Why I switched to Baofeng tech mobiles vs Kenwoods as primary rigs, by RF

Originally appearing on the Brushbeater Forum. Get squared away. -NCS
Yup. That’s what i did recently, for a variety of reasons…
I’ve been a Kenwood mobile guy for years, the 281 and tm-v71 as my primary auto, base and field rigs, however I recently made my baofeng tech mobile rigs my primary rigs, and kenwoods secondary rigs.
Why would I do that? Kenwoods are awesome rigs, no doubt, lots of features, well built, etc. However, most new amateur radio operators cant afford them, or operate them to their full potential. Hence, Baofeng tech mobiles, the 25w and the 50w units offer a lot of features that cover the 80% of what most users will need and use, at an affordable price.
A major factor is also the ability to operate on a wide range of vhf/uhf freqs that the kenwoods can’t do w/out modifying the rig, which I have done on all of my units, but there is still a disconnect in communicating to the Baofeng tech units of some feqs.
Given my goals is to be a EMCOMM guy, help others get squared away, pass along what I know to the cherries, who in most cases will come to the party with baofengs/et al, I have instant comms with them and can train them up quickly.
In building my local mag team, I spec’d uv-82hp HT’s w extra batteries, usb charger/12v charger and a roll up j-pole antenna and misc connectors.
I also suggested the 25w vhf/uhf mobile unit, with external mag mount antenna, this unit plugs into 12v socket and is great for vehicle to vehicle and/or field operations off 12v batteries and solar rigs/battery packs and jungle antennas. My goal, is to be able to spin up folks w functional, simple to use, effective and affordable kit that can be used on license free bands and amateur radio bands and obscure freqs.
The baofeng tech and their ilk do that, good enough is good enough, and i can stack em deep…
Now, i still have and operate my kenwoods, but for basic G-comms, the baofeng tech units do the job..
Go here for more info: Baofeng Tech

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About the Author: NC Scout

NC Scout is the nom de guerre of a former Infantry Scout and Sergeant in one of the Army’s best Reconnaissance Units. He has combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He teaches a series of courses focusing on small unit skills rarely if ever taught anywhere else in the prepping and survival field, including his RTO Course which focuses on small unit communications. In his free time he is an avid hunter, bushcrafter, writer, long range shooter, prepper, amateur radio operator and Libertarian activist. He can be contacted at [email protected] or via his blog at brushbeater.wordpress.com .

11 Comments

  1. Ersatz Naugahyde April 22, 2021 at 08:54

    And somewhere, wherever he is, Sparks31 just had an aneurysm.

    • NC Scout April 22, 2021 at 09:25

      “Wherever he is”, he owes a lot of people he ripped off.

      • Quietus April 23, 2021 at 13:02

        Yeah, he left this state owing me money or product. Adios …

  2. boss21 April 22, 2021 at 09:19

    Found out the hard way that the Yaesu 818 transmits on only a few VHF/UHF freqs. I know it’s meant for HF but the VHF/UHF feature is handy.
    Just got a B Tech and will hook it up this weekend. Huge frequency range on these .

    • FDC April 22, 2021 at 15:06

      That’s on you for finding that out “the hard way”. The 817 is probably one of the most lovingly fucked with radio in recent history. With the 818 being nearly identical, you don’t have to search far for instructions of opening up the TX ranges.

      • boss21 April 22, 2021 at 18:57

        Roger, on the to do list.

  3. vyt1az April 22, 2021 at 10:53

    Just like ol’ Remus. Good enough and lots of it.

  4. James April 22, 2021 at 11:05

    I looked and I paid 137.95 for my Kenwood TM-281A about 7yrs ago. It’s been a great VHF radio; love the front speaker. Looked on HRO and they are now going for 210.00. That’s crazy. Same with my Yaesu FT-2900.

  5. jhm April 24, 2021 at 21:05

    I bought a litter of BF-888s radios for neighborhood disaster use. Cheap, very simple, programmable. If someone loses or breaks it, I’m out like $10. Of course programmed them all uniformly.

  6. Homer April 24, 2021 at 23:05

    Are these radios as easy to hook up to an android device for digital modes the baofeng HTs are?

    • NC Scout April 24, 2021 at 23:36

      Yeah they’re pretty much the same.

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