Today’s review is for the Quansheng UV-K5 Multi-Band Radio.
But one of the things that makes Quansheng so different from other handheld radio transceivers is the device’s ability to accept various types of firmware.
But before I go into all that, let’s talk about the device straight out of the box.
The Quansheng UV-K5 Multi-Band Radio comes with a charging docking station, headset, battery, antenna, hand strap and a clip for the rear and a USB-C cable.
What this means is that the HT can be charged via docking station charger or on the side via USB Type-C. The battery itself is 1600 mAh and lasts for up to 12 hours with a charging time of 3-4 hours.
The antenna itself is dual band, allows you to receive AM/FM radio stations and is equipped with NOAA weather warning functions.
As for frequencies, the devices itself supports UHF, VHF, DTMF FM Dual Frequency and the transmit power is 5W.
The device also has air band, quick copy channel, power-on code, encrypted calls, end sound and more.
And yes, it also comes with a flash light and alarm.
But what you will want to purchase additionally, if you do not have one, is a Data Cable which works with all HT’s. There are many types on Amazon that can be purchased, I tend to use one with a CH340 chip or PL2303 chip.
What is the Data Cable for? Well, there is a free software called CHIRP which allows you to enter all your frequencies (and its tones) without having to program everything by hand which will take way too long. So, for example, for the state I live in, I have programmed all the frequencies that are published online listed on RadioReference[dot]com of the counties near me. In addition, you can unlock many hidden features of your radio that you wouldn’t know is possible.
But the data cable for a Quansheng is also important because the Quansheng distinguishes itself from other hardware devices for the mere fact that you can flash the firmware.
What does this mean? This means that your device can take on a different look but offering more (more frequencies, a spectrum analyzer and more). So, for example, there are firmware available for all Quansheng HT’s. There is F4hwn (updated often), Nunu (updated sporadically) and Egzumer (great, but hasn’t been updated in over a year), to name a few. But firmware that can be flashed by a press of a button, if your HT is connected via data cable and if you don’t like one firmware, reflash again to change it to something you do like.
But do know if you use firmware, because of the firmware size, certain things are removed in place of other functions. So, please do your own due diligence before using any firmware. There are many forums online that you can join and do your research.
The other thing outside of a data cable that I do recommend is getting a triple band antenna. As mentioned, while the antenna it comes with is dual band, because this radio has so many possibilities (as shown on hte image from 50 MhZ to 469.975 Mhz, that’s quite a bit of a range), you can change it to a different antenna.
Also, the other reason why I recommend getting another antenna is that it’s not the greatest. Using my NanoVNA Vector Network Analyzer, the antenna was giving off 2.2 on 138 Mhz, 2.4 at 268 MhZ and 2.4 Mhz at 457 Mhz.
It’s ideal to have SWR at 1.5 or under. An SWR of 2.0-2./4 won’t damage your radio but anything over 2.5 is not good. Never transmit if the SWR levels are over 3.0.
Last but not least, it’s important to note that this is a ham radio. A ham radio requires a license which you need to pass a test in order to transmit on it. There is also a GMRS license which costs $35 and covers you and your household for ten years without taking a test. Of course, please do your own due diligence of what frequencies you can access if you decide to go for either and the legality of these devices in your country.
But overall, the Quansheng UV-K5 Multi Band Radio and other Quansheng HT’s have become very popular because of the ability to use firmware and also offering many options once one connects to Chirp. But in my opinion, Quansheng is one of the best brands for HT’s in the market that are sold under the $35 pricepoint and is recommended!
