A quick search of the internet pulls up many different conclusions if the Baofeng UV-5R is legal for use by a Basic licence in Canada.
I got the answer via a quick call to Industry Canada: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/025.nsf/eng/h_00010.html
Telephone: 1-888-780-3333 (Toll free)
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)
(at the time of writing May 2014)
They confirmed for me that any Basic licensed operator can use the UV-5R or any other Chinese radios (UV-5B, UV-82, etc.).
The key points I took away is they were commercially made and transmit on the amateur radio bands via software configuration (no hardware modifications need to be done by the user).
They do not have to show up in the Radio Equipment List either, but that is not a problem so long as the radio in question is commercially made: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ceb-bhst.nsf/eng/h_tt00020.html , http://www.ic.gc.ca/app/sitt/reltel/srch/nwRdSrch.do?lang=eng
"Please do not take my word for this". I am not responsible if the information I received is incorrect or out of date. I got my answer instantly by calling Industry Canada and learned some pointers during the call. I just told the person who answered the phone I had a question concerning equipment before I purchased it. I was then transferred to a very helpful person (forget his name) in charge of amateur radio equipment inspections, rules, etc. You can rest easy if you are told by Industry Canada your in the clear rather than reading something on the internet.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Baofeng UV-5R Recommended Batteries and Antennas
Here are some recommended accessories for your UV-5R. This is a quick summary of the starter accessories I have been researching/purchased.
Batteries:
Pay special attention if you do not have the original UV-5R. As a general rule of thumb, the original UV-5R is compatible with most batteries and has the widest availability.
AA battery case
http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV-5R-Battery-Case-3800mAH/dp/B00DOS6QLW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Pro:
-Allows the UV-5R to use AA batteries (important in the event of an emergency)
Cons:
-Reported fitment issues (does fit, but does not slide and clip in as easily as the stock battery)
-Must use a dummy battery instead of one actual battery when using 1.5V AA alkaline cells
-Extends the height of the UV-5R
Quote from Amazon.ca (http://www.amazon.ca/Battery-Baofeng-UV-5RB-UV-5RE-UV-5RA/dp/B00F33YALY):
There are also many lithium ion battery packs available for the UV-5R. Some offer extended capacity (at the expense of increasing the UV-5R's height). Make sure these are compatible with your exact model.
Antennas:
Small:
Nagoya NA-701
http://www.amazon.com/NAGOYA-NA-701-Antenna-BAOFENG-KG-UVD1P/dp/B00BY3XOSW
Pro:
-This antenna offers a noticeable tx/rx improvement over the stock antenna
-It is flexible (made out of a coiled spring like material)
-Approximately 3" longer than the stock antenna
Con:
-There is a slight gap between the bottom of the antenna screw terminal and the UV-5R's case (can be fixed with a washer, the gap on my antenna is not noticeable even without the washer).
-Most available on eBay are clones, however this likely will not have an affect on your antennas performance
Large:
Nagoya NA-771
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/7741
Pro:
-Theoretically better performance than the NA-701 and stock antenna
Con:
-There is a slight gap between the bottom of the antenna screw terminal and the UV-5R's case (can be fixed with a washer, the gap on my antenna is not noticeable even without the washer).
-Most available on eBay are clones, however this likely will not have an affect on your antennas performance
Disclaimer:
Please read over the description of the products you purchase! The links to the products I have posted may not be correct at the time you read this (the seller changes stock, etc.). Double check the reviews on the item, buy from the most/highest reviewed item on Amazon, look for an eBay listing that has been purchased many times, etc.
Keep in mind, some negative reviews are from people not reading the items description (for example a battery for a UV-5R not being compatible with the UV-5RA, Plus, etc.)
Batteries:
Pay special attention if you do not have the original UV-5R. As a general rule of thumb, the original UV-5R is compatible with most batteries and has the widest availability.
