Baofeng UV-5R ham radio, talking from Atlanta to Seattle

I use my Baofeng UV-5R handheld ham radio to make a 2100 mile contact. I make contacts from Georgia to California, Washington and Arizona. Learn how Echolink works and why Baofengs cause controversy.

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[sisbrawny]

It seems 90% of conversations using ham revolve around the fact they're using ham.

[dalmarcadde]

I have great respect for ham radio operators, a ham radio operator helped me find my family in Somalia after the civil war.

[danhornaday]

Ham radio was the original Internet. As a kid we used to talk to people all over the place.

[lthibault]

Those repeaters are creating endless possibilities! Once you understand difference between simplex and duplex communications a new world opens. HAM and CB radio communications attract people with special interests, often Asperger personality type or in the spectrum of autism, that said without any malice, I am one of those and been always fascinated by radio communications, electronics (my father offered me one of those Radio Shack electronics kits for learning in the 70s). Cheers

[MrMoe]

My grandfather had ham radio back in the 60's and 70's and I still remember his call letters

[supaaaafly]

The HELL with 5G I'm throwing away my Samsung $1, 500 cell phone and getting this for $50 bucks and I'll be able to talk to NASA!!! Priceless

[sonofmaniam]

Over the past 3 years I have purchased 4 boafengs of different types. I just ordered another 2 UV5Rs at less than $22/each from Amazon. They are the main reason I got my technician license, and have participated in local radio nets. The hobby should be embracing them. I was the youngest person on the radio nets by at least 20 years (and I am in my 40s).

[rumsin]

Good video Brian! Thank you, I am currently studying for my technician license and did a whole bunch of research on purchasing handheld unit and the Baofeng was highly rated. I am thinking making this my first radio. They are also FCC approved.

[healinggether]

I love how he says “I don’t get too many views so you won’t be famous...” well atm there 3/4 a million views lol. Well done and thank you for the info!
Adam
The New Woodworker

[wildmangeorgesrcchannel]

Iv never seen anything like this with a hand held. My interest is sparked

[Cambion]

The UV-5R was my first cheap Chinese radio purchase, having bought Yaesu and Icom in the past. I just recently purchased the 5X3 because I wanted the 220 band. Both are really nice radios. As for Echolink, I use the app on my smartphone. I used to love using the Evergreen Intertie that connects Northern California to Oregon and Washington, but it's been several years since I've been on that.

[Jsanc]

Thank you for your vids. I've had a UV5R+ for years and mainly used it to listen, but you've motivated me to finally get my license so I can transmit. I've been reluctant because I'm dyslexic and get very nervous about written tests. Thank you Brian!

[DiversifiedMachinist]

I use a TYT UVF-9 and have used it a lot. I've been told it sounds as good as the more expensive radios. I talked to a guy who was talking to someone else with a TYT UVF-1 and neither of us were impressed with it. I'm using the radio as it came with original antenna.

[PepperandCaseysRV]

I remeber my older friends playing with high power amplified radios back in the day. I was just a youngin’.
They were talking to people in Australia from his garage. He was saying the neighbors used to get upset at the bleed through into their land line phone conversations 😂🤦🏼‍♂️ Awesome stuff.
I was just the young tag along broke kid without a job at that point.
Now I’m back to give it a go..

[BillyN]

No way!! My dad lives in Renton Wa. And my brother lives in Newnan Ga. north of Atlanta. That’s great... made my day

[mattfoster]

this is awesome I was using that repeater that day for that orv event discussed and I remember you calling in. I was using a baofeng also. that repeater is very busy and reaches a long way.

[wingmanalive]

I used to love sitting my grandparent's basement listening to skip on their CB base station in Pittsburgh. We would get responses from people in Texas and Florida. Cool stuff and that was back in the 70's! I'm still searching for a two way handheld that is capable of reaching 15 miles so I can talk with my daughter who lives with her mother. Yes we have cell phones today but I would LOVE to educate her on how people used to communicate long distances years ago remotely. Not that 15 miles is a long distance lol. Most 2-3 watt units have an urban range of 1-3 miles. Claimed 25 miles but that HAS to be in like Kansas or from a mountain top. Handhelds today are made for cruise ships, camping, ect.

[kevkev]

This was so awesome. I'm studying for my Technician and going to be taking the test next month. My mom and uncle were HAMs back in the 70s and 80s so this has been something I've wanted to get into for years.

[georgia-bd]

"using the internet" aw man I was so amazed until hearing this

[lynch]

I love your content speaking with people, please make more! Great for new hams to get an understanding and appreciation for the hobby.