BAOFENG AR-152

[MacWa77ace]

Has anyone used these and can someone explain to me what the difference is in the choices on Amazon?
$69 black or green vs $129 full set + case vs $89 as pic show vs $116 green full set?

Does not look water rated. I'd want that flex antenna. I don't think that's in the $69 kit. Maybe the $89 kit. But I can get a separate flex antenna from abree for $9 which beats the upcharge to move to the next choice. Plus I already have 'em.



https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Military-Portable-Tactical-Programming/dp/B09M3TL1ZJ?th=1

Boofwang?!?

Does anyone know what PTT mic is in this photo? I might want to try that one. I have issues with finding Beofeng and Profung PTT mic's with external 3.5 headphone jacks that actually work.

It's definitely labelled Baofeng but I don't recognize it.



Might be this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Military-Adjustable-Receiver-Surveillance-Accessories/dp/B09Y8PRMQF/ref=sr_1_24?crid=29JELLC67B0TP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7MS6aSDkzePrlx4tcNr12LPgXidJuB3In1LQ49z_XKyoMRMP8G8DVMk6RcBm1EodrkPamal-GiiqsB4VpAIbPBNPAs4KgzVTtAohWNqqFEyYeezT43UnAF41gOyyOc27kguMxvhoGn0h1yHSEWP6h_D9ZxPBErdexXBLk9ZHdDCW0HXM3CYMufXF41RIj4OeMY-ek1_pwsKP9A3k1n-QO3FwybIei5Mf21iLhBLeOuR9cgC2_nmoX4NLWuO3ySWLN72cmUDq1nVVFTdPTO-P691L_UnVwYxCZRLVZ31P6VY.k_tIOJVqvGsmTY8K0XhqpNIesygbVtZ1-zF1slgeBJI&dib_tag=se&keywords=baofeng+ptt+mic&qid=1708107378&s=electronics&sprefix=beofeng+ptt+mic%2Celectronics%2C177&sr=1-24

[Fatty]

A buddy and I were eyeing this one up too.  I figured on waiting for more reviews.  The battery life is a big turn on for group based comms.

[MacWa77ace]

@Fatty
Think I'm going to order that mic just to try it out with my sound amplifying, noise cancelling headset. Using my other HT's. [if it even works for that, i've had bad luck.] it's only $14 on Amazon.

The radio is way bigger than the standard UV-5R, even with a 3800mAh on 'em, the battery is an incredible plus, but this supposedly transmits at 10w, so it needs bigger just to last the same amount of time as a standard 2-4-8w model.

but with all I'm looking at, I'm thinking it's main difference is its bigger, more TX power, bigger battery. That's all. I can do the flex antenna and PTT mic and all the other accessories [which I already have]. If it had a water rating and or a waterproof mic input, i'd get it in a heartbeat. But it doesn't and its not.

[Fatty]

Yeah, I'm still "just dabbling" in that realm while studying the books.  Lots of scouring to be done!

[Moab]

I've researched these alot. Beofeng radios that is. And I'm not sure this is worth it. It has the same specs as a uv5r. Except it transmits at 6.4 watts on high. Which is far less than 12w. These radios come from a long list of sellers with varying stated soecs. And varying real world performance.

This guy does an onscreen meter test on all three strengths at 10:40. But he states another uv5r sized Baofeng that does the same 6.4 watts or better. I have not checked the price or reviews on that model. But there are several uv5r sized models that claim 8w. I have not seen one being actually tested over 5w though:


https://youtu.be/x1lz-LU7pEs?si=mj2K4You0js4lRHx

It says its "water resistant" but gives no ipx rating. So I'd say that's probably negligible.

The biggest factor with all of these radios beyond transmit power is the antenna. And no matter the radio the Strong Signals antenna is always preferred. It is a long, thin, whip type antenna. But very thin, lightweight and is so flexible it can be tied into a loose knot. It is quite possibly the strongest ham handheld antenna. And is only $25.

I can't stress enough how much difference the antenna makes. There are hundreds of sellers of known brand antennas. And a ton of them are knock offs. So unless you see a real meter test in video. And can guarantee you're buying it from the exact seller and its the exact model there is no telling what performance you'll get. And even within ine seller they can sell the exact same antenna from various sources.

