Baofengs illegal to use now?

[lonehoosier]

I have one of those AA battery packs for the UV-5R. I never really use it. It's like this one except it's not by Btech. I looked in my order history and it seems the seller I got it from back in 2014 is gone now.

https://smile.amazon.com/BTECH-BaoF...06926&sr=8-3&keywords=baofeng+aa+battery+pack

If anyone has one of these EX model radios and wants to try it out let me know, you can have it. I haven't used it in years and don't really plan to.


ETA: IIRC I had to do some mild filing of the top to get it to fit without popping off the radio like Camerymonkey's did above. Once it was together and fitted to the radio it seemed to stay attached well enough. They are cheaply made and probably not checked for fit very well at the factory.

I do have one of the extended 3800 batteries and it fits much better. There was minor filing but it snaps right into place and holds tight. It fills the hand well, great for playing with satellites.

So I got this in the mail today. Thanks AngryRooster.

It did not fit the newer version UV-5R EX model. The hook on the latch is much fatter then the new version and also those ears on top won’t let it slide in ether. You would have to remove the ears completely and also file the back of the hook so it could insert into the radio latch. So this means the older version batteries won’t work out of the package. It may work if you highly modify it. I have not found a source for extra UV-5R EX batteries. The group buy may want to switch to the older version.

 

[d.kaufman]

So I got this in the mail today. Thanks AngryRooster.

It did not fit the newer version UV-5R EX model. The hook on the latch is much fatter then the new version and also those ears on top won’t let it slide in ether. You would have to remove the ears completely and also file the back of the hook so it could insert into the radio latch. So this means the older version batteries won’t work out of the package. It may work if you highly modify it. I have not found a source for extra UV-5R EX batteries. The group buy may want to switch to the older version.

Agreed on the switching to older model. Ive exhausted my search for the ex model batteries. I ordered an older model battery to see if i can modify to work in the ex model. Should have battery on Monday.

 

[lonehoosier]

I have one of those AA battery packs for the UV-5R. I never really use it. It's like this one except it's not by Btech. I looked in my order history and it seems the seller I got it from back in 2014 is gone now.

https://smile.amazon.com/BTECH-BaoF...06926&sr=8-3&keywords=baofeng+aa+battery+pack

If anyone has one of these EX model radios and wants to try it out let me know, you can have it. I haven't used it in years and don't really plan to.


ETA: IIRC I had to do some mild filing of the top to get it to fit without popping off the radio like Camerymonkey's did above. Once it was together and fitted to the radio it seemed to stay attached well enough. They are cheaply made and probably not checked for fit very well at the factory.

I do have one of the extended 3800 batteries and it fits much better. There was minor filing but it snaps right into place and holds tight. It fills the hand well, great for playing with satellites.

So I got this in the mail today. Thanks AngryRooster.

It did not fit the newer version UV-5R EX model. The hook on the latch is much fatter then the new version and also those ears on top won’t let it slide in ether. You would have to remove the ears completely and also file the back of the hook so it could insert into the radio latch. So this means the older version batteries won’t work out of the package. It may work if you highly modify it. I have not found a source for extra UV-5R EX batteries. The group buy may want to switch to the older version.

Agreed on the switching to older model. Ive exhausted my search for the ex model batteries. I ordered an older model battery to see if i can modify to work in the ex model. Should have battery on Monday.

Even if you can modify it I think you are going to have charging issues too. If you look at the side of the batteries that fit in the charger slots you will see a big difference there too.

 

[d.kaufman]

Even if you can modify it I think you are going to have charging issues too. If you look at the side of the batteries that fit in the charger slots you will see a big difference there too.

Guess I'm gonna find out. Not much choice in the matter and since the radio ended up being free i figured i could take a chance on a $7 battery

 

[lonehoosier]

I have one of those AA battery packs for the UV-5R. I never really use it. It's like this one except it's not by Btech. I looked in my order history and it seems the seller I got it from back in 2014 is gone now.

https://smile.amazon.com/BTECH-BaoF...06926&sr=8-3&keywords=baofeng+aa+battery+pack

If anyone has one of these EX model radios and wants to try it out let me know, you can have it. I haven't used it in years and don't really plan to.


ETA: IIRC I had to do some mild filing of the top to get it to fit without popping off the radio like Camerymonkey's did above. Once it was together and fitted to the radio it seemed to stay attached well enough. They are cheaply made and probably not checked for fit very well at the factory.

I do have one of the extended 3800 batteries and it fits much better. There was minor filing but it snaps right into place and holds tight. It fills the hand well, great for playing with satellites.

So I got this in the mail today. Thanks AngryRooster.

It did not fit the newer version UV-5R EX model. The hook on the latch is much fatter then the new version and also those ears on top won’t let it slide in ether. You would have to remove the ears completely and also file the back of the hook so it could insert into the radio latch. So this means the older version batteries won’t work out of the package. It may work if you highly modify it. I have not found a source for extra UV-5R EX batteries. The group buy may want to switch to the older version.

