Baofeng UV-21 PRO Walkie Talkie V2 User Manual

1. Getting Started

Thank you for purchasing the Baofeng UV-21 PRO Walkie Talkie V2. This dual-band, dual-display, dual-watch radio is designed to provide secure, instant, and reliable communications. Please read this manual carefully to ensure maximum performance and safe operation.

1.1 Regulations and Safety Warnings

EU Regulatory Conformance: This product complies with Directive 1999/5/EC (2014/53/EU) and other relevant EU regulations (2006/66/EC, 2011/65/EU, 2012/19/EU). This information applies to EU countries only.

FCC Part15/IC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.

RF Energy Exposure and Product Safety Guide: Before using this product, read the RF Energy Exposure and Product Safety Guide that ships with the radio, which contains instructions for safe usage and RF energy awareness and control for compliance with applicable standards and regulation.

Operating Prohibitions:

• Do not operate the product in locations with fuels, chemicals, explosive atmospheres, or other flammable/explosive materials.
• Do not operate near any blasting area.
• Do not operate near medical or electronic equipment vulnerable to RF signals.
• Do not hold the product while driving.
• Do not operate in areas where wireless communication equipment is prohibited.

Important Tips:

• Do not use unauthorized or damaged accessories.
• Keep the product at least 2.5 cm away from your body during transmission.
• Do not keep the product receiving at high volume for a long time.
• For vehicles with an airbag, do not place the product in the airbag deployment area.
• Keep the product and its accessories out of reach of children and pets.
• Operate the product within the specified temperature range.
• Continuous transmission for a long time may lead to heat accumulation. Allow it to cool.
• Handle the product with care.
• Do not disassemble, modify, or repair the product and its accessories without authorization.

1.2 Main Features

• Frequency Range: 136-174MHz (TX&RX), 220-260MHz (TX&RX), 400-520MHz (TX&RX), FM65-108MHZ (RX), AM108-136MHz (RX), Police350-390MHz (RX).
• One-touch search frequency for easy pairing and grouping.
• Frequency Step: Selectable between 2.5K, 5.0K, 6.25K, 10.0K, 12.5K, 20.0K, 25.0K, 50.0K.
• Frequency hopping and scramble functions for call privacy.
• 1.77" TFT large screen, full keyboard, fully open menu operation.
• Channel scan, frequency scan, and three scan and recovery methods: TO, CO, and SE.
• Up to 999 memory channels.
• Power-on password management function.
• DTMF encoder and DTMF manual dial.
• VOX (voice activated transmit).
• Alarm function.
• High or low power selectable.
• Programmable repeater offset.
• Transmission time-out timer.
• LED flashlight.
• End of transmission tone (Roger Beep).
• Broadcast FM radio receiver 65-108 MHz.
• Dual watch / Dual reception / Dual-band handheld transceiver.
• High Capacity Lithium-Ion battery.
• Stopwatch function.
• Display illumination programmable via keypad.
• Function beep on the keyboard.
• Battery save function.
• Busy channel lock out.
• Ten (10) levels of Squelch adjustment.
• Two (2) pins for Kenwood accessory port.
• Support NOAA weather reception function in the United States and Canada (M version only for AM108-136, Police350-390MHz scanning reception, and voice scrambling functions).

1.3 Content of the Packaging

The standard package includes:

• 1 x Radio (Machine)
• 1 x Antenna
• 1 x Li-ion Battery Pack
• 1 x Base Charger (Fast desktop charger)
• 1 x Belt Clip
• 1 x Lanyard
• 1 x Type-C Cable
• 1 x User's Manual
• 1 x Screwdriver (often included as a gift)

Please verify all items are present upon unboxing. If any item is missing, contact your dealer.

Figure 1: Accessories Parameters and Specifications. Includes Machine, Antenna, Battery, Charger, Clip, Lanyard, TYPE-C cable, Manual. Also lists Model: UV-21Pro V2, Frequency: Multi-band, Power: High Power, Channel: 999 channels, Battery: Large capacity battery, Color: Green/Grey, Distance: 5-10KM, Function: Display/Dual Band / Wireless Copy Frequency.

2. Setup

2.1 Charging the Battery Pack

The Li-ion battery pack is not charged at the factory; please charge it before use. For optimal performance, fully charge/discharge the battery two or three times initially. If the battery life decreases significantly even after proper charging, it may need replacement.

