Great little walkie talkie for kids. I got 2 last time and wanted to get more
Asked rep for a code and he delivered !
BAOFENG BF - T1 Walkie Talkie - BLACK
https://www.gearbest.com/walkie-talkie/pp_619663.html
Price:US$9.99
coupon:AU15SIRBAO
PS:Limited to first 50 stock,2 times per account,AU,NZ,MY,SG,BD,LK only
OP should really change title to incl ~"for Radio Hams"
(Hams are allowed to use properly programmed Baofeng, etc.
W-T's, if they restrict Transmission to suitable Ham Freq's)
I believe this restriction seems to disappear from even
High-Powered Military-Surplus radio sets, but it's still
the Hams, who -tend- to love to own, restore, show, use
& swap [part for] such (physically) heavy radios. Oy! :-/
Some even restore & drive exMilitary vehicles (you'd see
lotsa 4WD's, but some even drive tanks (mostly to "meets")
and/or amphibious vehicles, whose "meets" tend to expect
owners of sufficiently restored veh's to drive 'em into
a body of water).
Finally, there are the aircraft enthusiasts, more likely
to be deaf, from "being there" when loud helicopter- or
airplane-engines are started (either in their aircraft
or on test rigs…
I never found that much to my liking, but I did give it
a try, once or twice, eg, at an air show. (Sorry, ears!)
Enjoy…
PS I couldn't find the Spec's of this one
(but I didn't spend much time looking).
Similar UHF "toy-class" radios cut off at 470 MHz
or 450 MHz; others go to 480 MHz or 520 MHz.
For hobbyists interested in LISTENING, dual- or
tri- (even a few quad-) band radios are out there
TYT is a nice brand (not in the cheap category,
like this deal's "toy" seems to be).
And, if you want to know where to listen to others'
Ham or more serious conversations, try, eg:
ACMA.gov now offers its "complete" [RadCom?] license
database (freq's, locations, etc.)
But… they don't make it as easy to search.
You'll likely need an [OpenSource] SQL DB system
to make optimal use of ACMA's d'loadable database.
Challenge your [noisy] kids to go off & learn to
program (for which there are LOTSA great sources,
mostly Free or Cheap), & come back when they can
show you your nearby stations of interest, at least
to Scanner Enthusiasts.
(As long as you don't reveal what you pick-up, off
the non-Broadcast service freq's, whatever you find
there is OK to listen-in to.
Of course, there are exceptions to the "do not
share what you find"… eg, Chelsea Manning is
- last I heard - our & running for Congress or
the Senate, after doing something like that…
Meanwhile, his Aussie WikiLeaks counterpart is
still - last I heard - cooling his heals in an
Embassy, in London. Not AU's Embassy, of course.)
Oh, and there's still some Shortwave Radio to
listen to… but - as it tends to be on HF bands,
where signal "propagation" tends to be down…
you may not always hear what's scheduled to be
out there.
Think of all these things like "going fishing"
(Not for passwords, but for comms, etc.)
For hobbyists interested in LISTENING, dual- or tri- (even a few quad-) band radios are out there TYT is a nice brand (not in the cheap category,
like this deal's "toy" seems to be).
Amusingly, TYT is Tytera, a Chinese company who are a clone of Hytera, a more established Chinese company. This BF-T1 is a clone of Hytera's PD362.
@eug: Think of it as sharing (licensing) IP.
Someone gets or reverse-engineers, eg, DMR (which is an Open spec, I think), & everybody can make their variations from the local design.
The trick is to pick the better manufacturer(s). I think TYT is one of them. (See their clone of Yaesu's FT-8900R: TYT TH-9800 (quad-band mobile Ham radio; 10m, 6m 2m 70cm bands).
@IVI:
Think of it as sharing (licensing) IP.
I doubt Baofeng paid Hytera (or Yaesu) to use their physical designs.
@eug:
A more likely scenario is this:
Non-Chinese co. wants to make their design in CN
They must sign an IP-sharing contract, eg, after
a specified period of time, they can use the IP
to make the same or a similar radio.
And… Why not? They need to develop their econ-
omy, without paying high license fees, every year.
I see it as a Win-Win deal.
@IVI: So you're saying, rather than a Chinese company copying another company's design, it's more likely that if a foreign company wants to manufacture in China, they must sign a contract that says after a specific period of time, they must give up their IP to Chinese companies?
Non-Chinese co. wants to make their design in CN
Tytera, Hytera, and Baofeng are all Chinese companies.
You mean UHF CB range…
I'd pay a bit more - even for a Baofeng radio - &
get a Dual-band or (if they have one) a Tri-band.
My 2 cents, only.
