Baofeng K5Plus Walkie Talkie User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing our Amateur Portable Radio, which is a dual band/dual display radio. This easy-to-use radio will deliver you secure, instant and reliable communications at peak efficiency. Please read this manual carefully before use. The information presented herein will help you to derive maximum performance from your radio.

Safety Information

The following safety precautions shall always be observed during operation, service and repair of this equipment:

• This equipment shall be serviced by qualified technicians only.
• Do not modify the radio for any reason.
• Do not use any portable radio that has a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with your skin, a minor burn can result.
• Turn off your radio prior to entering any area with explosive and flammable materials.
• Do not charge your battery in a location with explosive and flammable materials.
• To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts, turn off your radio in any area where posted notices instruct you to do so.
• Turn off your radio before boarding an aircraft. Any use of a radio must be in accordance with airline regulations or crew instructions.
• Turn off your radio before entering a blasting area.
• For vehicles with an air bag, do not place a radio in the area over an air bag or in the air bag deployment area.
• Do not expose the radio to direct sunlight over a long time, nor place it close to heating source.
• When transmitting with a portable radio, hold the radio in a vertical position with the microphone 3 to 4 centimeters away from your lips. Keep antenna at least 2.5 centimeters away from your body when transmitting.

WARNING: If you wear a radio on your body, ensure the radio and its antenna are at least 2.5 centimeters away from your body when transmitting.

Features and Functions

• Dual-band handheld transceiver with display function menu on the display "LCD".
• DTMF encoded.
• Lithium-ion battery with high capacity.
• Commercial FM radio receiver (65 MHz ~ 108 MHz).
• Incorporates 105 codes "DCS" and 50 privacy codes "CTCSS" programmable.
• Function "VOX" (voice operated transmission).
• Alarm function.
• Up to 999 memory channels (640 for GPS version).
• Broadband (Wide) / Narrowband (Narrow), selectable.
• High power / low selectable (5W-10W output).
• Display illumination and programmable keyboard.
• Function "beep" on the keyboard.
• Dual Watch/dual reception.
• Selectable Frequency Step 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25 kHz.
• Function "OFFSET" (frequency offset for repeater access).
• Battery saving function "SAVE".
• Timer transmission "TOT" programmable.
• Selecting the Scan Mode.
• Function Busy Channel Lock "BCLO".
• Built-in RX CTCSS/DCS scan.
• Built-in LED flashlight (No GPS version).
• GPS positioning function, location sharing and requesting location information from others (GPS version).
• Programmable by PC.
• Waterproof / Water-Resistant: IP45.
• Maximum Range: 5km-10km.
• Type-C Charging.

Unpacking and Checking Equipment

Carefully unpack the transceiver. We recommend that you identify the items listed in the following before discarding the packing material. If any items are missing or have been damaged during shipment, please contact your dealer immediately.

Image: Baofeng K5 Plus Walkie Talkie with various accessories, showing both GPS and No GPS versions.

Standard Package Contents

The items included in the package may differ depending on the version (GPS or No GPS) and country of purchase. Please verify your selection when placing an order.

Image: Standard package contents for the No GPS Version, typically includes 1x Radio, 1x Antenna, 1x Battery, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Hand Strap, 1x Type-C Cable, 1x Product Manual, 1x Box.

Image: Standard package contents for the GPS Version, typically includes 1x Radio, 1x Antenna, 1x Battery, 1x Belt Clip, 1x Hand Strap, 1x Type-C Cable, 1x Product Manual, 1x Box.

Installation of Accessories

Installing the Antenna

Install the antenna by turning it clockwise onto the radio until it stops. When installing, hold the antenna by its base, not its top. If using an external antenna, ensure its SWR is 1.5:1 or less to prevent damage. Never transmit without an antenna.

Installing the Belt Clip

Install the belt clip at the rear of the battery compartment cover. Do not use any glue to fix the screw on the belt clip, as solvents in glue may damage the battery casing.

