Learning about Ham Radio

Frequency Range

According to the internet the Baofeng UV-5R transceiver provides 4 watts of power in the range of 136 - 174 MHz and 400 - 480 MHZ. Also, this radio is FM (as opposed to AM) It also receives a special VHF band from 65 - 108 MHz which includes the standard FM broadcast band that we all listen to. So, standard FM radio in America operates between 88 - 108 MHz. (The Baofeng covers 65 - 108 MHz as noted) Different countries have their own standard FM frequencies. Standard AM radio in America is 540 - 1600 kHz. AM has a 10 kHz bandwidth making 106 possible bands. FM has a 200kHz bandwidth making a possible 100 bands.

So we can see that this ham radio operates in a higher frequency range than standard radio stations (frequencies) that we are familiar with.

The Radio

This particular radio cost under $50. It's fairly small, fits in the palm of your hand, but also feels solid.

On the display you will notice 2 different frequencies, 146.790 and 400.025. These frequencies represent MHz, that is 146.790 times a million and 400.025 times a million. The one with the black triangle in front of it is the one being used. To switch to the other one you push the blue A/B button. The orange button under the display switches between "Frequency Mode" and "Channel Mode". Frequency mode allows you to type in frequencies directly into the keypad. Channel mode shows frequencies that have been stored in memory. This is a two band radio so pushing the 'band' button switches from the 2 meter band to the 70 cm band or vice versa. You can also get regular FM radio stations by pushing the orange button on the left side of the radio. (Barely visable in the picture)
Original Manual for Baofeng UV-5R Here

Better Manual by Lennart Lidberg, annotated by Jim Unroe, KC9HI Here

Hmmmm, just read where Baofeng is discontinuing this radio and replacing it with the BF-F8HP. See here Doesn't matter, apparently there's a bunch of these out there and Amazon is still selling them. If I like this one well enough maybe I'll order the upgrade. I'm just trying to learn right now.

Also while I was navigating the internet I came upon this interesting site: Here Basic Setup and Emergency Frequencies for the Baofeng UV-5R.

Getting a license

To get your ham radio license you must pass a test given by local ham radio organizations or clubs. To take the test you must first get a FRN (FCC registration number) from the FCC.

To get a FCC Registration number (FRN) go Here

To find a location that gives exams in person or online go Here

After passing a test you can check for your call sign Here

There are 3 levels of ham radio license you can get. You have to pass a test for each level and pass the previous level before going to the next. The 3 levels from lowest to highest are Technician class, General class, and Extra class. Each class allows more priviledges than the preceding class. So I ordered a study guide to help me pass the test for my amateur radio Technician class license. You can listen on a ham radio but you can't talk on these radios until you get your license.

You don't really need to purchase a study guide because all the questions and answers are freely available on the internet in the public domain. Here is an excellent site for studying for your ham radio licence Here

Here's a video that shows how to setup your Baofeng radio for FRS and GMRS frequencies. Also notice the warnings about using this radio illegally in these modes. The Baofeng UV-5R can transmit 4 watts. Click here...

I found the following video amusing with some dudes trying out their new radios. Here