Most Baofeng handhelds cover two bands. Tri-band models add a third. The store listing for this radio gives its coverage as 136–174 MHz, 220–260 MHz and 400–520 MHz, and describes it as an amateur (ham) radio. Here is what that extra range does and does not mean.
The three ranges
- 136–174 MHz (VHF): includes the 2 meter ham band, 144–148 MHz in the United States.
- 220–260 MHz: the part that is usable for amateur radio in the US is the 1.25 meter band, 222–225 MHz.
- 400–520 MHz (UHF): includes the 70 centimeter ham band, 420–450 MHz.
The radio can receive or be programmed for more spectrum than a licensed ham may transmit on. The listed ranges are what the hardware can tune. Where you may transmit depends on your license and the FCC rules, not on the spec sheet.
Who the third band helps
The 1.25 meter band is less crowded than 2 meters or 70 centimeters in many areas, and some local repeater groups run machines there. Whether it is useful to you depends entirely on whether anyone near you operates on it. Look up your local repeater directory before paying for a feature you may not use.
Licensing
To transmit on the amateur bands you need an FCC amateur license. Technician is the entry-level class, earned by passing an exam from volunteer examiners, and a new license carries a $35 FCC application fee. A Technician license covers the 2 meter, 1.25 meter and 70 centimeter bands.
This radio is not an FRS, GMRS or MURS radio. Those services need equipment that is FCC-certified for them, and ham-capable radios cannot be certified for GMRS. A GMRS license does not make it legal to transmit on GMRS channels with this radio.
Things to check before you buy
- Compare the frequency listing on the store page against the ranges above.
- Check the included accessories: antennas, battery and charger.
- Find out whether repeaters near you use the 1.25 meter band.
- Manufacturer power figures, often “5 watts,” describe the maximum on the high setting. Real-world range depends far more on terrain and antenna than on a watt or two.
The tri-band Baofeng handheld is available in our store. If you are new to ham radio, our FRS vs GMRS comparison will help you decide whether you need a ham radio at all.
Top image: “Baofeng X3-Plus” by Radiophotographer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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