1. |
|
Transmitter and Receiver |
| |
1.1 |
|
I can't hear my local repeater (CTCSS) |
| |
1.2 |
|
I can't hear my signal, but I hear the
repeater squelch tail |
| |
1.3 |
|
Aircraft frequencies |
| |
1.4 |
|
Weather frequencies - NOAA / NWS |
| |
1.5 |
|
FM Broadcast Radio cuts out |
| |
1.6 |
|
Audio chops out when listening to a station |
| |
1.7 |
|
Loud audio on low setting |
2. |
|
Programming |
| |
2.1 |
|
Cannot connect to radio when programming via software |
| |
2.2 |
|
Storing the 7th digit of a frequency. xxx xxx5 |
| |
2.3 |
|
Storing different frequencies in A and B |
| |
2.4 |
|
The purpose of 2 displays |
| |
2.5 |
|
Disabling the transmitter for receive only
frequencies (NOAA) |
| |
2.6 |
|
Storing FM radio 65-108MHz channels in memory |
| |
2.7 |
|
Restore radio to factory default |
3. |
|
Tone Access
(CTCSS, DCS, DTMF)
|
| |
3.1 |
|
CTCSS / DCS tones |
| |
3.2 |
|
Sending a 1750 Hz tone |
4. |
|
Accessories
|
| |
4.1 |
|
Cables, antennas, Spkr/Micr interchangeability
|
| |
4.2 |
|
UV3R vs. UV3R+ incomparability |
| |
4.3 |
|
Is a radio case a good purchase |
5. |
|
Software, Cables &
Drivers
|
| |
5.1 |
|
Software selection |
| |
5.2 |
|
Error Messages |
| |
5.3 |
|
Programming Cable & Drivers |
| |
5.4 |
|
Genuine Programming Cables |
| |
5.5 |
|
Building Your Own Programming Cable |
6. |
|
Microphone and Audio issues
|
| |
6.1 |
|
No Transmit Audio |
| |
6.2 |
|
Low Transmit Audio |
| |
6.3 |
|
Less Microphone Sensitivity |
7. |
|
Antenna Questions |
| |
7.1 |
|
Which antenna is best |
| |
7.2 |
|
UV3R / UV3R+ incompatibility |
| |
7.3 |
|
SMA Antenna Connectors |
| |
7.4 |
|
Antenna doesn't screw in completely |
8. |
|
Display Questions
|
| |
8.1 |
|
LCD turns dark |
| |
8.2 |
|
Display disappears if I wear sunglasses |
9. |
|
General Questions
|
| |
9.1 |
|
Waterproof / IPX rating |
| |
9.2 |
|
Radio shuts down |
| |
9.3 |
|
Did I get a used radio |
| |
9.4 |
|
Radio doesn't speak English |
| |
9.5 |
|
User Manual |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
| |
|
|
Transmitter and Receiver
|
| |
1.1 |
|
I can't hear my local repeater (CTCSS)
Some Repeaters and Services require a CTCSS of
DCS tone for access but DO NOT transmit one back. If your display indicates there is an incoming signal but you hear no audio, you may have an incorrect or unnecessary RX tone set.
When in doubt, leave the
CTCSS or DCS tones set to OFF.
|
| |
1.2 |
|
I can't hear my signal, but I hear the
repeater squelch tail
The key here is that you can hear the repeater squelch tail.
You are too close to your receiver and over powering (de-sensing) it.
When this happens, you are blocking everything from your monitor.
1) Listen to your signal on simplex to verify you have audio.
2) Call someone on the repeater to verify your signal quality.
If they can hear you, then all is fine.
3) For testing using repeater frequencies, always set your monitor receiver to your transmitter's frequency, not the repeater's output signal.
|
| |
1.3 |
|
Can I receive Aircraft frequencies
No. They are out of the radio's frequency range.
Also, the Aircraft Band is AM while the UV5R is FM only
|
| |
1.4 |
|
Can I receive Weather channels - NOAA / NWS
Yes. However, it cannot be put in a standby mode
and triggered by their 1050Hz alert tone.
|
| |
1.5 |
|
FM Broadcast Radio cuts out
The broadcast radio gives priority to an incoming VHF/UHF signal.
It returns back to FM Broadcast after the signal clears.
