BaoFeng BF-888S Walkie Talkie 2pcs in One Box with Rechargeable Battery Headphone Wall Charger Long Range 16 Channels Two Way Radio (2pcs radios)
- 2 Watt Programmable Handheld Amateur Radio
- Frequency Range: UHF: 400-520 MHz(Rx/Tx).The BF-888S include a built-in high illumination flashlight and an emergency alarm
- Customize Programming by Using the PC03 FTDI Programming Cable
- Broadband (Wide) 25khz / Narrowband (Narrow) 12.5khz Selectable
- Frequency Mode 400-470 MHz
- 16 Memory Channels, 50 CTCSS /105 CDCSS
- Battery Saving Features, Low Voltage Alert
- VOX, Scanning, & Monitor Functions, English Voice Prompt
- Emergency Alarm High Illumination Flashlight
- Transmitter Time-Out Timer (TOT)
- Frequency Mode: 400-470 MHz Speaker: 700 mw Maximum Power Output: 3-5 Watt
Debra Sanders
What a fun - and CHEAP - little radio
What a fun - and CHEAP - little radio! I've been a ham for over 40 years but this little thing is just plain fun to use. Programming was a snap using both Chirp as well as the Baofeng software - both work very well. Chirp just does mostly frequencies - you need to use the Baofeng software to change other settings but Chirp is easier to do the frequencies with. I can hit all the local 440 repeaters even with the included antenna - and the entire region when I patch it to my 11-element beam at 50 feet. Amazing build quality and performance for so little money.... NOTE: You must have an appropriate amateur radio or FCC business license to use this radio legally.
Nabilah Nasir
Worth every penny!
These little radios are awesome!! And for a really great price. You will need to purchae the programming cable to use these properly in the US. The frequencies that come with it, are not legal frequencies, and can find yourself with a $10,000 fine plus possible imprisonment if found using illegal frequencies in the US. As a licensed GMRS radio operator, I had a friend programmed these to FRS frequencies. Thankfully, these radios are considered legal when using FRS/GMRS frequencies, as the FCC has now allowed FRS frequencies to transmit up to 2W power (which previously you could only transmit at 0.5W power on FRS) - license free! And now, you can transmit on the GMRS frequencies up to 10W (previously 5W) - license required. You can technically program these radios to nearly any two-way radio frequency, even use them on Business frequencies- license required and a Tech Coordinator to program them. **NOTE: the antenna is a little cheap, and the plastic that covers the antenna may come off if you leave your radio by your hip. Not a big deal.
Ricardo Correia
Great little radios. Now (mostly) legal for unlicensed/family use!
Although I just received these and haven't had a chance to really test their range yet, they do feel substantial and well-built, especially for the price. Also, despite what has been stated in other reviews, these radios are now (mostly) legal for unlicensed/family use if programmed correctly (emphasis on programmed correctly). As of May 18, 2017, FCC Part 95 reform expands the range of frequencies for unlicensed FRS use, and also increases the allowed power levels from 0.5 W to 2 W. What that means for these radios is that although they are technically still not Part 95 certified because of the removable antenna, they can now be programmed for completely legal use on 15 FRS frequencies, even at full power (2W). Following is the channel configuration that I use for unlicensed FRS: Channel Type Frequency Power / Bandwidth 1 FRS/GMRS 462.5625 2W / 12.5kHz 2 FRS/GMRS 462.5875 2W / 12.5kHz 3 FRS/GMRS 462.6125 2W / 12.5kHz 4 FRS/GMRS 462.6375 2W / 12.5kHz 5 FRS/GMRS 462.6625 2W / 12.5kHz 6 FRS/GMRS 462.6875 2W / 12.5kHz 7 FRS/GMRS 462.7125 2W / 12.5kHz 8 FRS/GMRS 462.5500 2W / 12.5kHz 9 FRS/GMRS 462.5750 2W / 12.5kHz 10 FRS/GMRS 462.6000 2W / 12.5kHz 11 FRS/GMRS 462.6250 2W / 12.5kHz 12 FRS/GMRS 462.6500 2W / 12.5kHz 13 FRS/GMRS 462.6750 2W / 12.5kHz 14 FRS/GMRS 462.7000 2W / 12.5kHz 15 FRS/GMRS 462.7250 2W / 12.5kHz 16 (none) Note that leaving channel 16 unassigned allows you to use that channel for scanning. Just be sure to enable scanning and mark the channels (1-15) that you want scanned when programming. Again, I can't emphasize enough that you *MUST* program these radios before using them in order to avoid illegally interfering with other potentially life-saving communications. While programming is not difficult, if you feel it is beyond your ability or you just don't want to have to bother, then *PLEASE* do not buy these radios! Otherwise, they're great!
