Baofeng UV-5X

Its been a while since I've done a new Baofeng post so I thought I'd do one today. I got a UV-5X through the post over Christmas as a replacement for a UV-5R I have which is suffering from an intermittent PTT problem

 

Nothing much to report on this one really. It is exactly the same inside as a UV-5R with the exception of a few button pads but the outside is nicely styled and it feels more rugged than its predecessors which is nice.

Specification:
- Frequency Range: VHF 136-174 MHz (Rx/Tx). UHF 400-520MHz (Rx/Tx); 65MHz ~ 108MHz (Only commercial FM radio reception)
- Memory channels: Up to 128 channels
- Frequency stability: 2.5ppm
- Frequency step: 2.5KHz/5KHz/6.25KHz/10KHz/12.5KHz/25KHz
- Antenna impedance: 50
- Supply voltage: Rechargeable Lithium-ion 7.4V/1800mAh
- Consumption in standby: ¡Ü 75mA
- Consumption in reception: 380mA
- Consumption in transmission: ¡Ü 1.4A
- Mode of Operation: Simple or semi-duplex
- Duty cycle: 03/03/54 min (Rx/Tx/Standby)
- Dimension: 110x58x33 mm
- Weight: 222g (included battery+ antenna)

Transmitter
- RF power: 4W/1W
- Type of modulation: FM
- Emission class: 16k¦µF3E / 11k¦µF3E (W/N)
- Maximum deviation: ¡Ü ¡À5kHz / ¡Ü ¡À2.5kHz(W/N)
- Spurious emissions: <-60dB

Receiver
- Receiver sensitivity: 0.2uV(at 12dB SINAD)
- Intermodulation: 60dB
- Audio Output: 1000mW
- Adjacent channel selectivity: 65/60dB

Power Adapter:
- Input: AC100-240V, 50-60Hz; Output: DC10V/500mA; Plug Type: US

Package contents:
1x BAOFENG UV-5X FM Two-Way Radio Body (One 7.4V/1800mAh Battery included)
1x Antenna
1x Power Adapter
1x Belt Clip
1x Battery Charger
1x Earpiece
1x Hand Strap
1x User Manual 

Upon opening the box I found the usual stuff listed above. English manual which is nice but I'm a seasoned used of Baofengs by now so I don't need to open it! For those who don't know how to use them then the manual in good English will be a big help.

I put the radio together and switched it on and, well, that's it! It's basically a UV-5R. It programmes the same, works the same and sounds the same.

It does however look slightly different. The VFO/MR and A/B buttons are in a different place, the buttons are more rubbery and stick out better allowing for easier keypad entry especially if you're outside and you have cold fingers! The PTT,  alarm button and monitor buttons on the side are rubber as opposed to the plastic PTT on some other models which again feels nicer to touch. 

The usual speaker mic socket is protected by a plastic cover which upon closer inspection made me realised that while this radio is advertised as waterproof and even submersible on some eBay pages, it is not. The radio is shower proof to a degree so don't make that mistake if buying. It is not IP67 rated and will die if submersed in water! I knew this before buying and wasn't expecting a submersible radio such as the Sainsonic RST599.

The beltclip screws on like any other model but this one feels very flimsy and loose. It wiggles from side to side and I don't think it'd take much wear and tear before it broke. The usual sticker inside the radio has some information about the model, range and power output (which I've yet to test).

The charging base is nice, very similar to that of the GT-5, BF-UVB2+ and UV-82.

Overall a nice solid radio. It is advertised as shock proof and it definitely feels sturdier than the UV-5R. There is a video on YouTube of someone running over it with his car and it survives so who knows.

I'll do a power test and unboxing video soon so stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.