Radio Selection

 Warning: 
There are numerous counterfieits sold at lower prices on Amazon, eBay, Wish and other webstores. They look the same but are made with inferior parts and workmanhip. They have high failure rates.

Handheld Transciever

What we Like

What we DON'T Like

NOT RECOMMENDED 

Baofeng BF-888S

2 Watt Transmit Power
(my test 1.9 Watts)

16 Channels
5.1 oz
2.4"W x 1.3"D x 4.5"H w/o antenna

Pack of 2 radios $28 on Amazon

Single Radio $26 on Amazon

Very small

Light wieght

Exremely easy to operate

Low transmit power means this radio might not work well deep inside a house especially one with metal backed insultation.

There are also a few places in 95120 that are behind hills that block good reception.

If you would like to test this radio before making a decision, we will be happy to bring a selection of our radios to your location for demonstration.b

Baofeng UV-82

4 Watt Transmit Power (Note 1)
(my test 3.9 Watts)

VHF/UHF Dual Band
128 Channels
7.9 oz
2.4"W x 1.3"D x 5.0"H w/o antenna

$25 on Amazon

This 4 watt radio gives you a boost over the 2 watt radio and a stronger signal for reaching the repeater.

The other features and operation are the same as the Baofeng UV-82HP below.

The accessories are also compatible with this model.

Because of the many features in this radio, it is more complicated to learn and operate.

Baofeng UV-82HP

7 Watt Transmit Power (Note 1)
(my test 6.4 Watts)

VHF/UHF Dual Band
128 Channels
7.9 oz
2.4"W x 1.3"D x 5.0"H w/o antenna

Chose from 4 colors

$70 on Amazon

7 Watt transmit power is sufficient to reach the repeater from anywhere in 95120 including inside most houses.

Dual band means you can listen to two frequencies at the same time or scan multiple frequencies while monitoring AVPSN.

There are many accessories available for this radio:
Extra snap-in batteries
Dual Push To Talk Speaker Mic
Battery Eliminator with DC Adapter for automobile
Cup holder for automobile
Covert Air Acoustic Tube Earpiece

Because of the many features in this radio, it is more complicated to learn and operate.

The higher power isn't really required in most locations.

Baofeng BF-F8HP  (Note 1)

7 Watt Transmit Power
(my test 6.3 Watts)

VHF/UHF Dual Band
128 Channels
7.4 oz
2.4"W x 1.3"D x 4.3"H w/o antenna

$70 on Amazon

 Same as UV-82HP except:

Smaller size ( about 1" shorter)
Keypad buttons significantly smaller
Single Push To Talk buttonm, must use A/B button to select transmit channel
Smaller Speaker 700mW (UV-82HP is 1,000mW)

Same as UV-82HP

Note 1:  Transmit power doesn't always increase com range. The antenna match and unobstructed line of sight to the repeater are a much bigger factor toward increasing com range.