New for 2023 - Is the BaoFeng UV-17 Pro Worth a Look?

[@notsure7874]

One caveat about USB-C charging ports on cheap devices ... they generally don't have the pulldown resistors that enable a PD charger to know it's a power consumer, so a C to C cable may not work from your power pack. If it does work - EXCELLENT JOB! I think it's generally a lazy factor where the engineers don't take the time to fully understand the spec, because it's sub penny level to put those resistors in. Then they go plug into an A to C cable, see it works and call it good... I'd LOVE to know if this does charge with a C to C cable from a PD device though!

[@johnwest7993]

Thanks for the video. I compared the UV-17 to my ANYSECU HT, and the Baofeng had far better sound. BTW, at 4:25 into the video, 8.4 volts is not the USB standard. 5V is. Only USB PD is different. Thank you for doing the harmonic test. Far too many new hams purchasing Baofengs think that's an inconsequential spec instead of the deal-breaker it should be.

[@HarryHamsterChannel]

The Anysecu K5 could make a dog deaf. Worst speaker ever.

[@blairsmith201]

Looks good. I think Baofeng has given up on making sure their radios make the FCC happy. I have recently bought a few and all of them will transmit on HAM and GMRS.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Maybe. While some HTs do have ham band limits programmed in, I don't believe that is required. As hams we're supposed to know what we're doing and operate within our licenses. Operative words are "supposed to." Cheers.

[@tracym427]

@@GadgetTalk4U I think he’s talking about part 95/97 certified.

[@fittoat9261]

Thank you for the review. PLEASE note that THIS is NOT the UV17Pro! It is the UV 17! The Pro has a totally different screen, AM reception, and GPS with different firmware, menu structure, and CPS. Yes it is new for 2023, and is basically a UV13 (v1 - ie:5 Watt) with a BLUE colored screen, and not really a color screen.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Take a breath, this radio is advertised as the UV-17. UV-17 Pro and UV-17 Plus depending on where you look. The version 2 model is as you describe. I'm working on the review now. Check this link: baofengradio.de/en/radios/baofeng-uv-17.html

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Your response to this showed up in an email from KZbin but not here. Strange. Agree with your points. Thanks for clarifying. I'll look for your comparison. That's where I'm starting, too. I hope they release a CPS soon. Programming is not hard, but is tedious. Cheers.

[@fastdude2002]

A video called “Baofeng UV-17 and UV-17 pro comparison and quick review” highlights the differences which are many including GPS, etc.

[@fittoat9261]

@@fastdude2002 yes, that is my video! Thank you!

[@michaelgassman880]

Do you have a link to the Pro version? All the links I see are improperly labeled and actually for the UV17.

[@Radionut]

License I don’t need no stinking license

[@stephenr6427]

Hell you keep ya licence

[@MrKeys57]

THIS is the radio i ordered!! - the all black version - will come within a week! - thanks for the info! 73 Levi in Sweden (though i noticed in the ad for my radio it has black background and white numbers)

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I hope you enjoy it.

[@CaptainHat12]

Is the recieve capability any better than previous models? The main failing I always encountered with Baofengs is that they're deaf to certain signals like APRS or if the signal is weak, at least I can't get mine to hear what my ICOM IC-V80 can.

[@Rick-wy4od]

I've always had issues with the squelch on these. There's something weird about the way they operate. If you use a signal generator and generate an unmodulated carrier, the squelch will open at -125dbm, but put the antenna on and the radios squelch doesn't open on weak off air signals. I suspect the noise squelch is being degraded by display/CPU noise?? 🤔🤔

[@jolerapps421]

Sir, how did you get to have the user-defined channel name and the frequency together on the screen? Can user-defined name be obtained only via a programming cable? Anyhow, what other setting did you use to have it? Oh, BTW, I went to that abbree site and downloaded the software, but do not see the installation file. There are about 10 files without extensions and the only file with the extension is the "uninstall.exe". So, am I missing something. Thanks!

[@garrywoodward9049]

I have one, and impressed with it! Especially for the price! Easy to manually program and store (I never need to use any programming software). Comfortable to hold for long periods. Great to have both the USB-C and drop-in charger, along with nearly a thousand memory channels available. Great color screen, but would be an advantage to have a transflective screen for use in bright sunlight. Pretty amazing for the price!

General feel is like a SenHaix 8800. I have the 8600 and it's a nice radio, with very, very similar features.

[@finkmj53]

Do any technology users take their items with color displays to the outdoors during daylight hours?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

As I mentioned in a reply to another viewer, like most color displays, this one becomes hard to read in bright sunlight. On a bright AZ day when in the sun it was unreadable. In the shade of my body, I could see it - but dimly.

