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Baofeng UV-B6 Handheld Radio Review

Posted on 22 August 20138 February 2018 By Pete M0PSX 21 Comments on Baofeng UV-B6 Handheld Radio Review

Baofeng UV-B6

Here, we take a look at the latest in the series of low-price 2m/70cm amateur radio handhelds from China, the Baofeng UV-B6. This is what the Baofeng UV-B6 has to offer:

  • 2 metre / 70 cm transceiver
  • Covers 136-174MHz and 400-470MHz
  • Power: 5 watts
  • Works with UK repeaters (CTCSS tones)
  • Dual-watch and scanner
  • Programmable using optional PC cable
  • FM radio and torch

At the time of writing, this is the latest in the series of Baofeng handheld amateur radio transceivers, which started with the popular Baofeng UV-3R

Availability

For many of us in the UK, the way to get hold of Baofeng radios has traditionally been via the various eBay stores in the far East. You can get the UV-B6 via eBay at a decent price, but we picked up ours from a UK seller on Amazon – No need to wait weeks for airmail from Hong Kong… ours arrived in two days.

Buying a Baofeng UV-B6:

  • Baofeng UV-B6 via Amazon.co.uk – Approx £30

Alternatively, get an import from Hong Hong from a store such as eBay US Mega409shop

 

Baofeng UV-B6 Review

We’ve chosen to put together a video review of this particular Baofeng – please take a look:

So far, the Baofeng has proven itself to be a decent budget radio. It feels well constructed, and is a comfy hand-hold. The supplied dual band antenna is adequate for the job, but results can be improved by swapping this out, or connecting to car / loft / rooftop antenna. Note that the SMA antenna connector gender is different to that of the previous Baofeng models, meaning that connecting to other aerials isn’t as straightforward.

Baofeng UV-B6 SMA Antenna Connector
Baofeng UV-B6 SMA Antenna Connector

For those on a budget, or looking for a spare handheld, this is well worth consideration, especially given the £30 price tag.

Programming Repeaters

This can be done manually from the radio’s front panel, and the manual is adequate at explaining the process. You may find it faster and easier to program repeaters with the optional USB programming lead (UV-B6 USB Lead from Amazon):

Baofeng UV-B6 PC USB programming lead
Baofeng UV-B6 PC USB programming lead

As requested from some of our site visitors, we’ve now put together a short review of how to program repeater settings into the Baofeng UV-B6 – See Programming a Baofeng UV-B6 with settings for GB3DA

Baofeng UV-B6 showing GB3DA Repeater
Baofeng UV-B6 showing GB3DA Repeater
Baofeng UV-B6 PC programming software
Baofeng UV-B6 PC programming software

In summary, we’re impressed with this little radio. It’s solidly made, seems to behave well, and does a better job than our previous Baofeng models.

Baofeng UV-B6 Specifications

According to the manual, here are the specs:

  • Dimensions (no aerial): 120 x 60 x 38 mm approx
  • RF Output Power: 5 Watts
  • Battery: 7.4V / 1800mAh
  • Spurious emissions: less than 7.5uW
  • Sensitivity: -122dBm (at 12dB SINAD)
  • Spurious response: 65bB
  • Receiver current: Less than 380mA

 

Supplied with the Baofeng UV-B6

As you’ll see from our video review, the box contains the radio, the 1800mAh battery, a belt clip, docking station, mains charger (with UK adapter), aerial, hand strap and a manual. No headset/earpiece was supplied, despite being shown on the Amazon listing.

Got a question on this radio? Add a comment below, or better still, ask in our Essex Ham Hardware Forum…

Related Posts

  • Connecting a Baofeng UV-B6 to a larger antenna
  • Programming GB3DA Repeater into the Baofeng UV-B6
  • Listening in to Amateur Radio
  • Using a Baofeng Radio Without A Licence

 

Hardware, How To Tags:Baofeng, Baofeng UV-B6

Post navigation

Previous Post: Monday Night Net 19 Aug 13
Next Post: Monday Night Net 26 Aug 13

Comments (21) on “Baofeng UV-B6 Handheld Radio Review”

  1. Phil Unsworth says:
    24 August 2013 at 09:17

    Following your review of the UV-B6 I bought one as a first radio (Using the logic…If I break it it’s not a great loss). So, first of all thank you for the video which is honest and accurate and, I like the radio! I also purchased the PC software and lead. If you are able to assist further with guidance on how to programme the repeaters into the radio and, how to use the PC method I would be really interested in seeing your presentation. I have to confess that I am not very good with technology and any help is gratefully received.

    73
    Phil

    Reply
    1. Pete M0PSX says:
      2 September 2013 at 22:52

      Hi Phil. No problem. This will follow as soon as I get a spare hour or so top put something together. Watch this space. Pete

      Reply
      1. Pete M0PSX says:
        3 September 2013 at 14:45

        Hi Phil. Guide is available here: https://www.essexham.co.uk/programming-gb3da-repeater-into-the-baofeng-uv-b6.html – I hope it’s of use.

