Baofeng Antenna Options - TheSmokinApe

[@bobsled313]

I have baofeng, Kenwood, and anytone handhelds. In my work truck I always have a Uv5r. Using a rat tail, and nagoya knockoff I operate repeaters 25-30 miles away on a daily basis. Mountain terrain of PA.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sounds like you are getting out there pretty good 👍

[@GPMAX01]

What is your set up for the uV5r - I am also in Mts of PA

[@commontater652]

Thank you for using the correct names for the SMA connectors. BaoFengs DO NOT use RP-SMA (Reverse Pair SMA) - they use Male SMA on the radio and Female SMA on the antenna as you said. Anyone who tries to connect a "reverse" SMA will find out quickly how different they are. In the worst case the antenna would fit (mechanically) but with no "hot" connection. Yikes. (RP-SMA are typically found on routers). So for those unfamiliar there are in fact FOUR SMA connectors: Male SMA, Female SMA, Male RP-SMA, and Female RP-SMA. '73.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for the additional info!

[@nats50]

So, if you want to use or connect that connector that would alleviate stress from constant changing antennas, for instance, the one to buy is an SMA female to SMA male connector for SMA type antennas, right?

[@edcrean7615]

@@nats50 RP refers to "Reverse Polarity", not Reverse Pair

[@p1366]

Tested my two antennas today on a Vector Network Analyzer, Results: Baofeng UV-5R stock antenna resonates at one frequency only, 418 MHz. Fake Nagoya resonates pretty much only at a decent VSWR at 151 MHz. So they both are quite a compromise if you plan to transmit on any other frequencies.

[@Teknofobe]

Greetings from Scotland. Gratitude. As a noob. I've learned a lot from this post. 🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TheSmokinApe]

Awesome, thanks for watching Snowy 👍

[@streetpunk99]

It'd be cool to see a video testing all these different antennas on these radios. I know a ton of people have them and there's a ton of antenna options out there. It makes it kinda hard for a new guy to pick what antenna is hype and which is legit

[@TheSmokinApe]

Picking one can be confusing, I typically recommend Nagoya from Btech.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Test for my Technician license tomorrow. Have studied for over 2 months and am ready. I guess the Baofeng will be my first HAM radio.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Good luck on the test 👍

[@Zombified-]

How did it go man!?

[@jaimieboy999]

@@Zombified- not good by the sounds of it lol

[@uosocal]

thank you for answering the main question i had within the first minute of the video. male or female. so many videos with just rambling. nice work

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@slinginlead6647]

I got a couple baofeng recently, dont have my tech ticket yet. Really enjoy your videos even when I dont know what in the hell your talking about! Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m not sure I even know what I’m talking about 👍

[@dsemolian3071]

Same here Danny. About 1/3 the way thru the aarl test manual. Hope to test in the next 6weeks, good luck to you!

[@aviationnationhd3760]

Get it yet?

[@CatFishMarmite]

I used a lot of different radios In the army, learned how to use them well. HF tac chat and sat comm you name it. Now I’m trying to learn ham. I guess my expectations are too high after using military radios. I want to experiment with long wire antennas like the stuff we used to do in the field. Good video. Maybe I’ll make one if I can figure this stuff out lol

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking out the video and for your service Ben.

[@CatFishMarmite]

@@TheSmokinApe you do a great job man thanks for the content

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@CatFishMarmite thanks man!

[@JimmyLucas-ev1hp]

Any luck with long range antennas? And thank you for your service

[@CatFishMarmite]

@@JimmyLucas-ev1hp best one I’ve used so far is the 48” whip. Haven’t tried a long wire set up yet. I’m about to work on one tho. Basically just a long strand of insulated copper wire, back stacked in a bag, use a sling shot with a long piece of 550 cord tied through a golf ball tied off to your long wire, shoot the golf ball over a branch up in a tree and yank the long wire up, ham’s are line of aight so higher the antenna the longer the range. Worth a try.

