BAOFENG UV-5R User Manual

Foreword

Thank you for choosing our radio. We are confident that this easy-to-use radio will provide you with reliable and economical communication.

Our professional radios incorporate advanced technology and all our expertise. We hope you will be satisfied with the quality and capabilities of our product.

Please read this manual carefully before use. The information provided here will help you use the radio with maximum productivity.

Contents

1. Safety Information
2. Features and Functions
3. Unpacking and Equipment Check
4. Optional Accessories
5. Installing Accessories
   1. Installing the antenna
   2. Installing the belt clip
   3. Connecting an external headset
   4. Installing the battery
6. Battery Charging
7. Battery Information
   1. First use
   2. Battery usage recommendations
   3. Extending battery life
   4. Battery storage
8. Components and Controls
   1. General view of the radio
   2. Key assignments
9. LCD Display
10. 1750 Hz Tone for Repeater Access
11. Basic Operations
    1. Power on/off, volume control
    2. Frequency or channel selection
12. Additional Functions
    1. Menu item descriptions
    2. Working with the menu
    3. Squelch level (SQL)
    4. VOX function
    5. Wideband or narrowband modulation selection (W/N)
    6. TDR (Dual-band reception function)
    7. TOT (Transmit Overtime Timer function)
    8. SC-REV (Scan method)
    9. PTT-ID
    10. BCL (Busy Channel Lockout function)
    11. SFT-D (Frequency shift direction for repeater operation)
    12. OFFSET (Frequency shift for repeater operation)
    13. STE (Tail Tone Elimination function at the end of transmission)
13. CTCSS Tone Table
14. DCS Tone Table
15. Technical Specifications
    1. General characteristics
    2. Transmitter characteristics
    3. Receiver characteristics
16. Possible Malfunctions and Their Remedies
17. Warranty

1. Safety Information

Observe the following precautions when operating, servicing, and repairing this device:

• The device must be serviced only by specially trained technicians.
• Under no circumstances disassemble or modify the device for any reason.
• Use only chargers and batteries manufactured or approved by Baofeng.
• Do not use the radio with a damaged antenna; touching a damaged antenna is highly likely to cause burns.
• Turn off the radio before entering areas with explosive and flammable substances, or before blasting operations.
• To avoid electromagnetic interference or compatibility problems, turn off the radio where required, especially where there are written signs reminding you to do so.
• Turn off the radio before boarding an aircraft. Any use of the radio must comply with airline rules or crew instructions.
• For vehicles with airbags: do not place the radio in the airbag deployment zone or directly on their covers.
• Do not expose the radio to prolonged direct sunlight; do not leave it near heat sources.
• When transmitting, hold the radio vertically 3-4 cm from your face, and the antenna at least 2.5 cm from your body.

Attention! If you carry the radio with you, make sure the antenna is at least 2.5 cm away from your body during transmission!

2. Features and Functions

• Dual-band radio with LCD display.
• DTMF encoding.
• FM radio receiver (65 MHz ~ 108 MHz).
• Supports 105 programmable "DCS" codes and 50 "CTCSS" privacy codes.
• VOX function.
• Alarm function.
• Up to 128 memory channels.
• Wideband / narrowband modulation.
• Transmitter power selection: high/low power.
• Display backlight and programmable keypad.
• "Beep" function on the keypad.
• Simultaneous reception of two frequencies.
• Frequency step selection: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25 kHz.
• "OFFSET" function (frequency shift for repeater access).
• "SAVE" battery saving function.
• Programmable "TOT" transmit timer.
• Three scanning modes.
• "BCLO" busy channel lockout function.
• Built-in RX CTCSS/DCS scan function.
• Built-in LED flashlight.
• Programmable via PC with a special cable.
• "Squelch" level adjustable from 0 to 9.
• Cross-band reception/transmission.
• End of transmission tone signal.
• Keypad lock.

3. Unpacking and Equipment Check

Carefully unpack the transceiver. We recommend that you check for the components listed in the following table before discarding the packaging. If any items are missing or damaged during transport, immediately contact the seller.

Visual representation of included items: A radio unit, an antenna, a hand strap, a charger base with power adapter, a battery, a belt clip, and a headset.

Attention! Properties, characteristics, appearance, and product configuration may be changed without prior notice.

4. Optional Accessories

Visual representation of optional accessories: A programming cable, an extended battery, and a car charger adapter.

For more detailed information on optional accessories, please contact the seller.

