BAOFENG UV-5R Series Portable Two-Way Radio Operation Manual

1. Safety Information

The following precautions must be observed during the operation, servicing, and repair of this device:

• This device should only be serviced by specially trained professionals.
• Do not modify the radio's design!
• Use only chargers and batteries manufactured or approved by BAOFENG.
• Do not use radios with damaged antennas. Contact with a damaged antenna can cause burns.
• Turn off the radio before entering areas with explosive and flammable substances.
• Do not charge the battery in areas with explosive and flammable substances.
• To avoid electromagnetic interference or compatibility issues, turn off the radio where required, especially where warning signs are posted.
• Turn off the radio before boarding an aircraft. Any use of the radio must comply with airline rules or crew instructions.
• Turn off the radio before entering blasting areas.
• 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 direct sunlight or leave it near heat sources.
• When transmitting, hold the radio vertically 3-4 cm from your face. Keep the antenna at least 4 cm away from your body.

2. Features and Functions

• Dual-band portable transceiver with LCD screen.
• DTMF signal support.
• High-capacity Li-ion battery.
• FM radio receiver (65 MHz – 108 MHz).
• Supports 105 "DCS" sub-tones and 50 "CTCSS" sub-tones with manual setting capability.
• VOX function (voice activation).
• Alarm function.
• 128 memory channels.
• Wideband / Narrowband modulation.
• Adjustable transmitter power.
• Programmable display backlight color and illumination time.
• Keypad "beep" function.
• Simultaneous reception of two different frequencies.
• Selectable frequency step: 2.5 / 5 / 6.25 / 10 / 12.5 / 25 / 50 kHz.
• OFFSET function (frequency shift for repeater operation).
• Battery save function (SAVE).
• Adjustable transmission time limit (TOT function).
• Three frequency scanning modes.
• "BCLO" function (Busy Channel Lockout) (prevents transmission if the channel is already in use).
• Built-in CTCSS/DCS sub-tone scanning function.
• Built-in LED flashlight.
• Radio programming via a special cable.
• Adjustable squelch level (0 to 9).
• Simultaneous reception on different bands.
• Transmission end tone.
• Keypad lock.

3. Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully unpack the transceiver. Be sure to check for all necessary components. In case of discrepancies, please immediately inform the seller.

The package typically includes (from left to right, top to bottom, as depicted in the original manual's diagram):

• Radio unit
• Charging cradle
• Battery
• AC adapter for charging cradle
• Antenna
• Belt clip
• Hand strap

4. Optional Accessories (Purchased Separately)

Optional accessories include (as depicted in the original manual's diagram):

• Car charger
• Speaker microphone
• Programming cable
• Headset: earphone with microphone and PTT button.

5. Initial Assembly and Connection

5.1. Antenna Installation

To install the antenna, carefully screw it clockwise onto the threaded connector until it is tight.

(Diagram description: Shows an antenna being screwed onto the top of the radio unit.)

5.2. Belt Clip Installation

If necessary, install the belt clip on the back of the radio body, as shown in the image.

(Diagram description: Shows a belt clip being attached to the back of the radio unit with screws.)

5.3. External Headset Connection

Connect the external headset to the "SP&MIC" jack on the device.

5.4. Battery Installation

When installing the battery, ensure it is parallel to the aluminum body. The bottom of the battery should be 1-2 cm below the bottom of the device.

Align the battery grooves with the guides on the body and slide the battery upwards until it clicks into place.

Before removing the battery, always turn off the device.

Press the battery latch (PUSH), slide it down 1-2 cm, then detach it from the body.

(Diagram description: Shows two views of the radio, one with the battery being slid into place from the bottom, and another showing the battery fully attached.)

6. Battery Charging

Use only manufacturer-recommended chargers. The color of the LED on the charger indicates the charging process:

7. Battery Information

Please follow the charging procedure:

1. Connect the AC adapter to a power outlet.
2. Connect the AC adapter to the charging cradle.
3. Place the device with the battery or the battery alone into the charging cradle.
4. Ensure the battery contacts make firm contact with the metal contacts of the charging cradle. The Red LED should light up.
5. After approximately 4.5 hours, the Green LED will light up. This indicates that the battery is fully charged. Remove the battery from the charging cradle.

7.1. First Use

New batteries are shipped from the factory fully discharged. Before first use, the battery must be charged for 5 hours. Maximum battery capacity is achieved after three "full charge/full discharge" cycles. If you notice that the battery power has decreased, recharge it.

7.2. Battery Use Tips

1. Charge and store the battery at temperatures between 5°C and 40°C. If the temperature regime is violated, the battery may leak or be damaged.
2. Turn off the radio during charging to ensure a full battery charge.
3. Do not disconnect the AC adapter or remove the battery from the charging cradle during the charging process.
4. Never charge the battery if there are traces of moisture on it. Wipe it with a dry soft cloth before charging.
5. Batteries have a limited lifespan. When the radio's operating time significantly decreases compared to normal, the battery needs to be replaced with a new one.

7.3. Extending Battery Life

1. Battery performance significantly decreases at temperatures below 0°C (zero) degrees. In cold weather, a spare battery may be required. If the battery does not work in cold conditions, it may still work at room temperature, so do not rush to charge it.
2. Dirt on battery contacts can lead to malfunction or charging failure. Before connecting the battery, wipe the contacts with a dry soft cloth.

7.4. Battery Storage

Fully charge the battery before long-term storage to prevent damage from over-discharge.

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

Store your 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 description: A multi-view diagram of the BAOFENG UV-5R radio, showing front, side, and back views with numbered components.)

8.2. Keypad Functions

[PTT] (PUSH-TO-TALK):

Press and hold the key to transmit, release to receive.