Guess I'm gonna find out. Not much choice in the matter and since the radio ended up being free i figured i could take a chance on a $7 battery

I only say that because you or anyone else may want to buy a AA or AAA battery pack to modify so you don’t have to worry about the charging issues.

 

[lonehoosier]

Sorry about all the quotes, issue should be fixed

 

[AngryRooster]

So I got this in the mail today. Thanks AngryRooster.

It did not fit the newer version UV-5R EX model. The hook on the latch is much fatter then the new version and also those ears on top won’t let it slide in ether. You would have to remove the ears completely and also file the back of the hook so it could insert into the radio latch. So this means the older version batteries won’t work out of the package. It may work if you highly modify it. I have not found a source for extra UV-5R EX batteries. The group buy may want to switch to the older version.

Glad it got there ok. How about the shape on the lower part of the battery & radio? It looks like the EX model is a little more rounded toward the bottom. It's hard to see if the grooves would even line up. The EX model looks like it would be easy in the hand and I like the layout, but it's really lacking information & pictures.

The older model still works great, along with the UV-82. The 82 is taller than the 5R but it fits the hand better. Been thinking about the UV-5X3 as well. It's the tri-band, 2/220/440. It's a little more expensive and they're are far less 220 repeaters around. I have a couple close and there is a nice connected network that's run out of Texas every week, K5VOM.

 

[lonehoosier]

Glad it got there ok. How about the shape on the lower part of the battery & radio? It looks like the EX model is a little more rounded toward the bottom. It's hard to see if the grooves would even line up. The EX model looks like it would be easy in the hand and I like the layout, but it's really lacking information & pictures.

I did look at that too. I think it will work but I don’t know if you will get it to lock up to the radio. I also think you are going to have even less luck with the rechargeable batteries ones.

 

[Cygnus]

So I got this in the mail today. Thanks AngryRooster.

It did not fit the newer version UV-5R EX model. The hook on the latch is much fatter then the new version and also those ears on top won’t let it slide in ether. You would have to remove the ears completely and also file the back of the hook so it could insert into the radio latch. So this means the older version batteries won’t work out of the package. It may work if you highly modify it. I have not found a source for extra UV-5R EX batteries. The group buy may want to switch to the older version.

Agreed on the switching to older model. Ive exhausted my search for the ex model batteries. I ordered an older model battery to see if i can modify to work in the ex model. Should have battery on Monday.

So........................
I just got the EX Model today, also ordered a spare battery and the AA thing for. Both are Baofang branded. I didn't do any mods to the spare battert. I tried filing the AA nubs up top and go them close to the size of the EX battery. I even got it to click in place once. Now for the bad news. It clicked in place with the top latch. Bottom didn't line line enough to latch. The issue is the track the battery slides into on the EX is deeper than the the 5R battery and AA pack. Because of the main latching happening at the top and the bottom, I think that the AA battery pack will work with with the other UV-5R's as the "track" and main latch were not affected by my attempt.Also as lonehoosier said, the latch is a bit bigger. It was VERY difficult to remove. (Repeated presses of the release and wiggling needed) So, that was my experiment. Good news is I can play with the radio this weekend and try programming, and studying for the tech test. If anyone wants the battery and AA pack, PM me. I'm into into it for $26, so shipping plus whatever offset to experiment you think is fair. I'd be shipping from near Boston.

 

[jedi]

thanks guys for the testing.
my vendor advises that their are currenlty no extra batteries for the EX model, nor AA or AAA packs that will fit it as its a very new radio.

I am switching to the older modsl as the batteys wont be an issue, the models function the same and this is a starter radio for most here.

 

[Cygnus]

UPDATE on Experimenting! (or who wants some stuff?):

I tried filing the back of the latch as I noticed in other posts that was mentioned. So in the end what I have done is file the ears off and shave the back of the latch. Well, it will now click in and out no issue. What remains is that it won't lock into the bottom, which of course messes witht he contact up top.. I am pretty sure if I taped the bottom in place the contact would stay good up top. So as modified it could work on an emergency....... As far as the spare UV5R battery (non-EX version) there is nno way to modify it without risk the integrity of the cell. Thta's an issue of the the track. Being different. If anyone wants the spare battery and AA pack (which will certainly still work with a UV5R older model) PM me and you can have them. (Well continental US).

Also, if anyone can shoot me a quick programming PM so I don't mess up CHRP, that would be great. Trying to load the local stuff and maybe setting for places I vacation at. Also trying to make sure I set it up correctly. I'm at: I follow an INGO link to download CHRP, I plug the cable in and.....

 

[rvb]

Another way to get a good deal is look for a hamfest in your area. Ft Wayne hamfest is 17-18 nov. last year I grabbed a uv-6r for $20. Of course there is Parking and entry costs, but if you’re looking for radios and accessories it’s something to consider...

-rvb

Also, ft Wayne hamfest is doing licensing exams, You can get a couple radios and your tech license in the same day at the same place. A couple weeks between now and then should be enough time to study up.

Im going to take the extra exam.

-rvb

 

[Cameramonkey]

Also, ft Wayne hamfest is doing licensing exams, You can get a couple radios and your tech license in the same day at the same place. A couple weeks between now and then should be enough time to study up.

