What is the range for BaoFeng radios?

To make contacts hundreds of miles away, you need a high-powered, high frequency (HF) radio and a General license. A BaoFeng handi-talkie using VHF maxes out at about 30 miles under ideal conditions and with a few tricks and tweaks.

Are BaoFeng radios worth it?

The BaoFeng BF-F8HP wins our Top Pick Award as the best radio for properly licensed ham radio operators. It can only be used legally by those who have a valid Technician ham radio license or higher. It has an amazing amount of settings, its battery lasts quite a while, and it has an unbeatable range.

Can I talk on a Baofeng radio?

The Baofeng UV-5R series of dual band handheld radios are in the VHF/ UHF range. With a dual band j-pole I can talk to other ham radio operators in the area on simplex up to about 35 miles and hit most of the repeaters in the area up to 50 to 60 miles.

Can you use a BaoFeng as a scanner?

No, Baofeng radios are not police scanners. So you decided to sink a couple bucks into a Baofeng just to see what all the hype is about. It’s about 30 bucks, so it’s not gonna take food of the table.

Can you still buy BaoFeng radios?

While it’s true many of the Baofengs are wide open on any frequency in the 136–174Mhz and 400–520Mhz range, and it is illegal to import, market and sell these devices, it is not illegal to own or operate these devices if you are a licensed Amateur radio operator and you are operating only on amateur radio frequencies.

Do police use Baofeng?

No, Baofeng radios are not police scanners. So you decided to sink a couple bucks into a Baofeng just to see what all the hype is about.

Can you listen to police on Baofeng?

The advent of cheap, high-tech transceivers from China now make it possible for anyone to both receive and transmit on many police frequencies. The Baofeng and similar radios will program any public safety frequency in the VHF (150-174 MHz) and UHF (450-475MHz) bands.

Why is Baofeng illegal?

Because these devices must be, but have not been, authorized by the FCC, the devices may not be imported into the United States, retailers may not advertise or sell them, and no one may use them.