Precautions for Batteries:

• Do not charge or replace a wet battery. Dry it with a soft, clean cloth first.
• Do not charge a deformed, leaking, or overheated battery.
• Do not charge with an unauthorized charger.
• Do not charge in areas with strong radiation.
• Avoid overcharging, as it can shorten battery life.

Maintenance Instructions:

• Clean accumulated dust on the charging connector regularly with a dry cloth.
• Charge the battery between 5°C~40°C (40°F - 105°F).
• Turn off the radio when charging the battery attached to it for a full charge.
• Do not remove the battery or unplug the power cord during charging.
• Do not dispose of the battery in fire.
• Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight or other heat sources.
• Do not squeeze or penetrate the battery, or remove its housing.

2.2 How to Charge

The UV-21 PRO V2 supports two charging methods: a base charger and a Type-C USB charger.

Figure 2: Two Charging Methods Available. Supports Type-C Battery Direct Charging and Base Charging.

Using the Base Charger:

1. Plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet, then plug the cable into the DC jack on the back of the charger. The indicator light will blink orange, indicating it's ready.
2. Plug the battery or the radio (with battery attached) into the charger. Ensure good contact with charging terminals. The indicator light will turn red.
3. A full charge takes approximately 2-5 hours. When the lamp turns green, charging is complete.
4. If the radio is powered on during charging, the indicator may not turn green to show full charge. For accurate indication, switch off the radio.

Using the Type-C USB Charger:

1. Make sure your radio is turned OFF.
2. Plug the Type-C USB cable into the Type-C USB charging port on your battery. Connect the other end to a wall power outlet, power bank, or laptop.
3. An empty battery will be fully charged in approximately 4 hours.
4. The battery meter on the LCD will indicate charging.

Note: It is recommended to power OFF your radio while charging. If powered on with a completely empty battery, you may not be able to transmit immediately. Allow the battery to charge to at least one bar before attempting to transmit. For optimal battery life, remove the radio from the charger within 6 hours and do not store it connected to the charger.

2.3 LED Indicator for Charging Status

NOTE: Trouble means battery too warm, battery short-circuited, or charger short-circuited.

2.4 Installing Accessories

Before using the radio, ensure the battery pack is attached and charged.

Installing / Removing the Antenna:

• Installing: Screw the antenna into the connector on top of the transceiver by holding its base and turning clockwise until secure.
• Removing: Turn the antenna counter-clockwise to remove it.

Installing the Belt Clip:

• Remove the two parallel screws above the battery on the back of the radio.
• Thread the screws through the holes on the belt clip and screw them back into the radio body.
• Removing: Unscrew counter-clockwise to remove the belt clip.

Installing the Battery Pack:

• Before attaching or removing, turn off the radio by rotating the power/volume knob counter-clockwise.
• Align the battery in parallel with the radio body, with the lower edge about 1-2cm below the radio's edge.
• Slide the battery upward along the guide-rails until you hear a click, indicating it's locked.

Removing the Battery Pack:

• Press the battery release above the battery pack while sliding the battery downward.

Installing the Additional Speaker/Microphone (Optional):

• Pry open the rubber MIC-Headset jack cover.
• Insert the Speaker / Microphone plug into the double jack.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Radio Overview

Figure 3: Labeled diagram of the Baofeng UV-21 Pro V2. Key components include: 1. Antenna, 2. PTT Key, 3. SK1-FM broadcast/Monitor key, 4. SK2-Flashlight/One touch search, 5. SK3-power selectable/Emergency key, 6. LED flashlight, 7. LED Tx/Rx indicator, 8. Color LCD, 9. MENU key, 10. EXIT Key, 11. A/B key, 12. VFO/MR key, 13. Numeric keypad, 14. Speaker, 15. Power/Volume knob, 16. Speaker/Mic Jacks, 17. Navigation keys, 18. Type-C charging port, 19. Type-C charging indicator, 20. Battery tightening screw.

3.2 LCD Display Icons

Battery Level Indicator: When the battery level indicator shows an empty battery icon, the battery is depleted. The radio will beep periodically, flash the backlight, and announce "Low Voltage" if voice prompts are enabled. Recharge or replace the battery.