Im going to take the extra exam.

-rvb

Great resources:
Good paper study guide here: http://ad7fo.com/training.html
Pretty well written and he explains many of the answers, as well as how to solve the maths.
I like this study guide for Kindle as well. Its what I used to get my Tech license https://www.amazon.com/Track-Techni.../B07DY5K5GP/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541259415


Great online resource here: http://www.hamstudy.org

Sign up so you can track your progress. Take a practice test immediately to get a baseline. Then study the heck out of the flash cards and take another practice test every couple days to see how you are comprehending. If you are passing practice tests consistently in the high 80s to low 90s you are ready to test.

Thats what I'm doing right now. Testing for my general ticket on the 15th. And the flash cards are intelligent and it puts the ones you miss back in higher rotation until you consistently answer correctly. And the web version works great on an ipad so you dont NEED to spend the $4 for the app. (unless you feel generous and want to support them monetarily)

And if you are starting to think about taking a test, dont procrastinate too much. Test question pool changes July 1 of next year, so you'll need to study against a new pool of questions after that date. Seems far off now, but if you are the type to procrastinate, it sneaks up on you.

 

[jedi]

UPDATE on Experimenting! (or who wants some stuff?):

I tried filing the back of the latch as I noticed in other posts that was mentioned. So in the end what I have done is file the ears off and shave the back of the latch. Well, it will now click in and out no issue. What remains is that it won't lock into the bottom, which of course messes witht he contact up top.. I am pretty sure if I taped the bottom in place the contact would stay good up top. So as modified it could work on an emergency....... As far as the spare UV5R battery (non-EX version) there is nno way to modify it without risk the integrity of the cell. Thta's an issue of the the track. Being different. If anyone wants the spare battery and AA pack (which will certainly still work with a UV5R older model) PM me and you can have them. (Well continental US).

Also, if anyone can shoot me a quick programming PM so I don't mess up CHRP, that would be great. Trying to load the local stuff and maybe setting for places I vacation at. Also trying to make sure I set it up correctly. I'm at: I follow an INGO link to download CHRP, I plug the cable in and.....

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...aofeng-uv-3r-mark-ii-dual-band-ham-radio.html

post 1 might help.
its old but still useful.
youtube has videos on it
its very easy once you see the videos.
let me know if u need more help.

 

[Cygnus]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...aofeng-uv-3r-mark-ii-dual-band-ham-radio.html

post 1 might help.
its old but still useful.
youtube has videos on it
its very easy once you see the videos.
let me know if u need more help.

Thanks, will do. Also more updating: I did try out the AA battery pack and witht he mods I made, it WILL power the 5R EX version, but only as long as I held the bottom in place. So, in a pinch it would work, it would need tape for longer term use. So, I guess that's a back for me. The offer of a free non-EX battery to whoever could use it, stands

 

[d.kaufman]

After my fiasco with ordering one of these and it showing up with missing battery, ive got a replacement. The seller issued a full refund last week and also shipped me out another one. I had ordered a battery for the 5r model and was going to try modifying it but once i got it, i seen there was no way to make it work and be 100% functional. I'll give the ebay seller credit. Full refund and replacement unit sent. Didnt even have to return 1st radio.
Got it on the charger now. See if i can manually program after dinner

 

[lonehoosier]

After my fiasco with ordering one of these and it showing up with missing battery, ive got a replacement. The seller issued a full refund last week and also shipped me out another one. I had ordered a battery for the 5r model and was going to try modifying it but once i got it, i seen there was no way to make it work and be 100% functional. I'll give the ebay seller credit. Full refund and replacement unit sent. Didnt even have to return 1st radio.
Got it on the charger now. See if i can manually program after dinner

My offer still stands. If you get a list of frequencies together I’ll upload your radio through CHIRP. It’s nice seeing the name instead of the numbers.

 

[d.kaufman]

My offer still stands. If you get a list of frequencies together I’ll upload your radio through CHIRP. It’s nice seeing the name instead of the numbers.

Sounds good. Maybe over the weekend if your not busy? It won't be a problem if i am able to load some frequencies tonight, will it?

 

[AngryRooster]

Sounds good. Maybe over the weekend if your not busy? It won't be a problem if i am able to load some frequencies tonight, will it?

Looks like he might be offline. It won't hurt anything if you want to manually load some up tonight. When a Chirp file is loaded it will delete everything in the radio and use the settings in the file. When using Chirp you can assign a name to the memory so it's easier to remember what it is. That can't be done manually. It took me a while to find this out the first time I programed one by hand. Thought I kept missing something.

 

[d.kaufman]

Looks like he might be offline. It won't hurt anything if you want to manually load some up tonight. When a Chirp file is loaded it will delete everything in the radio and use the settings in the file. When using Chirp you can assign a name to the memory so it's easier to remember what it is. That can't be done manually. It took me a while to find this out the first time I programed one by hand. Thought I kept missing something.

Thanks for the intel sir. Im gonna see if i can program at least my local pd and fire tonight