S9 has an LCD screen which will be easier to read in bright sunlight. If you aren't outdoors a lot, the color screen is cool.

[@sondrayork6317]

I have the uv5r and for $30, works quite well for what it has for features. I really do love it too and I don’t really have any complaints about it.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Glad its working for you. Cheers

[@mitchm2559]

Thank you for putting this entertaining presentation together! I was disappointed that there is no support for CHIRP which I am familiar with. But directing us to the correct version of CPS that would work with this radio was pure gold. You must have spent a great deal of time, research, and trial and error to figure this out. But it works great, thanks to you, 73 and happy Veteran's Day.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for commenting. I appreciate it. Cheers.

[@mitchm2559]

It’s been often mentioned that CPS doesn’t support cut and paste to/from Chirp. I discovered a workaround. If you export your Chirp image file to a CSV, you can then cut / paste your frequencies into CPS. But overall CPS is horribly user unfriendly.

[@jerichosgv]

Chrip works with this radio. Try UV17R. Worked for me

[@cliffords2315]

Love this. My only problem is I wish the screen would stay on long enough to punch in numbers before it goes dark the turning back on is irritating there must be a way to keep it on

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Away from home now, so don't have access to the radio, but I believe the menu item called ABR let's you set the time the screen stays lit.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

You do an excellent job on your videos gadget talk you're awesome🎉❤

[@FirstLast-vr7es]

It's interesting to start seeing some better offerings from Baofeng et al. I wish there were more options with digital modes though. I have several mixed-mode local repeaters, and would love to be able to gain access with a more advanced budget HT.

[@ussafety51]

Can you manual program the radio ?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yes.

[@timdawkins7347]

Thank You for taking time for Us to learn. Going to add this radio to the uv5 fleet

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Hope you'll use my affiliate link! amzn.to/47tDTYY

[@giga18116]

Hello, i bricked this radio by using a sequence of keys to "unlock it". I used ptt + scan + # and power on. Now the things wont turn on and PTT is only doing flashlight on. I believe it went into weird reset mode.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for sharing. Sorry.

[@giga18116]

@@GadgetTalk4U got to make it work, had to remove the battery for 5 minutes

[@ДмитрийКрутиков-д1щ]

Hi everyone! Could you send me a link to the software for Baofeng UV-21? Thanks!

[@speeddemons8871]

How the heck do you remove the battery from the radio? the manual says to push the battery release above the battery pack. I don't see any type of release anywhere on this radio and I removed the screw at the bottom of the battery already.

[@MrFreddarama]

How do I turn off the sound notifications? They are so annoying. Thanks!

[@hotkatgotama]

Hi, I am desperate for some assistance. I bought two UV21R Pro walkies with the idea that those would have good range and quality comms. I know absolutely nothing about walkies but have managed to research the PMR license free frequencies for the UK and obtained the Baofeng programming cable and software... and therein is the problem. Other than the allowed PMR frequencies, I don't know what value I should use for all the other columns in the software. I know that the cable is working because I read the settings from one of the walkies - the frequencies are all in the wrong range. But beyond that, I don't understand some fundamental things about walkies and those PMR frequencies, e.g. is RX TX on the same frequency. Is there a guide what would take me through all that stuff - I have a hint of an idea about the security features, but it is very unclear and all the KZbin talks way over my head with unfamiliar tech jargon. Your suggestions and references would be most appreciated. I plan to use these walkies abroad in Feb 2025 - I will deal with the foreign frequencies/regulations after fixing things for the UK. Many thanks.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Programming for most of these radios is very similar - too include the GMRS radios. Here's a playlist of my programming videos. I'd start with the general topics like programming your GMRS radio and then take a look at a couple of the ham radios. kzbin.info/aero/PLQIgS1or9_J5-Tm1RyjYHlsBO1--tUcTZ&si=2Fp_IpaawEj7r0ou

[@spudmurf9323]

Thanks, How do you change bands?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The A/B button changes the the active displays but I don't think that's what you're asking. You really don't change bands. You enter a frequency in the VFO mode in the band you want and it works or doesn't depending on what you entered and what range the radio transmits. Same with programmed channels.