[@mikebavoso26]

thank you so much, I find all your videos to be quite interesting and of value. You seem to have a vast amount of knowledge on these Chinese handheld brands. Could you do something to show the receivers ability to either accept or reject intermod from most modern electronic devices found in the home. I have quite a few and they seem to be susceptible to intermod. I recently purchased an Icom which has absolutely no internet or intermod reception of routers and whatnot. Thank you for all your videos

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Mike. I have done some receiver sensitivity videos and will continue to do them, stay tuned 👍

[@Ron_C]

Good info brother Ape. Adapters cannot be overrated, I have a lot of them....often connections look like I used them all at once...lol

[@TheSmokinApe]

Lol, sometime I won’t have the right one and it will take two or three to get the job done! 👍

[@Ron_C]

@@TheSmokinApe haha...you now the struggle is real!

[@TheSmokinApe]

😂

[@gilbug15]

This video is awesome I am buying a discone antenna for the house and I have a expendable wit Antenna for mobile use but this video gave me lots of information for my choices

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@kchaney56]

"Mounted to my beer fridge" LMAO Love this channel.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thank you sir 🍻

[@InVinoVeritas.]

Great video! Do you have any suggestions for a MURS antenna?

[@mdc21787]

Gmrs here. Have the slim duck (on my btech v2) from smiley that seems to do really well and 2” shorter than stock. Just ordered the 771g for my unlocked uv5r that I can switch onto the btech if need be BUT I’ve heard the signal stick, although it’s a ham antenna, actually works great for gmrs. I’d love to hear your input or even see a demonstration before I buy one 😬

[@TheSmokinApe]

I have one of the older models of the Signal Stick round here somewhere, it is a fantastic antenna 👍

[@richgran]

At 2:45, you mentioned a adapter cord or strain relief. That is what I've been looking for. However, I've learned that you want to use the right type coax for the best possible rx and tx. I'm looking for a 3ft coax with sma Male x sma female. Any suggestions on the coax type (RG8X for example).

[@TheSmokinApe]

RG-8x would be fine for a 3' jumper. look at rg-316 as it's more flexible.

[@hemitj]

Thank you for this video. How do one tell the difference between a fake Nagoya and Diamond antennas vs. the real ones?

[@csarebel8657]

Is there a way to mitigate that overload? I’ve seen people say smaller antenna?

[@alfe1402]

bigger the antenna stronger the transmission??? or just improve the reception???

[@TheSmokinApe]

Not necessarily, antennas work best when they are tuned / designed for a specific set of frequencies.

[@mattrowe1229]

If i was to put a nogoya on a 20 foot pole outside my trailer/house, and used my UV-52 as a kinda base station inside, would i get better transmit and recpetion with out boosting the signal, and used say the uhf cable or cb cable to run from antenna into my house.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Generally the higher the antenna the better, that said some coax cable has more signal loss than others... so depending on the type of coax you use it could actually get worse.

[@mattrowe1229]

@@TheSmokinApe thanks for the reply, i could also use some canare, low loss marine grade or marine grade transponder or fish finder wire also, i can solder so i camn make my own adaptors or ends and am now working on a home built pulse indiuction metal detector so i ave a scope and some electronics experience on pcb boards ect, and wifi conections, anterennas, ect

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@mattrowe1229 gotcha, just make sure your transmission line is 50 ohms 👍

[@mattrowe1229]

@@TheSmokinApe sure will, thanks

[@awatchmanoftrueisrael]

Can anyone tell me what is the advantage of having a SMA to BNC connector? Is it just the quick detachment attachment or is there some signal advantage to be had?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Just quick detachment

[@awatchmanoftrueisrael]

@@TheSmokinApe appreciate the response

[@huelbrown6232]

just got the UV-5R Ⅲ radio and it came with the two rubber duck antennas you mentioned @5:30 is one better than the other?

[@TheSmokinApe]

The bigger one will perform better 👍

[@whojamafip]

I bought the same radio, if it was advertised as triband then the the bigger duck is for 1.25 m,245mhz,the smaller is for everything else, there should be the frequency range written inside the base end of the antenna.

