Would the perfect title for the blog post I hope exists somewhere. I, like a few other posters, just grabbed one of these things. I also took the step of reading through a good chunk of Ham Radio For Dummies just to get a handle on the basics.

  • What can I (legally) do with this thing without a license?

  • Any pointers for learning the basics on this particular machine?

  • I should read the manual cover to cover, right?

  • Looks like it’s easier to program from a computer, any tips on that?

  • anthonygMEnglish
    7•1 year ago

    Awesome that you’re interested in ham radio!

    What can I (legally) do with this thing without a license?

    Listen, mostly. Baofeng radios are typically sold as “Part 97” radios (FCC lingo for “Ham use only and requiring a license”), although there are some models which are actually “Part 95” which would be GMRS/FRS radios. The GMRS/FRS radio model would require a separate license for GMRS, although that one is essentially an application + fee payment. It’s also not nearly as broad as a amateur (ham) license.

    Edit: I forgot that the Baofeng radios can also transmit on frequency ranges that are technically outside of the legal ham/GMRS allowed frequencies, like business communications, police/fire, etc. Be warned that even with a ham license there will be some things you aren’t legally allowed to do with this device. It’s definately not a toy.

    Any pointers for learning the basics on this particular machine?

    Again, it will depend on the model, but personally I find the Baofeng/Chinese model radios a giant PITA to use. They’re cheap, sure, but aside from using the programming cable they can be much more difficult to program/use as compared to the Japanese models like Yaesu or Icom.

    I should read the manual cover to cover, right?

    Sure, I suppose. :)

    Looks like it’s easier to program from a computer, any tips on that?

    I can highly recommend CHRIP as good programming software. It’s also open-source: https://chirp.danplanet.com/

    • @qjkxbmwvzEnglish
      2•1 year ago

      As the above said, listening is about all you can do without a license. And as far as listening goes, depending on your location you may have some ham repeaters that you can hear — repeaters are often the most reliable way of hearing anything.

      If you’re near the coast or maybe a large lake, you can also pick up the marine channels.

      I would recommend getting the programming cable, programming in the local ham repeaters, marine channels (if applicable), FRS, and maybe emergency services or anything else you think of. Then just set it to scan and listen!