To prevent the radio from switching, set VHF/UHF to an unused frequency.
|
| |
1.6 |
|
Audio chops out when listening to a station
If this occurs, STE (Menu 12) should be set to
OFF.
|
| |
1.7 |
|
Loud audio on low setting
This can be resolved by adding one component to
the circuit board.
Follow this link to
Audio Mod.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Programming
|
| |
2.1 |
|
Cannot connect to radio when programming via software
You must have your receiver on a quiet channel before you start.
If the green light on the radio it lit, the programming will fail.
|
| |
2.2 |
|
Storing the 7th digit of a frequency.
xxx xxx5
Change Step to 6.5 or 12.5 kHz, depending on the channel spacing.
Tune to the desired frequency.
A tiny 5 will appear to the right of the frequency display.
Example: 462.7125 would display as: 4 6 2. 7 1 2 5
|
| |
2.3 |
|
Can I store different frequencies in A and B
No. There is only a single bank of 99 channels.
|
| |
2.4 |
|
The purpose of 2 displays
(A and B)
Dual Watch. You can set each to a different preprogrammed channel.
With DW turned on, your radio will sample between the
two frequencies and stop on whichever one has activity..
|
| |
2.5 |
|
Disabling the transmitter for receive only
frequencies (NOAA)
This can be done using the transmit inhibit function of your software.
|
| |
2.6 |
|
Storing FM radio 65-108MHz channels in memory
Up to 16 channels can be stored using software.
With CHIRP software, use the Settings / FM Radio Presets tab.
You cannot make this radio transmit on this band.
|
| |
2.7 |
|
Restore radio to factory default
Press and Hold the F/ALERT key + ON/OFF key.
|
| |
|
|
Tone Access (CTCSS, DCS, DTMF)
|
| |
3.1 |
|
CTCSS / DCS tones
CTCSS / DCS tones are sent along with your voice when transmitting.
They are used to access a specific repeater and block interference.
Visit
CTCSS for details.
|
| |
3.2 |
|
Sending a 1750 Hz tone
Press the F/ALERT key + PTT button and then press the
MONI button to transmit a 1750 Hz tone.
|
| |
|
|
Accessories
|
| |
4.1 |
|
Cables, Antennas, Spkr/Micr
interchangeability
UV-3R+ accessories are interchangeable with
most Baofeng, Kenwood and Wouxun. This includes cables, antennas (SMA-F), spkr/micr.
Note: UV-3R accessories are not
compatible.
|
| |
4.2 |
|
UV3R vs. UV3R+ incompatibility
The accessory and antenna jacks are NOT compatible.
|
| |
4.3 |
|
Is a radio case a good purchase
If you carry your radio and keys in the same pocket, yes.
See Radio Shutdown under General Questions
below.
|
| |
|
|
Software, Cables & Drivers
|
| |
5.1 |
|
Software selection
There are several software options.
- Factory Software - Usually included with
the radio
FactorySW
- CHIRP - Compatible with over 80 different
models
CHIRP
|
| |
5.2 |
|
Error Messages
There are several common error messages
that could appear
when programming via software.
A list of these error messages, their definition
and recovery can be found at
Error Messages.
|
| |
5.3 |
|
Programming Cable / Drivers
This is one of the major frustrations with
generic, low cost programming cables.
Many generic cables use Prolific chip clones/copies.
When plugged into a USB slot, Windows will load the latest driver.
These drivers have been updated to reject cables using cloned chips.
These cables will work fine, but only if the proper
backdated driver is installed.
This is covered in detail in the
USB Cable Drivers page.
|
| |
5.4 |
|
Genuine Programming Cable
Programming cables utilizing an FTDI chip will work with no problems.
These cables are truly "Plug 'n Play". Call your local dealer before ordering to confirm chip set.
|
| |
5.4 |
|
Building Your Own Programming Cable
Another option is to build your own programming
cable.
The Diagrams and Procedures can be found at:
USB to 2 Pin
- Baofeng / Kenwood
USB to RJ-45
- Leixen
RS232 to 2 Pin
- Baofeng / Kenwood
General Technical Information
|
| |
|
|
Microphone and Audio Issues
|
| |
6.1 |
|
No Transmit Audio
First, confirm you have no TX audio by listening to your signal on Simplex. If you experience no audio, the microphone jack might be stuck open with debris. Trim a Q-Tip to fit the microphone jack opening and dampen with denatured alcohol to clean the jack contacts. Allow ample time to dry.
|
| |
6.2 |
|
Low Transmit Audio
Here's are some suggestions:
1) Talk directly into the radio, within one inch.