5. Installing Accessories

5.1. Installing the antenna

Screw the antenna onto the connector at the top of the transceiver, holding the antenna by its base and turning it clockwise until it locks. When installing the antenna, hold it by its base, not by the tip.

If using an external antenna, make sure its "SWR" parameter is approximately equal to or less than 1.5:1, otherwise the transmitter's output stage in the transceiver may burn out.

Do not hold the antenna with your hand during transmission – this reduces signal quality and level.

Attention! Never, under any circumstances, turn on transmission without an antenna!

5.2. Installing the belt clip

If necessary, install the belt clip on the back of the housing, as shown in the image. Do not use glue to secure the screws. Solvents contained in glue can damage the housing.

Attention! If the belt clip is not installed, its mounting location may heat up during continuous transmission or in a hot environment.

5.3. Connecting an external headset

Connect the external headset to the "SPK&MIC" jack, as shown in the image. The transceiver is not fully waterproof when using the speaker/microphone.

6. Battery Charging

Use only the charger specified by the manufacturer.

Visual representation of battery charging: A battery being inserted into a charging cradle, and a radio unit being placed into a charging cradle.

Please follow these steps when charging the battery:

• Insert the AC adapter into an AC outlet.
• Insert the transceiver or battery into the charging cradle.
• Ensure that the battery contacts are properly connected to the charging cradle. The indicator will light red during charging.
• After 4.5 hours of charging, the LED indicator will turn green, indicating a full charge.
• Remove the battery or transceiver from the charging cradle.

7. Battery Information

7.1. First use

New batteries are supplied fully discharged by the manufacturer. Before first use, charge the battery for 3 hours. Maximum battery capacity will be achieved after three cycles of "full charge – full discharge".

Attention! To reduce the risk of injury, use only manufacturer-recommended batteries. Other batteries may explode and cause injury or property damage.

• Do not throw the battery into fire.
• Dispose of the battery only according to the laws and regulations in your country.
• Never dispose of the battery with household waste!

7.2. Battery usage recommendations

Charge the battery at temperatures between 5 and 40 °C. Temperatures outside this range may cause battery leakage or damage.

When charging the battery with the radio, make sure the radio is turned off. This will ensure maximum battery charge.

Do not remove the battery during charging when the charger is connected to the mains.

Never charge a battery that has been exposed to moisture. Wipe the battery dry with a soft cloth first, and only then charge it.

The battery has a service life and wears out. When its service life is exhausted, please replace the battery by purchasing a new one.

7.3. Extending battery life

Battery performance significantly decreases at temperatures below 0 °C (zero) degrees. In cold weather, a spare battery may be needed. If the battery does not work in cold conditions, it will still work at room temperature, so do not rush to charge it.

Dirt on the battery contacts can lead to malfunction or improper charging. When connecting the battery, wipe the contacts with a dry soft cloth.

7.4. Battery storage

Charge the battery before long-term storage to prevent battery damage due to over-discharge.

Recharge the battery every 6 months to avoid over-discharge.

Store the battery in a dry, cool place at room temperature to reduce self-discharge.

8. Components and Controls

8.1. General view of the radio

Diagram of the radio with numbered components:

1. Antenna
2. Flashlight
3. Volume/Power knob
4. LCD screen
5. CALL button (radio, ALARM)
6. MONI button (flashlight, monitoring)
7. PTT button (transmit)
8. VFO/MR buttons (channels/frequencies)
9. LED indicator
10. Belt clip attachment
11. External headset jack
12. A/B (upper/lower receiver selection)
13. BAND (band selection)
14. Keypad
15. Speaker/microphone
16. Battery
17. Battery contacts
18. Battery release button

8.2. Key assignments

【PTT】:

Press and hold the transmit key, release to receive.

【CALL】:

Press the key to turn on the FM radio. Press again to turn off the FM radio.

Press and hold to turn on ALARM. Press and hold again to turn off the ALARM function.

【MONI】:

Press the key to turn on the flashlight. Press again – the flashlight will start blinking evenly (not in all versions of the device). Press again – the flashlight will turn off.

Press and hold to turn off automatic squelch for frequency monitoring.

【VFO/MR】:

Pressing the key switches the radio's operating mode: channel / frequency.

【A/B】:

Press to select the active receiver (upper [A] or lower [B] on the screen).

【BAND】:

Press to change the frequency band.

In FM radio mode, the band switches between 65-75 MHz and 76-108 MHz.

