When asked about the best ‘starter’ ham radio out there, I’ve remained steadfast that for the money, the Baofeng UV5R can’t be beat. Even with the flow of newer “upgraded” models, we just couldn’t find one we’d recommend more than the original Baofeng….. until now. Finally, a true improvement over the UV-5R! The NEW BF-F8HP Tri-Power Radio has a high power setting that can transmit at 8 watts, which is DOUBLE the previous models’ high power settings. On top of that is the compatibility of accessories between this latest model and the original UV-5R . The batteries (including the larger long-life batteries), charger, antenna cables… everything. It costs more than the original Baofeng, but it’s twice the radio. Check it out!
This is the new 'Recommended by JJS' starter ham radio for all of you who continually ask me. This is only one man's opinion, but one based on experience handling a lot of radios. Note that this is a VHF/UHF radio, which is only for LOCAL communications. It does not receive shortwave (HF) frequencies.
BaoFeng BF-F8HP– Exclusive Features that separate it from the UV-5R Series:
It has 3 Power Levels (1, 4, 8 watt)
A new 76 Page In-Depth User’s Guide
It includes the High Gain V-85 Antenna to Optimize Performance
It is the only second generation BaoFeng with the Tri-Color Display
Full Accessory Compatibility with ALL UV-5R accessories
Additional Product Details:
Included:
BF-F8HP
7.4V 1800mahLi-ion Battery Pack
Antenna
Belt Clip
Hand Strap
Earphone
***NEW IN-Depth Manual
Desktop Charger (110V)
Just got mine yesterday. Had to use the “latest chirp build” to get it programmed with chirp.
So far so good. Going out to test it now as a matter of fact.
[…] NEW BaoFeng BF-F8HP. TRI-POWER Radio […]
[…] New High Power- BaoFeng BF-F8HP- TRI-POWER. […]
Can anyone help me with suggestions for a Ham Radio. I am a first time user and there are a variety of choices. Thank you, Jim
Jim, we get that question often. We recommend the BaoFeng BF-F8HP or the UV-5R hand held ham radio for local communications. If you can afford to spend a little extra go with the BF-F8HP since it can transmit up to 8wattts. That extra power could come in handy. We have an AmRRON Radio Supply Store- https://amrron.com/amrron-radio-supply-store/
look at the BoaFeng Brand Radio section, you will see both of the these recommended radios and all the accessories in that category work with both radios! You will want an extra battery (or two), the genuine programming cable and the upgraded antenna would be nice. That will get you started. Let us know what additional questions you have and remember, youtube is your friend once you get your radios. There are several great videos out there to help you get it programmed and get going.
[…] New High Power- BaoFeng BF-F8HP- TRI-POWER. […]
[…] New High Power- BaoFeng BF-F8HP- TRI-POWER. […]
As a new Tech, the uv-5r was my first radio and intro into amateur radio…
Easy to use and program, cost effective too…
lots of resources on internet, etc…
I have since upgraded to the 8w unit, and added a 16″ whip antenna and a great long wire antenna from nelson antennas off ebay…
I used the 5r for some time with an mfj-1422 mag mount antenna and dongle adapter to connect to so-239 cable connection with great results…
I am able to hit all my local repeaters with ease, and use it in simplex mode for my camping and fly fishing adventures too…
Since then, i have added 2 kenwood mobiles, one in suv and the other in my office as a base…
I have several 5r’s now, to act as local neighborhood comms if need be…
For the price and cost of accessories, i can outfit a platoon with simple, functional and effective comms for the price of higher end ht’s like icom/yaseu…
Think of the 5’r like a crawl, walk run piece of kit….it is the crawl/walk piece, but fulfills a need for an entry level unit, or giveaway/throwaway unit…
[…] you are ordering a the BaoFeng radio, there is a new upgraded Tri-Power model, the BF-F8HP (was not available at the time of this […]
[…] you are ordering a BaoFeng radio, there is now a BaoFeng BF-F8+ (2nd Gen UV-5R) and also the upgraded Tri-Power model, the BF-F8HP (was not available at the time of this […]
Bump to update for noobs