2) Try an external spkr/mic to confirm problem is the mic.
3) Blow compressed air into the spkr/mic jack.
4) If you have an external spkr/mic, plug it in and out a few times.
The issue might be a dirty connector.
5) Ham Bands Only - Set to Wide Band. 5 kHz (Menu 5=W)
Note: Some have reported the need to open up the microphone hole in the plastic case. This can be done by CAREFULLY using a 3/64" drill bit and twisting it slowly by hand to clear out the opening, but avoid touching the microphone
element. There is approx 1/16" clearance between the inside of the case and the microphone element.
|
| |
6.3 |
|
Less Microphone Sensitivity
Unlike Ham equipment, many of these radios were designed
for commercial use. This was to block out background noise in an industrial environment.
Talking right into the face of the radio cures most audio weakness.
Do not confuse the audio of a handheld with that
of a smart phone that can hear a pin drop in the
next room.
|
| |
|
|
Antenna Questions
|
| |
7.1 |
|
Which antenna is best?
It's all personal preference, but a good rule of thumb is:
The longer the radiator, the better the range, especially on transmit.
Short stubby antennas use a coil to match TX to 50 ohm, not radiate.
The closer to 1/4 wavelength in the air, the better the performance.
Field test results performed between 31 popular antennas can be found
at
Field Tests.
An overview of antenna types available can be
found at
Best Antenna.
|
| |
7.2 |
|
UV3R / UV3R+ incompatibility
The UV-3R requires an antenna with an SMA-Male connector.
The UV-3R+ requires an antenna with an SMA-Female connector.
The UV-3R+ and the UV-5R antennas are interchangeable.
SMA Female
|
| |
7.3 |
|
SMA Antenna Connectors
There are several varieties of SMA connector.
Male, Female, Reverse Polarity, etc. For
diagrams of these varieties, go to
SMA
Antenna
|
| |
7.4 |
|
Antenna doesn't screw in completely
This is not uncommon on some aftermarket antennas. If your antenna
doesn't come with a rubber spacer to fill the
gap, you can purchase a thin 5/8" OD rubber O-Ring. Take your HT with you to the hardware store to assure the proper fit.
Additional information can be found at
Extended Threads
|
| |
|
|
Display Questions
|
| |
8.1 |
|
LCD turns dark
This is to be expected from a small radio.
5 watts creates a lot of heat in a small unvented area.
The newer 8 watt F8HP will heat up even quicker.
Give it time to cool down and the LCD will return to normal.
The same occurs if you leave the unit in the car on a hot day.
Run low power whenever possible. This will also extend battery life.
|
| |
8.2 |
|
Display disappears if I wear sunglasses
LCDs function by polarizing the liquid crystal elements in the display.
Polarized sunglasses will react to the polarized lens.
LCD Wiki
|
| |
|
|
General Questions
|
| |
9.1 |
|
Waterproof / IPX rating
The IPX Code classifies and rates the degree of protection
against water provided by a case or electrical
enclosure.
This list ranges from IPX0 to IPX8.
- IPX0 = No Special Protection to
- IPX7 = Protected against water immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
- IPX8 = Protected against water submersion - The equipment is suitable for continual submersion in water under conditions which are identified by the manufacturer.
A detailed breakdown of these codes can be found
at
CODES.
|
| |
9.2 |
|
Radio shuts down
A case is recommended if you carry your radio and keys in the same pocket. If the charging contacts are shorted, the battery goes into the protection mode. There will be no damage to the radio, but it will power off. To reset the protection mode, the battery must be removed and reinserted.
Note: If you carry a spare battery, place it in a
small plastic bag for protection.
|
| |
9.3 |
|
Did I get a used radio
Many of these radios come with some channels pre-programmed. These are channels used for factory testing.
|
| |
9.4 |
|
Radio doesn't speak English
This needs to be changed via software.
Options are: CHI / ENG
|
| |
9.5 |
|
User Manual
Here is a link to the
User Manual
|
| |
|
|
|