Status Indications (LED):

3.3 Main Keypad Controls

• Side key 1 (SK1) - Broadcast FM and Monitor: Momentary press to start/stop FM receiver. Hold to monitor signal (open squelch).
• Side key 2 (SK2) - Flashlight and One-touch Search: Momentary press to turn on/off LED flashlight (continuous, strobe, off). Hold to activate one-touch search function.
• Side key 3 (SK3) - Power Selectable and Alarm: Momentary press to select high/low transmission power. Hold to activate/exit alarm function.
• MENU Key: Used for activating the MENU, selecting items, and confirming parameters.
• Navigation Keys (Up/Down Arrows): Used to navigate menus, channels, and frequencies. Hold for rapid movement.
• EXIT Key: Press to exit the Menu and functions.
• VFO/MR Key: Switches between Frequency (VFO) mode and Channel (MR) mode.
• A/B Key: Selects the desired frequency (VHF or UHF) in the main or secondary display.
• Numeric Keypad: Input information or selections. In transmit mode, sends corresponding DTMF code.
• Star (*) Key: Momentary press enables reverse function. Hold for 2 seconds to lock/unlock keypad.
• Pound (#) Key: Press to activate DTMF dial function. Hold to activate channel scan or frequency scan. In FM radio mode, hold to automatically search for broadcast programs.
• 0 Key: Hold to activate NOAA weather forecast reception function.

3.4 Basic Operations

Power On/Off:

• To Turn On: Rotate the Volume/Power knob clockwise until you hear a "click". The radio will display a message or flash the LCD, then show a frequency or channel. If voice prompt is enabled, it will announce "frequency mode" or "channel mode".
• To Turn Off: Rotate the Volume/Power knob counter-clockwise all the way until you hear a "click".

Adjusting the Volume: Rotate the Volume/Power knob clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease. Use the monitor function (hold SK1) to adjust volume with un-squelched static.

Main Band/Sub Band Select: In standby mode, press the [A/B] key to switch between A (upper) and B (lower) displays. The selected display becomes the active listening and transmit frequency or channel. To save frequencies to channel memory, you must be on the A display.

VFO/Channel Switch: Press the [VFO/MR] key to switch between VFO (Frequency) and MR (Channel) display. In MR mode, the channel number is displayed. In VFO mode, 'VFO' is displayed.

Frequency (VFO) Mode: Navigate up/down the band using the navigation keys or input frequencies directly via the numeric keypad. Example: To enter 436.61250 MHz on display A:

1. In standby mode, press [VFO/MR] to enter VFO mode.
2. Enter [4][3][6][6][1][2][5][0] on the numeric keypad.

WARNING: Transmitting on unauthorized frequencies is illegal. Always verify your license and local regulations.

Channel (MR) Mode and Channel Selection: This mode is more practical for everyday use. You can navigate channels using the navigation keys or by inputting channel numbers directly (e.g., [0][1][2] for channel 12). If voice prompt is enabled, the channel will be broadcast by voice.

Making a Call:

• Channel Mode Call: Select a channel, then hold down the [PTT] key to transmit. Speak into the microphone with a normal tone. The red LED will be on.
• Frequency Mode Call: Switch to VFO mode, input the desired frequency, then hold down the [PTT] key to transmit.
• Receive a Call: When receiving a call, the green LED will be on. You can answer without any action after releasing the [PTT] key.

Note: For best reception, keep the microphone 2.5 cm to 5 cm from your mouth during transmission. You can temporarily switch radio power by pressing the [SK2] button before making a call.

Using the Flashlight: Press [SK2] key momentarily to turn on the LED flashlight. Subsequent presses cycle through continuous on, strobe emergency mode, and off.

Figure 4: High Brightness Flashlight. Best option for outdoor activities in dark environments or nights, such as camping in forest, hunting, or basements, night patrol, etc.

Emergency Alert: Hold the [SK3] key for 3 seconds to activate. The radio will emit a loud siren and the flashlight will flash. Press [SK3] again to exit. WARNING: Use only in actual emergencies.

FM Radio (FM): The radio can receive FM broadcasts from 65-108MHz. Press [SK1] to turn on/off the FM radio. Use navigation keys or input frequency to select a station. Press [#] to auto-search. The radio will automatically switch to the active frequency/channel if a signal is received, then return to FM radio when the signal disappears.

3.5 Advanced Operations

Monitor: In standby, hold [SK1] to enter Monitor mode, allowing you to hear weak signals or signals with matched carriers but weak signaling. Release [SK1] to exit.

Keypad Lock: Locks all keys except the three side keys. Hold the [*] key for about two seconds to enable/disable. Can also be set to automatically lock after ten seconds via the menu.

Frequency Reversal: A momentary press of the [*] key enables the reverse function, swapping transmit and receive frequencies. An "R" will appear on the screen.

