Jun 19 2013

Baofeng UV-82

A new Baofeng dual-band HT has been spotted: the UV-82 (Thanks Paul). Specs are quite generic, and the picture below suggest that the old (and often despised) UV-5R antenna is used. On the bright side: 2.5 KHz steps are supported.

Other Baofeng UV-82 articles:

Baofeng UV-82: Rough Start

In-Depth Review Baofeng UV-82

Baofeng UV-82 Battery Controversy Part 1, Part 2

Baofeng UV-82 Additional Notes

 

Baofeng UV-82

Features:

  1. Frequency Range: 136-174 & 400-520MHz
  2. Dual Band, Dual Display, Dual Frequency,Dual Standby
  3. Output Power: 5 / 1Watt
  4. 128 Storage Channels
  5. 50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS
  6. Vox
  7. 1750 Hz Burst Tone
  8. FM Radio (65.0 MHz – 108.0 MHz)
  9. LED Flashlight
  10. Large LCD Display
  11. High / Low RF Power Switchable
  12. Wide / Narrow 25KHz / 12.5KHz Switchtable
  13. Emergency Alert
  14. Low Battery Alert
  15. Battery Saver
  16. Time-out Timer
  17. Keypad Lock
  18. Monitor Channel
  19. Channel Step: 2.5 / 5 / 6.25 / 10 / 12.5 / 25 KHz
  20. PC Programming

Price around $60 on both eBay and AliExpress.

42 comments on “Baofeng UV-82”

  1. Looks nice.
    I like the fact that the keypad layout is normal,
    I don’t really care for the ‘0’ button to be to the right of ‘6’ like in the UV-5R.
    Did you order it?
    Looks like this might actually do dual receive (if you look at the ebay pictures, the top of the radio seems to have two (A/B) RX LEDs).
    Also good: 1800mAh battery (according to the ebay ad).

    Nate.

    • I didn’t order one (yet). It would be nice when this turns out to be a UV-5R (it has a 3-color display, ANI and such) with the receiver of the UV-B5.

      • If it turns out to be a UV-5R with a UV-B5 receiver, then definitely this will be the best deal.
        Next items on my wish list:
        – Real dual receive (Not the useless TDR).
        – Squelch levels that actually work.
        – S-Meter that works.

        Other than that, I think it is about time to see more bands in Chinese radios.
        For example, Real Dual receive that:
        The A display will work on 144-148MHz/420-450MHz, and
        The B display will work on 50-72MHz/219-249MHz

        This will make it a high value radio all over the world, and will keep the antenna makers busy developing new antennas for these bands.

        Nate.

    • Hey Nate, I just got the UV-82 and so far love it. Going to give it a work out tonight
      while I’m at work. At times I do have a lot of time to play lol while waiting on a train.
      I too like the idea of that the keypad layout is normal. I never did like the idea of the 0 on the right. You’re right there are 2 LEDs on the top for TX/Rec. As for the battery it says its a 2800 mAh. I dont think it that much. I need to find out how to use it in dual receive.

      Paul
      KI4CH

    • Poor quality. Bought two and both failed in 6 weeks. One went dead and other went dumb with no more menu function response. These are well designed but poorly made. Do not waste your time. Just remember where the word JUNK came from

    • Hey Paul,

      Thats TH-UVF9D looks like a cool radio. I just may have to get one to check it out. Looks kind of like a Baofeng. I do like the keyboard lay out. I’ll let you know if I get one.

      Paul KI4CH

  3. Originally, there was the Tonfa UV-985.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pcs-Two-way-Radio-UV-985-8w-amateur-handheld-transceiver-walkie-talkies-mah-/290882401151?pt=2_Way_Radios_FRS&hash=item43b9f1337f

    The keypad had the normal layout with the zero at the bottom.
    But, it used BFB229 as the firmware.

    I’m curious as to whether the UV-82 is in fact something new, or a UV5R with a different case and keypad layout.

    Curious minds wants to know…

    John K3NXU
    http://www.miklor.com

      • I think there must be some difference,else why would they have the two LEDs on top? (can be seen in the eBay pictures).