The Strong Signals antenna is made buy a guy here stateside. He is very well trusted in the industry.

https://signalstuff.com/product-list/

Final thoughts:

It does have a huge battery. That is its one advantage. But your basically carrying around a radio that is much larger than the uv5r type, with a double weight and sized battery, and an only 1.4w of higher transmit power. The rest of the specs are basically the same.

In comparison, you could carry a uv5r with one battery. Have the second battery in your bag or pocket. And not have to heft around the extra weight and size in your hand or wherever you carry your extra bats. And your nit carrying only ine battery that could fail. You've got two. So that even if one fails you've got a backup.

Further, if you really want to extend battery life in the uv5r ir any radio you can - use the often included cig lighter charger or buy one cheap, or a usb charger. I have alot more info about that in my uv5r write up below:

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=1285.0

So all your really doing is buying 1.4 watt extra power, and strapping two uv5r batteries to it. Making it twice the size and weight. For the same price as 3 or 4 uv5rs. And if you put a $25 Strong Signals antenna on any if these you'd get a much better radio experience across the board. Than probably even the 1.4 watt of extra power.

You might also find an actual 8 watt version of the uv5r for around $40. But don't believe it unless you can confirm a watt test on an actual video. And be able to buy the exact same model from the exact same seller.

There are a ton of different Beofeng radios that are knock offs. And you can't depend on Amazon reviews. As the same radio may be sold by ten different sellers. From twenty different manufacturers. But they all filter into the same review pile.

Read that guys pages on the website in my write up above. It is the most in-depth and easy to understand reviews about these radios. And the guys main emphasis is using them mobile or to bug out.

As to the external mic. I'd look for reviews on radio reference or any other more reputable review site than Amazon. PTT mics are cheap. But make sure you get at least a decent one. You're not going to improve your radio that much with a top of the line model. But you can screw your experience with one of the many bad ones.

[Z.O.R.G.]

I'm guessing it's a UV5R (or something very similar) is a "tacticool"" case.  It looks to use a similar mic ad the UV5R.  An extra 1.4W on VHF/UHF will not be a game changer for distance.  I'd spend my money on multiple UV5R units instead.  

[MacWa77ace]

Guy in the video says CHIRP recognizes it as a BF8 something.

[Z.O.R.G.]

That will learn me to watch the whole video before commenting...  

[Moab]

Guy in the video says CHIRP recognizes it as a BF8 something.

If I understand what your saying correctly. It's not a new model at all. It's the standard 8w unit. With the exception of the case or battery. And even the 8 watt units I have researched are all lower than 8 watts. 6.4 watts would make sense. But most test at 5w. Which is why I just bought standard uv5r's.

Also that guys website above convinced me to do that as well. Even reputable sellers can change suppliers at anytime. So you never know what you're getting. I honestly think these are all 5r's with tiny tweaks that get you another watt or so. That guy also critiques things in an honest and strategic way. With bugging out or being mobile in mind. He very simply describes why set up his system the way he did. Considering all the advantages and disadvantages with bugging out specifically in mind. Which us different than the many ither typical uses for two ways.

But again I think a better antenna has more to do with it than a couple watts either way.

It's kind of like "how much do you spend on your rifle? And how much on the scope?". An antenna almost means as much as the radio. That's why everyone throws away the cheap "rubber duck" antenna that come with just about every radio. A cheap antenna can literally make your two way deaf.

[Z.O.R.G.]

MOAB got me thinking on my drive home today and I came up with a good analogy on getting good VHF/UHF comms.  I'll use deer hunting as an example.  The deer rifle is the radio and the optics are the antenna. 

One hunter sets up in a deep ravine in their blind with a 308 and the best optics money can buy.  Since their line of fire is strictly line of sight (VHF/UHF is also line of sight) there's no way to get a deer that 50 yards off to the side of the ravine.  Even if they knew exactly where the deer was the 308 couldn't penetrate that much earth. 

