Amateur radio call: Baofeng
2021-08-17
source：theadanews.com
In the past year, I have written several articles on how to listen to local and regional public safety communications, such as police, fire, EMS, and storm watchers.
Scanners are usually part of the preparation, sometimes appearing on YouTube videos and websites describing the content of the "preparation package", sometimes referred to as the "check package." Occasionally, someone will ask me what kind of receiver they should buy if they are interested. There are some good receivers out there, some for less than $100.
There is a super cheap, super popular radio to avoid: BaoFeng. I own a few of these strange radios, but only because I am a licensed amateur radio operator (KC5TFZ), which means two things: 1. I can transmit on the appropriate amateur frequency, and 2. . I know how to program and use radio, which is important so that I don’t accidentally transmit on other frequencies on the spectrum, such as public safety or commercial channels.
Why is the second important? Well, this is why I strongly discourage people from buying BaoFeng: it will transmit on all frequencies of VHF and UHF. What? Wow. In my opinion, this is a dangerous possibility.
Because first responders rely on clear and fast communications, their lives are at stake, and these communications may be interrupted by incorrectly programmed Baofeng radios and careless users. Think about it: If this radio is pressed on the armrest, it might prevent emergency radio communication.
This is why my BaoFeng radio is only programmed for amateur radio frequencies, which are safe and legal for me as a licensed amateur radio operator.
If you are interested in monitoring critical communications, there are other better options
In the past year, I have written several articles on how to listen to local and regional public safety communications, such as police, fire, EMS, and storm watchers.
Scanners are usually part of the preparation, sometimes appearing on YouTube videos and websites describing the content of the "preparation package", sometimes referred to as the "check package." Occasionally, someone will ask me what kind of receiver they should buy if they are interested. There are some good receivers out there, some for less than $100.
There is a super cheap, super popular radio to avoid: BaoFeng. I own a few of these strange radios, but only because I am a licensed amateur radio operator (KC5TFZ), which means two things: 1. I can transmit on the appropriate amateur frequency, and 2. . I know how to program and use radio, which is important so that I don’t accidentally transmit on other frequencies on the spectrum, such as public safety or commercial channels.
Why is the second important? Well, this is why I strongly discourage people from buying BaoFeng: it will transmit on all frequencies of VHF and UHF. What? Wow. In my opinion, this is a dangerous possibility.
Because first responders rely on clear and fast communications, their lives are at stake, and these communications may be interrupted by incorrectly programmed Baofeng radios and careless users. Think about it: If this radio is pressed on the armrest, it might prevent emergency radio communication.
This is why my BaoFeng radio is only programmed for amateur radio frequencies, which are safe and legal for me as a licensed amateur radio operator.
If you are interested in monitoring critical communications, there are other better options
Alertus Technologies releases powerful alert integration for commercial communication platforms
New program will help police in Mississauga and across Ontario field crisis calls
Related Article
Most radio operators never take grounding seriously—until their gear is fried. This piece exposes three fatal grounding traps, from shallow rods to mixed signal-and-power grounds, then hands you a six-step, code-compliant checklist drawn from NEC Article 810 and IEEE Std 142. Copy this homework instead.
A grounding error can instantly fry your radio—Installation guide for radio system lightning protection
Professional walkie talkie earpiece guide covering how to put on, wear, and use earpieces correctly. Features brand-specific tips for Motorola, Hytera, Baofeng, and more with structural comparisons for optimal comfort and performance.
How to use walkie talkie earpiece?- The Complete Guide to Walkie Talkie Earpiece Setup
A recent industry report highlights PoC radio adoption for faster, long-distance team communication. Designed for cellular network connectivity, these radios improve coordination in public safety, logistics, and field operations, while offering beginner-friendly setup guidance to ensure reliable activation and compliance.
How exactly do you use a newly acquired PoC radio?
CTCSS function on walkie-talkies covers a frequency range from 67.0Hz to 250.3Hz. When transmitting in analog sub-tone mode, it transmits by continuously superimposing low-frequency, inaudible signals onto the carrier frequency, ensuring that only receivers receiving the same frequency can interpret the signal. This achieves anti-interference capabilities or allows the receiver to reject signals from other third parties.
What is ctcss on a walkie talkie? how to turn on?