BaoFeng UV-9G GMRS Radio
UV-9G Opening
As we get started, I need to let you know that BaoFeng provided this UV-9G to me for this review. As always, you’re getting my honest opinion.
BaoFeng is recognized as one of the leaders in inexpensive Chinese manufactured two-way radios. BaoFeng radios are available for both GMRS and ham use. Recent FCC rulings regarding certification for GMRS radios has resulted in several newly upgraded and certified GMRS radios like this UV-9G.
In this case, the UV-9G is an upgraded and certified version of the older GT-3WP ham radio.
As we’ll see in just a minute, the UV-9G has some very nice features, is easy to use, has available customer programming software and is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
There are also so a couple of annoyances that you’ll need to fix when setting up your radio.
UV-9G Pros
For those of you who like to get right to the point, here are a couple of key points for this radio before we take a more in-depth look at the UV-9G
First the build quality is good. The radio feels good in my hand. It has some heft to it and feels solid.
That probably has to do with it having an IP 67 waterproof rating. That rating means it can withstand being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. That means if your outdoor activities include fishing, kayaking, or hiking near lakes or streams, the UV-9G is a good choice. We’ll test that here in a minute.
Next, the UV-9G can receive in several bands. The GMRS channels are in the 70-centimeter band near 462 megahertz. The radio can also scan and receive frequencies in the VHF band too. That means you can program in amateur band repeaters and simplex frequencies as well as the NOAA weather channels. It will also pick up the FM broadcast bands.
If you’re a prepper, this would be a good choice for your go-bag. With receive capabilities in all these bands, you’ll be able to stay informed in SHTF situations.
Next, the 1800 mAh battery will power the radio for a long time. I turned the radio on and left it. After 24 hours it was still on with one battery bar showing. I’d done a bit of transmitting and some programming so I was very pleased with the battery life.
Last in this abbreviated list is the three extra sets of DIY GMRS repeater channels. What this means to you is you can program up to 4 repeaters on the same channel with different CTCSS codes. This allows you to quickly and easily change repeaters as you move around your local area or travel the country without jumping into the radio’s menus.
UV-9G Cons
As for the annoyances, there are just a couple.
First, out of the box, the radio has preassigned CTCSS codes on the GMRS channels. It’s unlikely they’ll match your desired codes, assuming you even use them. Additionally, all the channels are set to narrow band.
This means you’ll need to spend a few minutes working your way through the channels making the menu changes for each channel. The better choice would be to use the Customer Programming Software and make quick work of the task. You can also set up your favorite repeaters while you’re at it.
BaoFeng tells me they’ll fix this in the next production run.
Next, the UV-9G I received did survive my submersion test, but the next day some water had seeped into the radio and caused some funny errors. After I let it dry out for a couple of days, it worked fine again. I think I’d consider this splash proof rather than waterproof.
I did some range tests with a friend and with both of us using HTs, I we both had good reception at three and a half miles in a suburban setting.
Over the past couple of weeks, the UV-9G been in and out of stock a couple of times so it looks like lots folks are excited about this radio.
UV-9G CPS
The UV-9G has customer programming software available online. It looks pretty much like the CPS for most BaoFeng radios. It’s easy to use and you can access the various choices in the menus and use your computer’s keyboard for entering memory channel information.
Closing
In my opinion, this is a very nice handy talkie at this price point. As I write this, the radio is only about $40 US. Its performance is typical for radios at the price point and it’s rugged construction and IP67 water resistance rating set it apart from other low priced GMRS radios.
The extra DIY channels are also a bonus and not always found on inexpensive handsets.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive GMRS radio that’s a couple of steps above the blister pack radios at WalMart, you owe it to yourself to consider the UV-9G from BaoFeng.
Video Review
Product Links
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