The second hunter sets up in a tree stand with clear fields of fire to the ridge line 200 yards away.  They have a 243 and the scope that came with it.  If they're a reasonably good shot, they should get anything that comes by.

The two hunters can swap positions, but the effective range for either position doesn't change when they do.  Terrain dictates what each position can do, not the rifles and scopes. 

More power and better antennas are always good things, but elevation and terrain are almost always the biggest factor in establishing a reliable VHF/UHF link.  The difference between a 5 watt(ish) and a 10 watt(ish) handheld will almost never noticed by the user.  A higher-powered handheld radio typically costs more, is larger/heavier and goes thru batteries faster. 

In a bugout situation, I'd go with the 5 watt radio, spare batteries and a roll-up J-Pole antenna with 20-30 foot of light weight coax (like RG-174).  All that would likely weigh less, take up less space and by changing position or putting the J-Pole up in a tree you'd get better comms. 

Below is a link to how to build a VHF/UHF J-Pole antenna out of the 300 ohm line that used to be on "rabbit ear" antennas we had on TVs.

The DBJ-1: A VHF-UHF Dual-Band J-Pole (arrl.org)

[Moab]

MOAB got me thinking on my drive home today and I came up with a good analogy on getting good VHF/UHF comms.  I'll use deer hunting as an example.  The deer rifle is the radio and the optics are the antenna. 

One hunter sets up in a deep ravine in their blind with a 308 and the best optics money can buy.  Since their line of fire is strictly line of sight (VHF/UHF is also line of sight) there's no way to get a deer that 50 yards off to the side of the ravine.  Even if they knew exactly where the deer was the 308 couldn't penetrate that much earth. 

The second hunter sets up in a tree stand with clear fields of fire to the ridge line 200 yards away.  They have a 243 and the scope that came with it.  If they're a reasonably good shot, they should get anything that comes by.

The two hunters can swap positions, but the effective range for either position doesn't change when they do.  Terrain dictates what each position can do, not the rifles and scopes. 

More power and better antennas are always good things, but elevation and terrain are almost always the biggest factor in establishing a reliable VHF/UHF link.  The difference between a 5 watt(ish) and a 10 watt(ish) handheld will almost never noticed by the user.  A higher-powered handheld radio typically costs more, is larger/heavier and goes thru batteries faster. 

In a bugout situation, I'd go with the 5 watt radio, spare batteries and a roll-up J-Pole antenna with 20-30 foot of light weight coax (like RG-174).  All that would likely weigh less, take up less space and by changing position or putting the J-Pole up in a tree you'd get better comms. 

Below is a link to how to build a VHF/UHF J-Pole antenna out of the 300 ohm line that used to be on "rabbit ear" antennas we had on TVs.

The DBJ-1: A VHF-UHF Dual-Band J-Pole (arrl.org)

Good analogy.

I had not thought about power usage either. Good point. But at 6.4 watts. I wonder how much more it's drawing? But a worthy consideration. Another reason I settled for the uv5r's. 

For me the issue is bulkier size and weight. Your basically just carrying 2 batteries in your hand. Instead if just one. And in this radio bulkier and heavier because of the extra case size too.

There is a guy on Etsy that sells j-pole wire antennas for mobile use. Quite small. Something you put in your pack or go bag. 

I need to devote more time to radios. And still need to buy two more. @macwallace has done way more to set his up than myself. My scanners are set up. But I would like my Baofeng's orooerly programmed. They have sat in my desk powered, with the orogramming cable, with Chirp installed on my computer and my programming cable. I still need to ourchase the string signal antennas as well. 

I do have a set of Midland gmrs radios. Ready to go. And I like the fact they are camo. I will eventually paint the Baofengs camo or some neutral color. 

@macwallace have you tested the ptt earpieces that came with the radios? Are they that shitty? 

[MacWa77ace]

@Moab
I don't use those earpieces that come with them if I can help it. There is some sort of 'pop' noise that precedes on receiving and transmitting that is painful when using those buds that jam in your ear or sit in your lobe. I suspect its the HT's cheap circuitry that can't compensate that out, or causes it. not the earpiece itself.