[@TheUniversalEyes]

I have a weird issue with my Baofeng radios. I have 2 UV-5RA';s and one UV-5R. Anyway, I've been using them with various rubber duck, Nagoya and even one of those Abbree tape measure antennas for several years now, they all work, but my recent discovery is that when I try to connect the Baofeng's to an outdoor antenna (a discone) I can't hear a thing. I would probably receive more with a safety pin stuck in the antenna jack. The antenna and coax is fine, if I hook it up to my SDR receiver, I have no issues receiving distant repeaters, but I soon as I hook it up to one of the Baofengs, bam, I get nothing. I thought maybe the adapter was bad, but I checked for shorts and found nothing. It's strange. I've read that the UV-5R might have a problem with receiver overloading, but the repeaters I receive are all over 30 miles away, so nothing major when it comes to strong signals. I am not near any other types of transmit towers. I read a couple posts from others having the same issue, but it seems to affect only certain people.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That discone (cool antennas) will pick up many more frequencies besides the repeaters. It’s the Baofeng’s job to sort through that stuff. What is happening is the Baofeng is getting overloaded and thus desensitized.

[@TG3691]

I’d like to know what you told your friend about mounting the antenna outside while using the radio inside the car!

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’m trying to remember 🤔

[@bthemedia]

5:50 is the cheap stub antenna good if you just want very close comms / very low RF?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, you just want to make sure that it has low swr.

[@YU5CF-sv2cq]

Diamond Antenna SRH805 Good for boufeng uv 9g? Thx👍👍

[@cephasmartin8593]

Gosh. I have a 42 inch Abbree antenna that I use quite often and haven't had a problem with it. I also have a magnetic antenna on my vehicles and haven't had problems with them either.

[@TheSmokinApe]

They do perform well, thanks for watching

[@jeffsparky3061]

I knew someone in canada ran uv5r off a kush craft 3 beam element

[@TheSmokinApe]

Did it work well?

[@jeffsparky3061]

@@TheSmokinApe surprisingly

[@cadd9511]

Thank you for making this video. It helps a newbie like me tremendously. I have a question maybe you can help clarify because you moved pretty quick during that part of the video. You showed two SMA female to BNC adapters. You put one on, then put on your signal stick antenna. Then you mentioned the other SMA female to BNC adapters and said "don't get one like this". What is the difference between the two adapters? How can I tell which one provides a strong base and which one will put more stress on the radio?

[@TheSmokinApe]

That's correct, you want minimal stress on the antenna base.

[@TAVAAR7]

One of the first things I did for a uv-5r was get the bnc adapters, made testing different antennas so much easier and quicker (especially with 4 HTs that all tend to like different antennas...surprisingly the Nagoya whip and Abree tapes were favored a good deal less than the stock duckies). Any recommendations for a stubby? I'm looking for something that doesn't need to go more than maybe 100ft with clear LOS but still handles the potential overloading/interference issues like you mentioned.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey TAV, the Diamond RH3 is my stubby of choice.

[@peterwolf2082]

I purchased a telescopic Nagoya 773 antenna ( real ? fake? who knows). Is the 773 better than the Baofeng supplied standard antenna, to pick up AM communications from Airport Control Tower. If not which Nagoya model is best ? Thank you in advance.

[@t.c.2776]

So what is the signal quality of the diamond antenna vs a rubber duck or a more effective antenna?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I didn’t directly compare those, at least I don’t recall. Given the size of the two, I’d suspect the rubber duck radiates better 👍

[@bobjh636]

Hey, I got the UV-5R and im looking to upgrade the original antenna that came with mine. The Main purpose of use for my UV-5R is to listen to fire department and police radio frequencies (uhf). My main problem I currently have is receiving signals in certain areas of my city as well as from my home since I live in an urban area, depending on where the units are transmitting from. For example, units calling on the radio from 1-2 Miles away from me I receive almost clear as day, but further out its crackled and very low. Im not to sure how to go about with my upgrade, but all I know is I need something compact (Antenna wise) so I could carry it around with me. Would something like the smaller compact diamond antennas make a larger difference in quality if I upgraded mine to one like that? Thanks in advanced.

[@TheSmokinApe]

the compact one's don't work as well. For a smaller antenna I like the Nagoya 701.