Micro-Headset Installation of External

Plug the external micro-headset connector into the 'SP. & MIC' jack of the transceiver.

Battery Information and Charging

Battery Installation

To attach the battery, ensure it is parallel and in good contact with the aluminum chassis. Align the battery with the guide rails and slide it upwards until a 'click' is heard. The battery latch at the bottom locks the battery.

To remove the battery, turn off the radio. Slide the battery latch at the bottom in the indicated direction. Slide down the battery for about 1 to 2 centimeters, then remove it from the radio's body.

Battery Charging

Use only the charger specified by the manufacturer. The charger's LED indicates the charging progress:

Charging Steps:

1. Plug the power cord into the adapter.
2. Plug the AC connector of the adapter into the AC outlet socket.
3. Plug the DC connector of the adapter into the DC socket on the back of the charger.
4. Place the radio with the battery attached, or the battery alone, in the charger.
5. Make sure the battery is in good contact with the charging terminals. The charging process initiates when the red LED lights.
6. The green LED lights about 4 hours later indicating the battery is fully charged. Then remove the radio with the battery attached or the battery alone from the charger.

Image: Type-C charging options for the walkie talkie, including USB, computer, power bank, and car charger.

Initial Use

New batteries are shipped uncharged fully from the factory. Charge a new battery for 5 hours before initial use. The maximum battery capacity and performance is achieved after three full charge/discharge cycles. If you notice the battery power runs low, please recharge the battery.

Battery Tips

• When charging your battery, keep it at a temperature among 5℃ - 40℃. Temperature out of the limit may cause battery leakage or damage.
• When charging a battery attached to a radio, turn the radio off to ensure a full charge.
• Do not cut off the power supply or remove the battery when charging a battery.
• Never charge a battery that is wet. Please dry it with a soft cloth prior to charge.
• The battery will eventually wear out. When the operating time (talk-time and standby time) is noticeably shorter than normal performance, it is time to buy a new battery.

Prolong Battery Life

• Battery performance will be greatly decreased at a temperature below 0℃. A spare battery is necessary in cold weather. The cold battery unable to work in this situation may work under room temperature, so keep it for later use.
• The dust on the battery contact may cause the battery cannot work or charge. Please use a clean dry cloth to wipe it before attaching the battery to the radio.

Battery Storage

• Fully charge a battery before you store it for a long time, to avoid battery damage due to over-discharge.
• Recharge a battery after several months' storage (Li-Ion batteries: 6 months), to avoid battery capacity reduction due to over-discharge.
• Store your battery in a cool and dry place under room temperature, to reduce self-discharge.

Parts, Controls and Keys

Image: Detailed diagram of the Baofeng K5 Plus walkie talkie with numbered parts.

Radio Overview (Numbered Parts)

1. Antenna
2. Power/Volume Knob
3. LED Flashlight
4. Color LCD
5. VFO/MR Mode Key
6. Status LED
7. A/B Select Key
8. BAND Key
9. MENU Key
10. EXIT Key
11. Numeric Keypad
12. Or Key
13. PTT Key
14. SK1 Key Broadcast FM and Alarm Key
15. SK2 Key Flashlight and Monitor Key
16. Accessory Jack Speaker and Microphone
17. Battery Release Latch
18. Type-C Charging Indicator
19. Type-C Charging Port