      • LEDs aren’t part of the RX/TX circuitry, which I was referring to. Think of the B5/B6: LED, no LED, rotary encoder etc. Same radio though.

      • I agree, it can still be crappy on the RF side or audio side, but this is not a flashlight LED, a function they like to put in on everything, or simply an encoder, that replaces or doubles as the up/down functions, these are two RX/TX indicators, and unless both are just tied into a single LCD signal (s-meter like indicator), these might be there for a better reason.

    • Nate,

      I just checked on Radio-Mart web site and he’s posting that the Baofeng UV-82
      is now Now FCC Approved. Do you know how I can look that up on the FCC website? If you find it please send the url.

      Paul
      KI4CH

  5. Hans the battery is as stated 2800ma, I have them available from stock if you want one, price is under $50
    I took some pics of the battery as you questioned its capacity, I posted the picture of the battery here

    Best 73s
    Martyn

    • Hi Martyn,

      2800mAh would be nice, very nice. Assuming my review sample has the 1800mAh version, we can simply compare the dimensions and the weight of the batteries. You can’t squeeze out an extra 1000mAh without adding/changing the configuration of the internal cells. It always translates into a more bulky enclosure and more weight.

      Whatever the outcome, I like what Baofeng is doing lately.

      • Hi Hans
        yes they are improving with every new model, I am a little surprised the B6 didn’t get FCC approval and has not been a popular seller

      • The B5/B6 is a big hit in Europe and replaced many UV-5R’s in ham radio households. Not in the USA? Another proof that you can’t predict consumer behavior easily.

        I hope the UV-82’s receiver is on par with the B5.

      • That’s very odd? But I agree you cannot forecast global popularity, the UV-82 side by side with the 5RA,, I prefer the 82, I will produce a video showing all 3 side by side operating when I get chance but today I am swampped

      • I think a big part of it was that the FCC approved the UV-5Rx as a part 90 (commercial) radio.
        Which means that a ham that uses a commercial radio for work, can now use these radios both for work, and play.
        Radios that are part 97 (ham) radios are not allowed in the US for use on commercial channels, but the other way around is Ok.
        I think that the first radio I can remember that was both part 90 and field programmable, was the Alinco DJ-180, where you had the 10? memory chip you had to program it from a computer.
        To make it a ham radio HT, you’d swap the chip to a 100? memory chip, which enabled it to be programmed from the keypad.

        Note, I don’t remember exactly how many channels in both, but it was something like 10/100 or 16/256?, it was back in the late 90s…

        Nate.

  7. Here’s my initial observations of the UV82

    —————————-
    UV82 Comparison to UV5R
    —————————-
    Larger case with
    – Better Feel (I have large hands)

    Larger more positive Keypad
    – Much Better feel for big fingers

    Standard Keypad with Zero at the bottom

    Dual PTT
    – Upper part of switch, TX on A
    – Lower part of switch, TX on B

    Extermal Mic
    – When PTT pressed, TX defaults to Display B only

    New Function Added, A/B-BP (A, B or Bypass)
    – Tone can be added to A or B to indicate receive signal has dropped
    – Nice for feature visually impaired

    PowerOn 5 displays firmware
    – This one is BF8125

    Same LCD display – S-Meter still Signal On/Off

    Better audio
    – Mellower quality
    – Might be due to larger case

    Antenna is compatible with UV5R
    – SMA-Female

    Antenna is Labeled 136-174 400-520 MHz
    – Only an antenna sweep can tell for sure

    Manual a bit more Readable

    Software is standard Baofeng format
    – Very similar to UV5R
    – Converts to English with toolbar dropdown 5

    Appears to have a bit better receiver
    – Compared against 2 UV5Rs

    The Dual PTT takes a little getting used to.
    Overall, I like it.

    John K3NXU
    http://www.miklor.com

    • Good morning John, and happy 4th.
      What can you tell us about the squelch?
      Also, what does the ‘bypass’ option do?
      I believe there are no two receivers, and the radio just jumps every few milliseconds between A and B, which is useless unless you monitor one busy channel, and another one that is not (for example your local repeater, and simplex).
      Anything about the battery life?

      Nate.