[@bobjh636]

@@TheSmokinApe Still trying to research just another quick question, I may look into upgrading my radio. Is their any specs to look out for in descriptions of radios that may determine a radio that could receive stronger signals? I know you mentioned in the video the baofengs have cheaper components etc especially for receiving. If you got any suggestions on radios let me know thanks.

[@shanestamball1886]

Is there option for hanging a antenna in a tree for the baofeng? Hoping I could hit a gmrs repeater farther away.

[@TheSmokinApe]

shane stamball look at the Ed Phong DBJ-2 👍

[@TheSmokinApe]

shane stamball wait, that’s not a gmrs antenna

[@shanestamball1886]

@@TheSmokinApe lol, what than? I've seen ones called slim Jim's, but they were all homemade. And I haven't a clue how to start building one

[@Scout19Delta]

What connector do i need for my antennas to attach to the SMa female to BNC female in order to make quick on/off swaps. TYIA

[@TheSmokinApe]

It’s best to probably do in Amazon and see what they have, you want one that will have a wide part on the connector so you don’t put stress on the radio 👍

[@Edub816]

Why do you not want to transmit with the antenna coiled up?

[@TheSmokinApe]

The antenna isn't designed to work like that and you will transmit the signal into itself.

[@luigiddl27]

Hi! Wich of the two standar antennas is mucj better, the longer or the shorter? Thanks

[@MrJacob1981]

Can the adapter also give you the ability to run through an amp?

[@TheSmokinApe]

yes

[@toddjenest3212]

Do you have a video of “tactical” options to attach to a ruck? Or even through a plate carrier or chest rig? Thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry I don’t

[@MultiLittlegamer]

Search up Abbree tactical folding antenna

[@toddjenest3212]

@@MultiLittlegamer I already have one. Thanks.

[@MultiLittlegamer]

@@toddjenest3212 how is it, ordering one very soon. Getting the 108cm, 72cm and 48 cm ones to try

[@toddjenest3212]

@@MultiLittlegamer I really like them. I have no issues with reception on my Baofeng UV5R or my GMRS-V1's. I have the shortest one and the longest one.

[@mhussainahmed3842]

I have a that radio but I receive a broadcasting from 4 miles away and it is just okay as clear sound as I'm receiving now but the disturbing fact is it has noise I already tried 1-9 sqlc to reduce but it didn't worked. So if I install a long antenna will it reduces the noise??

[@frslas]

Is there an SMA non-binary transgender antenna option?

[@mikepeterson443]

I don't know what it is with the Baofeng radios I've purchased (2 different models 3 radios in all), but they will only work with the antenna that came with the radio. I've tried 5 different antennas and adapters, and none of these would work. It seems to me that the Baofeng's radio antenna connector may be out of tolerance (?) I could not make any of the 3rd party antennas or adapter to have any kind of signal. It just seems like there's no connection to the antenna.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Dang, never heard of that before.

[@tyk8168]

By using sma to bnc have you tested for spurious emissions from the connections? Curious before i buy

[@TheSmokinApe]

They might induce a very small amount of loss but they won't create spurs 👍

[@tiernanshevlin8379]

What dos the bigger antenna do will it give u better range new to this

[@TheSmokinApe]

To an extent yes, bigger is better

[@rifsm1]

I have the uv-9r plus it came with a regular antenna which fits fine and a whip antenna that i cant figure out how to get it to fit any help would be appreciated thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

You would need the adapter to go from the antenna to the radio 👍

[@nitewolf47ssp226]

Great and informative, what do you think of the radioditty GD77 radio? I am considering it due to being partially blind.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I haven't used the 77 but I hear it's popular for folks with visual impairments.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Hi.. I'm only a GRMS licensee, but I'm wondering about the Diamond antenna.. Does it work better than the longer Nyegoya or however you spell it antenna? Thanks in advance.. I have a couple TIDRadios and a beufeng GM15 pro for GRMS and repeaters.. I might get my ham license though as I want to play on the HF frequencies I think in the future and may learn morse code, even though I realize it's not required. Thanks in advance and regards from the heartland. South Central Indiana. USA Tim

