UV-K5(8) 5W Ham Radio Handheld, Multi-Band VHF UHF Two Way Radio, Air Band Reception, NOAA Weather, USB-C, Walkie Talkie for Emergency Communication Camping (K6 Gen)

I recently acquired the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) AM/FM/DTMF walkie-talkie, and it's been an absolute game-changer for my communication needs. Not only is this device remarkably affordable, but its functionality and expandability through custom firmware have truly set it apart from the competition. Right out of the box, the affordability of the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) caught my attention. Finding a device that doesn't break the bank yet delivers on performance is a rare feat in a market where high-quality communication tools can often come with a hefty price tag. This walkie-talkie has managed to strike that delicate balance, offering solid value for its price. But what makes this walkie-talkie shine is its expandability through custom firmware. The ability to tailor the device to meet specific communication needs is a significant advantage, especially in scenarios where standard settings just don't cut it. Whether enhancing the radio's range, tweaking privacy settings, or unlocking new features, the custom firmware options have opened up a world of possibilities, making the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) a versatile tool in my arsenal. The range and clarity of communication provided by this walkie-talkie have been impressive. Whether using it in densely wooded areas, during outdoor adventures, or amid urban chaos, the device ensures clear and reliable communication, which is crucial for effective coordination and safety. Its build quality is another aspect worth noting. Despite its affordability, the QUANSHENG UVK5(8) doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. It's rugged and durable, capable of withstanding rough handling and the occasional drop, which is inevitable during active use. This durability and its performance make it an ideal choice for recreational and professional use. TL;DR: The QUANSHENG UVK5(8) AM/FM/DTMF walkie-talkie is a standout choice for anyone seeking an affordable yet powerful communication tool. Its expandability through custom firmware allows for tailored functionality, meeting a wide range of communication needs. With impressive range, clarity, and build quality, this device proves you don't need to spend a fortune to get reliable and effective communication capabilities.

This is a very good radio I like how it feels in my hand not to big or small It has a decent amount of channels that you can program I really like that you can listen to a nice amount of bands including air band It was easy to program and its easy to use It charges the battery pretty quick and last almost all day on a single charge Overall Im happy with it It works good with no problems

This is the UV-K6 - supposedly an update of the UV-K5 but I struggle to see much difference between the two besides a little facelift and an amber background screen. Regardless, great little HAM transceiver that works relatively well on UHF/VHF, even with the provided antenna. Includes NOAA channels and FM radio. This radio has a great support community and the ability to update its firmware and [responsibly] expand the capabilities of this radio makes it a great buy. Decent battery life with multiple charging options, Decent TX/RX range in a crowded city on all advertized bands and after a third party update, surprisingly decent AM aviation band reception with the right antenna. Chirp compatible, solidly built for its price and aesthetically eye-pleasing. Just wish the battery was a bit larger.

This super-cheap (~$30) HAM radio handset has extremely broad, powerful features due to it's replaceable firmware, which is supported by a large number of open source firmware variants with amazing features provided by a very engaged user community. I was so impressed, at this price I bought 2 of them. With all the different firmwares available, I may buy more. Unique features at this price-point: - Extremely broad receive frequencies and AM/FM decoding, all the way down at 18mhz, below CB frequencies, up through Airband, NOAA weather, commercial FM, etc. and much higher, to 1.3 ghz (ie. extremely broad scanning/receiving capabilities). - Replaceable firmware, with tons of other features in various other firmwares, easy to download to device, with open source available to modify. - One-button frequency and privacy tone/code scan/copy/save - Full cloning from one radio to another Additional capabilities in various open-community firmware downloads: - Spectrum analyzer, waterfall view like an SDR to find signals to monitor - Upper Side Band and Lower Side Band receive, Double Side Band transmit - Send/Receive CW (morse), APRS, SSTV (images), DTMF, etc. - Mesh networking, messaging, encrypted messages, voice scrambler - Various improvements to scanning speed, squelch, audio quality, lower/higher frequency range, etc. - Customized UI w/different font sizes, different levels of detail, keypad shortcuts, backlight setting, etc. Includes other common HAM handset features at this price: - UHF/VHF transmit at ~5w - Chirp compatible (mostly just on the default firmware) - Stores 200 channels - Includes ear-mic, hand strap, charging dock (easy pickup/dropoff) and USB-C charge cable (fast)

I bought this for the express purpose of "unlocking" it. It works fine with the same cable as my Baofengs. It's nice to have a good dual-band tranceiver BUT also a multi-band receive-only/scanner. I use it on two 2-meter repeators. One 30+ miles to my South. Another 27 miles to my West. Excellent reports from fellow ham operators. Wonderful to be able to program in 6 meter (50-54mhz) repeators as well for listening purposes although that band is kinda' sparse "traffic-wise" these days. WELL-BUILT radio....Great volume. AND ofcourse, in addition to the charging dock (included), the ablity to charge with USB-C. Like the big ole' volume knob... Might try some other firmware packages....BTW, talking charging, it held a charge for months when I sorta' forgot it and left it on the table. The Big 4 "Name Brands" need to take notice and start offering "Open Source" monitoring radios of their own.

I've been using this as an inexpensive scanner radio and emergency transceiver. You can't go wrong with this model. It's easy to set up with watching YouTube tutorials. And once you've got your stations programmed in, it'll scan with a single button push. I've picked up an additional folding antenna, buy I think the included one works fine and picks up the same signals. Sound quality is ok for what you're listening to. It seems like good quality and durability.

Chirp compatible (with both stock or egzumer firmware) is a big plus. Sound quality is fair. The weight is light, the fit is right, and the overall feel is pretty tight. Definitely worth the extra $10 over a Baofeng UV-5R or GT-5R. Out-of-the-box 6 meter FM receive (+10 meter, and USB Rx with egzumer and some others' firmware mods) feels gimmicky but may be useful if in a group in close proximity with the correct OEM antenna, but all indications (reviews, tests, etc) seem to point to don't Tx on those bands..). The firmware mods and functionality give this radio the feel of a radio worth twice as much - DO definitely take time to read the (for example) egzumer documentation on github to understand how the menus and options differ from the stock manual - frustration and confusion await those who neglect to. Look out for deals and sales and buy two if you can :-)

Very impressed with the bang for the buck from this $30 radio. Quansheng K6 UVK5(8)AM/FM radio. It is a dual band HAM radio, which also receives Aviation band AM, and also receives broadcast FM. The receive audio quality is very nice. It is considered to be the most hackable radio ever. They wrote about it in IEEE magazine. I’ve been using the EzGumer 0.22 firmware. I noticed other firmware that gives it a keyer for CW (morse code), so that you can use it in CW mode with an iambic paddle in the field. There is a $10 daughter card you can install that with special firmware modifies the radio to also receive HF. Using it as an FM radio while I work on my car. If a call comes in on one of the two dual watch channels, it will over ride the FM broadcast, and resume the music after. The FM broadcast receiver works very well with the stock antenna. Only negative I can think of is that the NOAA channels don’t really work unless you install after market firmware (stock firmware won’t break squelch without receiving a tone (tone squelch)).

Buen radio, con posibilidad de programar por chirp e incluso cambiar el firmware.