A $20 Baofeng radio is your ticket to getting started in amateur radio the right way.
Baofeng, the Chinese manufacturer of inexpensive handheld and mobile radios, churns out a dizzying number of different VHF/UHF transceiver models each year. For a new ham, it can be very confusing. This post is all about simplifying your first radio purchase as you begin your journey* to become a licensed amateur radio operator with your brand-spanking new Technician class license.
*Not to get too off-topic here, but the American Radio Relay League is your friend. It’s been around for over 100 years and its here to help you get started in amateur radio. Take advantage of it! Once you get your feet on the ground and commit to ham radio, consider becoming an ARRL member. The ARRL is a powerful force advocating for the hobby with it comes to the FCC, Washington D.C., and globally. It helps all of us licensed hams.
Additionally, use the ARRL to find a local ham radio club in your area. You don’t have to be licensed to join. You will be welcomed. Learn from those who came before you!
While some old timers (and some of those know-it-all YouTube-for-money guys) will complain about the “quality” of Baofeng radios, I just ignore them. I don’t need a $200+ Yaesu when a $20 Baofeng is going to completely meet my needs.
Frankly, I’m not $175-that-concerned about the second harmonic on 2 meters “problem” some old timers will complain about…especially when transmitting perhaps 3 watts into a rubber duck. And that issue was from much older Baofeng models. No longer the case from what I see with my testing.
Over and over again I have tested my Baofengs against my trusty (my first VHF/UHF H/T) Yaesu FT60-R — I see no differences in performance. Full stop. How can this be true? Yaesu and the other big amateur radio equipment manufacturers have been rising us for decades, that’s how.
Even before you get license, pick up a Baofeng on Amazon. And isten. Listen. And learn. You don’t don’t need a license to receive…only to transmit. Get acquainted with it. Use repeaterbook.com to help you set up to monitor repeaters in your area.
The easiest way to program your new Baofeng is to use the software known as CHIRP from chirpmyradio.com. It’s free.
I can’t stress it enough…learn how to use your radio. It’s NOT that difficult. It’s all well and good to go on the air as a newly licensed ham and be inexperienced. But don’t be stupid. Don’t be lazy. It’s your radio. LEARN HOW TO USE IT. There are many how-tos on YouTube.
Which Baofeng?
The UV5-R is an excellent first radio. It will get you going on 2 meters and 70 cm. That’s all you need. There is a smaller mini of the radio as well. Purely a matter of personal choice. I like the mini. Easier to carry. Don’t overthink your first radio purchase. Spend 17-20 bucks on a Baofeng. You’ll be glad you did.
Getting your Technician license doesn’t have to be a chore. Ignore the guys on YouTube trying to sell you courses. Here’s my roadmap to getting your license for free. Easy. Simple.