Beefier BaoFeng

BaoFeng (or PoFung, as they are now known) has released the BF-F8HP. The review is here. This is supposed to be the "final" version of the UV-5RC, and is compatible with all of the UV-5RC accessories (battery, mic, 12v adapter, programming cable, etc).

The most notable thing about this new model is that it has more RF output. The specs are listed as a tri-level 1/4/8W output, which translates to a real 7.4W on VHF and 6.0W on UHF. It also has a re-written manual that allegedly makes actual sense. The "stock duck" antenna is also improved.

Despite BaoFeng's claims, the popular UV-5RC (in all it's variants) had only about 4W output on 2M, and about 3W on UHF. This is pretty much the standard range for the other brands of Chinese HTs, too. While BaoFengs have their "idiosyncrasies" ( deficient front-end, weird "inductive loading" on the antenna), six watts on UHF is decent. If a "gain" mobile whip is used, along with the 12v adapter, the BF-F8HP can be a quite practical mobile rig. Attaching it to a UHF Yagi would make it a very nice home option, even if the antenna were indoors. Even on two metres, an extra 3.4W could make an upgrade compelling. If you have trouble hearing the repeaters that you most commonly use, however, the BF-F8HP won't help you out.

What to do with your old UV-5RC (or whatever variant)? Hey, it's somebody's new MURS radio. Or marine HT. Or GMRS repeater-capable HT. Strictly speaking, a BaoFeng isn't certified for those uses because of the "VFO" button on the front. Practically speaking, nobody will care. Maybe super-glue the VFO button open, if you want to be fastidious about it. Programme it for whatever specific use you have in mind, and give it to someone. It's unlikely that they are going to want to change it to make it unsuitable for that use, after all. The easier that you make it for them to use it as, say, a marine VHF radio, the less likely they are to mess around with the settings.  If nothing else, it's an analogue scanner for someone. Or your new monitor radio for the kitchen.

Good luck trying to sell your old model, with new ones going for $30.

I also find it interesting that BaoFeng is now offering CHIRP as the programming software for the radio. Using CHIRP allows for seven-character names on channels, instead of six on the BaoFeng software.

On Amazon for $63.

If the BF-F8HP is the final version, one might wonder how long the accessories for the BaoFeng line will continue to be available. Li-ON batteries generally don't have a long shelf-life, but if yours is showing signs of exhaustion it might be wise to pick up a new one. Also, a 12v adapter will guarantee that you will always be able to use your radio if batteries ever become unavailable, either in your car or with an external power supply. 

This release is also a game-changer for the other Chinese HTs. A PuXing PX-777 for $65, for example, looks like a poor choice in comparison to the beefier BaoFeng. Maybe other manufacturers will boost the RF output in order to remain competitive. Maybe there will just be a flood of really cheap PuXing and WoXoun HTs in response.