    • John,

      When I hit the number 5 and turn the radio on I get ( B82s21 ) Is this an older model or is it up to date. Do you know how I can see it the uv-82 is truly Now FCC Approved?

      Paul
      KI4CH

  8. Nate,
    The new Menu 40 A/B-BP allows you to add a Beep tone to end of an incoming repeater or simplex signal (when HT squelch drops).
    It can be set to either A or B or OFF. I now believe the BP stands for BEEP.
    This is a nice feature for the visually impaired to indicate which channel was active.

    BATTERY
    Marty just received confirmation this morning from Baofeng that the UV82 batteries were mislabeled 2800 mAH from the factory. They are, in fact, 1800 mAH.

    SQUELCH
    I don’t see a significant change, but that needs to be tested On the Bench. I no longer have the appropriate test equipment for an accurate test.

    • Hey John, Thank you for posting how to turn off the “Beep tone” Mine was turned on and drove me crazy all night at work. I can see how it would help a visually impaired person.

      Paul
      KI4CH

  9. UV 82 arrived today. (I got from Radio Arena UK)
    Took about 4 days to Germany ..
    Device has very good modulation!, Since there are no complaints.
    NF audio louder than UV5R.
    To the double PTT I have to get used;-)
    Radio reception good, but do not depend on high antenna!.
    Since there Kladderamatsch … (many stations on each other).
    Battery is 1800 mA, not like 2800 as printed! (Misprints or intentionally?)
    Dat.Files of the UV5R can be loaded with the UV 82 software!
    Chirp (daily build from 02.08.2013) works for me and reload the device, but
    nothing to show for.
    Search (scan) which is slow …
    Caution, when scanning in VFO mode CTCSS or DCS tones off!
    Otherwise, the device searches for all frequencies with CTCSS or DCS tone!
    To the S-meter toy I got used.
    But the squelch gradation would be better ..
    Place the measuring just 0.25 uV Squelch difference of 1 to 9 ..
    So Baofeng rework!
    Walter
    These were the first impressions of the device.
    I should have noticed something I’ll write it here.
    Greeting Walter

  10. This looks like a decent radio. Baofeng is looking more and more like Icom and Kenwood. Now Baofeng needs to add some extra bands. Remember the old Icom IC-T8A and how you could use it on 2m, 70cm, and 6m? 6m and 220 would be a welcome addition to a Baofeng radio. That is all Baofeng is really missing. Since they added the compandor, they are sounding almost as good as the competition. I own the UV-3R, the UV-5R, and the UV-B5. So far, my favorite is the UV-B5. I can’t wait to order and try the UV-82!

  11. Good afternoon I’m having a problem with my boafeng UV-82 can not switch to the channels that have stored not find the button to do this.

    someone help me?

  13. please help I just got my UV-82L Im trying to program it using my PC but I cant get the radio to go into program mode I had a UV-5r and I am using the cable from it Anyone that could help would be nice thanks

  14. Hallo,
    I have now a lot of these Baofeng Radios modified most mic gain and audio .
    What I can say there was no great news in them, wether in UV3r to UV5r or the UV-B5 or B6. The most mods were a Little bit more design fake. The technical part, really nothing news. All around this RDA 1846 IC. This part gives the technics and nothing more. A Little band selection on front but this do not give better channel selection or signal sensivity.
    All of these Radios had weak mod, not the best audio quality. The programming with a lot of bugs. Why should it be better on the UV 82. Thats my question.
    Don`t unterstand me wrong, I have UV3r Mark2 , UV 5re , BF888 in use.
    Thats real cheap Radios . You get them cheap and they have cheao technics.
    A SDR chip is new technics , but there is a technical Limit on them.
    If a few guys transmitting in a area of 20 meters , no Radio of this type work well.
    Try the same with a yaesu, you will se difference.
    It is , you got what you pay for.

    My opinion at the moment if you have a UV5r in use , there is no need to have UV82L.
    Also that 5 Watt RF why, in near of the eays , and the head, by 400 MHz.
    I would be careful of the EMV. There is a Limit of handies by 2 Watt in near of face and eays.

    best 73 DH2SAO

Comments are closed.