My Plea

I get it, they’re cheap and everyone seems to have one so my plea is, you ARE going to misuse the radio so can we all misuse them in as sympathetic way as possible so that we don’t all end up trashing each others and other peoples experiences? Please if you are going to use a UV-5R for Airsoft, utilise the correct channels, turn your power down and use a small antenna. Let’s use them as respectively as we can.

The Radio

The Baofeng UV-5R is a handheld radio transceiver manufactured by the Chinese manufacturer Baofeng. This model was the first dual band radio (VHF/UHF) to be successfully distributed by a Chinese brand. It is inexpensive and relatively simple to use. Because of this it is used by radio amateurs, outdoorsmen and professional users worldwide, outputting about a 4 watt FM signal.

The Usage

For Airsoft usage, most of us will want to utilise what’s known as the PMR channels or more commonly “walkie talkie”. This is a chunk of the band reserved for this purpose. It covers 16 channels (as of 2018) and will cost you nothing to use other than the price of your hardware. It is there so that you don’t stray onto other “of importance” frequencies. It has some rules and stipulations about it’s usage which we’ll cover below but generally speaking, if you’re finding out “why” you shouldn’t be using a UV-5R for Airsoft, you are most likely not going to have a more in depth use case (such as a UK Light License).

Stick with me – I’ve made this as digestible as I can…

Just because your new UV-5R radio works out of the box with your mates, doesn’t mean that it’s OK.
Out of the box the UV-5R has some odd frequencies, most of which are already sanctioned by OFCOM the UK regulator for purposes other than you running around a woods talking to your pals.

Why shouldn’t you use a UV-5R?

Output Power – Even on it’s lowest power setting the UV-5R exceeds the PMR band’s stipulation of 0.5 watts output maximum. Why is this a problem? Well for you using it and your mate 8 trees down, it’s not – however – somebody maybe a mile away using the same free to use channel, it will be, they don’t want to be picking up your transmissions because you are transmitting too loudly. Think of it like yout TV, turn it up too loud and the neighbours will complain. That’s essentially it, although rare, OFCOM could be that neighbour and they don’t just thump on the wall though.

Frequency – UK PMR has 16 set frequency channels (pre-set for you in the config file), going outside of these is a bad idea, they may be “clearer” or may not have anyone broadcasting on them but you don’t know what they are used for. Some could be emergency services backup channels or even paying businesses to use them at higher levels.

Antenna – OFCOM also advise that usage is limited to devices with fixed antenna, this is because of the power output limit, if you exchange your antenna for something with a higher gain then you are going to transmit louder and further. There is a far longer explanation of how this works but effectively if you speak normally and then speak at the same volume but cup your hand round your mouth to channel your voice, it’s louder at the other end. Same principle with exchangeable antennas that look super cool on your plate carrier. They may be needed on the battle field for long range comms but 8 trees up and 3 across, not needed.

What’s This Then And Why Are You Ramming It Down My Throat?

I’ve pre-packaged a radio configuration file for you to use on a Baofeng UV-5R or alternatively pull apart and apply the relevant channels to your radio. What it is, is the pre-allocated 16 PMR channels set in slots 1-16, the power turned down and narrow band on (more concentrated use of the available channels). In addition slots 17-32 have been filled with PMR 1-16 plus a sub channel so you can filter out transmit on the main frequency (I’m good like that).

Disclaimer

You will NOT be UK legal due to the removable nature of the antenna on a UV5R and also the minimum output power exceeds what is permissible. It’s better than belting out at full power across restricted channels so you are being as considerate as you can however use it at your own risk. I am not liable should you get a tap on the shoulder from Mr.OFCOM and I certainly won’t be paying your fine. This file is to make you as considerate as you can be, it is not an excuse for not operating the correct equipment in the correct way.

The Download

This download is provided as an image file you can open using CHIRP, simply open it and send it to your radio.
Download CHIRP Image File