TX Repeaters Tone: Press [PTT] + [SK2] to send a 1750Hz repeater tone. This is useful for communicating through repeaters, even with the keypad locked.

One-Touch Frequency Search:

Figure 5: 2 Seconds Copy Frequency Tutorial. Step 1: Power on walkie talkie, and press "2" key, you can see the display show: SEEK. Step 2: Press and hold the other Walkie Talkie transmitting frequency and when it searches for another frequency, press "MENU" to confirm. Step 3: Switch to channel mode and the display will show the other person's frequency. Then you can start communicating.

Figure 6: Decode other walkie talkie's frequency Step. Step 1: Power on walkie talkie, and press "-", you can see the display show: SEARCH. Step 2: Press and hold the other Walkie Talkie transmitting frequency and when it searches for another frequency, press "=" to confirm. Step 3: Switch to channel mode and the display will show the other person's frequency. Then you can start communicating.

1. The radio acts as a receiver. Press and hold the [SK2] key; the screen will display "SEARCH SEARCH...".
2. If an effective signal is received, the frequency will be displayed. If CTCSS or DCS is present, its value will be shown; otherwise, "NONE" is displayed.
3. Press the [MENU] key to save the Search frequency and CTCSS or DCS to a channel.

Weather Radio/Scan Weather Channel: The radio has a NOAA Weather Radio function for receiving weather reports and a NOAA Weather Scan function to scan all 10 NOAA Weather channels.

1. To turn on NOAA Weather Scan, hold the [0/SQL] key for 3 seconds. A weather band icon appears, and the radio enters weather band mode.
2. Hold the [#] key for 3 seconds to start automatic scanning of all 10 channels. It will stop on active channels. Hold [#] again to stop the scan.
3. After stopping the scan, you can manually select a weather channel using the navigation keys.
4. To exit Weather Radio broadcast mode, press the [EXIT] key or [PTT] key.

Weather Channel Frequencies and Names:

NOTE: Weather Channels Wx 1 Thru 10 are Receive-only channels for NOAA and Canadian weather broadcasts. You cannot transmit on these channels.

Working the Menu System: The radio menu allows customization of various settings. Refer to Appendix B for a complete list of menu items and parameters.

Basic Menu Use (Arrow Keys):

1. Press the [MENU] key to enter.
2. Use navigation keys to browse.
3. Press [MENU] again to select an item.
4. Use navigation keys to select a parameter.
5. Press [MENU] to confirm and save, or [EXIT] to cancel.
6. Press [EXIT] to exit the menu at any time.

Menu Use (Shortcuts): Each menu item has a numerical value. You can directly access items using the numeric keypad.

1. Press [MENU].
2. Enter the menu item number using the numeric keypad.
3. Press [MENU] to enter the item.
4. Use navigation keys or numeric keypad for parameters.
5. Press [MENU] to confirm and save, or [EXIT] to cancel.

Scanning: The radio has a built-in scanner for VHF and UHF bands. In VFO mode, it scans in steps; in MR mode, it scans channels. To enable, hold the [#] key for two seconds. Hold [#] again to exit.

Scanning Modes:

• Time Operation (TO): Scanner stops on a signal, then resumes after a preset time.
• Carrier Operation (CO): Scanner stops on a signal, then resumes when the signal disappears.
• Search Operation (SE): Scanner stops on a signal and waits for manual resume (hold [#]).

Setting Scanner Mode:

1. Press [MENU].
2. Enter [2][1] for scanner mode.
3. Press [MENU] to select.
4. Use navigation keys to select TO, CO, or SE.
5. Press [MENU] to confirm.
6. Press [EXIT] to exit.

Frequency Scanning: In VFO mode, hold [#] for 2 seconds to start. Use navigation keys to change direction. Press [#] to stop.

Channel Scanning: In MR mode, hold [#] for 2 seconds to start. Use navigation keys to change direction. Press [#] to stop.

Scan CTCSS/DCS: In standby, press [1][4] for Scan CTCSS or [1][5] for Scan DCS. Press [MENU] to start scanning for tones/codes. (Not available in Channel mode).

Manual Programming (Channels Memory): The radio has 999 memory channels. Each can store receive/transmit frequencies, power, signaling, bandwidth, ANI/PTT-ID, and a six-character alphanumeric identifier.

Frequency Mode (VFO) vs. Channel Mode (MR): VFO is for temporary frequency assignment; MR is for preprogrammed channels. Switch between modes using the [VFO/MR] key.

