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expiredGregory00 posted Today 02:54 PM
expiredGregory00 posted Today 02:54 PM

BAOFENG UV-17R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way Radio for Adult, UHF/VHF/NOAA/FM Receiver, 999 Channels, with 1800mAh Rechargeable Battery, Headset $16.99

$17

$23

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Deal Details
Number of Channels 999
Special Feature Rechargable
Frequency Range 136 - 174 MHz, 144 - 148 MHz
Talking Range Maximum 10 Kilometer
UHF/VHF Two-Way Radio: TX: 144-148MHz and 420-450MHz, and RX: 136-174MHz and 400-519.995MHz, as well as NOAA and FM reception. You can communicate across various frequency ranges, ensuring you stay connected in diverse environments.
Wireless Frequency Copy: The wireless frequency copy feature simplifies the process of programming your radio's frequency settings. It allows you to seamlessly clone frequency configurations from one ham radio to another nearby.
User-Friendly DTMF Customization: The UV-17R allows you to edit DTMF settings directly by pressing the '#' key. This method simplifies the process of configuring dual-tone multi-frequency signals, granting you greater control over your communication experience.
Wide and Narrow Bandwidth Options: Select between 12.5KHz and 25KHz wide band, or narrow band settings for compatibility and flexibility in various communication scenarios.
Feature-Rich Design: Equipped with a rechargeable 1800mAh battery, 999 channels for ample storage, 104 CDCSS, and 50 CTCSS codes, as well as dual watch capabilities. Additionally, a 1.77'' TFT color display, 1-9 VOX, and 0-5 squelch level settings enhance user experience. FCC ID: 2AJGM-UV17.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFY4F5LN
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Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Number of Channels 999
Special Feature Rechargable
Frequency Range 136 - 174 MHz, 144 - 148 MHz
Talking Range Maximum 10 Kilometer
UHF/VHF Two-Way Radio: TX: 144-148MHz and 420-450MHz, and RX: 136-174MHz and 400-519.995MHz, as well as NOAA and FM reception. You can communicate across various frequency ranges, ensuring you stay connected in diverse environments.
Wireless Frequency Copy: The wireless frequency copy feature simplifies the process of programming your radio's frequency settings. It allows you to seamlessly clone frequency configurations from one ham radio to another nearby.
User-Friendly DTMF Customization: The UV-17R allows you to edit DTMF settings directly by pressing the '#' key. This method simplifies the process of configuring dual-tone multi-frequency signals, granting you greater control over your communication experience.
Wide and Narrow Bandwidth Options: Select between 12.5KHz and 25KHz wide band, or narrow band settings for compatibility and flexibility in various communication scenarios.
Feature-Rich Design: Equipped with a rechargeable 1800mAh battery, 999 channels for ample storage, 104 CDCSS, and 50 CTCSS codes, as well as dual watch capabilities. Additionally, a 1.77'' TFT color display, 1-9 VOX, and 0-5 squelch level settings enhance user experience. FCC ID: 2AJGM-UV17.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFY4F5LN

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Model: BAOFENG UV-17R Ham Radio Handheld, Dual Band Two Way Radio for Adult, UHF/VHF/NOAA/FM Receiver, 999 Channels, with 1800mAh Rechargeable Battery, Headset, Desktop Charger, Support Chirp Programming

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Sort: Lowest to Highest | Last Updated 1/26/2026, 01:30 PM
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Today 05:35 PM
53 Posts
Joined Jul 2009
marcucciToday 05:35 PM
53 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank marcucci

Nice upgrade from the UV-5R (the gateway drug into GMRS/HAM Radio). If it had USB-C battery charging that would be even better. If you have $10 more to spend, you could check out the UV26 (https://a.co/d/eWOEneW) and get USB-C charging, double the output power (5w-10w), app based programming, and the ability to use 219-225 MHz too. However, if you just have $17 this looks like the cheapest way to get into the hobby of 1000 hobbies!
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Today 05:43 PM
15,287 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
Ride_The_SkyToday 05:43 PM
15,287 Posts

Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank Ride_The_Sky

Quote from marcucci :
Nice upgrade from the UV-5R (the gateway drug into GMRS/HAM Radio). If it had USB-C battery charging that would be even better. If you have $10 more to spend, you could check out the UV26 (https://a.co/d/eWOEneW) and get USB-C charging, double the output power (5w-10w), app based programming, and the ability to use 219-225 MHz too. However, if you just have $17 this looks like the cheapest way to get into the hobby of 1000 hobbies!

If I get both, or 2 x UV26, what's the range I can communicate with each other in a suburban town?

Also, Does UV26 miss anything that UV-17R have? I was getting ready to look into these, so I could get 5 of them and distribute them to family members, would we be able to communicate at all?

