On this page, we look at the Quansheng UV-K5(8) handheld radio, which as of the second half of 2023 is getting a lot of interest from the ham radio community. We’ve bought one to give it a try.
This page is a work-in-progress while we review it and update with findings.
What does the Quansheng UV-K5 offer?
- Low-price entry-level radio (From £10!)
- Transmits on 2m and 70cm up to 5 watts
- Receives FM broadcast and airband
- Dual watch / scan
- Charges from USB (in an emergency)
- PC programmable
- Modifications possible – this is what’s creating a buzz – see below!
Supplied with: base charger (with EU lead in my case), antenna, belt clip, manual.
Links: Buy a Quansheng UV-K5
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Buying the radio
I was encouraged to buy one of these following a discussion on our group’s weekly net. The Chinese site AliExpress is selling these at around £10, which makes buying one something of a no-brainer. The UV-K5(8) version (orange screen, not blue screen) appears to be the one to go for, as this is a slightly better radio than earlier variants.
I’ve never bought from AliExpress before, but after others on the weekly net reported a smooth purchase, I ordered one, and it was delivered Royal Mail 5 days later – For £10.67 (including shipping)… crazy. I was advised to pay via PayPal. which offers better protection than a straight credit card.
Initial Impressions
The Quansheng UV-K5 is slightly larger than the famous (infamous?) Baofeng UV-5R and is a comfy hold – there are no obvious issues with construction, and on firing up the radio, it’s immediately familiar with a Baofeng-like menu structure. The larger screen is a bonus though, both in terms of size and readability.
Performance-wise, it’s nothing special, and it’s never going to out-perform more expensive rigs from the bigger names, but for a tenner, it’s a bargain, even just as a backup radio or for testing.
Where it gets fun, is that you can re-flash the radio’s firmware, which was the first thing I dived into…
Flash that Firmware
It seems that some enterprising radio enthusiasts have found out that the radio’s firmware can be updated to unlock some potential goodies. Having now done the flashing, I’d caution that the existing firmware out of the box is potentially easier to use and matches the manual. If you want a basic radio without the extras, don’t flash the radio (at least, not yet). for those keen to try, read on!
To flash, you’ll need a programming lead (some of the AliExpress and Ebay radios come with a lead, or they can be bought separately. On advice from one of our net regulars, this radio works with a Baofeng programming lead, which I already had.
Everyone’s suggesting the EGZUMER firmware is the one to go with (thanks to Andrew S for the pointer) – The firmware is available from here: egzumer uv-k5 firmware on github.com
I tried it, and had no luck first time around. For me, the fixes were 1) the lead needs a bit of a push to make the connection, and 2) the Chrome browser is the one to go with.
To flash from a Chrome browser: 1) connect the USB lead to the radio, 2) hold down the PTT and switch on the radio (the torch comes on and the screen is blank), 3) From the browser, select the USB icon and select the correct USB port, and 4) press “Flash Firmware”.
What you then get is a new user interface, with access to quite a lot more features – notably:
- Access to a much wider range of frequencies – 18 MHz to 660 MHz, and 840 to 1.3 GHz
- Selectable FM, AM and SSB
- Better meters (mic bar) and signal reporting (S points)
- Improved AM reception for airband – a weakness in the off-the-shelf UV-K5
- Battery percentage
- Better squelch (wider range)
- Longer backlight time
- Spectrum analyser
For me, the Spectrum Analyser was the fun discovery. Tune to the start frequency, then press F (Function) and then 5. You can see almost the whole of the 2m band:
You can change just about every aspect of the view – range, bandwidth, step, dB value, squelch and modulation type. You can also exclude frequencies. I’m not convinced it was very accurate, and it was picking up some household noise, but out in the field it may be handy, and it’s a nifty feature for a £10 handheld.
The detailed notes for the firmware also show that there’s a hidden menu to allow transmit on some non-amateur bands. There are some strong disclaimers warning against doing this, for obvious reasons.
It looks like the developer has been doing some interesting tinkering, with 20 releases of firmware appearing between Sept and Nov 2023. Hopefully the improvements will keep on coming – although the developer does highlight that this a low-end radio with a lot of limitations.
Other observations
Typing these in as I find them:
- Charges from USB C – The radio charges from a mains-powered base unit (delivering 8.4V at 500mA), but it can also be charged via USB C – however the manual says “USB type C charging is only used for emergency charging. Use a charging base for normal charging”
- Programming – The radio can be programmed using Chirp and a Baofeng programming lead. When I tried, it didn’t work, and the radio screen had an odd flicker. I need to try this again with the new firmware and some sleep.
