As soon as I got it, I was really excited to get on the air. Programming the radio, however, presented some serious challenges.
The initial programming cable that I ordered with the radio from Amazon did not work. Apparently, there are a lot of counterfeit cables on the Internet. The incorrect cable that I had purchased caused the radio to transmit while it was "downloading"… In reality, the driver wasn't allowing the Chirp software to work at all!
I found a different company on Amazon that had great reviews (the link is below). The cable worked the first time I set it up. With Chirp, I did have to select a Baofeng UV-B5 to get it to work with the UV-6R.
I'm in the Hampton, VA area, and I was able to get the local repeaters programmed in without too much issue.
The Baofeng UV-6R has clear audio, easy menus, and allowed me to start listening on the airwaves very quickly. I like the LED light ("emergency flashlight") on the top - I've used it several times when roaming around the house at night, and its certainly good enough for that. It would probably be useful on a camping trip when there's little reason to have a better flashlight on. The FM radio feature allows me to enjoy some music when I'm in the dining room.
When I used the radio to make my very first contact with AA4AV, it seems that the signal wasn't the best. I was using the stock "rubber duck" antenna, which I've heard isn't the best anyway. He recommended a better antenna, and although I haven't purchased one yet, I would agree.
The radio is a great form factor (small), and has another convenient feature. The volume knob is harder to move at the first quarter or so of rotation, then gets easier. When its on my belt, this ensures that when my clothes catch on it, it doesn't move the volume louder or quieter. Nicely thought out.
Mostly, I use it for listening. I think it would be great on a camping trip as well. Overall, for the price, I think its a very nice little radio. It's perfect for a new ham like myself!
If you have any questions, please leave a comment.
- Purchase: Amazon.com
- Programming Cable: Amazon.com (Baofeng Tech)
- Programming Software for MAC: Chirp