Radioddity GS-5B Ham HT
GS-5B Opening
If you’re looking for a fairly inexpensive, outdoor rated, FM handy talkie, you need to take a look at the GS-5B from Radioddity.
Now sometimes I receive items from Radioddity to review and I make sure you know that going in. However, in this case, I purchased this little HT with my own money. When you use the affiliate links in the below the video, you get a 15% discount on your purchase.
GS-5B Features
At first glance, the GS-5B handy talkie looks pretty much like most of the other little Chinese hand held radios, except maybe, for the bright orange color. But, looks can be deceiving.
Before we look at the radio and programming tasks, let’s take a second to review a couple of the radio’s unique features.
First, it has a dual watch system that allows you to monitor both the A and B channels. That’s not too unique, but by having two PTT buttons you’re able to access either channel without changing channel priority.
Next, the color display includes an S meter function that provides easy access to the signal strength of your incoming signal. S meters are common but you seldom see them on HT’s.
Another nice feature of the GS-5B is you’re able to charge it using 12volts at the charging cradle or using a USB 5 volt supply either at the cradle or directly at the battery. This feature is growing in popularity and the GS-5B is leading the pack right now. By having a USB charge capability, this makes the radio very suitable for outdoor activities such as back packing, camping or a long day supporting a community event.
A portable solar panel such as the one I recently reviewed on this site or a power pack can keep you powered up when away from AC power.
The last thing I want to mention before looking at the radio is its Bluetooth programming ability. You can download traditional Customer Programming Software from Radioddity but you can also download an app for your smartphone that allows you to access your radio’s programming choices and channel assignments to make changes or additions without all the key clicks necessary when using the radio’s faceplate keys.
GS-5B Pros
I found the GS-5B a versatile FM HT whose features set it apart from many of the basic dual band HT’s in the market.
Its splash proof water resistance rating, downward facing flashlight and bright orange color scheme clearly indicates it’s being marketed to the outdoor or emComm crowd.
Actual power output is above average for radio’s in this price range with measured output at about 4.1 watts. I was able to hit repeaters 25- 30 miles away from my back patio.
I really liked the S-meter on the display, it’s dual push to talk buttons, USB charge capability, and Bluetooth programming option.
You’ll probably want to spend some time with the radio’s manual. There’s lots of good stuff there. It’s also well written as Radioddity manuals tend to be.
For example to limit the number of key openings in the case, the menu and exit keys are used for mode switching and band switching instead of separate A/B or mode keys. That’s not obvious, so a quick scan of the manual will help.
Additionally, the manual lists all the menu items along with the submenus they’re linked to.
GS-5B Cons
As for cons, the set came with a programming cable. I think it’s probably a Prolific chip based cable and I couldn’t get it to work. In fact, while checking on driver installation, I happened to grab the radio and found it was really hot. Something bad was happening and I quickly turned it off and unplugged the cable.
I have an FTDI cable for these kinds of radios and after my HT cooled off, it worked fine with that cable. The radio’s product page on the Radioddity web site lists an optional FTDI cable as an accessory for about $15 dollars. If you don’t have one, get it. It’s worth the money and works with a bunch of other radios in this category.
The CPS is pretty typical for these kinds of radios. It has a couple of quirks such as starting in column two when adding new channels.
Clearly, updates using the Bluetooth programming app will be easier if you’re traveling or using ad hoc frequencies for an event.
I’d recommend saving your radio’s data file to something like OneDrive, DropBox or a Google drive so you can access it via either your phone app or your desktop. While getting the feel for the Bluetooth app I accidentally deleted the radio’s programing and I was glad I had a recent file to fall back on.
GS-5B Closing
While a bit more expensive than the ultra low priced ham HT’s, the GS-5B has a solid feature set and good performance for a new ham or an experienced ham with emComm or outdoor interests.
Video Review
Radioddity.com Product Link
Please use the link below to get 15% off your Radioddity purchase.