I see there are newer models from different brands that you can send text messages to each other instead of talking, what do you think about those?
1
Today 05:47 PM
239 Posts
Joined May 2018
SensiNips408Today 05:47 PM
239 Posts
Would this work as a marine radio ?
Today 09:47 PM
42 Posts
Joined Dec 2011
Roma_025Today 09:47 PM
42 Posts
How about UV-5R Mini? Seems like it has USB C and app programming. But probably less power and smaller battery.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMWN9RT1/
Today 09:57 PM
1,684 Posts
Joined Sep 2005
spidrwToday 09:57 PM
1,684 Posts
Quote from Ride_The_Sky :
If I get both, or 2 x UV26, what's the range I can communicate with each other in a suburban town?Also, Does UV26 miss anything that UV-17R have? I was getting ready to look into these, so I could get 5 of them and distribute them to family members, would we be able to communicate at all?I see there are newer models from different brands that you can send text messages to each other instead of talking, what do you think about those?
The 26 claims up to 10km of range on high power, but that will be limited by some obstructions. But also, you're supposed to be licensed to use these, so unless your family has the licenses, you'd technically be breaking the law. If there's enough chatter going on amongst your family and it's not following protocol (call signs for example) you may get found by people with way too much time on their hands.
1
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Today 10:06 PM
15,287 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
Ride_The_SkyToday 10:06 PM
15,287 Posts
Quote from Roma_025 :
How about UV-5R Mini? Seems like it has USB C and app programming. But probably less power and smaller battery.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMWN9RT1/
Someone says it doesnt have some features whatever chirps means. And no AM? Again, i have no idea but I read the UV-5R was the most popular one. All of this is very confusing with features and model numbering anyway... people on reddit saying I wouldn't touch xx model with bo other reasoning etc..
Today 10:10 PM
15,287 Posts
Joined Jan 2010
Ride_The_SkyToday 10:10 PM
15,287 Posts
Quote from spidrw :
The 26 claims up to 10km of range on high power, but that will be limited by some obstructions. But also, you're supposed to be licensed to use these, so unless your family has the licenses, you'd technically be breaking the law. If there's enough chatter going on amongst your family and it's not following protocol (call signs for example) you may get found by people with way too much time on their hands.
How could they find if we are just talking to each other Ina random frequency? And even if they do find us, how do they know we are not licensed? I want to get one for emergency use not to broadcast random messages over air.

What exactly do people do with these anyway, I get the truck drivers etc but people at home just use these to eavesdrop?

As for others i get the point like hunting, camping, fishing, bird watching etc can talk to each other but it seems there is some mystery us common folks not getting the point unfortunately.

Am I wrong?

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Today 10:17 PM
1,684 Posts
Joined Sep 2005
spidrwToday 10:17 PM
1,684 Posts
Quote from Ride_The_Sky :
How could they find if we are just talking to each other Ina random frequency? And even if they do find us, how do they know we are not licensed? I want to get one for emergency use not to broadcast random messages over air. What exactly do people do with these anyway, I get the truck drivers etc but people at home just use these to eavesdrop? As for others i get the point like hunting, camping, fishing, bird watching etc can talk to each other but it seems there is some mystery us common folks not getting the point unfortunately. Am I wrong?
You can Google this, but people that are super into radios have equipment that can triangulate where broadcasts are coming from. And again, they would know you aren't licensed if you aren't following the protocols that you would know to follow by being licensed. I'm not saying it's a legitimate risk, just something to keep in the back of your mind. Despite the cost, these are relatively powerful transmitters, and that ability is regulated pretty much all over the world. These aren't CBs, which are primarily what truck drivers use. People buying these are into radio as a hobby. It's a fun way to do things in an analog way in this increasingly digital world.
Today 10:18 PM
680 Posts
Joined May 2013
Brandon82Today 10:18 PM
680 Posts
Does this require ham radio license to operate?



Never mind. Found my answer -

To operate a ham radio in the US, you must obtain an Amateur Radio license from the FCC by passing a proctored, multiple-choice exam administered by volunteer examiners. The entry-level Technician Class license covers 35 questions on regulations and theory, providing local and some regional access. The FCC charges a $35 fee for new licenses, which are valid for 10 years.
Last edited by Brandon82 January 26, 2026 at 03:19 PM.
Today 10:23 PM
277 Posts
Joined Feb 2015
njassafToday 10:23 PM
277 Posts
Expired
Today 10:48 PM
30 Posts
Joined Sep 2017
ThndrSkiToday 10:48 PM
30 Posts
Quote from SensiNips408 :
Would this work as a marine radio ?
Technically they will Tx and Rx on marine frequencies in an emergency. If you're actually going to trust your life with a marine radio (so basically anytime you'd have it on the water) there's so many more options out there with Icom and Standard Horizon, Cobra, etc. depending on your use case you'll also want to get one with DSC so if something happens you can just hit a button and it'll send your GPS coordinates to the coast guard.

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