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Tim. Antennas like this are optimized for intended frequencies, as the GMRS frequencies are different for Ham you might want to look at GMRS intended antennas. Best of luck with the test and welcome to the hobby 👍

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@TheSmokinApe Thank you kind sir.. Yeah, I knew the antenna's were tuned differentlyi. I just assumed if they were the same brand, but for GRMS they would also work for it as well.. Thanks again! Appreciate it so much.. Tim

[@tomfoolery1123]

1:32 Yaesu has an sma female while the baofeng has sma male? Hypothetically speaking here... Could you connect them? Knowing damn well myself there is no good reason to do this, and yet... I gotta know!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Mechanically yes, electronically no 👍

[@tomfoolery1123]

@@TheSmokinApe Have a death battle between two radios by connecting and keying them up at the same time. Only the strongest radio survives!

[@ajbulan2029]

@@tomfoolery1123 yeah just dont do that

[@sudarshandevarasam]

I have a diamond whip antenna RH771 with SMA male connector. What type of adapter do I need to make it work for baofeng UV-5R? Thanks in Advance.

[@TheSmokinApe]

You would need an sma-f to sma-f connector. Make sure to look at the pics before you buy anything.

[@sudarshandevarasam]

@@TheSmokinApe Appreciate your quick response. Thank you so much for the information.

[@SirWolfCZ]

Hello, please be aware that you don't need SMA female antenna, you need non-standard REVERSE SMA FEMALE connector on your antenna. Standard SMA has female with OUTER thread and male with inner thread.

[@TheSmokinApe]

There’s probably a dozen ways to skin this cat 👍

[@GuilhermeRossi11]

Well I live like near a tv broadcast antenna so I guess that’s why I can’t pick shit on my baofeng any suggestions on how to fix that issue I appreciate

[@TheSmokinApe]

I don't think you can, sorry to hear that.

[@FinnBanisterjones]

What antenna should I use for my BF-UV10R

[@TheSmokinApe]

SO the thing is that the front end conversion circuit on the Baofengs is easily overloaded. I know that HamTubers love to tell folks to upgrade the antenna but the better RX on the antenna the worse the overloading can become. If you feel you need to upgrade I'd get the Nagoya 701 or 771 👍

[@sangalanga9593]

Hello, with the tram Antenna connect to baofeng would it be less stress with SMA F to BNC adaptor or using SMA female wire to UHF Female? Also what the best way to place left over coax cable for the magnetic antenna?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Using a short thinner piece of coax would be less stress. If you coil coax it can have a negative effect 👍

[@melihaksoz]

Hello i got my license a while ago and i just use the baofeng uv82 when we are with my friends in the woods hiking or offroading and i just want to know which band is better for communication in the woods with my friend and which antenna should i buy could u please help me ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'm pretty sure the general consensus is 2m is better for that 👍

[@melihaksoz]

@@TheSmokinApe thank u very much for your help mate

[@ArcherNX1701]

Great vid! I’ve seen car windshield antennas but never tried them. I thought I saw a wired one stuck inside the windshield going along to top rear view mirror. Can you recommend them for use with the UV-5R 8W ? If so, what brand & model?

[@TheSmokinApe]

I'm pretty sure MFJ makes a popular one.

[@GSGExtreme44]

Hello - Can you please specify what a fake nagoya antenna is? I thought I heard you say they work well with the Baofeng - I saw one on ebay for 5.00 - Great video, by the way -

[@TheSmokinApe]

A fake is one that is made by a counterfeit company, that said not all fakes are equal. A real one should have white lettering and come is a green bag. Make sure to buy them from reputable dealers...

