Chinese Handie Talkies: An Overview

Topics Covered

• Models
• Architecture
• Quality
• Programming
• Accessories
• Where to Buy?
• More Information (Links)

Models Owned

• Baofeng
  • UV-3A ($30)
  • UV-5R and variants ($34)
  • UV-B5 ($35)
  • UV-82 ($35)
• Wouxun
  • KG-UVD1P ($120, from China)

Other Brands

• NKT
• Puxing
• Quansheng
• QYT
• TYT
• Waccom
• Weierwei

Architecture

Chinese Handie Talkies are often true Software Defined Radios (SDRs) featuring:

• Microprocessors
• VHF/UHF radio on a chip
• FM radio on a chip
• Discrete components for Power Amplifier (PA) and Input/Output Filtering

RDA1846 Block Diagram Description

The RDA1846 is a single-chip solution for handheld transceivers. It integrates a VHF/UHF radio, FM radio, and DSP core. Key functional blocks include:

• Antenna Input: Receives RF signals via a switch and Low Noise Amplifier (LNA).
• RF Front-end: Includes mixers (0/90), Programmable Gain Amplifiers (PGA), and Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) for signal processing.
• DSP Core: Handles audio filtering, sub-channel filtering, FM demodulation, and Automatic Frequency Control (AFC) loops.
• Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Converts digital audio signals to analog for output.
• Audio Output (AFOUT) and Microphone Input (MIC): Interfaces for speakers and microphones.
• Voltage Regulator (LDO): Provides stable voltage (3.3-4.8V) from DVDD and AVDD power inputs.
• Synthesizer and VCO: Generate necessary radio frequencies.
• XTAL: Crystal oscillator for timing.
• Peripherals: Includes GPIO pins (GPIO0-GPIO7), Power Down (PDN), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), and Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) for communication with a microcontroller (MCU).
• RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator.
• Interface Bus: Connects various internal components.

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Image Description

The image displays a green printed circuit board (PCB) populated with various electronic components. These include integrated circuits (ICs), surface-mount resistors, capacitors, inductors, and connectors. The layout suggests a compact design typical for handheld radio devices.

Quality Issues

• Wouxun:
  • Can lose memories; EEPROM may fail.
• Baofeng:
  • LCDs on some units have display problems.
  • Charging stand issues reported on the UV-82 model.
  • UV-5R antennas are often of low quality and may require replacement.
  • Harmonic suppression issues noted on the UV-3R.
  • Squelch and S-meter performance can be inconsistent.

Programming

CHIRP: This software allows uploading and downloading configurations from most handheld transceivers (HTs). It simplifies creating a master file with desired frequencies and uploading it to multiple HTs, automatically converting file types. CHIRP also facilitates sharing favorite frequencies among users. A Chirp beginners guide is mentioned.

For Wouxun owners, specific software like KG-UV Commander and KG-UV6 Commander is available.

Accessories

• Programming software
• Programming cable
• Extra batteries
• Better antennas
• Car adapters
• Antenna adapters

Baofeng Model Comparison

Best Overall UV-82 or UV-82X: Picked because it is the heaviest-duty Baofeng, has the highest quality PCB board, a more ergonomic case and keypad, and a loud 1 Watt speaker. Its PCB also offers better RX/TX performance than other radios.

Best UV-5R BF-F8+: Picked because it uses the 2nd Gen PCB UV-5R board, is compatible with all UV-5R accessories, and has an expanded frequency range.

Notes: Some models are not mentioned as they are reproductions or clones. Vendors may reproduce radios without adding differences, using misleading labels for marketing. Examples include the UV-89 and UV-82L, which are identical to the UV-82 except for labeling. It is recommended to avoid such vendors due to their marketing practices and potential disregard for customer service regarding warranties and refunds.

Recommendations

• Wouxun: Offers the highest quality but is approximately three times the price of Baofeng models.
• UV-B5 & B6: Considered the best among the Baofeng models.
• UV-82: Features dual PTT buttons; switching from memory mode to VFO mode requires turning the radio off.
• UV-5R and variants: These are the most common Baofeng models. Replacing the stock antenna is recommended for better performance.
• UV-3R: A small, low-powered radio that functions well. It uses $3.00 NP60 batteries.

Where to Buy?

• Amazon: Consistently offers the least expensive prices and fastest shipping.
• 409 Shop: A favored place to shop, with free shipping from China.
• AliExpress: Cheapest for bulk purchases, though some sellers may be unreliable.
• eBay: Previously a preferred vendor, but less so now.
• Local:
  • Main Trading Company in Paris, TX
  • Hamcom

More Information

• Hans', PDOAC, Ham Radio Blog – hamgear.wordpress.com
• Miklor – www.miklor.com
• Brick O'Lore – www.brickolore.com
• Comparison of Baofeng models – www.baofengtech.com/compare
• Chirp – chirp.danplanet.com
• Yahoo Groups – Several groups for different Baofeng and Wouxun radios – groups.yahoo.com

More Links

• Amazon – www.amazon.com
• 409 Shop – www.409shop.com
• AliExpress – www.aliexpress.com
• Main Trading Company – www.mtcradio.com
• Eham reviews – www.eham.net/reviews/
• $4.99 antenna – http://www.ebay.com/itm/310726384346