A Baofeng experience and HK0NA worked

The difference!!!

I purchased 2 Baofeng UV-3R Mark II handhelds with some accessoiries from Hong Kong. Unfortenately I had some bad luck with the package as my package got in sight at the customs. Apparently they didn’t believe the customs declaration that it hold toys worth 10 USD. So I had to pay an extra 19% VAT and 12,50 euro adinistration costs. Never happened to anyone but me of course. Anyway, I ordered 2 with profit so after all they are still cheap.  Lots of things have been written about this mini handheld TRX, that’s the nice thing about it. Actually the main advantage and why I bought it is the radio receive capability. You can listen  to the radio and once there is activity on one of the UHF/VHF frequencies it will switch over and back again  to radio when things are quiet. It’s extremely small so I had my doubts when unpacking. But I had the opportunity to have a experience with it as I had a small job to do 45km away from here today. Driving to the job I heard PD1B in QSO with PD/CT2FZY on the coversity network, nice conversation good receive. But it was busy on the road and a little slippery here and there because of the cold weather, so I kept my eyes on the road. On the way back I made a QSO with PD5GVP Gerrie who was also mobile and I noticed that the little Baofeng didn’t get as hot as my Alinco, great advantage. After the QSO I was called by PD2VB Bram who I know I think about 25 years, also a ex-CB operator. Bram does a lot of portable work himself like he already did years ago with a CB walky talky. He told me he had already been active iceskating portable! I could talk to him via the coversity network till I was at home, I didn’expect that from the little Baofeng inside the car! Nearest access point to the network about 10-15km away! So, I think this will be my little radio I always have with me in the future. It’s easy to fit in the pocket and even smaller then todays mobile phone! Some interesting links and info for future reference can be found on the website of PA2OLD Ben. I would recommend the UV-3R yahoogroup for the latest info about this little UHF/VHF mini handheld.


When I came home this afternoon I did a quick lunch. We brought Anneli to her bed for her afternoon nap. My XYL had to go for some shopping. So, I quickly did some necessary household things and after that up to the shack to listen for HK0NA. And yes after 15-20 minutes I finally managed a QSO on 15m SSB. Another new DXCC and I’m a happy operator. Working a new DX is one of my favourites, and when I read for instance the blog of EI2KC who works a new DXCC daily I sometimes get frustrated. I haven’t got  that much time to be active with my 45 hours a week job, family and things in and around the house. But then I think, hey there are other things in live besides radio. I already achieved so much with my hobby, be satisfied! Now next thing would be the PACC 2012, get ready…..6 days to go!

Bas, PE4BAS, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Groningen, Netherlands. Contact him at [email protected].

One Response to “A Baofeng experience and HK0NA worked”

  • Omer Fournier AD7DY:

    I, too, bought a UV-3R, and am very impressed with size and performance. Nice radio! Fortunately, mine got here with no customs intercession, no extra cost. 73!

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