How to Use Baofeng Radios: A Quickstart Guide to the Keypad And Your Programming File

So you just received your programming file, uploaded it, and turned on the radio. Now what? This post covers the basic operation of your Baofeng handheld radio as well as some basic frequencies included in your file that you’ll see in channel mode.

Baofeng Radio Buttons

VFO/MR​: Switches between channel mode and frequency mode. Channel mode displays all the stored frequencies with their call sign names (Such as K5QHD in the picture above). Repeaters are all registered with a call sign that is used to identify them. Frequency mode allows you to enter frequencies manually using the keypad.

A/B​: Switches between the top row and bottom row. Use the arrows on the keypad to click through the channels.

Band​: Switches between the 2M VHF band (144-148mhz) and the 70CM UHF band (420-450mhz).

*Scan​: Hold this down to scan through all the channels one by one. You should use this frequently when first learning the repeaters in your area. It's common for the airwaves to be quiet most of the time. Hams usually have nets in the evenings Mon-Wed around 7-8pm. Start to learn your area by scanning throughout the week. Scan often and at different times throughout the day.

Call (Orange side button) This button can engage an alarm (A very annoying feature these radios do not need) that will be transmitted on your current frequency. DO NOT push this button while scanning through your channels.

PTT (Middle side button) This is used to “key up” or transmit. Only use this button to operate your radio with a ham license. Do not key up your radio without antenna attached. Hamstudy.org has some of the best resources for this and makes the process very easy with their study app.

MONI (Lower side button) This button kills your squelch (A filter that only opens when a clear signal is heard) and can be used to gauge speaker volume. Your speaker will emit static noise that is normally squelched.

Programmed frequencies and channels:

NOAA Weather Radio

Listed as WX1, WX2, WX3, etc. NOAA Weather Radio (from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the country. The broadcasts include warnings, watches, forecasts, current weather observations, and other hazard information, 24 hours a day. NOAA has eight different channels that are used across the country. You are likely to only hear one (maybe two) for your area. Do not transmit on these frequencies.

Ham repeaters

These are listed on a radio using their call signs (Such as K5AB, WB5UGT, and W2MN). These will be the bulk of your programmed file. Ham repeaters are larger stations that a group of Ham radio operators have joined together to build as part of their club. They’re often large towers with a large antenna and are licensed by the FCC (hence the callsign name you will see for each one). Repeaters are higher power than most handheld radios, and can be used to “repeat” or amplify your transmissions across a broader area. This is referred to as “duplex” operations. Ham radio operators often hold “nets” in the evenings that you can listen to. Don’t be surprised if your radio is quiet most of the time. Each city has varying levels of Ham activity.

Repeaters are an important information source in times of emergency, since some Hams are trained weather spotters and also members of civil service groups like ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) that can relay real-time information over the air. It’s been my experience here in Texas (and the experience of my close friends) that amateur radio can be the fastest way to get information in an emergency such as a tornado when conditions are changing rapidly.

Listening to Ham radio is legal (and can be beneficial in obtaining local traffic and weather information from people around the city,) but transmitting requires at least a Technician Class license. Obtaining a license costs around $15 and requires taking a multiple choice test. The answers can all be found online, and there are plenty of apps to help you study. For more information on licensing and Ham radio basics, read the FAQ here.

2M/70CM Calling Channels

These are used by Ham radio operators to communicate radio-to-radio. This is referred to as simplex operations. These common calling channels allow Hams across the country to make contact with people who are nearby them. It can be handy to test the capabilities of radio without the help of a repeater, or, when travelling to a new city outside your normal list of programmed repeaters. These channels are a starting point for Hams to connect and then take the discussion to another frequency.

If you need a programming file for your Baofeng handheld radio, please visit the store to order.

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