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Baofeng BF-888S Two-Way Ham Radio for USD $13.99 + Free Shipping @ Radioddity

60

ship from China
Quick Overview

50 CTCSS/105 CDCSS/VOX Function
Voice Prompt/PC Programming/voice scramble/encryption
Emergency Alarm/Intelligent Charging
Battery Save/Low Voltage Alert
Time-out Timer/Torch Light

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closed Comments

  • Kinda interested in this but no idea how good the items are especially comparing to the likely 100's of alternatives.

    • Baofeng is an OK make, but I'd spend $20 more for one of their Dual-Band (2m / 70cm) units, try to get one with the ~3,800 mAh battery.
      Having said that, ACMA recently paid $$$ to send radio inspectors or other staff around to speak at Ham Radio Clubs t- warning them that they don't like "open" transmitters like these. the deal shouldn't really be here, for that reason, so Emerg service comma won't be as likely to be interfered with, by such gear, in the wrong hands.

      • ACMA has lots a $$$ to treat its staff to such "bully trips" to Ham Clubs, in part, due to its excessive "Ham License fee racket" while HALVING License fees of Commercial TV broadcasters, ie, in the HOPES that some of them would make more Aussie content.

        so, tell me, did you get any new Aussie content for those millions of $$$?

        more to point, how many young people in AU aren't learning about Electronics as Hams, eg, due to high costs of License?

  • I don't think these cover the Australian UHF CB frequencies.

    • +2

      No they don't.

      Though they would be illegal to use there anyway (not type approved)

      • Definitely, not worth it, no ACMA approval so illegal to use in Australia.

    • +1

      AU's UHF CB crew's are around 476 & 477 MHz.

      Also the deal radio has low Transmit power, just 3 watts. more typical is 4 watts (for low-end radios) or 5 watts (for Yaesu, ICOM & Kenwood).

      Anymore than that & you can be hurting your eyes when you transmit.

  • A group of friends are using this exact model and they have had good experiences with them, although when I had a quick glance, the frequencies were a bit different (comparing to my cheap uniden one)?

  • -6

    If it is illegal to use it in Australia then it should not be posted here.

    • Well to be honest, and to be clear, they are NOT legal (and not capable) to be used for UHF CB, however, as the OP added in the title they CAN be used for ham radio, or elsewhere where non type approved radios can be used.

      However the OP probably could make it clearer that these are not compatible with UHF CB and can only be used with a valid licence for the frequency they are to be operated on and within accordance with ACMA Radio Communications Law

    • Perhaps you could advise how this is illegal?

      • It's OK to own one… and use it to Receive anything you can with it.

        What's illegal is to Transmit without a Ham License, and -even with such a License - you'd have to sure to be transmitting within the (in this case) the 70 cm ham band).

        RANT:

        BTW, AU's ACMA charges over $70 / year for any Ham Band… but in the free world, Hams enjoy cost-free licensing… lucky hams live in UK, Canada, Sweden, &, of course, USA.

        End_of_Rant

  • +2

    As OP stated "HAM RADIO" so perfectly LEGAL to use in Australia on the ham bands if you are licenced.
    Perfectly suitable for use by licenced Amateur radio ops on 70cm band.

    OP never mentioned anything about UHF CB, so why NEG the post????

    This is a total BARGAIN. as long as they actually get delivered from the supplier.

    • +1

      so can we post gun deals now? jokes, i love my UV-5R

    • Low-end gear can sometimes interfere with other (eg, Emerg Services). Would you want such interference, eg, when an ambulance is being dispatched to look after someone you cared about?

      Even with 3 watts, being used close to another services antennas, could mean overriding that service's users.

  • Great deal!
    Bought two.

  • As this is not an eBay offer, how do we know Radioddity is legit?

    if you want to buy from better known Chinese shops, a few of which carry Yaesu or ICOM, try RadioGearPro or the like (who usually also have eBay shops you can see their feedback ratings from). I once lost almost $400 dealing with RGP, due to a loss of an uninsured package, after HK Post passed it to AU Post.
    HK Post gave RGP ~ Au$ 155, but the company never returned that $$$ to me, as partial compensation for my loss. Still want to. import?

  • Same supplier offers a cheap dual-band model - UV-82 by Baofeng - that some may prefer. The site also has an APRS product of possible interest to Hams.

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