receiver keeps making a Wight noise every 3 min for one sec the squelch just opens up full blast it very noisy and taxing on my ear

Basically this is the next best thing in small handheld transceiver evolution. 3 bands in one compact radio. If you can work with the UV5R series this will be easy to operate for you - it just adds the 1.25 meter band which you can access with the added band button on the lower right of the speaker grille. I just wish this had more power, say 10 watts. If it had more power to transmit, you would have the perfect set up for beginning hams.**ADDENDUM to my original rating -This radio is the best of the UV5 series that I have used. It works on three bands, and with the dual display, using the band selection button you can have access to three dual frequency displays - that is six frequencies total by pressing the band key and the A/B button. This radio comes with a small battery, but it will accept all the accessories that any UV 5 type radio can use. This makes this radio the most versatile iteration of the UV 5 series. I do not have a mobile radio in my vehicle, but with this one I am able to use repeaters on all three bands when I am away from home, as well as the standard FM broadcast and the NOAA Weather Radio stations - this makes for a very useful radio and a great addition to your go kit or your arsenal of handheld UHF/VHF/FM transceivers.I currently have two UV 5V2+ HTs and this one, plus several antennas and battery modules, headsets, shoulder PTT mics, and of course the battery chargers required. If you need a handheld that is function rich, and based on a proven platform, you should look at the UV 5x3.

For Mobilty and Emergency purposes is an awesome Radio ,now is my Car's Radio.

Extremely pleased with this radio. I can not believe the features for the price. I like the fact that the radio is programmable with chirp. The radio feels well built, and has become my go to hand pack. Battery life is impressive. I would recommend this radio.

Love it!

I am giving this radio 5 stars. It is not necessarily the best rig but for the price one cannot go wrong.

Great radio! This is the third Baofeng/BTECH HT that I've purchased. I really like the price point, but I do find the menu system to be a little cumbersome. I knew what I was getting into, though.With all of that said, I can report that it works great with the latest release of CHIRP. No issues whatsoever. Just be sure that you set the upload/download dialog to the right make and model of radio, BTECH, bot Baofeng. Assuming your cable works otherwise, you should have ZERO issues programming this radio.My only hope is that they release a higher power version of this radio. That would make it a 5-star purchase for me. I got what I expected, though, and I'm happy with it.

My first HT was a Baofeng UV5RA, a dual band 5W radio that lasted me about 4 years of casual use. It certainly is different than some of the mainstream brands as far as configuration goes, but with the programming cable, all of that goes out the window.The UV5X3 is a giant step forward from the UV5RA. It has a signal meter that actually works, which was a very nice feature for me as I enjoy the occassional "fox hunt" where a signal meter is crucial. The best part, is that all of my accessories transfer over. That includes my batteries, chargers, hand mic and headsets and programming cable.It works perfectly on 70cm and 2m, but I haven't tried the 220 side yet, as there's not a lot of activity on that band in my area. I'll get there soon enough. As an inexpensive investment into a hobby or for survival purposes, you can't go wrong with this one.

Unlike the UV-50x2 this HT works pretty well. I went through 3 of the 50x2's in 9 weeks. BF kept saying my SWR was high. It was 1.2:1. One would not transmit over 10 watts and on the other 2 the UHF went out. They were quick to put a replacement in a bag, yes a bag and ship it out, but in the end they would not refund my purchase. The radio is sitting in the closet. I run a Kenwood V71A on the same antenna and feed line today. I'm staying away from their mobile units. I did just pick up this 5x3 HT and it works well enough.

Its not a real ham radio, but allows you to cheaply get on the air . note it will transmit out of licensed bands so even if you have a ham license, you may be breaking the law if your not careful. Understand, Ham radio people will tell you this is not a ham radio, the quality is lower, its missing important features, it doesn't have the filters and other controls a good radio will have. On the other hand,a new ham that cant afford a basic 185.00 ham hand held can afford this type radio for 30 dollars, which allows them to participate in ham radio and learn how to be a ham. Basically Ham radios are overpriced but do have more features important to hams, These radios are missing some features of a quality ham radio, however, they sell for a unbelievably low price and allow people to get into ham radio at a cheap price.. I purchased this for my go bag, and as a consumable fox hunting receiver. perfect for both.