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Post by SideSwipe on Jul 24, 2013 20:39:01 GMT -5
Hey everyone, I've noticed so many players that participate in large scale events have recommended Icoms as the top Tier radio as far as airsoft is concerned. However, while randomly browsing for some accessories, I came across these baofeng uv-5r radios that have around 5w output and can be programmed just like the Icoms you all are so fond of and guess what?!! They only cost around $40 give or take depending on the models!!! Finally, my question is, what are your opinions on these radios as an alternative to high proved Icoms? I really wanted to share this as I haven't seen them brought up and I know everyone would like a great quality radio
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Post by Tank on Jul 25, 2013 1:00:42 GMT -5
Well here's the shake. I can't comment on whether those radioscan get the job done, or not. I have no experience with them. I can say that iCOM radios have a VERY well known RF circuitry track record. Also, wattage alone, does not determine a radio's performance. Just add FPS alone, does not determine an airsoft gun's effective range. You can have all the power in the world, but if your circuitry behind it is inferior, it won't matter.
Again, I'm not saying that it is inferior, I have no experience with them. I can say that X and I were the guys that did the original testing on the iCOM F4011's. We also tested Motorola Talkabouts (kind of our control group), and Motorola GP68's. During the testing, not only did the iCOMs seriously out-range the other two, we actually were able to communicate, both ways, around 3.5 miles. This was in nearly the worst conditions. It was in the city, through many buildings and vehicles. X was driving up I-75 and I was standing behind our work.
Until someone buys two of these radios, and performs a similar test, with two iCOMs as well (at the same time, for comparison), they will remain in question.
The reason I suggest the iCOMs be run side by side is due to the black magic that RF is. Different locations, different altitudes, different temperatures, different humidity levels, and even different people all play a huge factor. I worked in the RF field for 7 years, and mostly learned one thing, never take anything for granted.
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Post by sneakytiger on Jul 25, 2013 1:04:15 GMT -5
My team as well as myself all run baofeng uv5r and uv5r a's. They are great little radios. We get around two miles of range on the frs frequencies, and on the mrs right around five or six. They are great little radios, and durable as all hell. The programming can be a little tricky if you don't know how to do it, but I personally have nothing but great things to say about them, espeicially at $40.
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Post by SideSwipe on Jul 25, 2013 17:06:45 GMT -5
Sweet!! I really wanted to share this cause I'm looking into trying one out myself, are these radios comparable with easy to find mics and PTTs?
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Post by Tank on Jul 26, 2013 1:02:17 GMT -5
Just for reference, this was our exact range test location for the iCOM tests. In case anyone is interested.
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Post by SideSwipe on Jul 29, 2013 11:58:53 GMT -5
Sneaky tiger are these radios compatible with any throat mics?
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thewolf
New Member
Respect All...Fear None
Posts: 418
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Post by thewolf on Jul 29, 2013 13:10:31 GMT -5
They use the kenwood 2 pin connector.
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Post by SideSwipe on Jul 29, 2013 14:42:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the info good sir
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thewolf
New Member
Respect All...Fear None
Posts: 418
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Post by thewolf on Jul 29, 2013 18:15:19 GMT -5
If you order its the k1. My throat mic came from planet headset.
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Archrival
New Member
Battle for Breedland Vet(4)yrs
Posts: 99
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Post by Archrival on Aug 15, 2013 18:45:49 GMT -5
I have both the UV-5R and the UV-5RA..both work great and are easily programmable, just get an extra range antennae for it.
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