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@GadgetTalk4U - My new Baofeng UV-S9 Plus has the old UV-5R small monochrome LCD with the tri-color LED backlights. The LEDs are so dim that I can't read the display with any of the three colors in my office, and must use a flashlight to have enough reflected light for my old eyes. Presumably, that display would be OK in direct sunlight.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Thanks for a great review. The UV-17 Pro looks good. I love the large bright screen for my old eyes. I appreciate the splash rating and the apparent durability of the enclosure. It looks much better than the UV-5R. I'm glad Baofeng is finally embracing USB charging, and particularly the standard USB-C charging port. I have a large collection of Baofeng desktop chargers I never use. I recently upgraded my UV-82HP HTs to batteries that have a small barrel jack that accepts a proprietary USB charging cable. I also bought a UV-S9 Pro on Amazon last week that uses the same Baofeng USB charging cable and I programmed it with CHIRP last night. The lack of CHIRP programming on the UV-17 Pro is a show stopper for me, but that problem won't last for long. Baofeng has certainly been introducing a lot of radios lately. I wish they'd make one with all of the features we want - IP67 waterproof, durable and nice looking enclosure, large bright screen, USB-C charging, 1000 memories and a wide band receiver. Baofeng supports CHIRP. I wish they'd stop developing their proprietary programming software and do whatever they can to get their radios supported with CHIRP sooner rather than later. Currently, Amazon has the UV-17R (not the Pro), but it's only available in orange. :-/

[@robert100ful]

Can you be able to do a video of the Baofeng uv 17 pro how to put it in frequency mode and to had more frequencies to it please and y

[@jasonzulick6503]

Great review. I am definitely buying one now !

[@lns4048]

Thank you for the information

[@W1AEX]

Thanks for the review. From what I can see, this version of the UV-17 Pro family does not have the 999 channels divided up into 10 scan banks. I believe the UV-17L Pro which I can see on ebay does have that provision along with a black background screen. It also will scan the aviation band on AM which is an extra little treat. I have not seen the "L" version on Amazon (yet) but the scan bank or zone feature would be a major game changer for frequency organization and scanning purposes. Your review definitely demonstrates the nice build quality and the convenient size of this unit. Thanks for the clear and concise report on this model!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I saw someone post that the additional banks don't appear until you assign a frequency to them. That's next on my list of things to try.

[@Norseman2]

I just received my L today and am frustrated. I can’t program mine. A little desktop computer icon comes up on the screen and then on my computer it says Failed!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@Norseman2 Most I'd the time, if you get the icon, you've got the right com port. Good. Try adjusting the volume on both the radio and the PC to ensure the signal is strong enough for the PC to hear. Also, try pressing on the K1 connector to make sure both pins are fully seated.

[@Norseman2]

@@GadgetTalk4U I figured out which software on miklor to use! It’s T6UV on their page a couple down from the one that actually says UV-17.

[@Norseman2]

I don’t have the “bank” feature on my UV-17L Pro.

[@reloadnorth7722]

Being new to the 2 way radio hobby, I purchased a UV5R to learn on. After the last 3 weeks, the speaker became impossible to understand what was coming out. I returned the radio and ordered a UV82. It will be here in a few days and I hope it works well. One question that comes up with a pal of mine that is also new and green to the hobby is: is there a fairly inexpensive device to indicate which frequency a radio is using if the screen goes blank? Thankyou, stay safe and vigilant.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Not sure what you mean by "if the screen goes blank." If its just the screen timer, press any key and the screen should re-illuminate. Otherwise, if you want to check frequency accuracy, you'll get pretty close using an SDR dongle and a computer. I have a video on the channel about the RTL-SDR which is pretty inexpensive and is compatible with several SDR software packages.

[@reloadnorth7722]

@@GadgetTalk4U So what happened was, my buddies UV5R screen went blank and we were wondering if there was anything available to identify what frequency it was on. We are both new to the amateur radio hobby and retired ( he was Mat Tech I was infantry), it keeps us out of our wives hair, lol.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@reload north Gotcha. Easiest would be to hook it up to the CPS. Make sure the voice prompt menu item is on and then let the voice tell you what channel or frequency you're on. Blind hams do that all the time. Otherwise, they're cheap. Get a new one. Cheers.

[@reloadnorth7722]

@@GadgetTalk4U Great. Thankyou again.

[@StevieB-jj9fz]

Sir. I love your videos. I watched your video before purchasing the UV13 now I will be looking into getting this one also. You do excellent work.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate the kind words. Cheers.