Also regarding programming. You just have to get a list of repeaters in the areas you'll be moving in. And then a list of channels that you want to use for 70cm and 2m for two way comms. And then I also program all the FRS and GMRS, MURS etc. With 127 programable channels that's enough for my AO. CHIRP has a list to pull from also but I'd monitor some for traffic if you have a lot in your AO, before settling anything. Then just work on the list in CHIRP. You don't have to send the list to the radio until its complete if you don't want to. And then once you have a list you can use it for different models and have all your HT's match.

RE: Scanning with HT's
It seems all those models will scan thru your saved channel list which in my opinion is a better scan selection going thru 128 channels than scanning a complete frequency of 2m or 70cm. As scanners go, the Baofeng UV-5* HT's are really slow scanners compared to real scanners. But you can program your scan intervals on them, to jump 12 steps instead of 2 and that moves you thru frequencies faster but you're missing some. So I just scan my channel list mostly. I can switch to frequency mode and scan that if need be, you only have to press one button to change that.

I also reset the default squelch and set that up in CHIRP. So every new radio gets the new squelch settings. The one that comes default is really narrow, for example it will have 10 steps thru 5-7. So I set it to have 10 steps thru 0-9. Spreads it out and you can actually notice a difference from one number to the next. To quickly turn off the squelch completely press and hold the monitor button.

That will learn me to watch the whole video before commenting... 

@Z.O.R.G. No worries. I have a BF-F9V2+ and IIRC I had to use a BF8* something as the selected radio when programming it. So Its not a big deal, its just that some radios have multi power settings [Low, High or Low, Mid, High] and some don't, and you can actually program each individual channel with a power setting if you want. Like low power for FRS frequencies. So you have to select something close if your radio isn't in the list. That may have been the case here, cause I don't remember seeing an AR-152 in the list. But I haven't updated my CHIRP in a while.  So he may have just selected what he thought was the closest match for it, not what it actually is.

RE: Antenna's
Yeah, any antenna you get is going to have a sweetspot range. If you know what that optimal range is for the antenna you are using, you can program in a bunch of channels within that frequency range to get the most out of your antenna for two way comms. IME, the stock antenna's they come with are sheit for FM reception. And the Baofengs come with an FM receiver. Good luck with that.

[Moab]

This response is mostly just for additional thread info. For future use by anyone reading this thread. I know most of this knowledge is fairly coomon. So not its not directed just at you @macwallace.

The uv5r is back to $15 each. Just fyi for everyone reading this. 

Limited-time deal: Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Handheld Ham Radio Dual Band Walkie Talkie(2PACK, Black) https://a.co/d/cJAWmKN

******************************************************

I have not messed with the earbuds that came with mine. But they are essential imho. I've used earbud ptt's for decades. As far back as the 80's. Even having custom earpieces made for my ears for bodyguard and on foot surveillance work. They are a must for silent comms. But I misplaced mine a couple decades ago. I don't want top of the line models. But ok would be good enough. I need to research current options more. There must be a good research site on that subject.

I find myself not relying on Amazon reviews for radio products. Unless its like a 2 star rating. Proving an item is complete sh*t. 

So few people have the equipment and knowledge to properly test radio products. Its a huge waste of time. 99% of reviewers have nothing to compare a given radio or mic or antenna too. It's better to find a review from a ham or some guy that actually runs tests. 

(The early uv5r models were completely open to all freqs. Like a scanner. You could rx and tx on any channel. That's why they were so popular. But also why they got so much interest from the FCC. So they also.made doable scanners. So it was.like a complete radio and scanner in one.) 

I have a very complete freq list for my area. I started with some guys list for LA. And worked from there. I spent a fair amount of time on it. And everything is set up in chirp. I just haven't programmed them yet. To busy with life.

I have two very fast scanners. One is 1000 channels per second iirc. And its fairly small. But I can of course use the uv5rs to scan the 128 channels that are programmed or freq ranges iirc. But you're right its not scanner fast. 

I really want that one new scanner that is out now. Its around $400. But you don't have to deal with trunking at all. 