[@GSGExtreme44]

TheSmokinApe I’m guessing you’ve had some luck with the fakes?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Some yes and some no, I won’t buy them any more. I’d just use the stock if the money is an issue, when I got better radios I’d rather not use the fake. 👍

[@usarmyfl1]

Which HT would you recommend as a step up from the UV-5R, but also budget minded? Thanks for the video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Maybe the Yaesu ft65? 👍

[@gbmruk123]

are the diamond antennas any good for this radio ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sure, Diamond makes great antennas 👍

[@johnforeman2034]

Hey smokin. I checked your amazon list and didn't see the tram antenna in there i want to get one. Just don't want a counterfeit one.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The magnetic Tram? I’ll see about getting it added. Thanks for watching the video 👍

[@johnforeman2034]

@@TheSmokinApe thats the one. Looking for a magmount for my ht. Its actually my 2nd or 3rd time watching lol. I watched when i first got my radio before i got my license. Now that i have it looking for something in the car.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@johnforeman2034 just added it

[@StoonRay1]

Great channel, just subbed. I have a question...is there a maximum length of coax cable I can run between my uv5r and an antenna? Id like to put the flexible slim jim(?) antenna on my roof and have my radio about 15 feet down from there in my office

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Blam. You want to use a decent, low loss coax for VHF / UHF and keep the run short are possible. 15 feet is pretty short and should be a problem. Here is a video that might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3aUfqmir85nnas

[@StoonRay1]

@@TheSmokinApe thanks man!

[@joshuagriffiths9957]

Can you swap antennas on the baofeng BF-88e ??

[@TheSmokinApe]

Not sure and I don’t have the radio but you most likely can

[@matthewmolnar2230]

Have you tried your speaker wire antenna on a UV-5R?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You would need it to be a 2m or 70cm dipole. The one in the video I did was for 10m

[@dragan3290]

Standard antenna with a counterpoise? Nagoya doesn't compare. My favourite antenna in Australia? ( maybe only Australia) but a uniden 6 dB auto antenna in my sons backpack!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for checking it out Dragan 👍

[@dragan3290]

@@TheSmokinApe nah man ! Thank you for all your videos and all tutorials! You and Rubicon productions got me hooked. Lol 😆

[@GMarsh-gn1iw]

I've been interested in ham for a little while now. Would consider getting licensed even. Got a good deal on baofeng gt-3tp markiii radio. I believe I've figured out how to program it. Thought it would be fun to monitor the waves. Now the problem, I don't have a repeater within 10 miles of me at best here in Indiana. NOAA and static is about all I've found. So I'm into this for about $40 and loosing interest fast. What might be some recommendations IF I decide to proceed with this hobby?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Watch my video on the gt-3tp, I cover how to program with software. You may want to look at a better antenna as well, I can pick up repeaters pretty far away 👍

[@GMarsh-gn1iw]

TheSmokinApe Ok, after checking out radioddity website. $40 for a cord and upgraded antenna still hasn’t got me to break the bank. Going to give it a shot. I try to keep you posted. Stay well

[@bigeyetuna6228]

G. Marsh definitely let us know how it works, I in the exact same boat, curious about results, thanks...

[@jeffconley4024]

What do you think about the 42.5 in. Abbree antenna? Is there a good way to add support for it?

[@TheSmokinApe]

It performs well but seems a little gimmicky. I have a video review of it 👍

[@clydedigital]

Can anyone explain VHF and UHF? Should I change to UHF or does it switch automatically? I don’t understand it…

[@TheSmokinApe]

That are two different bands or frequencies, you need to manually switch the radio between the two.

[@unclecow]

Great info thanks man 👍🏻👊

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks UC!

[@jimmiddleton5093]

Great info. Thanks for the video

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Jim, glad you liked it 👍

[@Max-em3gp]

Do you know any good mini vhf sma female antenna up to 100mm length?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Check Diamond, but you will have a compromised signal

[@Chriscrg7]

Hey bud I recently purchased a baofeng I ordered the uv-5r and I got a. BF-F8TD instead what is the difference between the two I haven't been able to find out any information on that model do u know anything about it as far as the difference between the two? Thanks .

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’ve heard of the BF-F8HP not the BF-F8TD. The F8 generally means 8 watts of output. I would not worry and just use it, the Baofengs are mostly the same with minor firmware updates and electronic differences to give more power or additional frequencies.

[@Chriscrg7]

@@TheSmokinApe thanks for the info have a great day and keep up the good vids !

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@ronaldkessler7333]

So on a baofeng uv-5r do you run the Nagoya and the ugly stick antenna

[@TheSmokinApe]

You can but I do not 👍

[@ronaldkessler7333]

@@TheSmokinApe I'm one of those new people trying to get into it so do you say you just use stock antennas on that thing

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@ronaldkessler7333 I would at first and decide what you wanna do next after a bit of experience.

