I agree with most all of what your said but you avoided the biggest issue with many Baofengs and other no-name Chinese radios. Frankly, are they clean. Does the radio emit spurs that are above allowable limits. Quite often the answer is yes, particularly when modified. That lack of QC and responsible engineering is where the true frustration exists. As a ham, regardless of your license, this is something you are obliged to follow.
So no, I don’t think a $13k handheld is required any more than a $500 handheld is required. Just be sure you keep it clean and don’t interfere elsewhere.
You're correct that I "avoided" that particular issue. For several reasons I chose not to mention "if they are clean" or not. The main reason is, again, without someone taking spectrm readings, we can't begin to say "yes or no".
Remember, mostly the above was "opinion", mine. But, normally, I try to stick to facts-based information and since I no longer own a spectrum analyzer at this time, I can't not give a definitive answer on this.
However, others can, and have. A search by us will reveal that indeed the "cheap Chinese radio" has no problems normally with spurs or other off-frequency noises.
As a matter of fact he specifically mentions "a rumor" regarding the rigs being off frequency, but can not confirm this with testing.
What this particular post is about, is not how good or bad a device is. It's more about "remember, we are preparing for unknown occurrences" and they may (or may not) be situations where no one is going to care about how "spurious" a radio turns out to be if it saves a life, or some other situation that helps others.
The truth is, we do want to put to rest myths regarding equipment, or confirm them. But, since I am not equipped with the proper gear at the moment to put that particular issue to bed, I'll leave i to the other, better-equipped Amateurs and Professionals out there to do.
Now, Daniel, if you personally have experience with checking the Baofengs for poor emission standards I certainly would welcome your test results on the blog here! That is, after all why we're all here. To learn and pass on knowledge.
Thanks
Lots to learn quickly.
Schaan Donaldson
I agree with most all of what your said but you avoided the biggest issue with many Baofengs and other no-name Chinese radios. Frankly, are they clean. Does the radio emit spurs that are above allowable limits. Quite often the answer is yes, particularly when modified. That lack of QC and responsible engineering is where the true frustration exists. As a ham, regardless of your license, this is something you are obliged to follow.
So no, I don’t think a $13k handheld is required any more than a $500 handheld is required. Just be sure you keep it clean and don’t interfere elsewhere.
Hi Daniel, First thanks for your comment!
You're correct that I "avoided" that particular issue. For several reasons I chose not to mention "if they are clean" or not. The main reason is, again, without someone taking spectrm readings, we can't begin to say "yes or no".
Remember, mostly the above was "opinion", mine. But, normally, I try to stick to facts-based information and since I no longer own a spectrum analyzer at this time, I can't not give a definitive answer on this.
However, others can, and have. A search by us will reveal that indeed the "cheap Chinese radio" has no problems normally with spurs or other off-frequency noises.
In 2012, PA2TSL, did some testing and confirmed that for the most part the Baofeng UV5R was fine. https://hamgear.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/review-baofeng-uv-5r-part-ii/
As a matter of fact he specifically mentions "a rumor" regarding the rigs being off frequency, but can not confirm this with testing.
What this particular post is about, is not how good or bad a device is. It's more about "remember, we are preparing for unknown occurrences" and they may (or may not) be situations where no one is going to care about how "spurious" a radio turns out to be if it saves a life, or some other situation that helps others.
The truth is, we do want to put to rest myths regarding equipment, or confirm them. But, since I am not equipped with the proper gear at the moment to put that particular issue to bed, I'll leave i to the other, better-equipped Amateurs and Professionals out there to do.
Now, Daniel, if you personally have experience with checking the Baofengs for poor emission standards I certainly would welcome your test results on the blog here! That is, after all why we're all here. To learn and pass on knowledge.