Command/Key Definition

• [PTT] (PUSH-TO-TALK): Press and hold down the [PTT] button to transmit; release it to receive.
• SK-SIDE KEY1/[CALL]: Press to activate/deactivate FM Radio. Press and hold to activate/deactivate the alarm function.
• SK-SIDE KEY2/[MONI]: Press to turn on/off the flashlight. Press and hold to monitor the signal.
• [VFO/MR] BUTTON: Press to switch between frequency mode and channel mode.
• [A/B] BUTTON: Press to switch frequency display.
• [BAND] BUTTON: Press to switch band display. While FM radio is active, press to switch FM radio band (65-75MHz/76-108MHz).
• [SCAN] KEY: Press to activate the Reverse function (exchange reception/transmission frequency). Press for 2 seconds to start scanning (frequency/channel). While FM radio is active, press to search FM radio stations. While setting RX CTCSS/DCS, press to scan RX CTCSS/DCS.
• [#] KEY: Under channel mode, press to switch High/Low transmit power. Press for 2 seconds to lock/unlock the keypad.
• FUNCTION KEYPAD:
  • [MENU] key: To enter the menu and confirm settings.
  • [▲][▼] key: Press and hold for fast frequency up/down. Press for opposite scanning.
  • [EXIT] key: To cancel/clear or exit.
• NUMERIC KEYPAD: Used to enter information for programming and non-standard CTCSS. Under transmission mode, press numeric key to send signal code (set by PC software).

LCD Display

The display icons appear when certain operations or specific features are activated.

Basic Operation

1750 Hz Tone for Access to Repeaters

The user needs to establish long distance communications through an amateur radio repeater which is activated after receiving a 1750 Hz tone. Press and hold on the [PTT], then press the [BAND] button to transmit a 1750Hz tone.

Radio On-Off/Volume Control

• Make sure the antenna and battery are installed correctly and the battery charged.
• Rotate the knob clockwise to turn the radio on, and rotate the knob fully counter-clockwise until a 'click' is heard to turn the radio off. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the volume, or counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.

Selecting a Frequency or Channel

• Press the key [▲] or [▼] to select the desired frequency/channel you want. The display shows the frequency / channel selected.
• Press and hold down the key [▲] or [▼] for frequency up or down fast.

Note: You can not select a channel if not previously stored.

Advanced Operation

You can program your transceiver operating in the setup menu to suit your needs or preferences.

Set Menu Description

Shortcut Menu Operation

1. Press the [MENU] key, then press the [▲] or [▼] to select the desired menu.
2. Press the [MENU] key again, to enter the parameter setting.
3. Press the key [▲] or [▼] to select the desired parameter.
4. Press the [MENU] key to confirm and save, press the [EXIT] key to cancel setting or clear the input.

Note: Under channel mode, the following menu settings are invalid: CTCSS, DCS, W/N, PTT-ID, BCL, SCAN ADD TO, S-CODE, CHANNEL NAME. Only the H/L power could be changed.

SQL (Squelch)

The squelch mutes the speaker of the transceiver in the absence of reception. With the squelch level correctly set, you will hear sound only while actually receiving signals and significantly reduces battery current consumption. It is recommended that you set Level 5.

Function VOX (Voice Operated Transmission)

This function allows transmission without pressing the [PTT] button. Transmission is activated automatically by detecting the radio voice. When speaking finishes, transmission automatically terminates and the transceiver will automatically receive signal. Be sure to adjust the VOX Gain level to an appropriate sensitivity to allow smooth transmission.

Image: Illustration of the VOX (Voice Operated Transmission) function.

Select Wideband or Narrow Band "W/N"

In areas where RF signals are saturated, you must use the narrow band of transmission to avoid interference in adjacent channels.

TDR (Dual Watch/Dual Reception)

This feature allows you to operate between frequency A and frequency B. Periodically, the transceiver checks whether a signal is received on another frequency that we have scheduled. If you receive a signal, the unit will remain in the frequency until the received signal disappears.

TOT (Transmission Timer)

This function can automatically control the time we transmit each time you press [PTT] on the transceiver. This feature is very useful to avoid overheating excessive power transistors of the transceiver. The transceiver will be off transmission automatically once the set time.

CTCSS/DCS

In some cases, you may want to establish communications in a closed user group at a particular frequency or channel, for which you will use "CTCSS" or code "DCS" for reception. The "squelch" opens only when receiving a frequency with "CTCSS" or codes "DCS" same as the programmed in your transceiver. If codes of the received signal differ from those programmed in your transceiver, the "squelch" will not open and the received signal can be heard.

Note: The use of "CTCSS" or "DCS" in a communication does not guarantee complete confidentiality.