[@MrGoodSkills]

Tnx Jim! 👍

[@1349LL]

I’ve got the orange version. Has the same manual, charger, and design, but the buttons along with the ui are different. My buttons have t9 as opposed to shortcuts and the ui has a completely different menu style. The menu is more similar to Dmr radios with main menu options then sub menu’s underneath the primary selection. Weird.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Sounds like you may have gotten the one approved by the FCC. It has different keys, isn't advertised as 10 watts but does have GPS. Does yours? I have one on order and am looking forward to seeing the differences. Cheers.

[@1349LL]

@@GadgetTalk4U Has the gps icon above the idicator light, but its not actually a button. Dont see anything in settings either. Plenty of spelling errors on the menu options though. It also seems to transmit from 136-174 and 400-480.

[@paul.alarner6410]

whats airband rx like?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Pretty much like most of these little low-cost HTs. Noisy but readable. Airport side is worse than plane side - probably better line of sight.

[@KevinToppenberg]

Recently purchased the UV-17. It did not come with a charging cradle. And searching Amazon and Ebay returns many charging cradles, but none state they are for the UV-17. And they are all square, whereas the one you demonstrate is rounded (as is the radio). So does anyone have an idea where to get a cradle when it didn't come with one out of the box?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

If you've searched Amazon and eBay I don't know where else to look. The radio is listed in the BaoFeng store for Germany without a cradle - just with a wall wart to a USB cable. The one that came with mine was a bit of an after thought I felt. More and more radios are going USB C charging. Cradles take a lot of room so for me, its a good transition. Good Luck.

[@KevinToppenberg]

@@GadgetTalk4U Thanks!

[@ismzaxxon]

@@GadgetTalk4U alliexpress may have it

[@johnossi4234]

Will the non-pro version get charged in the pro charger?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Yes

[@johnossi4234]

Does your Non-pro version have the same location symbol on the top of the unit

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Molded into the case? Yes.

[@vandersonrodrigues6377]

Make a video about Baofeng UV-21

[@brianengelhardt6650]

Jim... I saw Sun City. Is that the one in Calif?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

No, Arizona. Cheers.

[@CSIS-Spy]

There is a GPS version as well. Maybe it can do APRS?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Just got that one. Alas no to the APRS.

[@realtyrocks1969]

​@@mclovinfuddpuckerdon't be ridiculous. China isn't tracking you. And if they were what would they gain from knowing where some guy is in the USA. It's not like your radio is registered to you.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

I haven’t been able to get any of the downloads from Aubree to work. Is there a procedure that one needs to go through?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Not sure what you mean by it not working, however I see the Abbree link seems to have changed in the last couple of days. Different from when I downloaded it. Mayby they'll fix it. In the meantime, try this: kzbin.info?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1R5ajZHd3BlNEtHSWtkcXNNbjVSeEVHR0VKQXxBQ3Jtc0tubzJyTHhRMVVQbWhKV0NDaHRxOTZVaXlraFNqcl9aOHFfWExXSnNzS211SVBWcnVEZGtuYU1WVEZLTkFKeGNSX1MxWEhFWFZpRWVBN3dRT3l2NGlpbkg1dmdEQlRrMkh5MnhjMy1ZSUFXYVlZLWxlWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hamradioshop.pl%2Fpliki%2FBaofeng%2FBaofeng_P15UV.zip&v=guuFqXeN8kA It will download the P15UV CPS

[@dparham]

how does it compare to UV-82HP ?

[@Norseman2]

MUCH much better features wise. TX/RX is about the same as far as I can tell.

[@joeframo3347]

You're the best 👍

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers.

[@johnossi4234]

Where do you get the Pro version?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The labelling in this model is problematic. I've found the best way is to look at the product photos and note the screen display. If it has the nice fancy font it's the "Pro" version. If it has the block fonts it's the one reviewed here.

[@alanstone8440]

can you recommend a programming software program that works? My UV-13 doesn't.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Try this from the BaoFeng Users group on Facebook. facebook.com/download/613166160758675/13%2017%2015R%2021Pro%20CPS%20Setup%20v1.04%20en.zip?av=100000094532397&eav=AfaTEd3YtHmhoDEuWb1cTli4vLPlW88nWB93IwX5_iTkmc5K7dEJkPOuHNR83ljt-mA&paipv=0&hash=Acp1CkdE_504phIWV2o&__cft__[0]=AZUJv-J1eQXZ4kb-Q8gu_hliqGYAd8enY7JJr30mZCBQfJ2J5P1k9-LV-gItAZzUgXEAs2mOVcsnrkZt4k92i8bAq7BzyTigqQF22HLBJ7k9c9DBXh3_kFWz62iwaysQ5Kri9i1TwnZG2qYysuxFbIsEXx7mLsFnyaeZ69qTN_ziWQ&__tn__=H-R

[@Norseman2]

I don’t have permission

[@eddiedowning2571]

Try the radioddty gs5b to program it on chirp almost same radio just different screen let me know if it works

[@Norseman2]

Nope.