I stopped buying scanners after everyone started trunking their freqs. It was just to much complicated tech to deal with. Iirc this new tech in this new scanner automatically solves all trunking. It's like a turn it on and go. You may have to load freqs. But its like one large region at a time. And they even give you the lists. Or it automatically has access to them. 

Its really a huge leap forward in making it infinitely easier. But its not cheap. I mean there have been plenty of $400 scanners before. But this really puts the present iteration of scanners to shame. Dealing with trunk codes and programming them was a huge hassle.

I had an AOR 8500(?) Scanner. I got it from England. And even had cell freqs. Back when they were in the open. Its funny cause they look just like the radio in question here. I think they copied that look. Its the same green color with a similar case plastic. And shape and size. 

"RE: Antenna's
Yeah, any antenna you get is going to have a sweetspot range. If you know what that optimal range is for the antenna you are using, you can program in a bunch of channels within that frequency range to get the most out of your antenna for two way comms. IME, the stock antenna's they come with are sheit for FM reception. And the Baofengs come with an FM receiver. Good luck with that."

Most rubber ducks or free antennas that come with a radio. Don't have a freq range they are good at. They are going to be pretty deaf across the entire range. You will pick some ranges up. But it will be haphazard and you'll always want to choose the correct, good quality, freq range antenna for what your tx/rx or scanning for. So its more of a matter of picking the right antenna for the freqs your using. Than programming your radio for a specific antenna. 

So if you want to use ham freqs. You're going to want a high end antenna specifically made for that range. Like the Strong Signals one I posted above. And perhaps a few more tuned specifically for any other range you want to tx or scan on. There is bleed off. And antenna's with wider ranges. But there is no universal antenna that will pick all up at a good rate. 

There are telescopic antenna's that can be tuned for various freqs across the range. But they are not as good as an antenna built for a specific range. You also usually pay a price for stubby antennas. I have not seen one that outperforms a whip. But if your working in relatively close ranges, line of site. Say like a construction site. The stubbies are nice to not have to deal with the long whips. 

That is the one advantage of the Strong Signals antennas. They can be coiled into a loose knot. Are very flexible and won't break easily. *You can also mount them on your chestrig or pack and weave the antenna throughout. And use your external mic or earbud. Leaving nothing poking out to get in the way or hung up. 

I think if you just had Baofengs, a good ham antenna, a long wire antenna for extreme distance, and a few others for desired freq ranges. You'd be good. Maybe a scanner. And maybe a cheap rx radio specifically for sw ( I don't recall the sw capabilities of the uv5r). You'd be set up for good comms in a bug out. But once out of the car. And on foot. I think you'd want to pair that down a great deal. The Baofengs being the last thing you'd ditch. 

But I'm anal about weight and bulk. There are about a 100+ items to account for in a bug out bag or inch. Each with so many variables of its necessities and weight/bulk. It's almost an exercise in futility. 

[Moab]

These look like they mught fit your new tadio. $1.99 and free shipping. If not they have a ton of small pouches for cheap. Many without the bulky molle. 

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! 
$1.99 84%OFF | Tactical Molle Radio Walkie Talkie Pouch Military Waist Bag Holder Pocket Outdoor Sports Camping Radio Magazine Mag Pocket
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPjrWJM

[NT2C]

But again I think a better antenna has more to do with it than a couple watts either way.

I'll just say that the world record low-power moonbounce used less than a tenth of a watt.  Both stations (transmitting in Wisconsin (I think) and receiving in Florida) were using some pretty specialized antennas though.

With antennas and gain the way I visualize it is to think of a beach ball with a threaded rod through the center and huge fender washers and nuts on either side.  The ball represents the radio signal from a unity gain antenna.  Now start cranking in some gain by tightening the nuts.  The sphere flattens in the center and stretches out on the perimeter.  The more gain you add the flatter it becomes and the further it sticks out (reaches) around the perimeter.  That's with omnidirectional antennas of course.  (and it really illustrates why holding an HT as vertical as possible is critical with "better" antennas)

To illustrate a beam antenna, think of a flashlight beam from one of those "focusing" flashlights.  It's directional but how narrow and focused the beam is will depend, again, on the gain.