[@spudmurf9323]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks much, yes, I knew that part but was wondering if I was not recognizing a band button. Thanks again.

[@geziyorum9272]

Up to how many km range works?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Too hard to answer. Range significantly impacted by geography and other location variables such as buildings. Typical small city - maybe a 1 - 2 KM

[@princeT-369]

hi there, which would u go for 5RH or the 21R

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I like the UV21 better.

[@princeT-369]

@@GadgetTalk4U what about the gt-5r over the 21r? Both hv clean signal

[@GadgetTalk4U]

​@@princeT-369With those two, it's all about size and style. Personal preference.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

I program mine right from the keypad it was very easy took a little longer but I didn't use the programming cable it was so much easier than the regular Belfang radio Happy New Year you do such a great job 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@t_alex9012]

How do you program it from the keypad?

[@tomperone9338]

Does this radio have banks or zones to help organize all those memories?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Not that I noticed. Memory planning is a big deal with these high memory radios. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tonyjalog261]

Do you have experienced the battery will drain slowly when the radio is not in use?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I don't remember for this one. I've had lots that do, however. Even expensive ones. If long term misuse is necessary, I'd disconnect the battery like they do when they ship it. Cheers. Thanks for watching.

[@bodhi974]

I am new to ham radio, general ticket and I have 4 boafengs. I followed your suggestion to program the up-21r and loaded a group of repeater however I guess at the offset (not clearly labeled on the program and set to write to radio but nothing saved. I still have the same preprogrammed channels. Any idea where I may have went wrong????? I’m subscribing by the way.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I assume you're using the CPS. If so, save the file from the radio for backup. Then delete all the preprogrammed channels you don't want. Use repeaterbook.com to make sure you have the right offsets, frequencies and tones. Then give that setup a new name and save it to your computer as well. I use year month day and model format. Then write to the radio. Should work.

[@bodhi974]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks! I continued playing with it then managed to do everything on chirp is the UV-17pro. Read and wrote to the radio no problem.

[@sideswipe7939]

i managed to use Chirp and copy channels from my baofeng bf-8h successfully. i had to use the uv-17pro radio to recognize it. it was advertised wireless transferring. How does this work?

[@topcat15191961]

Press the exit key. FQSCAN will appear

[@kf5hqedavis242]

You’re very easy to understand and I thought your review was very good. Can’t wait till my next visit to Sun City, my family lives there. I’ll ping when I’m in town.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. 73.

[@hartranft66]

would the RT systems program cable for BT8 work? It works for my other BaoFeng's?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I don't have on, but likely, yes.

[@dankefurnichts]

what is the difference to the Evo-1 10W CE? looks exakt the same.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

They likely are. I noticed a slight difference in fonts in the photos but that was about it. It may be where in the world they plan to sell the radios. Baofeng naming schemes are quite confusing.

[@chitung2277]

The instructions for setting a channel with specific frequency seems to be incorrect. Have you figured out the correct way to clear a channel and set a new frequency to it?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I do most of my programming through a CPS as I find programming memories on the radio itself confusing. I reviewed the instructions and it looks like unlike previous radio's, you start by deleting the channel using menu 31 and then program in the new values and save back to the same channel. You have to be in VFO mode for this to work - not Memory Mode. Good Luck.

[@blairsmith201]

Broke down and got a UV21R and I like it. Mine is actually putting out almost 5 watts UHF and over 6 watts on VHF, tested with a Surecom 102 into a dummy load. It also came unlocked and can Tx on GMRS, thought they were going to stop that?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yeah, me too. Some radio models are opened up and others not. Like yours, mine will transmit in that range. Since the review, I've also checked the 220 band and it transmits there, too, at over 5 watts. That seems like a big thing not to mention in the advertising. I'm going to have to add transmit experiments to my reviews. Glad you commented. Thanks.

[@orionlogalbo3924]

Do you guys have the pro version? Maybe that’s the difference?

