The UV-5x3 works fine. I used the CHIRP software to program it quickly. Here's how I did it. I used CHIRP to create a file containing the repeater information from my old Kenwood TH-F6A. Using the Kenwood programming cable with the UV-5x3 I downloaded its contents to a file. I used copy and paste to copy the repeater information from the Kenwood file to the BTECH file. Finally I uploaded the file to the UV-5x3. Success! Nice little tribander for the price. I also went to Frys and got an SMA female to SMA female connector so I can use the antennas I use with my Kenwood on the BTECH.
31/12/2018
This radio was like $50. I just wanted something cheap for 220 FM. I never thought this radio would replace my trusty Icom TH7 as the radio that goes on every road trip. Can't say anything about CHIRP programming as I bought the RT programmer. Performance no better or worse than the Icom as far as I can tell. Being able to see both the frequency and alpha name of each station is great. This radio feels solid and "just works." I would have felt I got a fair deal if I'd paid four times as much.
15/12/2018
In September 2018, the FCC put BaoFeng Tech in the US on notice for not having proper FCC certification to sell these handie talkie radios for Part 95 use. The ARRL has weighed in and said that Amateurs who have these radios and restrict their use to Part 97 (i.e. Amateur Radio) bands only are not in violation of the law since Amateur radios do not have to be FCC certified to use, but only to be sold in the US (though this discussion with the ARRL and the FCC is still ongoing). Amateur Radio enthusiasts have a great tradition of building their own radios which are legal to use as long as they only operate on Part 97 bands. After Baofeng Tech was put on notice, they restricted the listed frequencies to the Amateur bands only. So if you buy this model now it may well have been reprogrammed to restrict usage from 136-174MHz to 144-148MHz; and 400-520MHz to 420-452Mhz; the 222-225Mhz remains unchanged.
19/11/2018
I keep this radio in my car. For the price, you can't beat it! Baofeng opens the HAM radio door for everyone, not just the rich.
18/11/2018
Seems to be a decent radio but it's not FCC compliant for Ham use.
06/11/2018
These are great little radios when you need something that could be destroyed in the woods. I carry one on me when storm chasing and keep the expensive ICOM in my truck! I keep a pair in my BOB and a pair at the cabin. You never know when they'll come in handy, especially when there's no cell service and you just want to keep in touch around the ranch. You can pick up a pair with accessories, spare batteries, ear mics, antenna upgrades and speaker mics for what a single good quality ICOM or Yaesu would cost.
19/10/2018