[MacWa77ace]

These look like they mught fit your new tadio. $1.99 and free shipping. If not they have a ton of small pouches for cheap. Many without the bulky molle.

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out!
$1.99 84%OFF | Tactical Molle Radio Walkie Talkie Pouch Military Waist Bag Holder Pocket Outdoor Sports Camping Radio Magazine Mag Pocket
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPjrWJM

7.87" X 1.97" X 3.15"

Not sure you can use the side port with UV-5Rs. And you'd need an external PTT mic for sure or you'd need to take it out to transmit because the distance from the bottom of a UV-5R to the PTT button is 4" with a 3800mAh battery and only 2.5" with a standard 1800 mAh battery. So it'll sit really low in that pouch.
this HT is 2.25" across without the plug for earpiece or PTT mic plugged in.

I can't find the actual AR-152 radio dimensions though.
Check this out though, look at the pouch that comes with the 'Kit' version [for more money] It looks exactly like that pouch from ali express.

[Moab]

These look like they mught fit your new tadio. $1.99 and free shipping. If not they have a ton of small pouches for cheap. Many without the bulky molle.

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out!
$1.99 84%OFF | Tactical Molle Radio Walkie Talkie Pouch Military Waist Bag Holder Pocket Outdoor Sports Camping Radio Magazine Mag Pocket
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mPjrWJM

7.87" X 1.97" X 3.15"

Not sure you can use the side port with UV-5Rs. And you'd need an external PTT mic for sure or you'd need to take it out to transmit because the distance from the bottom of a UV-5R to the PTT button is 4" with a 3800mAh battery and only 2.5" with a standard 1800 mAh battery. So it'll sit really low in that pouch.
this HT is 2.25" across without the plug for earpiece or PTT mic plugged in.

I can't find the actual AR-152 radio dimensions though.
Check this out though, look at the pouch that comes with the 'Kit' version [for more money] It looks exactly like that pouch from ali express.

Ya. I think its one factory that makes that pouch for cents. And hundreds if sellers. 

But for $1.99 or whatever, its a nice deal for todays financial situation. But there dozens of cases like that. I'm sure you could find one that fits better.


I hate companies like Maxpedition. When you know they paid .52 cents for a pouch they sell for $27! 

I just got a big package from Aliexpress. Gonna post a review later. 

I thought you bought the radio? No?

[MacWa77ace]

I thought you bought the radio? No?

No I haven't, but I've got that PTT mic in the photo, or at least what I think is that PTT mic, in my shopping cart on Amazon. I want to see if the 3.5mm jack in the PTT is active or a dud like some of my others. I need backups that work for my 'cheap' amplified/noise cancelling headset/PTT comms setup.

I'm still pondering the AR-152. Since my comms budget is a bleed off of my gun fund, and since I've ordered an AR500 battle belt and a Vedder IWB holster so far this month, and still need another Esstac 2+1 gap mag pouch for the AR500 belt, that's a future future buy at best, if I go thru with it.

[Moab]

I have not watched it yet.


https://youtu.be/2PBt2iMcDmw?si=QkidwLgX3r_WbsQW

[MacWa77ace]

I got one of the AR-152 PTT mics just to try it out. Its 'beefy' compared to my other ones, and bigger. Thicker wire and I think its a sturdier plastic housing. There is a small PTT button in the top, and a big one on the side. The buttons are better than on my Mirkit. And the back clip is also sturdy and will rotate 360 degrees clicking into 'notches' to hold the angle.



It's big. Marked as AR-152, with a Kplug.



This is it swapped into my tactical comms setup with noise cancelling / sound amplifying headset.



And these are the other PTT's I've tried for this setup. Only two of 4 types work. As they all have an 'output' plug on the PTT mic, only the Mirkit and the AR-152's output plug work correctly for this. The ones marked Beofeng and Pofung do not come with an active 'output' jack so they don't work for setting up a headset or earbud. Or they were defective, but I have another one marked Beofeng like the one pictured and it doesn't work either. None of the ones that didn't come with a working jack had the external jack mentioned in their description, I just figured since it was there it'd work, but it didn't. Live and learn. So now I look for that jack being mentioned in the sales descriptions.