[@blairsmith201]

Nope.

[@dusi-labs1872]

I just got the uv-17R. This looks like the 5R button set with the 17R display and button kit. I wonder if they will do a Pro version of this like the 17R-PRO(BF-17H)

[@jonmonte9977]

@gadgettalk. Which beofeng model would you recommend for a newbie HAM. I'm dizzy from all the options. I've spent the last 3 days researching many baofeng models and I'm still undecided which one I should actually purchase..thanks for any info

[@GadgetTalk4U]

If you have to have a BaoFeng, then this one is pretty good. Right now, the radio in this price range I would recommend is the Tidradio H3. I have a review on the channel and another update coming in the next few days. In full disclosure, I've gotten one sent to me by Tidradio but I still really like them. Good value for the price.

[@jonmonte9977]

@GadgetTalk4U Thanks. I ended up purchasing the Baofeng uv-21R, I figured the worst-case scenario it would be a good backup radio. I will check out the Tidradio H3... Thanks

[@stephenbland7461]

In the uk, Amazon showing this model as ‘currently unavailable’

[@k16slife28]

I just got one, can you receive on two channels at once? like how you can on the 5r

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yep. TDR Menu 7. Cheers.

[@k16slife28]

@@GadgetTalk4U thanks

[@Penny_Pincher_Outdoors]

Love the T38 on the shelf! I watched them (and many other aircraft) fly around the Gulf Coast of Florida throughout me childhood into my late 20's.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

When I was an Air Force student pilot in the 38, we used to say that the only things it was good for was looking good and going fast! Cheers.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Thanks for the overview on this UV21R wish they had it in other colors other then orange

[@mitchm2559]

I’ve seen both green and grey

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

​@@mitchm2559​ interesting no matter how I search it only shows up with orange for me I would prefer the green but didn't know they had green or grey because I can't find them appreciate the info on the colors

[@MrCorynick]

Does it use the same program cable as the uv5r etc?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yes

[@itsrenatoc]

Shoud i buy an analog or digital dmr baofeng ht ?thanks !

[@GadgetTalk4U]

What digital mode you choose should be based on what mode is most active in your area. One way to check would be to check repeaterbook.com for DMR, DSTAR and C4FM repeaters near you. If you're going to go with DMR, I'd suggest the Radioddity GD 88. It has a bundle on sale right now. My discount code might get you a few percent more off. If you're a new ham, this UV-21R would be a good started radio. Digital modes can be hard for even experienced hams. radioddity.refr.cc/jmohan351

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Receive and transmission audio sounds good

[@danielsnyder2288]

How does this compare to the UV 17?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

These radios are all very similar. Big difference in my opinion is styling.

[@jankelder1]

Hoe is de harmonische onderdrukking van de spiegel frequenties?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

As I recall, they were within the US FCC limits but not as clean as some other radios I've looked at.

[@Jethrospect]

Is this better than UV17 and UV5RH / BF5RHM?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Better is a squishy term. Far too subjective. They are all very similar in features and performance. Their big difference is the case's style. Pick one you like. They are cheap enough to pick two and play around a bit. I didn't like the 5RM and 5RH's spurs.

[@MrKeys57]

Hi! my ol uv5-r has given up on me, and i am looking at either the UV 17 PRO or the UV 21 PRO, can you recommend one? 73 Levi

[@GadgetTalk4U]

They are very similar. Take a close look at the features, and if one fits better, choose that. I like the UV 21 feature set and case styling.

[@MrKeys57]

I ordered the UV17 - it will arrive some day this week! 73 Levi in Sweden

[@stevenmiscisin4892]

Good radio, overall, especially compared with other HT’s in this price range. Only complaint so far, is I wish there was a setting to increase screen brightness, as I find the display a bit dim compared to similar radios.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@-DCM-]

Can't program with CHIRP?

[@42-BMW-M57]

Work this radio with MOTOTRBO DP2400E or not I have UV-82, I've tried several times to scan DP2400E Channel 3 unfortunately I haven't found MotoTrbo DP2400E Channel 3 frequency.

