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):
Using Method 1 (Radio TX/RX ): 
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 
Spare lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries and extended battery

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.)


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