Ham Radio Notes
I received a pair of Baofeng UV-5R8W radios for Christmas. Below is a running list of things I am learning and resources I discover.
Tuning in to FM stations
Put the radio in channel mode by pressing the orange VFO/MR button on the front of the unit. This is a toggle button that moves it between a variable frequency and channel mode; my unit gives audible readouts of the mode, saying “Frequency Mode” or “Channel Mode.” Once it says “Channel Mode,” press the orange CALL button on the side of the unit. You’ll notice that the LED screen now says FM. Use the number buttons on the front of the unit. You’ll need to punch in 5 numbers, so if you are tuning to, say, 92.9, you’ll need to punch in to 92.900. You should hear the station you’re tuning to then.
Tuning in to NOAA weather stations
You can use your radio to tune into the National Oceanographic and Aeronautic Administration’s weather channels. You’ll need to find the frequency that broadcasts your local weather. You can find a list here: NWR Station Listing.
The frequency for Boston is 162.475.
If you are in FM mode, push the orange CALL button on the side of the unit to change back to the VFO/MR mode.
Press the orange VFO/MR mode button on the front of the unit until the audible alerts tell you you are in frequency mode.
Using the number buttons on the front of the unit, enter the frequency of the weather channel you want to tune into.
Useful Resources
Associations
National Amateur Radio Association
Lists & Directories
Repeaters in Massachusetts, as listed on RepeaterBook
List of US weather radio frequencies
Where is the International Space Station Right Now? Useful if you want to try to catch any transmissions from the ISS.
Blogs, articles & references
Ham-written manual for Baofeng UV-5R Older, but as I go through it, still accurate and more useful than the manufacturer-supplied manual.
Tutorials
My YouTube playlist of ham radio tutorial videos I have found useful
How to set up CHIRP to program your Baofeng (and many other) radios from your laptop. I was able to get mine up and running first try just watching this tutorial. Highly recommended.