[@jimreed6503]

Did you ever find an online manual? Looked all over and had no luck. Found the programming software in Poland, but that was all. It would only step at 2.5kHz. Tried several times to change it and in the end gave up and did a Factory Reset. The first problem was that it was in Chinese. Managed to find option 37 changed the language. Next surprise was that the whole menu system has changed. Lesson DON'T Factory Reset unless it's a last resort. The screen is a pain in bright lighting. IP54 or sometimes advertised IP45, is not really waterproof. Otherwise it works like any other BaoFeng, nothing surprising.

[@Johnyrocket70]

Ali express is famous for counterfeit radio's.

[@HardcoreFourSix]

How readble is that display in sunlight?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

In the bright Arizona sun it was pretty hard to read. When I placed it in the shadow of my body, I could read it. Like most screens of this nature, they aren't nearly as good in bright sunlight.

[@MrRoman-lo6ih]

I will like to know why I cant transmit :(

[@Rusted_Link]

Seems to resemble the Radioddity GS 5B.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I like my GS-5B. It has more features and the screen fonts and info are much better. It's also about triple the price of the UV-17. There is a resemblance, as you say.

[@terrelbrady8035]

Some of these radios advertise they have gps. If it does have gps can you please demonstrate?

[@GadgetTalk4U]

this version did not have GPS. I noticed a new version with the same model number that did. I'll do a review when I get it. Cheers.

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@GadgetTalk4U - GPS makes more sense in a digital radio that can more readily transmit the position and receive the position of others.

[@realtyrocks1969]

​@@Liberty4EverI just figured it out. The GPS will only transmit the location to another UV17 PRO GPS. So if you buy another one you can TX your position to the other radio. It's not APRS and there is no way to send a message. If you buy only 1 it will only be useful in telling you where you are, as a backup to your real GPS. Might want to buy 2 if you'll use it for hunting etc when you may be separated from your other part of your team.Starting to look like a pretty good radio. It will also allow 350 mhz to be programmed but it only transmits 1mw at those frequencies. It's a dual band radio with a crap screen and location sharing. But for $40 that's a lot better than a UV5R in my opinion

[@YU5CF-sv2cq]

My firs GMRS was Baofeng, and i wasn't wrong.👍👍👍

[@tightspotpro6755]

the moment my computer almost connected to website of software I get warning. be careful with "freeware"

[@ismzaxxon]

I wonder why they are being advertised as having a GPS. ie, ...... Baofeng UV-17Pro GPS Walkie Talkie 108-130MHz Air Band VHF UHF 200-260MHz 350-355MHz FM Radio Six Bands Freq Copy Waterproof I am in Australia and looking at his for the UHF CB band and for the Marine frequencies to which i have a license to transmit on. Being in Australia, not sure if the weather is transmitted here. I also noticed Wireless Frequency and its Sub-tone Copy (two radio shall be keep 30cm at least far away for a accurate copy) to which I have no idea what his is.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Terry, I just got the GPS model and will have a review out soon. It is a similar but different radio. It has GPS location data and location notification for call frequencies using DTMF so not something I'd use (location sharing). It also has a wide band receiver that will tune AM air band. The subtone copy is just a way to identify and copy into memory an unknown CTCSS or DCS code. Being that close, it seems easier just to look in the other radio's menu to see what it's set to. I haven't yet tried scanning for CTCSS from a distance. My try that on my local repeater during a net to see if it picks up the code. In any case, standby for more. Please subscribe and hit the bell so you'll know when I release it. Cheers.

[@longrider42]

If this is a real BaoFeng, why isn't it on the BaoFeng web page? And why isn't it being sold on Amazon? And yes I am a licensed Ham, have been since 2016, and I still have two BaoFeng radio's. Next, I have a TYT UV8000D HT. It is a ten watt radio, and it is ten watts on one frequency. I've tested it. Just like my BaoFeng BF F8-HP, is 8 watts on one frequency. I have tested it also.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

The FCC certification listing Baofeng as the manufacturer would be a start. It's also offered on the Baofeng Germany site. I suspect the only recent FCC approval may have something to do with it. I'm more interested in whether the non GPS or the GPS version will appear first. They're quite different. Review coming soon. Stay tuned. Cheers.