Pressing this key during transmission emits a 1750 Hz tone (for working with amateur radio repeaters).

【*SCAN】:

A single press turns the Reverse function on/off.

Holding for 2 seconds starts scanning.

Pressing the FM radio key starts searching for FM stations.

【#】:

Pressing the button in the CTCSS/DCS sub-tone selection menu starts sub-tone scanning.

Pressing the key switches transmitter power: high/low.

Holding for 2 seconds turns keypad lock on/off.

FUNCTION KEYPAD:

【MENU】:

The key is used to enter the menu, to enter the mode for selecting values of a specific menu parameter, and to confirm parameter changes.

【▲】【▼】:

Frequency mode:

A single press changes the active receiver frequency up or down by a specified step (see STEP menu setting). Holding the key changes the active channel frequency continuously until the button is released.

Channel mode:

Enables the next/previous memory cell with a saved channel.

Menu mode:

Moves to the next/previous setting. Changes the current setting to the next/previous value.

【EXIT】:

To cancel/clear or exit.

【DIGITAL KEYPAD】:

Frequency mode:

Used for manual entry of the desired frequency of the selected channel.

Channel mode:

Used to enter the memory cell number with the saved channel.

Menu mode:

Used to enter the sequential number of options. You can also set non-standard CTCSS sub-tone frequencies in the mode of changing corresponding parameters.

Transmit mode:

Transmits DTMF signals over the air.

【ACCESSORY JACK】:

The jack is used to connect audio accessories or other accessories, such as a programming cable.

9. LCD Display

The image shows all display icons. Icons appear on the display when certain operations or functions are active.

Diagram of the LCD display showing various icons and their positions.

10. 1750 Hz Tone for Repeater Access

The user can establish long-distance communication between cities via an amateur radio repeater, which is activated after receiving a 1750 Hz tone. Press and hold the 【PTT】 button, then press the 【BAND】 button to transmit the 1750 Hz tone.

11. Basic Operations

11.1. Power on/off, volume control

Make sure the antenna and battery are correctly installed and the battery is charged.

Turn the power switch/volume control clockwise to turn on the radio. Rotate the knob clockwise to increase, and counter-clockwise to decrease volume.

11.2. Frequency or channel selection

Press the 【▲】 or 【▼】 key to select the desired frequency/channel. The selected frequency/channel will be displayed on the screen.

Press and hold the 【▲】 or 【▼】 key to change the frequency.

Attention! You cannot select a channel if it has not been saved previously.

12. Additional Functions

You can program the radio's operation in the settings menu according to your needs or preferences.

12.1. Menu item descriptions

12.2. Working with the menu

The radio menu contains 40 different items for setting operating modes.

• To enter the settings menu, press the 【MENU】 key.
• Navigate to the desired menu item using the 【▼】 and 【▲】 keys.
• To change the selected option, press the 【MENU】 key.
• Use the 【▼】 and 【▲】 buttons to select the desired value.
• Save the settings by pressing the 【MENU】 key.

Diagram showing menu navigation: MENU → Parameter selection (▲▼) → MENU → Value selection (▲▼) → MENU → Save.

Attention! In channel mode, the following menu parameters are invalid: CTCSS, DCS, W/N, PTT-ID, BCL, SCAN ADD TO, S-CODE, CHANNEL NAME. Only H/L power can be changed.

12.3. Squelch level (SQL)

Squelch mutes the speaker in the absence of a signal on the frequency. With a correctly set squelch level, you will only hear sound during actual signal reception, and battery life will be significantly increased. It is recommended to set the level to 5.

12.4. VOX function

When the VOX function is enabled, you do not need to press the PTT button to transmit. Transmission will be activated automatically as soon as the microphone "hears" a voice. When the voice disappears, transmission will automatically stop and the device will switch to reception. Using the VOX menu, you can set the voice volume threshold at which transmission will be activated.

12.5. Wideband or narrowband modulation selection (W/N)

In areas with many transmitters, it is necessary to use a narrow transmission band to avoid interference in adjacent channels.

12.6. TDR (Dual-band reception function)

This function allows you to switch between frequency A and frequency B. The transceiver periodically checks if a signal is being received on another saved frequency. If you receive a signal, the device will remain on that frequency until the signal disappears.

12.7. TOT (Transmit Overtime Timer function)

This function can automatically control the transmission time each time you press [PTT] on the transceiver. This function prevents overheating of the transceiver's power transistors. The transceiver will automatically turn off transmission after the set time.