[@rds766]

Chirp works with the UV-21R. Just use settings for th 17 pro.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers

[@speeddemons8871]

Hi, Im in Peoria AZ so pretty close to you. I could use some help with programming some radios if you would be interested in meeting up some time let me know. Im out at Luke frequently hanging out in the 310 FS. I was making the bottle openers from the 20mm rounds for the F 16 guys, were an F 35 squadron now though, I miss the Viper!

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Seems a bit better then the UV5R for sure

[@markcaldwell778]

To be honest the feel of radio is much better but I don't know of its just me but my uv 5r transmits on more frequencies than the uv-21. Once I go on or above 480mh it will not transmit even though the uv-21 is advertised as 400-520mhz

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

​@@markcaldwell778 that is interesting wonder if it's locked on them frequencies above 480mhz even though they say it isnt

[@HiOctane62]

do they have a version of this for GMRS?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I haven't seen one. I have a review on the new Baofeng UV-5G Plus coming next week. It's pretty nice. Cheers.

[@whit10mm72]

Yes GM21

[@videotrexx]

Where is the test for spurious emissions?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I mention this in the first 90 seconds. Didn't show the Tiny SA in this review. Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers

[@ElMareTV]

CHIRP works, select UV-17pro

[@W6OBB]

That's what I'm using.

[@catFurrBall]

thanks. was having a hard time finding the right software. 73's

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@RobertOwens-ny1mr]

I like him he knows his stuff about ham

[@HendelZawodowiec]

Witam. Mam takie radio i przez przypadek musiałem ustawić hasło którego nie pamiętam i radio jest zablokowane ponieważ żąda wpisania hasła. Jak je teraz odblokować ? Dziękuję za pomoc.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Try this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIOxZ6p8qrKoh9Usi=cMkO80zrQUv9LMoY

[@dougofford6567]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial.

[@clems6989]

Nites after a couple weeks: Screen times out and you cannot tell it is on,You'll forget to turn it off. Also the audio is horrible on this thing. Receiver sensitivity is right there with my Yaesu Ft60r

[@johnstockwell8322]

Uv 15 cos worked with mine

[@timleverre5022]

Very informative video sir. Brand new to the scene and a lot of this is way over my head at this time. Could you explain to me in layman’s terms the upgrade in the 21 pro’s range capabilities as compared to the uv-5r. Thanks a bunch.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Most 5 watt radios output 3.5 to 4 watts. My UV21 output a little more. Not a big difference. The long flexible antenna that comes with this set probably has more impact. Third-party antennas will similarly help - Nagoya or Signal Stick. Range in this category doesn't vary much between models. Geography, buildings, and vegetation play a big role, too. Channel numbers, style, and feature set are probably more important discriminators. Cheers.

[@spy8464BB]

Nice review. Thx

[@GadgetTalk4U]

You're welcome! Cheers.

[@josealpizar3059]

Great video. Thanks!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Glad you liked it!

[@firearmssanctuary2448]

what we really need is something along this line that can be charged with just a type c cable from an adaptor or power bank just like our smart phones. also with both AM and FM band.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

This is USB chargeable just as you describe.

[@firearmssanctuary2448]

@@GadgetTalk4U i am only seeing the wall plug and it looks like it is permanently attached to the charging base on the amazon listing.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

​@firearmssanctuary2448 Since you're already looking at the Amazon listing - main picture lower right shows the battery and is labeled Type C port. Just plug in the USB cable. Little LED will glow green when charged. Many budget radios have their ports on their batteries. Cheers and Happy Holidays.

[@eml3148]

Difference between Baofeng UV-21R & UV-21 PRO V2? I see more videos on the UV-21 PRO V2 rather than the UV-21R but no mention on the differences.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Unfortunately, oftentimes the only way to tell is to scour the sales pages for each radio and compare specifications. Cheers.

[@SIGINT007]

It has an FCC cert label, but does the FCC actually certify it?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Go to the FCC device database and look it up. I frequently do that.