AA battery case
http://www.amazon.com/Baofeng-UV-5R-Battery-Case-3800mAH/dp/B00DOS6QLW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Pro:
-Allows the UV-5R to use AA batteries (important in the event of an emergency)
Cons:
-Reported fitment issues (does fit, but does not slide and clip in as easily as the stock battery)
-Must use a dummy battery instead of one actual battery when using 1.5V AA alkaline cells
-Extends the height of the UV-5R
Quote from Amazon.ca (http://www.amazon.ca/Battery-Baofeng-UV-5RB-UV-5RE-UV-5RA/dp/B00F33YALY):
Using Method 1 (Radio TX/RX ):Spare lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries and extended battery
Ni-Mh (1.2~1.4V)battery x 6pcs
Using Method 2 (Radio TX/RX):
Alkaline battery (1.5V)x 5pcs + dummy battery x 1pc
Using Method 3 (Radio RX only):
Alkaline battery (1.5V)x 6pcs
There are also many lithium ion battery packs available for the UV-5R. Some offer extended capacity (at the expense of increasing the UV-5R's height). Make sure these are compatible with your exact model.
Antennas:
Small:
Nagoya NA-701
http://www.amazon.com/NAGOYA-NA-701-Antenna-BAOFENG-KG-UVD1P/dp/B00BY3XOSW
Pro:
-This antenna offers a noticeable tx/rx improvement over the stock antenna
-It is flexible (made out of a coiled spring like material)
-Approximately 3" longer than the stock antenna
Con:
-There is a slight gap between the bottom of the antenna screw terminal and the UV-5R's case (can be fixed with a washer, the gap on my antenna is not noticeable even without the washer).
-Most available on eBay are clones, however this likely will not have an affect on your antennas performance
Large:
Nagoya NA-771
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/7741
Pro:
-Theoretically better performance than the NA-701 and stock antenna
Con:
-There is a slight gap between the bottom of the antenna screw terminal and the UV-5R's case (can be fixed with a washer, the gap on my antenna is not noticeable even without the washer).
-Most available on eBay are clones, however this likely will not have an affect on your antennas performance
-Length compared to the size of the radio - the NA-771 might not be right for everyone
Videos:
Nagoya NA-701 vs NA-771 VHF/UHF Antenna Review by HandyRadio:
Baofeng UV-5 RC/Nagoya 771 antenna test:
5 antenna test:
Disclaimer:
Please read over the description of the products you purchase! The links to the products I have posted may not be correct at the time you read this (the seller changes stock, etc.). Double check the reviews on the item, buy from the most/highest reviewed item on Amazon, look for an eBay listing that has been purchased many times, etc.
Keep in mind, some negative reviews are from people not reading the items description (for example a battery for a UV-5R not being compatible with the UV-5RA, Plus, etc.)
RFID building key card inside iPhone LifeProof case
I kept forgetting my building access card on my lunch break... I decided to do something about it.
Although there are cases with credit card storage, I prefer LifeProof cases for their water resistance and the shock resistance.
I peeled apart my key card and remove the coil inside. I attached the coil assembly to some plastic (from a plastic bag) with scotch tape (so not to scratch the back of the iPhone). I used rubbing alcohol and patience to ensure the coil was not damaged while I was peeling the card apart.
[insert photo]
The coil assembly was then placed under the back of the iPhone case cover.
[insert photo]
Even though there are multiple ridges, they did not affect the key card or the case (it has been going strong for over a year).
[insert photo]
The coil assembly could also have been installed behind the iPhones glass, as others have done:
https://www.adafruit.com/blog/2012/07/16/how-to-embed-a-rfid-transit-card-in-your-iphone/
Although there are cases with credit card storage, I prefer LifeProof cases for their water resistance and the shock resistance.
I peeled apart my key card and remove the coil inside. I attached the coil assembly to some plastic (from a plastic bag) with scotch tape (so not to scratch the back of the iPhone). I used rubbing alcohol and patience to ensure the coil was not damaged while I was peeling the card apart.
[insert photo]
The coil assembly was then placed under the back of the iPhone case cover.
[insert photo]
Even though there are multiple ridges, they did not affect the key card or the case (it has been going strong for over a year).
[insert photo]
The coil assembly could also have been installed behind the iPhones glass, as others have done:
https://www.adafruit.com/blog/2012/07/16/how-to-embed-a-rfid-transit-card-in-your-iphone/
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