The Baofeng UV-5R has become one of the most recognizable handheld radios ever made. It’s affordable, compact, and surprisingly capable for its price. Whether you’re a new ham, an off-grid adventurer, or a volunteer radio operator, this little dual-band transceiver packs an impressive amount of functionality.
Below is a full breakdown of its specifications, covering all technical, physical, and regulatory details – with practical notes on what each one means in everyday use.
Lets you talk on local ham repeaters, emergency services, and community frequencies (with proper licensing).
FM Broadcast Receiver
65–108 MHz
Works like a regular FM radio for entertainment or monitoring local alerts.
Transmit Power
4–5 W typical (variants 8–10 W max)
Higher wattage increases range and signal penetration; lower power saves battery.
Power Levels
High / Low (4 W / 1 W)
Lets you reduce output when nearby to extend battery life.
Operating Voltage
7.4 V DC (Li-ion)
Compatible with standard Baofeng chargers and battery eliminators.
Battery Capacity
1800 mAh standard / 2800 mAh extended
6–10 h talk time or 24–36 h standby; larger packs ideal for field use.
Modulation Type
FM (F3E) wide / narrowband selectable
Determines how your voice is transmitted; narrowband improves clarity in crowded channels.
Channel Spacing / Step
2.5–25 kHz selectable
Lets you align exactly with repeater or GMRS channel spacing.
Audio Output Power
~1 W into 8 Ω speaker
Loud enough for noisy outdoor use or event operations.
Receiver Sensitivity
≈ 0.25 µV for 12 dB SINAD
Receives weak signals clearly – good for distant repeaters.
Selectivity / Spurious Rejection
60 dB typical
Filters out adjacent-channel noise and interference.
🔊 Communication Features
Feature
UV-5R Value
What It Means in Practice
Dual Watch / Dual Standby
Supported
Monitor two frequencies at once – for example, a local repeater and an emergency channel.
CTCSS / DCS Tone Squelch
50 CTCSS + 104 DCS codes
Blocks unwanted chatter; opens squelch only for your group tone.
VOX (Hands-Free)
Adjustable levels
Enables automatic transmit when you speak – handy for cycling or working hands-free.
Keypad Lock / Backlight
Yes / Blue + Orange LED
Prevents accidental key presses and allows night-time visibility.
Voice Prompt
English / Chinese
Audio menu guidance when programming manually.
TX Timeout Timer (TOT)
15–180 s
Prevents overheating and accidental long transmissions.
Scan Function
Supported (5–10 channels/s)
Helps find active frequencies or interference sources.
Channel Memory Capacity
128 channels
Stores repeaters, simplex frequencies, and local contacts.
Programming Software
CHIRP compatible (via USB cable)
Easiest way to manage memory and tones from a computer.
🔋 Power, Battery & Charging
Parameter
Value
Practical Note
Battery Type
7.4 V Li-ion pack
Standard across most Baofeng models.
Standard Battery
BL-5 (1800 mAh)
Comes with the radio; good for daily use.
Extended Battery
BL-5L (2800 mAh)
Increases runtime ≈ 50 %.
Charging Time
≈ 4 h
Through included desktop dock; indicator LED shows status.
Charger Input
10 V DC / 500 mA
Wall plug or car adapter compatible.
Battery Eliminator
Optional 12 V car cable
Lets the radio run indefinitely from a vehicle outlet.
🧱 Physical & Build Characteristics
Attribute
Value
Practical Meaning
Dimensions (H×W×D)
110 × 58 × 32 mm (4.3 × 2.3 × 1.3 in)
Small enough to fit in a pocket or clip on a belt.
Weight
≈ 250 g (8.8 oz) with battery & antenna
Lightweight for hiking or long shifts.
Antenna Connector
SMA-Female
Accepts a huge range of aftermarket antennas.
Stock Antenna
≈ 15 cm rubber duck
Decent for local comms; easily upgraded.
Material / Build
ABS polycarbonate shell
Durable but not fully waterproof; handles light rain.
Water Resistance
IP-54 approx.
Splash-resistant – avoid full submersion.
Display Type
LCD with dual-line frequency view
Shows both active channels at once.
Keypad
16-key illuminated
Direct frequency entry, tone setup, and menu access.
📡 Range & Performance in the Field
Condition
Expected Range
Notes
Urban Environment
0.5–2 miles
Buildings and RF congestion reduce range.
Suburban / Open Field
2–5 miles
Ideal with line of sight or light foliage.
High-Gain Antenna Upgrade
5–10 miles
With antennas like Nagoya NA-771 or Signal Stick.
Repeater Use
20 miles +
When hitting local repeaters from elevated positions.
🧩 Accessories & Expandability
Accessory
Compatibility
Why It Matters
Speaker Mic
Kenwood-2-pin
Improves audio clarity; used by security & event crews.
Programming Cable
USB-to-TTL (Kenwood 2-pin)
Required for CHIRP programming.
Extended Battery / Eliminator
BL-5L / DC cable
Extends runtime or allows vehicle operation.
Car Charger / Dock
Included desktop dock
Simple drop-in charging.
Headset / PTT Earpiece
Yes (2-pin)
Enables discreet or hands-free comms.
High-Gain Antenna
SMA-Male (Nagoya, RH-771)
Dramatically improves signal range.
🌐 Regulatory & Certification Details
Parameter
Value
Meaning for Users
FCC ID
ZP5BF-5R
Certified for U.S. use under Part 97 (amateur).
CE Mark
Yes
Meets EU electromagnetic compatibility standards.
License Requirement
Amateur (US Part 97) / Not FRS legal
Must hold a ham license in most regions to transmit legally.
Frequency Restrictions
May cover FRS/GMRS but not certified
Use receive-only mode for unlicensed listening.
Firmware / Version Info
BF-F8HP compatible firmware
Indicates shared software family across models.
🛰️ Model Variants & Compatibility
Model Variant
Key Difference
Shared Features
UV-5R+ / UV-5RA / UV-5RM
Cosmetic design updates, slightly higher audio
Same power output and firmware base.
UV-5R HP (High Power)
8–10 W TX, larger battery
Same interface and programming compatibility.
UV-82 Series
Dual PTT button, heavier chassis
Uses similar chipset and programming profile.
🧭 Practical Takeaways
The UV-5R is best used with a ham license and proper programming to stay within legal bands.
Upgrading the antenna is the single most effective way to increase range.
Pairing with CHIRP software simplifies setup dramatically.
Carrying a spare battery or eliminator cable ensures reliability for multi-day events or emergencies.
For harsh outdoor use, consider a waterproof pouch – it’s splash-resistant but not sealed.
🏁 Conclusion
The Baofeng UV-5R remains one of the best-value handheld radios available today. It covers both VHF and UHF, offers flexible power control, solid battery life, and an unmatched range of accessories.
While it requires responsible operation and awareness of radio regulations, it’s an outstanding learning platform and a reliable companion in the field.
For a radio that costs less than many smartphone cases, the UV-5R proves that practical communication doesn’t have to be expensive.
Mobitex
📶 Mobitex helps engineers, regulators, and innovators navigate radio frequencies, decoding MHz to GHz with engineering-grade spectrum insights, tools, and clarity for better decisions.