More updates to follow – if you have any thoughts on this radio, let me know in the comments below:
If your a first time ali express buyer it is cheaper.
Mine was £15 including delivery still peanuts.
Richard G7OED
Hi Pete,
This little radio could be the must have addition to everyone’s armoury for the low price and additional capabilities.
I heard your initial audio test yesterday on the YL 2m net and it did indeed just sound like you were doubling and it may be an initial disappointment to know that but “any type of modulation can be generated in SDR radio, the I & Q components”, remember?
As we’re an experimenting community, we still think it’s worth getting two and trying the different software others amateurs are developing, as well as using it to test the main stations emissions. We’ll definitely buy two for sure. It looks like we might have the new best thing since the little Baofeng appeared.
Good luck with your experimenting, have a good December and thank you very much for getting myself and my partner into the hobby through the Essex Ham training, we’re both now nearing taking Full next month.
73, Paul, 2E0OKM
Hi, Are you the P McB that used to work at Trimoco Trucks many years ago? If so, I’m an old friend, if not, sorry to disturb you.
Regards, SC.
Thanks for the write up Pete. Interesting little device and you can’t really go wrong at that price.
Coming from a computer and phone modding background, this little radio is a whole bunch of fun in RX. There are plenty of firmwares available and appears to bounce back from badly flashed updates by reflashing the official firmware.
As Pete stated, the connection cable has to be pushed firmly into place, even when it appears connected.
Thanks Pete
Peter, I have been able to use Chirp to program the radio, I also noticed that the battery charges when the programming lead is plugged into the computer.
Out of interest I checked the radio battery voltage on the screen against my volt meter and there was a difference. Using option 67 on the radio it is easy to set the indicated voltage to the correct value. This also changes the battery status indicator.
Thanks, Pete, for the post about this – I’d been seeing UV-K5s on my AliExpress pages for around £18-20, including £6 for shipping.
I had to really dig around, but finally found my best offer was around £10 + £2 for ‘tax’ for a total of £12.11 – apparently will be delivered on 13th December. I look forward to trying out the various firmware upgrades!
Received my one yesterday, 4 days after ordering!, what a bargain its a great little radio out of the box and very usable.
I only heard about this due to Essex Ham so thank you very much, I am delighted.
What with that and my bargain Hermes Lite 2 tranceiver also from China it proves that you dont have to be a rich man to set up a shack.
Happy Christmas everyone and a healthy 2024 – 73 Terry G4POP
Mine came last week. I got it for $20CAD with a Nagoya771 and speaker mic. Couldn’t pass that up. Never even tried with with the stock firmware. Turned it on to make sure it powered up, then loaded egzumer’s firmware. Then fired up CHIRP to load in some frequencies. I got it to tinker with and it’s been the perfect radio for that.
Excellent video. Managed to flash successfully. Would like to have seen more detailed instructions on how to use the software.
Tried flashing back to the original firmware, to test, to no avail.
Keep the info flowing
Can import or open the Essex Ham local repeater .dat file in either the Quanseng or Chirt software, any ideas anyone?
one I had was deaf on 2m and distorted airband…junked it
I’ve obtained the suggested firmware upgrade file, connected radio to pc as detailed but cannot find a USB tab on Chrome. I’m aware that I’m particularly stupid so I’d really appreciate any suggestions pointing it what I’ve been doing wrong. Thanks.
It’s the little USB icon in the blue “flash firmware” box (see above screenshot)
I bought from AliExpress £9 !!!
Already had the lead from a Baofeng I had.
Flashed using Egzumer, took seconds (but cannot use Firefox browser).
So far it’s a £9 radio with may features, it was worth the £9 for the fun I’ve had so far!
My only regret is not buying one with the charging base.
Now have loads of frequencies to listen to. Love the spectrum analyser.
Going to buy some different antennas for the different bands.
Cheers
M7WWI
Hey there, I just bought one for a similar price so I expect I have made the mistake of buying one without a charger.
Did you order one or just use the USB C?
Hi I recently purchased the Quansheng UV-K5(8) and I would like to ask the following questions.