[@sebastianvalenzuela6408]

Thank you so much, i really apreciete it

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Ludicropolis]

Any idea on how to get the uv21r to scan through the programmed channels? Joe KE8ZIN

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Mine scans when long pressing the # or scan button - lower right side of keyboard. If that doesn't work, you may want to load the radio into the CPS to ensure the SCAN ADD column is annotated as ADD for the channels you want to scan. I didn't see a menu item in the radio that controls that. Also check the scan mode. I prefer TO. CO is OK but SE stops scanning whenever it hits an active channel. Menu 21. 73.

[@righteousguy-ci3ln]

Cool video

[@perspectv1]

Very informative video. The power output on high is very disappointing which is why I will have to pass on these.

[@markcaldwell778]

I have a uv-21 pro v2 advertised as RX and TX 400 to 520mhz but will not transmit on or above 480mh. It doesn't transmit but the radio bleeps when I try. Does anyone know the reason for this?

[@scott-in-dfw3005]

When choosing a new BaoFeng, the most important features are the flashlight and selection of Roger Beeps. Please dig into the flashlight operations, Lumens output and hypnotizer flash. Can you also demo the Roger Beeps. Usually they are too short, so I developed my own 6 second long beep, to really savor and celebrate releasing the PTT and ending the transmission.

[@-DCM-]

Nice T-38!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yep, the "white rocket." Not white anymore.

[@-DCM-]

@@GadgetTalk4U we said at work that once a pilot finished his T-38 time, he had seen every engine malfunction in the known universe.

[@deanwells86]

I never understood why they included a flashlight on their radios. It seems like an unnecessary feature.

[@ConnorDawkins]

Until you need it and then it’s a godsend

[@imoldovan]

Does CHIRP work with this radio????

[@GadgetTalk4U]

No. You need to check the Chirp web site to see when/if it gets added.

[@MeOnTech]

Nice

[@RichMantaray]

just get the baofeng uv5rH it kicks out 7.5 watts for the same price

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Unfortunately, it also kicks out all kinds of spurious signals, so you've got power going out where you aren't listening.

[@eddiedowning2571]

I have the same radio and my screen is white not dark

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Interesting. I didn't see any menu such as dark mode or background where that could be changed. Strange.

[@nramorrisg8415]

Anyone know where to find the uv 21 baofeng belt clip

[@UrbaNSpiel]

Cool

[@garryharris9098]

Good review, thanks Garry KI5ES 73S

[@CoolStuff..]

cool

[@thomasmanson1119]

Good video. More than I expected! Thanks, Tom KC3QAC

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Glad you liked it! 73

[@chris2crazzy]

Not at 5 watts it's not great lol

[@Wsmith247]

Same old radios OVER, and Over and over.....Man they have to be laughing at us like crazy in china. The only good thing is we get more videos from you.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

There is certainly a sameness about these radios. I guess just like cars haven't changed significantly over the years (most have 4 wheels, an engine and steering wheel) radio changes are driven by trivial style changes and our ability to interact with them. Anyone for a voice activated control system? Thanks for watching and commenting, 73.

[@VoeViking]

Same xit different smell.

[@tornado-nathan58]

I bought this radio. Very disappointing. Didn't come with program cable and can't seem to find right one. Then the antenna is trash just like the radio. Save ur money buy a good product

[@jimholmes2555]

Thanks for the informative video. K0DXJ

[@vlatkodenisov]

thanks! 73 de 9A7PAJ

[@michaelowens3477]

Always enjoy your videos. War Eagle! 73, K4JMO / WRVE445

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Watching the Tigers handle the MS Bulldogs this afternoon. Hopefully this is a rebuilding season.

[@egillis214]

AU class of '85 K5EDG

[@KevinTrotman]

Nice reviewJim. I subscribed to your channel too. Looking forward to exploring what else you have shared. 73 de N5PRE Kevin Trotman

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for the sub! 73

[@garryharris9098]

I also like it, but if anyone unlocks the uv5g plus to work on ham bands I am buying one