[CALL]:

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

Press and hold the key to turn on the ALARM function. 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 device versions). Press again to turn it off.

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

[VFO/MR]:

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

[A/B]:

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

[BAND]:

Press the key 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 call 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 key in FM radio mode starts searching for an FM station.

Pressing the key 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.

[MENU]:

This key is used to enter the menu, to enter the value selection mode for a specific menu parameter, and to confirm parameter changes.

[▼] and [▲]:

Frequency mode:

A single press changes the active receiver's frequency up or down by a set step (see STEP menu setting).

Holding the key continuously changes the active channel's frequency by a set step until the key is released.

Channel mode:

Activates the next/previous memory channel with the saved channel.

Menu mode:

Moves to the next/previous setting.

Changes the current setting to the next/previous value.

[NUMERIC KEYPAD]:

Frequency mode:

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

Channel mode:

Used for entering the memory channel number with the saved channel.

Menu mode:

Used for entering the sequential option number. You can also set non-standard CTCSS sub-tone frequencies in the corresponding settings change mode.

Transmission mode:

Transmits DTMF signals over the air.

9. LCD Display

(Diagram description: A full segment LCD display showing all possible indicators and example frequencies 434.325 and 145.125, along with indicators like Yull, LDS, VOX, +-, R, N, A, B, ✉, ⌂, ⌂, CT, DCS, 5T2T, DTMF.)

The image shows all segments of the LCD screen. Each segment lights up when a specific function is activated.

The screen has two main displays. Each display corresponds to its receiver: upper [A] or lower [B]. This allows setting a separate frequency for each receiver and quickly switching between them using the [A/B] button. Also, for each receiver, you can set its own frequency step, sub-tones, transmit power, frequency shift from receive frequency, etc.

10. Radio Operation

10.1. Power On/Off, Volume Control

Ensure the antenna and battery are correctly installed and the battery is charged. Turn the volume knob (3) clockwise to turn on the radio. Turn the knob clockwise to increase volume, and counter-clockwise to decrease volume.

10.2. Frequency or Memory Channel Selection

The [▼] and [▲] keys are used for sequential frequency changes with a set step or for selecting the next/previous memory channel. Also, in frequency mode, the frequency can be entered manually using the numeric keypad.

If the entered value is incorrect, the channel will continue to operate on the previous frequency.

If the entered frequency does not match the frequency that should be used with the set step (menu, option №1 STEP), the channel will automatically set the frequency closest to the manually entered one with the set step. For example, if the step is 6.25 kHz and you enter 446.005 MHz, the channel will automatically set 446.00625 MHz, as 446.000 MHz and 446.00625 MHz are valid with this step.

If the entered frequency is correct and is in a different band relative to the current one, the band will automatically switch.

10.3. Receive / Transmit

Turn on the radio, adjust the volume (see section 11.1). Activate the upper or lower receiver ([A/B] button), select the desired frequency for communication (see section 11.2).

To transmit a voice message, press and hold the [PTT] button during message transmission. Release the button when the message is finished. Listen for a reply.

During transmission, the indicator (9) lights up red; during reception, it lights up green; in the absence of a signal, the indicator does not light up.

10.4. Radio Operation Modes

The radio has two main operating modes: 1) Channel, 2) Frequency. Switching between modes is done with the [VFO/MR] button.

In channel mode, frequencies pre-saved in the device's memory channels are used for transmission/reception. The main numeric field displays the frequency/channel number/channel name (depending on menu setting №21,22), and to the right, smaller digits display the selected memory channel number. Along with the channel frequency, its settings such as CTCSS or DCS sub-tones for transmit and receive, transmit power, modulation, frequency shift (for repeater operation) are saved. The device has a total of 127 memory channels. The [▼] and [▲] keys in this mode activate the next/previous memory channel.

In frequency mode, the transmit/receive frequency is set manually either by the numeric keypad or by repeatedly pressing the [▼] and [▲] keys until the desired value is reached. In this case, the frequency changes by the value set in menu item №1 (STEP). The main field on the screen displays the current frequency value.

11. Built-in Functions

11.1. Squelch (SQL Menu)

Squelch mutes the speaker in the absence of a signal on the frequency. With a properly set squelch threshold, you will only hear useful signals, and this significantly reduces power consumption. The recommended level is 5.

11.2. VOX Function

When the VOX function is enabled, there is no 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 receive mode. Using the VOX menu, you can set the voice volume threshold at which transmission will be activated.

11.3. Reverse Function

When using frequency offset (menu, options №25,26), it is possible to quickly swap the receive and transmit frequencies by enabling the Reverse function. Press the [*SCAN] key, and "R" will appear on the screen.

11.4. ALARM Function

Allows transmitting special distress tones over the air.

11.5. 1750 Hz Tone for Repeater Access

Amateur radio repeaters are used for long-distance communication, which are activated after receiving a 1750 Hz tone signal. Press and hold the [PTT] button, then press the [BAND] button to transmit the 1750 Hz tone over the air.

12. Menu, Settings Description

12.1. Working with the Menu

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

(Diagram description: A sequence of four simplified menu screens, each showing "MENU NO." and "PARAMETER", illustrating the navigation flow: 1. Initial menu entry. 2. Navigating to a parameter. 3. Entering parameter value selection. 4. Confirming the selection.)

1. To enter the settings menu, press the [MENU] key.
2. Navigate to the desired menu item using the [▼] and [▲] keys.
3. To change the selected option, press the [MENU] key again.
4. Select the desired option value using the [▼] and [▲] keys.
5. Save the setting by pressing the [MENU] key.

12.2. Menu Item Descriptions

13. CTCSS Tone Table

14. DCS Tone Table

15. Technical Specifications

15.1. General

15.2. Transmitter

15.3. Receiver

16. Possible Malfunctions and Troubleshooting