1. What is the latest revision of Firmware to use on the K5(8)?
2. How do I download the original Firmware from the K5(8) before I do the upgrade?
3. Do I need the latest Firmware for the K5(8) so I can access the hidden menu?
4. What Buttons do I need to press, so I can get into the hidden menu?
Thank you in advance
G6ZDP
Hi Kev,
1. New versions of the software are being released quite frequently – you can get the latest here: https://github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom/releases
2. I’m not sure you can, but I believe there are copies online should you need to go back to the standard version
3. Yes
4. Hold PTT and Side Button 1, turn radio on, release buttons
Pete M0PSX
quansheng uvk5. firmware is f4hwh
quansheng uvk5. firmware is f4hwn
uvk5, try f4hwn firmware
Latest Egzumer .21 is now up
Hi All If someone is interested in trying out DSB mode on this radio I recommend this firmware.
https://www.universirius.com/preppers/quansheng-uv-k5-manuale-del-firmware-ijv/
I brought one and i love it, it runs on modified Egzumer .21 firmware, scans the 18Mhz-1.3Gig range (TX fully enabled) with working sideband on 2M and 70cm but only RX for the rest of the frequencys…. AM airband is useful for airshows….
saw an ad on a famous radio shop and went to ALIEXPRESS, ordered on the 5Jan and Rx`ed yesterday (10Jan) only cost me £12.55 with base charger and EU plug. (just need a two pin shaver plug now)
copied my BAOFANG chirp file over and now just scanning around compairing the two on RX signals of the repeaters.
after i have got familiar with it, i will flash EGZUMER and have a play.
great radio and looking forward to new features.
73s
Has anyone looked at how clean the transmitted signal is? (Cheap Baofengs are reported to transmit illegally high harmonic levels.)
This is a neat toy, but we are hams, we should care about this stuff…
Kent Borg
AC1HJ
I tried one of the firmware mods to enable tx for 6m and 4m. According to my meter I was getting about 4W on 4m and 2.5W on 6m, however scanning around with another radio revealed a ton of sproggies! Not surprising as the filtering on the radio would be set for the intended bands. Reset back to factory spec. Although according to the display it should be able to rx on those freqs as well, in practice I found it to be pretty deaf.
I would also add that long periods of charging through the USB socket is not recommended as I believe there is a small DC-DC converter inside which bumps the 5v USB voltage up to the battery’s 8.4v and it is not designed for heavy use.
I’ve just bought one from AliExpress but the charging base has a two pin plug. If this usual or have I been sent the wrong version?
That’s an EU plug. I had the same. Just use a shaver adaptor.
£8.90 + £1.78 tax, free shipping.
Total £10.69
Can’t really go wrong.
Hi Gareth, could you post a link please? TIA
This looks fantastic! One thing that I am wondering about is how well shortwave works. Many thanks for this wonderful post!
QRP 5W DSB on 2m and 70 cms. On a handheld. …..for well under £20 delivered.
Wow. It works great on DSB.
Scan is fast and you have airband AM receive, which works great.
The front end is wide open but all these handhelds are at this price point.
Now to try it out up a hill with a yagi.
This is a great little set, and it’s WHY I got my licence. I wanted an airband scanner, and spotted that it was cheaper. I had been into CB about 35 years ago and knew that Tx wasn’t a (legal) option without a licence. I bought the Foundation book, read it, and was surprised to learn that 50% of it is GCSE science and about 25% is commonsense. Two weeks later, sat the Foundation test. I’m still having fun with the set.
Hi does this have transmit for marine band?
Do you need a licence to just listen on marine band?
I have the quansheng uv- 5rplus I got this one for 2 reasons Firstly my old kenwood 2m hand held stopped receiving and it also needed a new battery pack so for £20 including the programming cable a great buy
It also has a great feature A frequency counter but more importantly it measures the CTCSS frequency which is very useful when setting up the 446mhz radios used by our cycling group
I did ahve one problem and that was programming out the duel watch which was a pain when in a qso with another station. I do recommend on any of these Chinese radio’s setting up the memory channels Makes life much simpler especially when mobile etc
Great radio for the price
Hi
Thanks for this informative article.
I am a novice/newbie
Please could someone explain the differences — if any — between these three model numbers of the Quansheng hand-held radios:
UV-K5
UV-K5(8)
UV-K5(99)
I’d like to be able to make an informed purchasing decision. I have only a very low budget.
Regards
Peter
M7HGC
had mine some time but it only gives ou tjust 1.5 watts on 2m on so called high power but its nice to play about with. i use it so my xyl can call me when its time for a cuppa when i am down the allotment about a quarter of a mile away. you would think she would bring it down to me lol