[@tuscarorawoodworks4713]

Where can I purchase that silver wire adapter you showed in the video - the one that reduces stress when connecting my mag antenna on my vehicle rooof to the Baofeng?

[@TheSmokinApe]

www.amazon.com/dp/B071LHHJT4/?ref=exp_thesmokinape_dp_vv_d 👍

[@tuscarorawoodworks4713]

TheSmokinApe Thank you! Will this connect directly to my Baofeng or will I need an adaptor?

[@TheSmokinApe]

It should connect directly

[@DannyWalker1949]

Nice Video, 0l' SmokinApe I learned some here..........

[@TheSmokinApe]

Glad it was helpful 👍

[@senorboardhead]

Any updates to this topic for the F8HP ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry man, I don’t have the F8HP but most of this, if not all of it, is true for that radio too 👍

[@senorboardhead]

TheSmokinApe Thanks, I wondered about that. Does it make sense to get the license or is there a good Ham scanner you would recommend ?

[@rxramblingrose4857]

Do you have a recommendation for railroad

[@TheSmokinApe]

For RR, if you want to receive only I'd look at a scanner. For receive and talk I'm not sure what is allowed on those bands.

[@rxramblingrose4857]

@@TheSmokinApe I just want to hear 👂 Pretty much sir , I guess recieve ? I am usually very close to the lead power's or train itself for the duck to work or would you suggest upgrading Like I said usually pretty close so I think the standard duck antenna would be great 👍 Your awesome 👌

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’d look at a uniden or whistler scanner and use the stock antenna 👍

[@davegtar]

Thank you for making this video.

[@TheSmokinApe]

No worries!

[@airmanfpv964]

Do you know what frequency gets the best signal strength on the uv5r stock antenna?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry, I don’t 👍

[@CarlosDelaoGunEngraver]

are the antenna male or female for the uv-5r

[@TheSmokinApe]

The connector on the Uv-5r is male

[@CarlosDelaoGunEngraver]

got it will order the female antenna, thank you​@TheSmokinApe

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@YankeeinSC1]

I noticed you responded to my tongue-in-check question on another guys video where he claimed the radio "had to be on to program it"... Thanks...that was a joke. Anyhow, I am trying to find a use for my radios beyond discussions that start and end with "can you hear me and how far away are you?". I use an aviation band radio for my hobby and have used the 5 FCC "carve out" frequencies granted to the USHPA for paragliding instruction and paragliding air to air comms. Beyond that, can you point me in the direction where I can learn (excluding emergency use) how Ham is useful? I understand how repeaters work, of course I've monitored Wx broadcasts and I understand the utility of 2M in a post apocalyptic world where we warn each other about roading bands of zombies, but scanning gives me zero reassurance that the effort to persist learning about or acquiring radio, is worth the time for the average armchair enthusiast. There has to be usefulness beyond a "can you hear me now?" conversation. No?

[@TheSmokinApe]

That was one of my videos. With ham radio there are two groups RACES and ARES that have predefined emergency protocols and procedures. There are also things like the hurricane net that can help relate disaster info... I'd agree that on the surface it's hard to see practical uses for emergencies.

[@nobodynoone2500]

Many people in rural communities not well served by cellphones, most emergency dispacth, working outside or in buildings where yelling is not practical, talking to your kids around the neighborhood, using as a scanner to monitor local events, etc. There seems to be a rift between people who use radio for work and as a hobby. Those that use them for hobby see that as fun for its own sake, wheras others of us just see them as tools for enhancing other activities like offroading, hiking or talking across the farm.

[@karlng2691]

Nice video Ape. Baofengs = real radios lol

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha, thanks Karl 👍

[@jimmoore1525]

Is it ok to trim the Nagoya na771 antenna

[@TheSmokinApe]

I wouldn’t suggest it 👍

[@3discnc424]

nice vid ill try to explain what im asking do to im in greece so i leave in a house i got 2 UV-5r when i trasmit lets say to my wife i have about 3km range and thats when i can see that far with some houses in front the uv-5r,s come with the ruber ant with the ball tip if i buy a original dimond for them what will be the def in RT TX . thank you for your vid

[@TheSmokinApe]

The antennas that some with the Baofengs are not the best, so many folks upgrade them to different models. In some cases the better antenna can cause some signal overload on the Baofeng.