Illegal to use in Australia and simply not worth the risk of associated fines.
Even licensed Radio Hams have silly restrictions, in AU.
Less Transmit power than their peers in N Amer (whose
licenses are Free, vs AU's ~$100 / year, last I checked)
(CBers "earned" license-free comms by refusing to pay;
Hams have bought WIA's "If we got Free licenses, as UK,
CA, US, SE, NZ Hams no Enjoy, ACMA would surely CLOSE-
DOWN AU's Ham Bands & Service.." No faith in C'th Govt
to want to Appear to have+support a Ham Radio service)
To Ham Radio's credit (in all the places, in the World,
that I've found it… It's a great hobby in which, even
on your own, you can learn to design & build electronic
eqt, transmitters, etc. As long as your RF stays within
the Ham bands, & you're Not bothering other Ham's there,
do what you will.. Except Music (another old restriction).
It can be programmed to run on 477MHz which is where the Australian UHF CB band is. At your own risk of course.
It probably puts out less splatter than the cheap ~$20 radios you can sometimes buy locally.
Link to reprogram guide?
Link to reprogram guide?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4XRRiDXajU
You do need the programming cable. The software is free.
Looks like you need proprietary cable and software? https://www.reddit.com/r/Baofeng/comments/6w3063/bft1_progra…
Proprietary it may be, but there may be some compatibility between makers.
BTW,Baofeng is rising, now offering, eg, DMR Digital radios, using which, those with Analog radios can't hear your transmissions.
Hams enjoy round-the-world Internet-connected DMR, etc. repeater comms… another reason to give this Self-Educating Hobby a look.
BTW, there are YouTube videos showing how to interface DMR radios to Zello.
Since Zello channels can support Over 1,000 concurrent users, this kind of interfacing can really be useful in Disasters, afrer normal comms have died.
(Of course, Internet tends also to die, at such times…)
Still… You can imagine at least some situations where some of the above technologies can be useful… eg, later on, post-disaster.
Penalty of up to 2 year in jail, or $270,000 fine for use.
https://www.acma.gov.au/Citizen/Spectrum/About-spectrum/High…
It's definitely not type-approved, but realistically if you use them correctly (i.e. make sure they're programmed with the right frequencies, and don't be a dick and annoy others), I think the chances of getting caught would be far lower than getting caught for driving at 61km/h in a 60km/h zone which is also illegal (but everyone does it anyway).
They're really small units with tiny antennas so your signal won't get far.
Serious question, if I buy 2 is that 4 years in jail?
If you're looking to do time at lowest cost, just hold it under your shirt and pretend you have a firearm.
Maybe you can check if Rep has discount code for jail time too 😂 #jokes
OP pls update description: comes w free board and meals
If the Police catch you, go and violently invade a house, bash up the occupants even though they are complying, and will get off with a warning.
Penalty of up to 2 year in jail, or $270,000 fine for use.
More rubbish from the nanny country. You can punch and kill someone and walk free but we have ridiculous over the top penalties that are so far removed from the weak penalties for crimes that actually hurt and kill people. Maybe more people would respect our laws if we didn't have so many of them, they weren't so absurd and if they were in tune with other laws.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4800984/One-punch-at…
I think the fines are high as you could interfere with emergency services during an incident which could affect lives.
I think the fines are high as you could interfere with emergency services during an incident which could affect lives.
How? And again why the disparity? Kill someone and walk free from court but use an unapproved radio that might interfere with nothing really and face 2 years.
@Maverick-au:
Here's an example of fines being enforced: https://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/engage-blogs/engage-blogs/In….
Even these small radios can interfere with emergency service UHF channels if incorrectly used. But I can't imagine anyone ending up in jail over it!
ACMA sent its staff around to Ham Radio Clubs,
"advising" them about low-cost imported radios.
WIA.org.au has a web page summarizing details
from the period.
I haven't kept up with ACMA's program, since I
first learned of it… It may have been a 1-Off
arrangement.
I tended to view it as a way to give Canberra-
based ACMA staff a chance to visit other parts
of AU, on our tax-dollars.
It was around the time of the FAILED "Test of
Aussie Hams' "readiness" to be granted the
Higher Transmit power levels, that NZ, CA, US,
etc. Hams have enjoyed for many decades.
Of course, in ACMA's case, Aussie Hams could
NOT be Trusted to use such High Power safely,
so, AU is one of the places to FORBID it.
Just as the examples of France & Ontario, CA.
enjoying Higher Air Quality + More Revenue$
by virtue of having Abundant NUCLEAR ENERGY,
…BUT AU -still- BANS its use (since 1999),
ACMA's silly BAN on High Power for AU's Hams
- while slightly better for Climate Change -
is Still a SLAP in the Face of "@TheACMA"'s
Hams. They Pay More, but (still) Get LESS.