Brenda Gleason
Outstanding performance and value, comparable to competitors ten times as expensive
We deployed 11 Baofeng BF-888s units for industrial itinerant purposes, and they have proven to be outstanding performers. They are extremely simple to use, very well made, and completely reliable. They are legitimately comparable to competitive products costing ten times as much. Do not confuse them with typical consumer radios sold in blister packs. The BF-888s supports all standard land mobile options: analog tone squelch (CTCSS) and digital tone squelch (CDCSS), wide-band and narrow-band FM, arbitrary split transmit and receive frequencies, and so forth. It is necessary to program these radios using a computer, and this requires freely downloadable software and an appropriate USB cable that plugs into the microphone and earpiece jacks. The programming cable is available from numerous sources for around $10. Like the Baofeng UV-5R series, the BF-888s is Kenwood-compatible for its microphone and earpiece jacks, and it therefore uses a Kenwood-compatible programming cable. We had no trouble using 32-bit Windows 7 as the programming host. Considerable information and documentation is available at www-dot-miklor-dot-com/BF888S including the Windows factory programming software. Recent daily development versions of the open source CHIRP software for Windows and Linux also support the BF-888s. Kenwood-compatible speaker-mics and headsets, including security-tube style, work well with the BF-888s. In general, any such accessories that work with the Baofeng UV-5R series will work with the BF-888s. Because the BF-888s is not type accepted under FCC Part 95, they should not be used in the US for FRS or GMRS operation; in fact, they are technically non-compliant for FRS because they can transmit at power higher than allowed and have removable antennas.
Chauntal Pike
Not legal without a license. You will get fined or jail time. The FCC will find you.
Requires a FCC license. These are not toys! Simple. Cheap. They require a baofeng programming cable to program them to your freq. They come with some ridiculous frequency out of the box. The range is pretty terrible overall but considering the price (10USD per radio) it doesnt matter. I use these around a pool so I didnt want to spend a lot of money when one of the lifeguards inevitably drops one into the pool.
Dan Morrison
Totally Satisfied
Considering the $18 cost plus free s/h, I could not be more satisfied with the quality and performance of this handheld. The unit is made what appears to be very durable plastic on the exterior and has metal frame (looks to be aluminum) parts on the insides viewed from the battery compartment. The flashlight was a nice feature and the transmission/receiving range was beyond expectation given the terrain conditions. The unit was compact in size and hardly any weight to notice clipped on the belt. Battery life between charges was excellent and recharge time was fairly quick. The waist belt clip sprig was very strong, making attaching it very secure but removing it from the waist belt a bit tricky. Only quirk was when the battery got to a low point, the digital voice alerting of low battery was a bit strange to hear but the user clearly can understand the battery was low and needed recharging. I use the product as part of Neighborhood Watch activities and immediate communication between neighbor buddies. I purchased two units and generally have one one at all times and the other as a replacement when the one being used needs charging. Downside, but acceptable, is the need to re-program the default frequencies with a PC but once done, needs no further programing unless there's a decision to change the frequency setup to match other users. To program, you need to buy the programming cable to hookup to your PC. One neighbor in our group is designed the "radio guru" and he has the one cable he uses to help others to program the frequencies in their units. According to our guru, it's an easy task to do once the frequencies are determined and saved on his PC. From the perspective of an user, and not a radio techie, this is an excellent buy. My original hesitancy in acquiring the radio after being shown it by my radio guru was the need to apply for the $85 FCC GMRS user license, but it's worth the price of the 5-year license which permits the user's immediate family members to also operate under the same license. For about the same price of no-fee license FRS radios, this radio is a far the better buy.
John Clark
Astounded by the quality and value
I picked these up to use on a camping trip where we won't have cell service. I have used Motorola FRS two way radios almost exclusively up to this point. I figured I was taking a risk based on the cost of these radios, but the reviews were so good, I figured I'd try my luck. I'm glad I did. There is one tricky bit to these radios - they are programmed with default Chinese frequencies. What does that mean? It means that: 1) these will work just fine out of the box with other Baofeng radios, but not other radios designed for sale in the US (more about this later) 2) the frequencies that are the default in these radios aren't necessarily entirely "legal" to broadcast over in the US without an FCC license. The good news is I don't think the FCC can be bothered to chase down every person who is using these frequencies recreationally without a license. These radios CAN be programmed to operate on frequencies that ARE legal in the US (extra cable purchase is required). This will make them functional with any other FRS/GMRS radio you may have that is preprogrammed. There is a TON of information out there about how to program them. I personally have not been successful in programming them, but I'm an electronics idiot, so don't blame that on the radios or the kind folks posting the information online. Here's my rundown: Pros: GREAT VALUE! Here's what you get for $24 (at the time of publication - DUH) 2 radios 2 rechargeable batteries 2 chargers 2 belt clips 2 lanyards Crystal clear sound - I paired these against Motorola radios that cost 3 times as much and the sound of the Baofengs were much better. Programmability - there are additional features available to activate when you reprogram them (FM radio reception, for example) Compact and comfortable to use - these radios are much smaller than most FRS radios. They easily fit in a pocket. Broadcasting range is about 2 miles under optimum conditions. I understand that purchasing a higher quality antenna can boost your range. I also think that certain frequencies have a longer range, but don't quote me on that. Cons: Because of the default frequencies, they aren't compatible with other FRS radios "out of the box" (can be programmed to be so) I found the programming process to be a pain in the ***. If you are more electronically inclined than I am, this may be a non issue. The default broadcast frequencies aren't "strictly legal." There's no automatic "Roger" Beep or squelch sound. This means that you have to pay closer attention because you won't hear a beep or a squelch sound after transmission - all you hear is the broadcast. I think this might be adjustable in the programming, but you might have to get used to saying "Over." This is good for stealth, but not so good if you're in a noisy environment or just aren't paying attention. Overall, I think these radios are a supreme value for what you pay. I'm very pleased with them.