Example: Programming a Channel Repeater Offset with CTCSS Tone:

1. Press [MENU] to switch between menus.
2. Press [VFO/MR] to set the radio to VFO mode.
3. Follow the specific menu steps (e.g., [3][1][1][0] to delete prior data, [1][2] for TX encode tone, enter RX/TX frequencies, etc.) as detailed in the full manual.
4. Press [VFO/MR] to return to MR mode.

Repeaters Programming: Assumes knowledge of repeater frequencies and authorization. Steps involve setting the radio to VFO mode, entering menu [2][9] for frequency offset, selecting offset, entering value, setting offset direction ([2][8]), and confirming. Optional steps include saving to memory and setting CTCSS.

VOX (Voice Operated Transmit): Enables hands-free communication. Speak into the microphone to activate transmission. In standby, press [MENU] + 7 to access VOX settings. Use navigation keys to adjust VOX level (1-10) or turn off. VOX is not enabled in Scan or FM Radio mode.

Dual Watch: Allows monitoring two channels. In standby, press [MENU] + 7 to access Dual Watch settings. Use navigation keys to enable/disable. The radio features single-receiver Dual Watch functionality.

Stopwatch Timer: In standby, press [MENU] + 44. The screen displays "STOP WATCH". Press [MENU] to enter, use navigation keys to enable (ON), then [MENU] to confirm. Press [EXIT] to return to standby. Press [MENU] to start/restart/stop timing.

Scrambler: Protects communications by voice inversion. In standby, press [MENU] + 45. Press [MENU] to enter, use navigation keys to select scramble mode (MODE1-MODE3) to activate. "SCR" icon appears on display.

DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency): In-band signaling for automation and remote control. Numerical keys and [*], [#] correspond to DTMF codes. To send, press the desired key(s) while holding the [PTT] key.

Customization: The radio allows customization of visual and audible features.

• Display Backlight (ABR) - MENU 7: Adjust backlight duration (ON/5sec/10sec/15sec/20sec).
• Beep PROMPT (BEEP) - MENU 8: Enable/disable key press beep tone.
• Voice Function (VOICE) - MENU 17: Enable/disable voice prompts.
• Language of the MENU (LANGUAGE) - MENU 18: Select menu language (English/Chinese).
• Working Mode (MDF-A) - MENU 24: Select display mode (Frequency, Channel, Channel Name).
• Roger Beep (ROGER) - MENU 36: Enable/disable end-of-transmission tone.
• Power On Message (POWER ON MSG) - MENU 40: Customize welcome message (Voltage, Message, Logo, Model Name).
• Power On Password (POWER ON PWD) - MENU 43: Enable/disable password prompt on power-on.
• Reset (MENU 42): Reset VFO (settings except channels) or ALL (all settings) to default.

4. Maintenance

Your Two Way Radio is an electronic product of exact design and should be treated with care. The following suggestions will help you maintain your radio:

• Do not attempt to open the radio for any reason. Unauthorized opening voids the warranty.
• Do not store the radio under direct sunlight or in hot areas. High temperatures can shorten the life of electronic devices and warp plastics.
• Do not store the radio in dusty and dirty areas.
• Keep the radio dry. Rainwater or dampness will corrode electronic circuits.
• If the radio emits a peculiar smell or smoke, immediately shut off its power and remove the charger or battery.
• Do not transmit without an antenna.

5. Troubleshooting Guide

If you encounter issues with your radio, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions.

NOTE: If these solutions do not resolve your problems, please contact your dealer for technical support.

6. Specifications

NOTE: All specifications may be modified without prior notice or liability.

7. User Tips

• Headphones: If your package did not include headphones and you require them, please check the product listing for specific bundle options or consider purchasing compatible Kenwood 2-pin accessories separately.
• Package Contents: The standard package typically includes one walkie-talkie. If you require multiple units, ensure you select a bundle or quantity that specifies more than one radio during purchase.
• Maximizing Range: For the maximum advertised range (5-10km), ensure the radio is set to high power output. Environmental factors such as terrain, obstacles (buildings, dense foliage), and atmospheric conditions significantly affect actual range. Operating in open, elevated areas will yield the best results.

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the complete user manual (PDF) provided with your product or available online. If you experience issues not covered in the troubleshooting guide or require further assistance, please contact your dealer or the manufacturer's customer support.

PDF Manual Reference: A comprehensive user manual in PDF format is available for download. This manual contains detailed information on advanced features, programming, and warranty terms. You can typically find this on the product support page or by searching for "Baofeng UV-21 PRO V2 User Manual PDF" online.