UV-5R MK4

I bought this radio after hearing about it on a Youtube channel (Josh from Southern Cal). VERY IMPORTANT: this radio requires that you get a "Technician Class" license from the FCC. To get this, you have to take and pass a test given by the ARRL. Now, it's a thorough 36 question test but if you study at their website (arrl.org), you CAN pass this test. Also, it's great fun to learn about the fundamentals of present day communications (cell phones, TVs, bluetooth, WIFI, etc.) I recommend that you go to the ARRL.org website and have a look at the test training material. I did and got hooked.So if after reviewing the Technician class material you're psyched about the hobby, then this handheld ham radio may be just what the doctor ordered. There are two other types of ham radios out there: (1) mobile ham radios and (2) base station ham radios. Those are more expensive than the handheld ones. So this radio, or similar ones, would be a great way to test the waters and get into the hobby if you so decide.One additional point to make is that Morse code (CW) knowledge is not required for the Technician Class license, or any other. I'm learning CW at my own speed after passing my exam though. One can decode 5 words per minute (WPM) in 2 weeks and from there just practice to ramp up the speed. That's what i'm doing and it's very rewarding for me to finally be able to understand Morse code.Lastly, the UV-5R MK4 will work fine to hit your local repeaters unless you're really isolated. The repeater then re-broadcasts your signal many more miles.

Great radio shipped on time

I love the radios.. They are affordable but if you don't know much about Ham Radio or walkie-talkies in general.. You may wind up sending them back.. Because of the programming.. It would be nice if Mirkit could pre-program these radios based on the location of the purchaser at thier request.. Or develop a software program that specifically programs the radio.. I know about Chirp and other software but the other programming nessesities escape me! So I'm not sure if I'm going to keep them.. I just don't know the lingo.. And yes I need them to be ready out of the box!! Don't mind paying for it either.. Send me a CD to program these radios.. Thank you

I am writing this as purely a listener as I work on getting my radio license. This review is based solely on using it without transmitting.This UV-5R kit was purchased as a Lightning Deal for about $50. Even at the regular price of about $70 it appears to be a good bargain. When it arrived it was a bundle of shrink-wrapped individual boxes with a sticker informing that it was sold as a kit. I'll take this moment to say that we need to limit plastic packaging as much as possible (or eliminate it entirely) because that wrap goes immediately into the trash.The kit comes with several components including a charger, large primary battery, smaller backup battery, external microphone, programming cable, and another which appears to be for plugging into external speakers. There are also requisite manuals.The UV-5R radio is extremely popular with plenty of other reviews. First impressions are pretty good. The radio feels solid and decently made. The casing lines up, no gaps around plugs, switches do not wiggle, etc.. It is plastic, however, and probably would not survive too large a fall versus some of the other industrialized equipment I have. All said, no faults with the workmanship.Using the device is also pretty simple. I did a Google search for popular channels (NOAA, EMT, etc.) and was able to tune them in pertty easily. Programming these into the unit was also easy enough *once I found a YouTube video that explained the process*. I had some difficulty following the instructions (I'm old and slow) but the videos got me through it.Now for programming: From a CentOS Linux laptop, I downloaded the CHIRP software. With the USB programming cable attached and specifying the correct USB port, I was able to see the device. After reading the configuration then saving, I was then able to program it with a bunch of other useful channels. This was probably the hardest (and ultimately easiest) way to program the device. Harder because of locating the software, but easier because once installed and some tinkering with settings, it was so much faster than manual programming.Other thoughts: Battery life is very good so far, even using the smaller battery. It was on for over a day listening and still seemed fully charged. Sound was very clear for the NOAA and weather service channels.

Never used one before and it is a bit challenging. Will take time to learn how to use it.

Great radio for the price

Have had 8 for over a year and can't program them or get anyone to help with programming them! Useless!! Even purchased a new computer to get updated windows to download chirp and still doesn't work! Purchased 2 connecting cables as told too and it came with 2 but none work! Frustrated with lack of support and spent over $300 for items I can't use.