UV-K5(8) 5W Ham Radio Handheld, Multi-Band VHF UHF Two Way Radio, Air Band Reception, NOAA Weather, USB-C, Walkie Talkie for Emergency Communication Camping (K6 Gen)

I recently acquired the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) AM/FM/DTMF walkie-talkie, and it's been an absolute game-changer for my communication needs. Not only is this device remarkably affordable, but its functionality and expandability through custom firmware have truly set it apart from the competition. Right out of the box, the affordability of the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) caught my attention. Finding a device that doesn't break the bank yet delivers on performance is a rare feat in a market where high-quality communication tools can often come with a hefty price tag. This walkie-talkie has managed to strike that delicate balance, offering solid value for its price. But what makes this walkie-talkie shine is its expandability through custom firmware. The ability to tailor the device to meet specific communication needs is a significant advantage, especially in scenarios where standard settings just don't cut it. Whether enhancing the radio's range, tweaking privacy settings, or unlocking new features, the custom firmware options have opened up a world of possibilities, making the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) a versatile tool in my arsenal. The range and clarity of communication provided by this walkie-talkie have been impressive. Whether using it in densely wooded areas, during outdoor adventures, or amid urban chaos, the device ensures clear and reliable communication, which is crucial for effective coordination and safety. Its build quality is another aspect worth noting. Despite its affordability, the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. It's rugged and durable, capable of withstanding rough handling and the occasional drop, which is inevitable during active use. This durability and its performance make it an ideal choice for recreational and professional use. TL;DR: The QUANSHENG UVK5(8) AM/FM/DTMF walkie-talkie is a standout choice for anyone seeking an affordable yet powerful communication tool. Its expandability through custom firmware allows for tailored functionality, meeting a wide range of communication needs. With impressive range, clarity, and build quality, this device proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get reliable and effective communication capabilities.

This is a very good radio I like how it feels in my hand not to big or small It has a decent amount of channels that you can program I really like that you can listen to a nice amount of bands including air band It was easy to program and its easy to use It charges the battery pretty quick and last almost all day on a single charge Overall Im happy with it It works good with no problems

This is basically a Baofeng that has matured into a better quality radio with the same low price. The AM aircraft audio is a little rough but perfectly understandable, and can be fixed in firmware. The FM audio is tweaked for voice and is very easy to understand. An optional programming cable allows you to use the free CHIRP programming software, making the UVK5(8) very easy to program. An added benefit, for some, is that there is free open source firmware available that appears to be actively in development. Search for 'egzumer uv-k5-firmware-custom' on github, for the custom firmware. The first thing I noticed with the new (experimental) firmware is that the AM aircraft audio is flawless, same for the military aircraft band (military AM bands only available with the egzumer firmware). I currently use mine as a scanner of some local AM aircraft and VHF Marine FM frequencies, with a na771 type antenna (pay attention to the connector type) I am super happy with the performance. The scan rate, with the experimental firmware, rivals my $400 SDR scanner. It also works well on the public service bands. My ham license allows me to use this on 2 and .70 meters as a transmitter. All transmit functions on basic FM phone appear to work well in the ham bands. It is not able to transmit AM or USB, FM only. A lot of radio for a little $$. I like the UVK5 type radios. I now happily own three, I'm a bit of a radio geek. Enjoy.

This super-cheap (~$30) HAM radio handset has extremely broad, powerful features due to it's replaceable firmware, which is supported by a large number of open source firmware variants with amazing features provided by a very engaged user community. I was so impressed, at this price I bought 2 of them. With all the different firmwares available, I may buy more. Unique features at this price-point: - Extremely broad receive frequencies and AM/FM decoding, all the way down at 18mhz, below CB frequencies, up through Airband, NOAA weather, commercial FM, etc. and much higher, to 1.3 ghz (ie. extremely broad scanning/receiving capabilities). - Replaceable firmware, with tons of other features in various other firmwares, easy to download to device, with open source available to modify. - One-button frequency and privacy tone/code scan/copy/save - Full cloning from one radio to another Additional capabilities in various open-community firmware downloads: - Spectrum analyzer, waterfall view like an SDR to find signals to monitor - Upper Side Band and Lower Side Band receive, Double Side Band transmit - Send/Receive CW (morse), APRS, SSTV (images), DTMF, etc. - Mesh networking, messaging, encrypted messages, voice scrambler - Various improvements to scanning speed, squelch, audio quality, lower/higher frequency range, etc. - Customized UI w/different font sizes, different levels of detail, keypad shortcuts, backlight setting, etc. Includes other common HAM handset features at this price: - UHF/VHF transmit at ~5w - Chirp compatible (mostly just on the default firmware) - Stores 200 channels - Includes ear-mic, hand strap, charging dock (easy pickup/dropoff) and USB-C charge cable (fast)

I bought this for the express purpose of "unlocking" it. It works fine with the same cable as my Baofengs. It's nice to have a good dual-band tranceiver BUT also a multi-band receive-only/scanner. I use it on two 2-meter repeators. One 30+ miles to my South. Another 27 miles to my West. Excellent reports from fellow ham operators. Wonderful to be able to program in 6 meter (50-54mhz) repeators as well for listening purposes although that band is kinda' sparse "traffic-wise" these days. WELL-BUILT radio....Great volume. AND ofcourse, in addition to the charging dock (included), the ablity to charge with USB-C. Like the big ole' volume knob... Might try some other firmware packages....BTW, talking charging, it held a charge for months when I sorta' forgot it and left it on the table. The Big 4 "Name Brands" need to take notice and start offering "Open Source" monitoring radios of their own.

I've been using this as an inexpensive scanner radio and emergency transceiver. You can't go wrong with this model. It's easy to set up with watching YouTube tutorials. And once you've got your stations programmed in, it'll scan with a single button push. I've picked up an additional folding antenna, buy I think the included one works fine and picks up the same signals. Sound quality is ok for what you're listening to. It seems like good quality and durability.

Good radio I talk with rude ham operators who hate me but I don't care 😘 they can kiss the crack in the back 😂

Chirp compatible (with both stock or egzumer firmware) is a big plus. Sound quality is fair. The weight is light, the fit is right, and the overall feel is pretty tight. Definitely worth the extra $10 over a Baofeng UV-5R or GT-5R. Out-of-the-box 6 meter FM receive (+10 meter, and USB Rx with egzumer and some others' firmware mods) feels gimmicky but may be useful if in a group in close proximity with the correct OEM antenna, but all indications (reviews, tests, etc) seem to point to don't Tx on those bands..). The firmware mods and functionality give this radio the feel of a radio worth twice as much - DO definitely take time to read the (for example) egzumer documentation on github to understand how the menus and options differ from the stock manual - frustration and confusion await those who neglect to. Look out for deals and sales and buy two if you can :-)

Buen radio, con posibilidad de programar por chirp e incluso cambiar el firmware.