UV-5X3, Tribander Model

Pro -220 MHz band -Display sync -Memory scan add/remove -Editable memory slots -VFO scan range -Included antennas MUCH better than most rubber ducks Con -Box has two antennas ( 144/440 and 220 ) instead of one tri-band antenna -Transmit limited to 5W, not 8W -Subtle clicking noise on receive -No AM broadcast receive -Dislay Sync disables dual frequency watch Overall I don't think I can add anything that hasn't been already said about the Baofeng 5R family. If you're a newly licensed amateur, a 5R is an inexpensive first-step to see if you want to get more serious about the hobby. If you don't, you at least have something for use in emergencies. If you want to go for a killer handheld or base station, you haven't sunk a lot of money into the 5R to prevent you from upgrading ( and it's a fantastic little backup unit ). While the big feature of the 5X3 is the inclusion of the 1.25m / 220 MHz band for North American use, hiding under the surface are a lot of other creature comfort and ease-of-use features the 5R and BF-F8HP don't have. Chief among these is Display Sync, which locks the A and B lines of the display together, useful for seeing both the frequency and the memory name at the same time. Note that assigning names to memory slots requires a programming cable, an additional purchase I highly recommend, especially getting a certified one, not a cheap knock-off cable that requires special drivers and workarounds. Also, using Display Sync also disables the dual watch feature of monitoring two frequencies at the same time. Speaking of memory slots, the 5X3 also lets you edit the CTCSS/DCS codes and offsets of memory slots from the keypad without needing to first delete the memory and recreate the whole thing. You can also add and remove memories from the scan list, though sadly there is no keypad shortcut and you have to go in through the menu for each channel. Scanning on the VFO side also supports frequency ranges, so instead of scanning all of 144 - 148 MHz, you can tell it to only bother with 146 - 147, or other subsets ( it has to be a full integer MHz, so you can't scan just 146.5 - 147.75, etc ). The included antennas are much better than the standard ducks. I had simplex roundtables ( about 2 miles radius for all parties ) and easily hit repeaters 40 miles away. Sound quality reports came back good. Still, a good aftermarket antenna will do better. My Smiley 27000 telescoping tri-band lets me hit a popular repeater 35 miles away on 1W xmit power and another repeater cluster 55 miles away on high xmit power, 144, 220, and 440 MHz bands. This brings up two big downsides. Instead of including one tri-band antenna, you get a 144/440 antenna and one 220 antenna. Switching them out and keeping track of both can be a hassle. Also, xmit power is capped at 5W, not 8W like the 82HP andF8HP. Right about now is the time someone chimes in saying the antenna on a handheld makes a much bigger difference than the extra 3W. Yes, that's true to a point. But that extra 3W combined with a good antenna can make a notable, if moderate, improvement on useful range, particularly if you have minor RF obstructions between you and your repeater of choice. Sound quality from the speaker and included headset are not great, but more than good enough for most users. My set has a faint repeating clicking noise in the background whenever receiving ( regardless of listening to repeaters or simplex, so I know it's the handset ) that's mildly annoying, but doesn't get in the way. Strangely it isn't present when listening to FM broadcast radio. Though speaking of broadcast, the 5X3 doesn't receive AM broadcast, a real shame. All told, I consider the 5X3 to be the better purchase than the F8HP. Yes, losing that extra 3W power stings a little, but gaining a whole new band as well as the selective scan list and display sync make up for it, and I don't even live in a heavy 1.25m traffic area. Those that live in places that do use the 220 MHz band will benefit from it even more.

i am a cw morse code person have been a ham for over 25 years. moving back into the city im unable too put a antenna on the roof so its back too uhf\vhf. this radio works well an in the city there is a lot of inter mod it hits all the repeaters on the money an really good on battery power i mean i left it on all day by mistake an it was still able to hit the other repeaters the only down size is it takes quite a while for the battery too recharge. the book is ok also you can read it an if your a ham. one more thing :O) you know as an active ham we are always on the go. well i dropped it twice not meaning too but i did being real upset in my mind i said ohhh shh so later on after the shock i turned it on an it came through an its working so well now i forgot i dropped it but im more careful now an for the price it is its a great present for your sons or daughters or disabled hams who cant afford too buy a tribander. great job you guys :O)

A very nice tri-band radio. It just recently was given full FCC clearance: FCC ID: 2AGND-5X3 Its very easy to program when you additionally purchase from Amazon the BTECH PC03 FTDI programming cable (well worth the price) It has a nice loud sound and works well. You can't beat the price for this unit too. I would give it 5 stars except that the sma antenna connection is male on the unit instead of the normal female. Additionally having to switch between the 220MHz antenna from the 2M/70cm band is a lot less convenient then just including a Trobriand antenna. I'm sure this was done for cost purposes. I picked up from Amazon the Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-320A Triband HT antenna, with the radio because of that, and it is also inexpensive and well worth the purchase when you get this radio. The only thing that bugs me though is the bright rapidly alternating blue/red flashing base charger. I can't keep it on my desk because that is too distracting. A lower lumen, slower flashing light would be much better, though black electrical tape may work too . So overall 4.5 stars. All in all this has been a great addition to my shack, and

Great little HT, for the money and all the things it can do. At this price do not expect a very selective tight receiver, but it does get the job done for strong and moderate signals. It can Rx/Tx and 2 meters, 70cm and 220 Mhz. Add to all that MURS, GMRS and Marine frequencies. FM commercial broadcast and Weather Rx. Even small little flashlight/blinking warning light. All these features in a small tiny package. Word of advice: Install a good quality third party 144/220/4440 rubber duckie antenna. Keep the other two OEM small antennas for backup and use in tight, short range communicatons.

The BTECH team finally got it right. Bought a Radioddity, but had to return it due to “Bricking” the 220MHz band by using Chirp. I own an older version of the BTECH UV-5X3, but the 220MHz band had un except able harmonics and the power output was 3W. The new one has >5W on all bands and passes harmonic specs on all bands. It also has new menu features. These are OTP in firmware, so I can’t upgrade my old one. It is used as a backup. I might add, I only bought one new one to match my old one, but immediately ordered another new one to match my recent purchase. The new UV-5X3 is a remarkable radio. Get one while you can. Order the upgraded 2100mAH battery and you’re set ! —K6BJT—

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