12.8. CTCSS/DCS

In some cases, you may need to hear transmissions only from certain individuals or groups. In this case, use selective calling, which allows you to ignore unwanted calls from others using the same frequency.

CTCSS or DCS is an almost inaudible tone that can be selected from 39 or 83 tones in the list.

Attention! CTCSS and DCS do not make your conversation private and encrypted. They only prevent you from listening to unwanted conversations.

12.9. ANI (Automatic number identification by number)

ANI (automatic number identification) is also known as PTT ID, as the identifier is transmitted when the PTT button is pressed and/or released. This identifier informs the dispatcher which radio was turned on. It can only be set using PC software.

12.10. SC-REV (Scan method)

The transceiver allows scanning memory channels, all bands, or a portion of the bands.

Frequency scanning methods:

• TO (time operation) – when a frequency with a signal is found, the scanner will stop on it for a few seconds, then resume scanning.
• CO (carrier operation) – scanning will continue as soon as the active signal disappears from the frequency.
• SE (search operation) – scanning will end as soon as a frequency with a signal is found.

12.11. PTT-ID

Determines the moment of transmitting the PTT-ID code. Values: OFF – do not transmit; BOT – transmit at the beginning of transmission; EOT – transmit at the end of transmission; BOTH – transmit at the beginning and end of transmission. The recommended value is OFF.

12.12. BCL (Busy Channel Lockout function)

This function prevents the radio transmitter from activating if a signal strong enough to break the squelch is present. On a frequency where active stations using different CTCSS or DCS codes may be present, BCL prevents accidental interruption of their communication (since your radio may be muted by its own tone decoder).

12.13. SFT-D (Frequency shift direction for repeater operation)

Direction of transmit frequency shift relative to receive frequency (for repeater operation). Only in frequency mode! Values:

OFF – no shift; "+" – transmit frequency will be higher than receive frequency; "-" – transmit frequency will be lower than receive frequency. Depending on the selected value, the + or - indicator will light up on the screen accordingly.

12.14. OFFSET (Frequency shift for repeater operation)

Value of transmit frequency shift relative to receive frequency (in Megahertz) for repeater operation. Value: 00.000 – 69.

12.15. STE (Tail Tone Elimination function at the end of transmission)

This function is used to enable or disable a short noise at the end of transmission. A short 50 Hz tone is emitted over the air, signaling to other transceivers the end of transmission and the need to mute the sound. For repeater operation, this option must be disabled.

13. CTCSS Tone Table

14. DCS Tone Table

15. Technical Specifications

15.1. General characteristics

15.2. Transmitter characteristics

15.3. Receiver characteristics

Attention! All specifications may be changed without prior notice.

16. Possible Malfunctions and Their Remedies

17. Warranty

If your product is not working properly... Please read this user manual. Contact the service center.

Warranty Card

Attention! The warranty is valid provided that all fields of the warranty card are filled in completely and correctly, legibly and clearly, and that the seller's stamp and a sales receipt confirming the purchase of the radio are present.

The device's operation is guaranteed for one year from the date of sale to the end-user. This warranty certificate is unique and non-transferable and cannot be reissued, either in original or copy. Replacement of the product or any part thereof does not extend the warranty. The warranty covers the replacement and free replacement of all parts, defective materials, and components used in manufacturing and/or forming part of the device.

The warranty does not cover any malfunctions caused by accident, improper installation or use, electrical shock, liquid damage, connection of a power adapter other than the one specified in the package, reverse polarity, or claims related to deterioration of appearance during normal use, nor the quantity or condition of accessories used in conjunction. Checking the proper quality of the goods is the buyer's responsibility at the time of purchase of the device.

The warranty does not cover batteries, even if they are part of the purchased equipment. Facts of malfunctions in the device's operation must be submitted within fifteen days from the date of purchase.

Warranty is void in the following cases:

• Devices with signs of tampering or mechanical damage.
• Equipment and accessories where the serial number has been changed or erased.
• Products used for purposes other than intended.

To claim warranty, you must bring the faulty product to the dealer or any Authorized Service Center with the following documentation:

• Warranty card, properly filled in and sealed.
• Original proof of purchase (sales receipt, etc.), which clearly identifies the device and date of purchase.
• Description of malfunctions.

The warranty terms contained in this warranty card do not exclude changes or limitations of the buyer's legal rights under applicable law.