        Reply
  2. Phil Unsworth says:
    24 August 2013 at 09:19

    Ooop’s sorry forgot to include my new callsign which is M6DEQ (just 2 weeks ago).

    73
    Phil

    Reply
  3. Mike says:
    26 August 2013 at 08:37

    I would appreciate a programming guide/walk through for the UV-6B.
    Thankyou.
    Mike M0MMB.

    Reply
    1. Pete M0PSX says:
      2 September 2013 at 22:51

      Hi Mike. Happy to put one of these together. I now have the programming lead and software so as soon as I get a chance, I’ll get this sorted. Many thanks, Pete

      Reply
      1. Pete M0PSX says:
        3 September 2013 at 14:45

        Hi Mike. As requested, I’ve created a guide, and it’s here: https://www.essexham.co.uk/programming-gb3da-repeater-into-the-baofeng-uv-b6.html … please let me know if there’s anything I’ve missed or got wrong!

        Reply
        1. Calos H. Teutschbeim - PU4 CHT says:
          14 June 2024 at 22:17

          hi, I’ m needing a schematic diagram of Bao UV B6 radio, someone can help me

          Reply
  4. mark callow says:
    26 August 2013 at 22:05

    hi Pete I’ve got the uv5r+ and found them to be deaf on 2mtrs how is the uv-b6 they are great little radio’s but at the end of the day they are disposable

    73’s
    Mark M6RKC

    Reply
    1. Pete M0PSX says:
      2 September 2013 at 22:29

      Hi Mark,

      Good to chat on the net tonight. For £30, you certainly don’t get quality with these radios, but the three Baofengs I’ve had have all been perfectly serviceable, and I’ve generally been happy. Very good as second rigs, or for those new to the hobby, but if budget can stretch to a Yaesu / iCom type handheld, then the more well-known makes shine through.

      Reply
  5. Ross says:
    28 September 2013 at 09:20

    I was wondering if it is possible to unlock the uv-5r to enable me to listen to 156.000MHz and if so, can this be done with the cable and software?
    If you drop me an email, I’ll explain why. Thanks

    Reply
    1. Pete M0PSX says:
      28 September 2013 at 17:14

      By default, the UV-5R can receive (and transmit) between 136MHz to 175MHz – No unlocking required.

      Reply
  6. Leandro Angelo says:
    15 January 2014 at 04:49

    I noticed a difference in reception in VFO mode and memory mode.
    In vfo there is a greater sensitivity in receiving and audio volume gain.

    It also happens in your radio?

    It would be a defect, a reset would solve?

    Standing by.

    Reply
  7. Lorne says:
    27 October 2014 at 21:11

    The screws for the belt clip on my uvb6 are too short. What size are they…your site said m2 but m2 is too small. Thanks…Lorne

    Reply
  8. DMY says:
    5 November 2014 at 23:38

    I am also wish to know the correct size screws for the belt clip on the UV-B6.

    Have you had any answer, Lorne?

    Thanks

    Reply
  9. Lorne says:
    23 November 2014 at 06:55

    Hi still no reply on the belt clip screw issue. I even tried the company site with no success. I have heard newer units have longer screws. I ordered 2m screws..too small. I ordered 3m screws too big. So I am left to assume 2.5m screws. Seems a shame the company did not check this out before shipping. Would really like to know what size the screws are….Lorne

    Reply
  10. DMY says:
    25 November 2014 at 20:52

    UPDATE: — I think the screws are M2.5 and 6.5mm long…at least i hope they are as I have ordered 100 of them! A Dutch ham contacted me and said these were the measurements so let us hope he is right and correct.

    I will confirm as soon as I can.

    73’s

    Dorian VE3YNG

    Reply
  11. Lorne says:
    26 November 2014 at 02:09

    Thanks Dorian….I kind of assumed they were m 2.5 as m2 is too small and m3 too big. However having trouble finding m2.5 of sufficient length…usually shop ebay for that stuff…73…Lorne

    Reply
  12. G0OSI says:
    1 January 2017 at 15:05

    In the handbook of this handheld there is no advice on how to delete a stored channel / frequency, I found out by shear accident, it seems once you have the set in channel mode, use the up/down buttons to select the stored frequency / channel then press and hold the FM button.
    The other down side is, if you sit the set on its charger whilst still switched on, the FM button gets activated and you loose that frequency you stored, Also I might add, do not try and plug the speaker mike in when the set is on, this seems to hold the set in the TX mode.

    73’s

    Ken G0OSI

    Reply
  13. Felim M3HIM says:
    13 October 2017 at 20:10

    Some useful but scary observations/advice on the ‘quirky’ UV-B6, Ken. I love the Baofeng radios and cherish my UV-5RA+ but would like to add to my collection with a UV-B6 or two and a few BF-888S handhelds once circumstances and finances permit. However, it’s worth noting the caveats given about these radios in the various reviews on this site.

    Txn es 73 de M3HIM

    Reply
  14. G4WWK says:
    3 August 2020 at 00:52

    I have a UV-B6 and a UV-B5 the B5 has a channel change knob,
    instead of a LED, which makes channel changing so much easier

    Reply

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