Baofeng Radio Reference

After obtaining your amateur radio (ham) license and purchasing a Baofeng UV5RA dualband handheld radio, the next step is to acquire essential accessories. The following items are recommended based on priority:

1. AA battery pack
2. A good antenna
3. SO-239-SMA adapter cable for use with external antennas
4. Mag mount roof antenna for your car
5. 12VDC car cigarette lighter adapter

Amazon is a common source for these items, though many other online retailers are available.

Item 1. AA Battery Pack

Hypario (AA-alkaline) Battery Case for Baofeng Uv-5r, $8

http://www.amazon.com/Hypario%C2%AE-Two-way-Battery-Baofeng-Vt-uv9r/dp/B00FPHTPSG

This accessory is useful for situations where the rechargeable battery is depleted, allowing the use of readily available AA batteries.

Item 2. A Good Antenna

The stock rubber duck antenna included with the radio often has limited range and poor reception. Upgrading the antenna can significantly improve performance.

Important Note: Baofeng radios use reverse SMA connectors. Ensure antennas are compatible (standard SMA will not mate correctly). The antennas listed below are designed for Baofeng radios.

• Nagoya NA-771 (updated) SMA female 15.6" dualband antenna by Two-way radio wholesaler, $13
  http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Nagoya-NA-771-Updated-Antenna/dp/B00BY3XN7E/ref=sr_1_2
• Comet SMA24J dualband SMA female antenna for Baofeng handhelds w/ 3 year warranty, $30.50
  http://www.amazon.com/Comet-SMA24J-DualBand-Handhelds-Warranty/dp/B00QJD2SA2/ref=sr_1_3

Item 3. SO-239-SMA Adapter Cable

SO-239 to SMA adapter cable, $6.50

http://www.amazon.com/DHT-Handheld-Antenna-Baofeng-Quasheng/dp/B00COKNKS8/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y

It is recommended to use an adapter with a short length of flexible coax cable to prevent accidental stress on the radio's antenna connector. This adapter uses a reverse SMA connector, compatible with Baofeng radios.

Item 4. Mag Mount Roof Antenna for Your Car

Mounting an antenna on the car roof significantly boosts coverage, similar to a mobile radio.

• Dualband Magmount antenna, $22.50
  http://www.amazon.com/Tram-1185-Amateur-Dual-Band-Antenna/dp/B0045EQUBK/ref=pd_cp_pc_2
• MFJ-1724B 144/440 dualband mobile antenna, $25 (Non-Amazon source)
  http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1724B

Item 5. 12VDC Car Cigarette Lighter Adapter

A 12VDC cigarette lighter adapter for in-car charging.

[Note: This item was not immediately found on Amazon during the compilation of this document.]

Documentation

For easier-to-read User Manuals, visit the Baofeng information site:

http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/

It is advisable to print a hardcopy for convenient reference.

Repeater Sites

For downloading local repeater information, the following website is useful:

http://www.repeaterbook.com/index.php?state_id=none

The "Proximity" option on this page is particularly helpful:

http://www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/index.php?state_id=none

Results can be exported to CHIRP format. A login may be required.

Programming CHIRP Software

Download CHIRP software from:

http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download

Baofeng UV5RA Radio Purchase

For those needing to purchase a Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio (or a spare), it is available for $30.35:

http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV5RA-136-174-Dual-Band-Transceiver/dp/B009MAKWC0/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_z

Radio Image Description

Image of a Baofeng UV5RA dualband handheld radio, a compact device with a display, keypad, and antenna.