ANI (Automatic Number Identification)

ANI (Automatic Number Identification) is also known as PTT ID because an ID is transmitted when the PTT button of the radio is pressed and/or released. This ID tells the dispatcher which field radio was keyed. Only could be set by PC software.

DTMFST (DTMF Tone of Transmitting Code)

First you should set the PTT-ID as BOT/EOT/BOTH.

• "OFF" - Under transmitting mode, you can't hear the DTMF tone, while you press the key to transmit the code or code automatically transmitted.
• "DT-ST" - Under transmitting mode, you can hear the DTMF tone, while you press the key to transmit the code.
• "ANI-ST" - Under transmitting mode, you can hear the DTMF tone, while the code automatically transmitted.
• "DT-ANI" - Under transmitting mode, you can hear the DTMF tone, while you press the key to transmit the code or the code automatically transmitted.

SC-REV (Scan Resume Method)

This transceiver allows you to scan memory channels, all the bands or part of the bands. When the transceiver detects a communication, the scan will stop automatically.

Notes:

• "TO" (Time Operation): Scanning will stop when it detects an active signal. The scanning will stop on each channel or active frequency for a predetermined time, after that time the scan will resume automatically.
• "CO" (Carrier Operation): The scanning will stop and remain in the frequency or channel, until the active signal disappears.
• "SE" (Search Operation): The scanning will stop and remain in the frequency or channel after it detects an active signal.

PTT-ID (PTT or Release PTT to Transmit the Signal Code)

• This feature allows you to know who called you.
• "OFF" - Don't transmit the code while pushing the PTT button.
• "BOT" - Transmit the code while pushing the PTT button (code only set by PC software).
• "EOT" - Transmit the code while releasing the PTT button.
• "BOTH" - Transmit the code while pushing or releasing the PTT button.

BCL (Busy Channel Lockout)

The BCLO feature prevents the radio's transmitter from being activated if a signal strong enough to break through the "noise" squelch is present. On a frequency where stations using different CTCSS or DCS codes may be active, BCLO prevents you from disrupting their communications accidentally (because your radio may be muted by its own tone decoder).

SFT-D (Direction of Frequency Shift)

The "OFFSET" is the difference or offset between the reception frequency and the frequency of transmission for access to amateur radio repeaters. Set the "OFFSET" according to the "OFFSET" amateur radio repeater through which you want to communicate.

OFFSET (Frequency Shift)

When communicating via a repeater, the direction of displacement of frequency should be timed to the displacement of the transmission frequency is higher or lower than the receiving frequency. For example: If we want to make a communication through amateur radio repeater whose frequency input is 145.000 MHz and 145.600 MHz is output, we select the "OFFSET" of the previous section in 0600 and the direction of travel "SHIFT" programmed to [-], so the transceiver will always 145.600 MHz in frequency and when you press [PTT] to transmit transceiver, the frequency will automatically move to 145.000 MHz.

STE (Tail Tone Elimination)

This function is used to activate or deactivate the transmission end of the transceiver. This final tone transmission only be used in communications between transceivers and not in communications through a repeater, which must be deactivated.

DCS Table

The DCS table provides a comprehensive list of digital coded squelch codes for advanced communication settings. Refer to the full PDF manual for the complete table.

Technical Specifications

General

• Frequency Range: AM:108-136MHz(RX), FM: 65-108MHz(RX), Police: 350-390MHz(RX), VHF:136-174MHz(TX & RX), VHF:200-260MHz(TX & RX), UHF:400-480MHz(TX & RX), UHF:480-520MHz(RX)
• Memory Channels: Up to 999 (No GPS Version), 640 (GPS Version)
• Frequency Stability: 2.5ppm
• Frequency Step: 2.5kHz/5kHz/6.25kHz/10kHz/12.5kHz/25kHz
• Antenna Impedance: 50 Ω
• Operating Temperature: -20 °C to +60 °C
• Supply Voltage: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion 7.4V/1800 mAh
• Consumption in Standby: <75mA
• Consumption in Reception: 380mA
• Consumption in Transmission: ≤1.4 A
• Mode of Operation: Simplex or semi-duplex
• Duty Cycle: 03/03/54 min. (Rx / Tx / Standby)
• Dimensions: 135mm X 63mm X 39mm (not including antenna)
• Weight: 290g (with Li-ON battery)

Image: Dimensions of the Baofeng K5 Plus walkie talkie (13.5cm x 6.3cm x 3.9cm, antenna 32.5cm).

