UV-5R Upgrade Kit

Our Baofeng UV-5R upgrade kit has everything you need set up for an off-grid comms solution.

Each radio is QC'd and programmed for you by our team, and is then upgraded with an extended battery and vastly improved antenna to maximize the range of your radio.

Programming includes all local repeaters in your area so you can reach out even further, as well as GMRS and NOAA Weather stations for monitoring only. By request we can also add local emergency services for monitoring.

Only need the radio programmed? The Custom Programmed UV-5R is the same setup with the stock battery and antenna.

What's Included

• UV-5R Transceiver
• Nagoya Antenna
• Extended Battery
• Vigilante Engineering Knob Guard
• Charging Cable
• Channel Cheat Sheet - A guide on all programmed channels for your radio
• User Manual

Please allow up to 1 week for programming and assembly.

Specs

• Frequency Range: 144–148 MHz (VHF) / 420–450 MHz (UHF) ham bands, GMRS (462–467 MHz), NOAA weather (162 MHz)
• Power Output: 4W / 1W (selectable high/low)
• Channels: 128
• Battery: 3800mAh Li-ion extended battery (BL-5 series) — more than double stock capacity
• Antenna: Upgraded Nagoya antenna for improved range over stock
• Weight: 9.2 oz with extended battery installed

FAQ

• Do I need a license to use this radio?
  To transmit, yes. You need an FCC amateur (ham) license, and the Technician license covers the ham channels this radio is programmed for. Listening is license-free. FCC rules recognize emergency communication when life or property is at immediate risk and no other means is available. We highly recommend users get a license though and conform to all local, state, and federal regulations that apply. An emergency exception isn't a comms plan. Compliance with local and federal rules is on the operator.
• Can I use it on GMRS?
  We program GMRS channels for monitoring, so you can hear GMRS traffic in your area. The UV-5R isn't type-accepted for GMRS, so day-to-day GMRS transmitting needs a GMRS-certified radio. In a genuine emergency, the UV-5R is capable of transmitting on GMRS frequencies however customers should see the license answer above. Licensing and compliance are on the operator.
• What's different from the Custom Programmed UV-5R?
  Same custom programming, fuller loadout — this adds the extended battery, upgraded Nagoya antenna, and Vigilante Engineering knob guard on top.
• What gets programmed onto my radio?
  We program it for your area and work with you on what goes on it. We'll follow up by email with a recommended programming guide before anything's finalized.
• How long until it ships?
  Up to 1 week for programming and assembly.