Baofeng UV-5R Ultimate Guide

Ham Radio • Emergency Comms • Walkie-Talkie • Scanner

Hardware & Setup
Side Keys
  • CALL (Top): FM Radio. Hold for ALARM.
  • MONI (Bot): Flashlight. Hold to Open Squelch (Listen).
  • PTT: Push To Talk.
Front Keys
  • VFO/MR Switch Freq/Channel Mode.
  • A/B Switch Active Line (Arrow).
  • BAND Switch VHF/UHF.
  • *SCAN Hold to Scan. Tap for Reverse.
The "Golden 6" Settings

Configure these first (Menu → # → Menu → Value → Menu).

0 SQL Squelch 5 (Filters static)
1 STEP Tuning Step 5.0K (Standard)
2 TXP Power HIGH (8W) / LOW (1W)
5 W/N Bandwidth WIDE (Most Ham/GMRS)
7 TDR Dual Watch ON (Listen to A & B)
13 T-CTCS Tx Tone OFF (Set per channel)
Programming Guide
Prerequisite: Press VFO/MR to enter "Frequency Mode" (No channel numbers on right).
Programming a Repeater (e.g., SkyHub)
1. Frequency: Type 449.450 (Example).
2. Tone (Key): MENU 13 (T-CTCS) → Select 103.5 → MENU .
NOTE: Keep Menu 11 (R-CTCS) OFF unless needed.
3. Offset Dir: MENU 25 (SFT-D) → Select - (MINUS).
4. Offset Amt: MENU 26 (OFFSET) → Type 005.000 .
5. Save: MENU 27 (MEMCH) → Select Channel → MENU .
Programming Simplex (Direct) or Scanning

For NOAA, Railroad, or Walkie-Talkie channels.

1. Frequency: Type frequency (e.g., 162.550 ).
2. Clean Up: Ensure Menu 25 (SFT-D) is OFF .
3. Save: MENU 27 (MEMCH) → Select Channel → MENU .
The "Split Tone" Trap (WA0MJX): Some repeaters transmit a different tone than they receive. If you can't hear audio, ensure Menu 11 (R-CTCS) is OFF . Only set Menu 13.
Ham Radio Procedures

Example: Sunday 8:30 AM on 145.310 (ColCon).

  1. Listen First: Wait for "Net Control" to ask for "Check-ins."
  2. Wait for your turn: They often ask by alphabet ("Alpha through Foxtrot").
  3. Press PTT: "This is [Your Callsign], [Your Name], No Traffic."
  4. Release PTT: Listen for acknowledgement.

Alpha
Bravo
Charlie
Delta
Echo
Foxtrot
Golf
Hotel
India
Juliet
Kilo
Lima
Mike
November
Oscar
Papa
Quebec
Romeo
Sierra
Tango
Uniform
Victor
Whiskey
X-ray
Yankee
Zulu
Emergency / Disaster Plan
1. The Golden Rule

If you have a cell signal, use it. Radio is a backup. If 911 is down, use Linked Repeaters (SkyHub/ColCon) first.

2. The Script (Don't Ramble)
Life Threat: "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY. This is [Callsign]. I have a life threatening emergency at [Location]."
Stranded/Injured: "BREAK, BREAK, BREAK. This is [Callsign] with emergency traffic."
3. Disaster News Sources (Listen Only)
  • KOA News: 94.1 MHz (FM Radio mode).
  • Media IFB: 450.1625 MHz (Hear reporters off-air).
  • Railroads: 161.100 MHz (Track conditions).

FCC Regulation: In an immediate threat to life/property where no other means exist , you may use ANY frequency to call for help.
Suggestion: If Ham fail, try GMRS Ch 1 (462.5625) or MURS Ch 1 (151.820).
Walkie-Talkie Mode

The UV-5R can communicate with blister-pack walkie talkies (Motorola/Midland) found at stores.
Note: Technically requires GMRS license and Part 95 hardware, but widely used in emergencies.

Ch Type Freq (MHz) UV-5R Pwr
1-7 FRS/GMRS 462.5625+ Low/High
8-14 FRS Only 467.5625+ LOW ONLY
15-22 GMRS 462.5500+ High
*Set STEP to 2.5K or 6.25K for these frequencies.
Littleton/Denver Database
Name Freq Tone (Tx) Offset
SKYHUB (Squaw) 449.450 103.5 -5.0M
COLCON (State) 145.310 88.5 -0.6M
Natl Calling 146.520 None OFF
Morrison (Littleton) 449.625 88.5 -5.0M
Baculite (South) 449.575 103.5 -5.0M
WA0MJX (Denver) 447.050 103.5 -5.0M
W0IG (Denver) 448.075 88.5 -5.0M
N0JXN (Denver) 146.715 123.0 -0.6M
RMRL (Squaw) 146.940 103.5 -0.6M
NOAA Wx (Rx) 162.550 None OFF
Joint Line RR 160.920 None OFF
BNSF Dispatch 161.100 None OFF
Media IFB (Rx) 450.1625 None OFF
GMRS Ch 1 462.5625 None OFF
MURS Ch 1 151.820 None OFF
Troubleshooting: Keypad Locked? Hold # . Can't hear? Check Squelch (Menu 0) or press MONI . Radio resets on Tx? Battery is low/dead.