BTW, It didn't matter that it Cost MORE to
collect License Fees, than the sum collected.
(I view it as yet-another Jobs Program for
Canberra's youth. ;-)
What the hell is up with your god-awful formatting? Get rid of the unnecessary line breaks.
OP, better add a line to the description saying that if anyone is contemplating getting this, that they MUST get the USB programming cable as well and ensure that the correct Australian UHF CB frequencies are programmed in.
They can be manually programmed, it just takes ages.
How?
Sorry thought it read a different model
Own two of these, and they are no better than toys, but worst of all is the fact that they need to be programmed. They only have about 20 programming slots. Worst part is you need the special cable, as a standard USB cable doesn’t work.
If you can program them, then ok, but most people will not know how too or have the right cables and will think that these are ok to use, when they are not. While I don’t agree with the fear mongering, no one is going to get a $200,000+ fine and/or jail over these things, I used to think these types of radios were ok but later found them, to not be for the average user.
I’m not going to neg the deal because they can be made legal, but I can’t upvote it either due to the hoops you have to jump through to program them…
Output Power (high/low): 0.5 / 1W
Hardly seems worth it for only 20 channels
How many channels does a small radio like this need to make it worth it?
For me these would be okay as a pair of kids radios but that's it. Ultimately what's worth it is up to the individual and clearly the number of channels is not the only limiting factor. The only thing I can see in their favour is the price and even that's not amazing.
Downsides would be
Need to be programmed to use legal channels in Aus
Can't be programmed without proprietary cable and s/w (cable adds to cost)
20 channel limit makes these annoying to use with other adults (sorry guys, I need everyone on a different channel cos I don't have that programmed)
Built in torch, alarm, SOS button, VOX and countdown timer seem a bit of a gimmick but torch would probably be cool for the kids.
Doesn't appear to take AA/AAA batteries. Not a showstopper for a kids handheld but it's handy to be able to throw a few Eneloops in when they run out of juice.
They're really small units with tiny antennas so your signal won't get far.
Frig around with that or buy a pair of cheap 80 channel Oricoms with local warranty for not much more.
Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the Baofengs and have considered trying out their 5W offerings but just don't see the value in something like this.
For me these would be okay as a pair of kids radios but that's it.
It's handy for car-to-car comms when travelling down a highway with some mates. You're not going to be more than a few hundred meters away from each other.
When cycling or hiking in a larger group, the person at the back and the person in front can communicate any problems without having to shout. You don't need 5 watts for that, and the small size is convenient.
Can't be programmed without proprietary cable and s/w (cable adds to cost)
The cable is about US$7. The benefit is that you can program any frequency in, so if you decide to go skiing in Japan, you can program in their 422MHz UHF CB equivalent. If you go to the US, you can program in their 467MHz FRS frequencies.
Doesn't appear to take AA/AAA batteries. Not a showstopper for a kids handheld but it's handy to be able to throw a few Eneloops in when they run out of juice.
I actually think that's a benefit. It'll be thicker and heavier with AA/AAA batteries.
Frig around with that or buy a pair of cheap 80 channel Oricoms with local warranty for not much more.
Can you point out which 1 watt Oricoms with CTCSS cost just slightly more than $25 a pair?
@eug:
No benefit to anyone in us getting into a p!ssing contest here champ.
Ultimately what's worth it is up to the individual
I'd like to think you can understand the pros and cons are subjective and dependant on one's requirements.
I'd like to think you can understand the pros and cons are subjective and dependant on one's requirements.
I do, but you don't seem to. You only see them as a pair of kids radios, which is why I gave examples of other scenarios where they would be useful to adults. If you really don't think they can be useful to adults too, well… ok then. Have a good night!
@eug:
I do, but you don't seem to.
I'm starting to think I'm being trolled.
which is why I gave examples of other scenarios where they would be useful to adults.
These situations may be see a low powered handheld useful to you but not everyone. You conveniently ignore the idea of worth as being dependant on an individual's requirements. Alternatively it may just be a concept you're struggling to understand so I'm happy to spend some time comparing your examples to my requirements to help you get your head around how a product that is sufficient for your needs does not suit everyone.
It's handy for car-to-car comms when travelling down a highway with some mates.