[@3discnc424]

@@TheSmokinApe thank you

[@sjoer]

If there is anyone that lost the rubber ring for the Nagoya or it wobbles even with the ring? I have designed a little 3D printed spacer that replaces the rubber ring and it will completely eliminate the wobble!

[@TheSmokinApe]

3D printers are great!

[@sjoer]

@@TheSmokinApe 100% agree!

[@matthewheld7973]

does overloading a radio risk damage to the radio?

[@TheSmokinApe]

In extreme cases yes.

[@robinj.9329]

Since I first got my "Ticket" over 30 years ago, I never use the stock antenna that comes with the HT. I've always immediately bought and installed a better, higher gain, third party antenna. For years I used my 1-5 watt HT's in the car/Truck and a good quality roof mounted mag-mount antenna. I always got a clear signal to and from our local repeaters (anything within about 25 miles) and sometimes over much longer distances. The so-called "Rubber Duck" just doesn't do it for me. Unless your within spittin' distance of the repeater, your signal will be so trashie that NO ONE will want to talk to you!

[@p8nflnt]

Am I correct in deriving that you received some kind of citation for using a stock antenna, or am I misinterpreting your statement?

[@JoelAz909]

@@p8nflnt If I had to guess I'd say "Ticket" refers to OP getting HAM radio license.

[@davescurlock9725]

WHERE CAN I GET THESE ADAPTERS ? ANYONE IN THE US SELL THEM ?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Amazon

[@lalu225]

A question from a newbie: For transmitting, can we connect the handheld radio directly to a car antenna without anything in between such an an antenna matching unit? Could there be any SWR issues?

[@TheSmokinApe]

You would need to mount an antenna to the car for the frequencies you want to use. The antenna needs to be for both Receive and Transmit, the antenna on your car is a receiving antenna. 👍

[@lalu225]

@@TheSmokinApe Thank you, makes sense.

[@affirmativeactual]

Very interesting!

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@tomm2812]

Mine is hooked to truck or inside apartment with mobile antenna. Best

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, they are very versatile. Thanks for watching 👍

[@HappyHermitt]

I have the Abbree ar-771and it sux

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry to hear that

[@warlock.420]

I doubt you'll answer nobody does but... The fake diamond... Why stay away from it? Asking cause my baofeng I just ordered comes with one. (As an extra)

[@TheSmokinApe]

The little stubby diamond? They are always fake. The issue is that the antenna might have high SWR and damage the radio.

[@warlock.420]

Thank you for telling me. Your the only ham expert on youtube who responds. Thank you.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@warlock.420 glad to help 👍

[@530eman]

Thank you sir...!

[@TheSmokinApe]

No problem 👍

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

👍

[@kchaney56]

The real diamond short antenna is hard to find.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, I typically use R and L

[@rickramirez7710]

God stuff, thank you!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks Rick!

[@ecversevictim1848]

I have a Satcom PRT47s Antenna ... works wonders on a Baofeng. 5.2db Gain Cheers !

[@TheSmokinApe]

I’ll check them out 👍

[@melissarainchild]

Personally, I view the antenna as the best "amplifier" suited to the radio it was designed for....these are compact things, putting a 1 meter antenna on it may not be good for them...

[@stephenwilliams5201]

Strong signal or Deef as a post. I deal with DC receivers with my home made ham radios. Some nozy Parker ham night hear my local oscillator. And set near by to listen in then my rig goes as Deef as a post. For hetrodine. No body wins. Hi hi De kv4li

[@TheSmokinApe]

Truth, thanks for watching 👍

[@jeffsparky3061]

or do what I do relieve the stress.. put radio flat

[@franciscoalvares7026]

NO spoilerxD Mucha información sobre uv-5r y más aquí solo en español: youtube.com/@javierkreiber