BaoFeng UV-5R 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band DTMF CTCSS DCS FM Ham Two Way Radio $42.99 shipped

$1.59 cheaper here - http://www.amazon.com/Two-Way-Pro...words=uv5r

and a newer version is available here - http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-Dua...words=uv5r

Great device to have for emergencies, but not a particularly slickdeal.

These require a valid FCC amateur radio liscence to operate. Info on obtaining one at ARRL.ORG

Here's a thumbs up just for posting a HAM radio deal, which I never seem to see here.

don't you just need a license to transmit? I think that you can monitor without a license ?

Quote from hunt-n-fool : don't you just need a license to transmit? I think that you can monitor without a license ?

Yes, but if you hit the transmit button even once, you've technically violated federal law.

A technician's license is all you need to legally operate these radios and is not at all hard to get.

Learning enough to pass the (simple, actually) exam needed for your technician's ticket has the added benefit of exposing you to some of the amazing things you can do in Ham radio (ie, talk to the crew of the International Space Station, use repeaters to communicate with hams all over the world, join CERT/ARES and assist emergency response agencies in times of disaster, etc, etc).

You can't do all of those things easily with a little HT like the Baofeng UV-5R, but it's an amazingly capable little radio that can serve to pique your interest in a new hobby.

thanks, will look into these items. got some of these for twice the price a few yrs ago from DX

400mhz is nice, good for camping use? distance over 1 mile?

I've got one, and I don't have a license. I just listen to channels sometimes. Rarely ever find any chatter, though.

Quote from samHD : $1.59 cheaper here - http://www.amazon.com/Two-Way-Pro...words=uv5r and a newer version is available here - http://www.amazon.com/BaoFeng-Dua...words=uv5r Great device to have for emergencies, but not a particularly slickdeal.

which one would be the best for the money? TIA

Quote from BosuxRedsux : which one would be the best for the money? TIA

My sense is that functionally, the two really aren't that different. The UV-5R+ has a newer revision of the firmware, but at present that doesn't appear to add any additional operational features. The LED light on the newer model has a strobe function in addition to on/off. IMHO, a strobe function is next to worthless on a HT.

The newer version has a metal (vs plastic) subframe, or at least a metal back plate, visible when you remove the battery. Supposedly it makes the UV-5R+ model feel somewhat stronger and more rigid; whether that translates to extra durability is an open quesiton. The UV-5R+ is slightly taller and maybe a half an ounce heavier. All the accessories for the UV-5R fit the UV-5R+ with the exception of the extended life 3000 maH battery pack, which requires a little trimming to get it to snap into place.

The UV-5R has what is generally considered to be more attractive, colorful packaging, and perhaps a marginally better written manual. The former will matter to you for about 30 seconds. The latter likely won't matter in the slightest as either version of the manual is widely regarded as laughably-written and woefully-incomplete. Everyone goes to the numerous online resources to learn how to operate these radios, as they have a loyal internet following.

HTH.