[@charlesdonaldson962]

You didn't say bowel thing and basically all these imported radios might have left you thinking the norm is to get less than what they promised, but if you bought a Motorola back when we were using them for the family and business if they model specs said 25 W that meant about 29. Someone would test them and put a card in the box . Keep on keeping on though and your next video on the tiny sa thumbs up!

[@GadgetTalk4U]

I did a video on power output about a year ago using several models and brands including Yaesu and ICOM. As I remember, only the AnyTone 878 came within a watt of the advertised wattage using an MFJ 874 meter. Currently, my thought is the norm is that you'll get less than what is advertised. Not happy about it, but it is what it is. Thanks for commenting and your story. Cheers.

[@xuanzheng1049]

so how it differs from UV-13 PRO V2?! I don't see any major differences.....

[@kevkev5935]

Great review. I'm in the process of studying for my technician license so it's always great to learn about some of the new handhelds out there.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Good luck on your test. Cheers.

[@karlbel4992]

For me it ’s an UV17 not UV17 PRO. Sorry.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

Nothing to be sorry about. Same radio described as UV17, UV17 PRO, and UV17 Plus. BaoFeng seems to give their sellers wide latitude in describing their radios. UV S9 is similar. Some are dual band, tri power, others are tri band, dual power. Gotta read the details. Cheers.

[@notsogreat123]

WON'T WORK WITH CHIRP

[@carpman4767]

Baofeng is a poor man's yeasu

[@GadgetTalk4U]

My two HF radios are Yaesu models. Very nice. I've got a Yaesu HT, also. You pay a price for the brand reputation and quality, though. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@GadgetTalk4U - The thing I like about my Baofeng radios is that I can store them for a year and they have over half the battery charge remaining. My Yaesu FT-70D and other modern Yaesu radios have a goofy feature where the radio receiver always remains on so the radio can receive a remote wake up call. I'll never use that feature but it'd be a nice extra for those who have the need as long as I can disable it. Nope. The only way I can prevent my Yaesu FT-70D from being dead in ten days is to remove the battery. This "feature" makes the FT-70D useless as a personal EmComm radio because whenever I need to use it the battery is dead. Deep discharging the battery also reduces its service life.

[@michaelhamilton3778]

FRS, GMRS, MERS, Professional Business, Anything under 3 miles range? To me is Worthless, unless you’re Playing Air-soft camping or hiking for short distance transmission. Now 70cm? 2, 6 meter? SSB…….(USB/LSB)-(SW receiver wouldn’t hurt) But YEAH,,, you’re gonna want something with some range. With good audio characteristics. Both reception and transmission. In a nutshell - go get your amateur radio license to fully enjoy these radios and all the options they have to offer. By the way, he may not have mentioned it, but after purchasing one of these radios. It might be a very good idea to get a better antenna. The antennas they come with work well but there are better after market antennas available. Have a nice day.🙂

[@greyshadow9498]

Wow, a non-uv5r based Baofeng! But it looks like they've already abandoned the UV13 style which is interesting. Why do we have to put a fake GPS bump on there? 😒 I curse at Baofeng a lot for this: Put a &*%@ channel knob on there! If you're moving the flashlight to the bottom, there's no excuse, and a channel knob costs about 15¢! Other than that, it's good to see the USB port cover, that is my main gripe about the UV13 Pro. Other than the screen... On that subject, on the UV17, can you dim/turn off the back light? The light on the UV13 screen is annoyingly bright.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

You can set the backlight timer. The minimum time is 1 second.

[@greyshadow9498]

@@GadgetTalk4U Is that 1 second total, or 1 second after audio stops? The UV13 you can set to 1, but it stays on the entire transmission +1 second. Well even so with the color screen it can't possibly be as blinding as the UV13's Screen of a Thousand Suns. That aside it definitely looks like they are upping their game. It's funny, they have most definitely accepted the fact that they are the official mascot of the CCR. But lately, it's good to see them trying new things.

[@johnwest7993]

I suspect the GPS bump is there so they can use the same plastic shell when they do an upgrade with that feature. Notice that the model number is not indicated anywhere on the shell.

[@GadgetTalk4U]

@@johnwest7993 I think they already have. There is now an FCC part 15 cert and one advertised as having GPS. Ordered one and will let you know. Cheers.

[@johnwest7993]

@@GadgetTalk4U, I just got mine, but I don't think it has GPS, just the hump. I'll be looking it over more closely today. I've only had time to check, harmonic levels, sound quality and rough sensitivity so far. I mostly got it for the flashlight. :)

[@lewiskelly14]

I hate the mix of fonts and shame on them for misleading specs