(9 November 2012, 18:11)Paul Wrote: True, that's SD.
I've just finished reading the user manual.
Neat if a little confusing.
I like the fact that I can turn the key beep and screen back light off.
Good for OPSEC.
Only things I didn't like was:-
- It's a soft start device i.e. it's drawing 75mA even if off.
Operationally that'll mean in down times, I'll be unplugging the battery pack.
Forget to do that and 16 hours later it'll be flat.
- It's getting a bit of bad press regarding programming problems especially with Win 7 & and some linux.
- THere is a bit of a debate about some generic programming leads not working
- VOX can be lazy with certain microphones /head sets
- It's susceptible to damp apparently
- The variants keep on coming i.e. A, B, and C
Can owners please comment on these practical problems.
Typo, True that's should read True, thanks SD
Excellent reply Paul.
It sometimes feels like I'm banging my head against a wall when I see how the advice or info that is posted up here is treated regarding comms especially , sometimes I try to play devils advocate and think along the lines of how can my info be used as a lever to negatively highlight a point being made , and I know for a fact that there are a few of us trying hard not to be too technical , but seemingly being ridiculed when it appears we are ?
Its like trying to learn someone how to build a brick wall over the internet - it wont work until the learner actually gets hands on experience.
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Back to your questions mate -
As regards drivers for those cables -
Great site for info on UV-5R and driver links on it too.
I had very slight problems , only needed to update the driver windows had already installed , fine after that.
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Colours - No pink I'm afraid , but other colours as LS says are available. , and in fact , complete housings are available to change with.
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Dampness ? - the radios are not waterproof - you will need a cover or waterproof housing if using them in inclement weather , get the radio under cover and invest in a rain-proof ( not totally waterproof ! ) speaker mic.
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Batt levels.
On standby -i.e power on , but receiving only , no TX , I've managed 3 to 4 days - nearly 90 hours of life.
Mixed use - 2 to 3 days.
Constant TX - and I mean after around 5 or 6 hours transmitting regularly, it still had a bit of power left.
The battery pack case is readily available , I will have one shortly.
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Help using the UV-5R ? - stop being modest mate .
I know you're a diehard freebander - this radio will not give you any hassles at all -
squelch codes ? - for those who want or need only IMHO...tone burst for repeater access - press 2 buttons simultaneously for a micro second ( after inputting the correct tone burst freq in the software - simple to do , it really is. )
Arm yourself with the information regarding your local repeaters beforehand - young uns might want to know theres an android app called REPEATER that gives you all your local details, freqs , tone burst freq etc - input them into the software ( its basically an excel sheet ! ) and away you go.
Better still - get in touch with any one of us who have the radio , tell us what you want , and we can send you a .dat file which the software will recognise and install onto your radio - double click - jobs a good un.
You are well aware of how surprised I've been with its performance, it is a very useful item to have , and when TSHTF it will be invaluable.
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Marine Radio ? - the UV-5R does most of those frequencies too.
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