Regina Lehnen
Nice little radios...
Radios seem well built and are great for short range communications. They do not include programming cables or software (and don't claim to--so that was not a surprise). It took me a bit of effort to get them programmed (I had the cable for some another BaoFeng radio I own) but once you figure out the steps, it goes quickly. I did read places where people said they could only get them to accept programming when the volume was turned all the way up--it sounded silly to me, but then I had the same experience.
Kalpana Srivastava
Low Price OK Quality
To get a 5 star rating I require that a product provide the intended function and last. This product does that, as long as you understand where it fits by intention. This is not a UV-5 or the better UV-82. Its a small, very light weight, very low cost radio with plenty of audio. It does not have the range or the receiver of the other models, it has no touch tone pad and no display. It has 16 channels you must program ahead of use with your computer. CHIRP works perfectly for this (don't forget to use the 2007 serial driver from Microsoft if you have trouble communicating with the radio). The radio's purpose is to provide communications in situations where you might not otherwise have any. First it's very light. Remember there's no display, only one band, and no touch tone pad. These features add mass and cost. Second its very low cost. You can find them for under $20 everywhere. If your use might endanger your radio, cost is a big factor. Better to destroy this 888 at $20 than a $500 full function digital radio! Cost opens up a number of new applications too. For example, if you are a budget prepper and wonder how you might provide family communications when TSHTF or at TEOTWAWKI these radios may be of interest. You can buy 5 of them for $100, program them (since computers might be a thing of the past), protect them from EMP in a metal box, and have something that will probably be invaluable in either scenario. Because this is a single band design, you must consider the frequencies. The radio can operate on many bands now currently allocated. For use outside the ham bands you have an issue unless TSHTF, but in that scenario its unlikely anyone will care. That gives you some flexibility if you think and plan ahead. Just remember whatever you set up you will have to live with if computers no longer function but your radio does because it was protected! The radio includes a channel scan capability using Channel 16, which is pretty nice. For public service operation this is a great backup radio. Sure your Icom, Yeasu, or Kenwood radio will outperform it, but as a backup or to monitor another frequency in a deployment, its weight, size, cost, and standby time are impossible to beat. You can, of course, do this with a UV-5, but it costs twice as much. In conclusion this radio is at the top of its class in the low end of the price/performance market segment. There's nothing much cheaper that will deliver this kind of performance. If 70 cm is your general band of use, having a few of these around is a good idea unless you can afford the UV-5 or the UV-82. At the TEOTWAWKI, having 10-20 of these available might allow you to equip your neighborhood and coordinate defense and/or public service. Since you can't predict what others might do from a frequency standpoint, you may want to consider EMP storage for an old laptop that is fully equipped to program the radios, but as a backup spend some time up front choosing the frequencies initially loaded to keep Murphy at bay.
Gail Conley
Just awesome. Inexpensive, solidly built, and super clear audio.
I was skeptical about these mostly because of their low cost, but after having both a set of Motorola MH230R and MF350R fail after the warranty expired, I wasn't looking to spend ~$50 on some walkies. The reviews were really good and the price was low, so I went for it. They are awesome. Price: Prices change on Amazon, but these (in a pair) are generally half the price of the Motorolas I mentioned above. Batteries are (at time of this review) under 10 bucks. Single walkies are sub 15 dollars. Charge: The chargers feel cheap, but they work well. Light is red until it's charged, then it turns green. Zero ambiguity. They STAY charged for a good long while. We bought ours for use around the neighborhood, and they go out for hours at a time (with actual talk use probably totaling less than 10 minutes). With this use, they easily go 5 or 6 days before needing a charge. The Motorolas never seemed to make it more than a day or two under similar use. Audio: super, super clear. It's easy to hear each other and there's no annoying *squak* noise every time someone presses a button. Belt clip: The belt clip is very sturdy, all metal and made from stamped steel. It is screwed to the walkie chassis with 2 Phillip's head screws (and so is removable). Unlike a lot of other units with plastic clips that break or have little to no actual clipping power, these have a very strong spring. Note that these aren't feature rich. There's no display with the exception of a LED (red or green) and a pretty weak white LED for flashlight. You know what channel you are on because it will tell you when you turn it on. "Power on. 12." for example. As you change channels, it calls out which channel you're on. I don't know what their weather resistance is like, but our have been dropped and banged around quite a bit, and they just keep going. I'll never go back to the Motorola walkies.