Baofeng UV-5R, Ham Radio, What can I listen in on in OKC?

[KG5VW]

Recently bought a Baofeng UV-5R on amazon, only $22 and it actually appears to be a well made device. I was able to tune in to NOAA weather radio (No big deal, 162.400 megahertz) but find it lacking with many of the frequencies found in radioreference.com. Only periodically get a set of digital beeps on the stations using the "Scan" channels feature. Also does receive FM, but who really cares. Are all police and fire digital or encrypted now? Are there other HAM radio users here? Are their any frequencies worth tuning in to? Did I just blow $22? Should I get a HAM License?

If you got that ham license you would not be asking many of those questions and would gain the knowledge needed to be able to use the radio fully, within the boundaries of its capabilities. You would also learn about the different communication protocols that hams and commercial radios use that are beyond the capabilities of that model radio. Not to sound like a smart ass but without the simplicity of channels like CB and GMRS with compatible modes of operation you have to kind of understand the principles of radio communications and propagation.

 

[golddigger14s]

I have a couple of Baofengs, but there are a lot more options becoming available these days for commo.

 

[OKCHunter]

Keep in mind that if you don’t have a call sign, almost no one will talk to you.

True - I heard a guy try to check into the Edmond Club Monday Night net using his GMRS call sign a few weeks ago. Net control politely ask that he vacate the frequency but to come back when he had a Ham call sign.

 

[Beautiful Mulberry]

I have a couple of Baofengs, but there are a lot more options becoming available these days for commo.

What are the options?

 

[El Pablo]

It’s a simple respect thing. We try to follow the rules of laws, and yes, unwritten rules.
It’s the difference between todays generation and earlier generations.

lol, or more like selective memory .

 

[okierider]

What are the options?

Go to Google and search dual band HT when you have a bunch of spare time.

 

[Beautiful Mulberry]

It’s a simple respect thing. We try to follow the rules of laws, and yes, unwritten rules.
It’s the difference between todays generation and earlier generations.

Then why use the baofeng?
It’s not supported by the FCC.
They deem it illegal.
You do not discourage its use.
It has nothing to do with respect cause if it did you would follow your own advice.

 

[dlbleak]

Then why use the baofeng?
It’s not supported by the FCC.
They deem it illegal.
You do not discourage its use.
It has nothing to do with respect cause if it did you would follow your own advice.

I only listen with it

 

[okierider]

Then why use the baofeng?
It’s not supported by the FCC.
They deem it illegal.
You do not discourage its use.
It has nothing to do with respect cause if it did you would follow your own advice.

If you do a little research, baofengs are not illegal to use for amateur radio operators.
They are illegal to send/sale to the US market in the wide open settings. Baofeng gets around this by crippling the radio with software. It is just more silly games that get played .
The radio was also found legal to operate on gmrs as well..
There is a whole bunch of info our there about this .
Personally I have set up my 3 fengs to listen to satellite, noaa and air...
I have better quality radios to use for ham and gmrs.

 

[Beautiful Mulberry]

If you do a little research, baofengs are not illegal to use for amateur radio operators.
They are illegal to send/sale to the US market in the wide open settings. Baofeng gets around this by crippling the radio with software. It is just more silly games that get played .
The radio was also found legal to operate on gmrs as well..
There is a whole bunch of info our there about this .
Personally I have set up my 3 fengs to listen to satellite, noaa and air...
I have better quality radios to use for ham and gmrs.

Just more games they play.
It’s like the US government wants to dumb us down so much yet make us think we have the power to think while turn is against each other