I used to think the same but after trying 1W handhelds found them to be impractical in cars. Most people will leave them in the centre console or on the passenger seat blocking signal. Go over a rise or around a bend and the first car and the last will miss transmissions and for me…it's just not worth it. I have an in car UHF and the external aerial does away with these limitations. I will lend out a 5W handheld if I'm travelling in the bush with someone who doesn't have anything…better than nothing but not ideal. I also have 1W handhelds we'll give to the kids to use another channel between cars.
When cycling or hiking in a larger group, the person at the back and the person in front can communicate any problems without having to shout. You don't need 5 watts for that, and the small size is convenient.
I don't cycle in large groups. I'd much prefer 5W handhelds when hiking to allow members of the group to move at their own pace and still stay in communication. For me, the small size offers minimal advantage and the low power is a distinct disadvantage in this situation.
The cable is about US$7. The benefit is that you can program any frequency in, so if you decide to go skiing in Japan, you can program in their 422MHz UHF CB equivalent. If you go to the US, you can program in their 467MHz FRS frequencies.
As I mentioned, I can see the programming as worthwhile for a higher powered unit with more channels but for me…it's just not worth the effort with a low powered 20 channel illegal handheld.
I actually think that's a benefit. It'll be thicker and heavier with AA/AAA batteries
As I only find these useful for kids or around a campsite the convenience of being able to instantly replace batteries far outweighs the slightly larger size.
I already own a pair of 5W Icoms, pair of 1W Unidens and have a hardwired unit in the car with a 6.6dBi antenna so for me there's no need for something like this.
If this suits your need then please don't let me discourage you from buying as many as you want.
I'm not sure why you think I'm trying to convince you to buy them.
You think they're only useful as kids toys.
I gave examples where adults can use them too.
You come back saying my examples are invalid - totally ignoring your own comment that it is subjective and dependent on one's requirements.
You already know what you want, but other people who read what you type might think they literally are only useful for kids.
They don't meet your requirements, but there are still many valid uses for adults. They are not just kids toys - they just don't meet your requirements.
@eug:
I'm not sure why you think I'm trying to convince you to buy them.
I don't.
You think they're only useful as kids toys.
I do.
You come back saying my examples are invalid
No, I've tried to show that "worth it" it subjective by using examples of what you validly find useful in your circumstances do not suit my circumstances.
totally ignoring your own comment that it is subjective and dependent on one's requirements.
See previous point.
They don't meet your requirements, but there are still many valid uses for adults. They are not just kids toys - they just don't meet your requirements.
I think you're starting to get it :)
You asked how many channels are needed for a small radio to be worth it
Each post since then has gone on to confirm that we, as two individuals, have different requirements and worth it for you would not be worth it for me. Congratulations to us both!
You asked how many channels are needed for a small radio to be worth it
I tried explaining with examples that "worth it" is subjective and dependant on an individuals needs/wants
You said the 1W output power makes it hardly worth it since it only has 20 channels.
That statement didn't make sense. What does the power output have to do with the number of channels making a radio 'worth it'?
So I asked - how many channels would make it worth it then?
Instead of answering, you said they're just a pair of kids radios.
I gave examples of why they can be useful to adults too - not you specifically, which you disagreed with. That's fine, because these radios definitely don't suit every situation.
So you still haven't answered the question.
If the 1W output power makes the radio hardly worth it because it only has 20 channels, how many channels would it need to make it "worth it"?
I do admit since the original statement didn't really make sense to me, I was really just curious as to your reasoning behind the statement, rather than the actual number of channels.
No C-TICK no Deal
Yep the mindless laws clearly work on some people.
Baofeng has some great radios & you can program them with chirp software.
Only thing you cant tap into is the cops.
I have a few with the latest being a 8w, just like the paranoid here say its illegal
me & my friends have been using these for about 3yrs now, bcos i dont give a flying fcuk what the law says :)
It has all the features as a pro one so go get one, however i doubt the BF t1 is all that
capable.
Wouldn't the frequency that the cops use be encrypted?. I can't see how you could tap into that. That would be highly illegal.
Yeah, they switched to a digital encrypted network a long time ago. QLD started 14 years ago. It took a while for the entire network to switch to digital though.
Still some analogue channels used by regional police in WA, but even WA has mostly moved to digital.
And as far as I know (probably wrong!!), it's only illegal to broadcast, but OK to listen (receive) on any frequency. The exception in Oz is for telephone conversations that are rebroadcast over radio, such as Taxi phone systems.
Despite all that, the device used must be compliant with ACMA licensing, which these handsets are not.
And as far as I know (probably wrong!!), it's only illegal to broadcast, but OK to listen (receive) on any frequency.
That's correct - that's why you can easily buy full-coverage scanners off the shelf.
Telephones are all digital now anyway, so that's not a worry any more.
Outside of the legal Australian UHF frequency range….