Image: Multi-band frequency range including 136-174MHz (RX/TX), 220-260MHz (RX/TX), 400-480MHz (RX/TX), 480-520MHz (RX), AM:108-136MHz (RX), Police:350-390MHz (RX), FM: 65-108MHz (RX).

Transmitter

• RF Power: 10W High Power (7 Watts Max)
• Type of Modulation: FM (16KOF3E/11KOF3E)
• Spurious Emission: -16 dBm<1GHz, -16 dBm>1GHz
• Frequency Stability: ±2.5 ppm
• Audio Distortion: ≤5%
• FM Hum & Noise: 40 dB

Receiver

• Sensitivity: 0.2 μV (at 12 dB SINAD) / -120 dBm
• Adjacent Channel Selectivity: -60 dBm
• Intermodulation and Rejection: -70 dBm
• Rated Audio Power Output: 0.75 Watts @ 16 Ω
• Rated Audio Distortion: ≤5%

Note: All specifications shown are subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

Once these checks, if you still have problems with the transceiver, check with your distributor, dealer or service center.

User Tips

• Optimal Antenna Placement: For best reception and transmission, ensure your antenna is fully extended and clear of obstructions.
• Battery Conservation: Utilize the battery saving function (SAVE) to extend operational time, especially during prolonged standby periods.
• Channel Management: Organize your frequently used channels into memory for quick access. Use the wireless frequency copy feature to easily replicate settings from another radio.
• Weather Monitoring: For outdoor activities, regularly check NOAA weather alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
• VOX Sensitivity: Adjust VOX sensitivity carefully to avoid accidental transmissions or missed communications. Test in a quiet environment first.
• Programming via PC: For advanced users, consider using PC software for programming channels and custom settings to unlock the full potential of your radio.

Warranty and Support

The device described in this Certificate is guaranteed for a period of one year from the date of sale to the final user. This Warranty Certificate is unique and not transferable and may not be reissued for new or original or copy. Substitution of product failure or any part thereof shall not involve extension of the guarantee.

The warranty covers the replacement and free replacement of all parts that are defective in materials and components used in manufacturing and / or assembly of the apparatus.

The warranty does not cover any faults caused by accident, improper installation and use, electric shock (e.g., storms), connecting to a power source other than that specified, reverse polarity in the diet, or claims due to deterioration in the external appearance of normal use, nor the amount or condition of the accessories. Checking the accessories is the responsibility of the purchaser at the time of purchasing the device.

The warranty does not cover rechargeable batteries even if they are part of the equipment purchased as they are considered consumables; the impairment must be reported within a period of fifteen days from the date of purchase.

The warranty is void on the following assumptions:

1. Devices that have been manipulated by another or by anyone other than authorized service provider.
2. Equipment and accessories in which the serial number has been altered, deleted or filed unreadable.
3. Use of the product other than as intended.

To make use of the guarantee, it is necessary to give the dealer or any of the Authorized Service the defective device with its accessories and the following documentation:

1. Warranty Certificate duly completed and sealed.
2. Original invoice which clearly identifies the device and the date of purchase.
3. Description of the faults.

The warranty terms contained in this Certificate of Guarantee do not exclude, modify or restrict the statutory rights of the buyer by virtue of the laws in force at the time of purchase, but are added to them.

For a complete and detailed user manual, please refer to the official PDF document: Baofeng K5Plus User Manual (PDF).

Product Video Overview