You should trust your TinySA - I certainly trust mine, and know how to use it properly to assess spurious emissions. The UV-17R I just received has HORRIBLE harmonics. The 2nd harmonic on VHF transmission was nearly 30dB over the FCC limit. The UV-5R I obtained a few months ago was much better - pretty disturbing that they took such a step backwards. The documentation they sent you is no doubt just as credible as their published specs (i.e. worthless).

I trust your reviews!

I got my advanced class license in 1997, I steppad away from the hobby in 2010 and now wanted to get back in. I kept my license up to date so no worries. My comment is since i lost touch with the radio tech the radios have really gotten inexpensive. Heck in 97 the 17r would have cost 6 or 700 bucks. Now i guess since its not digital its 25 bucks. That really dont make any sense. Literally its a trip to mcdonalds or a dual band HT.

I ordered this radio this morning via Amazon w/prime so I should get it in a couple days. This will be my first radio. I plan in February to upgrade a GMRS. Probably will remain in the Baofeng brand until I get my license. This particular radio I feel is a great beginners radio.

I don’t think I’ll buy anything without USBC charging going forward. Thanks for pointing that out

Helpful video! Bummer this model not supported by Chirp

@GadgetTalk4U

8 ай бұрын

For me the biggest advantage to Chirp is the import feature from Repeaterbook and other already-defined channels like GMRS and Maritime. For these inexpensive radios, their CPS's are OK but I'd think they would be similar enough for a software module that could to tacked on that would list and import like Chirp without that much expense.

Found a site for driver downloads for the Baofeng programing cable, Win 11. However they have FTDI, Prolific, and WCH versions. Which one should I use. Intuition sez FTDI but I defer to you. Thanks

@GadgetTalk4U

10 ай бұрын

Drivers have to match the chip in the cable, so that is the main thing. If you have a couple of cables, I'd choose an FTDI cable as you suggested. I've used all three with success.

@richsilvasatx

10 ай бұрын

I assume that the Baofeng cable is FTDI?

@GadgetTalk4U

10 ай бұрын

@richsilvasatx No. I've seen CH340 and Prolific. Plug your cable into your computer and read the chip type in device manager. Normally, Windows will load the correct driver.

I cant transmit through mine, may i know why?

It's a nice radio with an attractive display whish is why a lot of folks may buy one. Then you "name" a frequency turning it into a "channel" and the attractive display is now very small font. It's a bummer for sure. You'll see what I mean at 16:08 in the text "Sun City". I run mine with the name in the lower section and the frequency in the upper and manually sync them. Seems like a simple firmware update can correct this. Baofeng? Are you Listening!

@GadgetTalk4U

10 ай бұрын

I mentioned the font issue in the video. I like your solution. I would think the font is firmware, but who knows. Thanks for watching and commenting.

@Rusted_Link

10 ай бұрын

@@GadgetTalk4U I admit that I did not watch the entire video as I have already watched your previous video on the same radio.

@GadgetTalk4U

10 ай бұрын

@Rusted_Link No worries. Your point remains true.

Downloaded the user manual for the UV-17R from Baofeng site. But seems to be a unique file format requiring a special program to open. At a cost. Looks likely I’ll have to get a magnifying glass to read the manual that came with the radio. Unless you know where a zip file format may be found. Thanks, enjoy your vids.

@GadgetTalk4U

10 ай бұрын

I looked at baofengradio.com. The user guide was a PDF and the CPS was a .zip. I've had some downloads first show up as something weird while downloading then change to something recognizable after a few minutes. Consider trying again. Good luck. The print is definitely small.

The front face programming didn’t make any sense and was a pain in the ass. The link to their program to program of it works well. You can also replace the boot up graphic as well as tell the screen to not time out and stay lit.

I got one. Sent it right back. Sounded terrible and is more difficult to program. Also not supported by Chirp. No, not great.

Where's the speaker?

@GadgetTalk4U

10 ай бұрын

Behind the keypad.

Why does nobody review the police scanner function of this radio? 🤔

@GadgetTalk4U

9 ай бұрын

Probably because that functionality doesn't exist. While the radio can scan frequencies used by police and other first responders, those agencies mostly use digital trunked systems, and some of those are encrypted. Some agencies still use analog FM for tactical frequencies but not the channels you'd normally associate with police scanning. Radios that can access those transmission are dedicated scanners and cost $500 and up.

@Blackdog57

9 ай бұрын

@GadgetTalk4U Thanks, I'm just getting back into scanning and my current Bearcat 144XL I got in 97 can only pic up Wx and some Ham.

Won't work with chirp

Chirp finally added the UV 17R to its lineup. But. Will not connect on my Win 10 or Win 11. Checked for com port #, entered, still not able to read from radio. Have 2 Baofeng cables that I have used on other Baofeng radios but not on the 17R. Getting ready to chunk the thing in the trash bin. Really disappointed after waiting for Chirp this long. Guess I will stop listening to "the latest and greatest radio" spiels.

@GadgetTalk4U

6 ай бұрын

I'll have to check it out. Unfortunately, there are several versions of the UV 17. Chirp may be looking for something different than what your radio reports. As always, make sure the radio volume is up and the cable is firmly seated. Cheers.