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Post by Ausprep on Sept 11, 2014 19:59:26 GMT 10
Product Review: Baofeng GT-3 MKII Hi Members, as most of you know, I have a few of the FDC UHF handheld radios, in which I have been quite happy with. As these are now getting to be a few years old, I thought I would grab a new “fresh unit” to upgrade the radio in my EDC. Seeing all the new units available, and hearing of a few members trying Baofeng radios, I went ahead and purchased a Baofeng GT-3 MKII hand held UHF radio. This will officially relace the FDC unit currently held in my EDC. Released onto the market in Dec 2013, It is a 128Ch dual band radio covering frequencies from 65 to 108MHZ (rx only in this range) 136 to 174MHz (VHF) and 400-480MHz (UHF) Out of the box, the unit looks the part, with a larger than normal high gain dual band antenna, measuring in at 26cm, good size buttons and very firm feeling dials, I was fairly impressed straight away. The unit also has a small LED light on the top of it. The LCD display is larger and better backlit than all of my other radios making it much easier to read. The battery was also a bit larger than my others, specs showing it to be a 7.4V 1800mAH I-ion battery with approx. 3 days standby time. (will actually test this over the next few weeks) Included with the unit was a desktop charger, car charger and ear pce. I opted for a seller “extras” pack for a few extra $$ which also gave me a genuine Baofeng speaker mic, a USB programing cable and disc and also an extra battery. A few other specs that impressed me were: · Can be used up to -10deg (cold proof as they call it) · Dust proof. · Water resistant. · Max effective range is listed at 8km, line of site is stated at 5km. And 3km within city limits. · 5W (4w/1W) unit radio. The unit itself I am very happy with so far. I have travelled to and from work each day for about 2 weeks with it attached to my vehicle’s external antenna and (big call but) I find, so far it has been as good as my Uniden in car unit. The unit can hit our local repeater in certain areas whilst travelling and I can easily pick up our LAC (same as my 300ch scanner) Over all, value for money is quite good, costing $89 plus shipping at the time of purchase. Seller was an AU based seller so shipping was 2 – 3 days ex Melb rather than the 2ish weeks ex China/HK etc The cons:1) The 240V charger is a US style 2 pin plug with an added AU adapter. This is pretty shonky and is a poor fit in the AU power points. Will be doing my charging via 12V 2) The drop in charger is a bit "how ya going" compared to the FDC units i have. As above, 12V will be my main charge type. 3) The programing cable and disc were (as all chinese radios) a waste of time. I pre programed pretty much all i needed in a few mins via the key pad. Will use it eventually though to fine tune and fully program it.
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Post by anotheraussieambo on Sept 11, 2014 20:10:27 GMT 10
Hey AusPrep I have been considering getting some Baofeng UV-5R so I can get the battery expansion packs etc, do you know much about these and how they compare to the model you have?
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Post by Nighthawk on Sept 11, 2014 20:16:57 GMT 10
I'm || this close to dropping some money on some communications equipment and had pretty much decided on the Baofengs, so this is very timely. Thanks for the review.
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Post by anotheraussieambo on Sept 11, 2014 20:22:02 GMT 10
Info you may be interested in: Hope these are helpful!
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Post by Ausprep on Sept 11, 2014 20:25:52 GMT 10
Hey AusPrep I have been considering getting some Baofeng UV-5R so I can get the battery expansion packs etc, do you know much about these and how they compare to the model you have? Not really , they were on the watch list BUT i ended up going with this unit. I'm || this close to dropping some money on some communications equipment and had pretty much decided on the Baofengs, so this is very timely. Thanks for the review. I have seen some awesome pack deals on eBay. Baofengs in 5 and 10 pack buys. FDC sellers also do these type of deals. If anyone wants to do a group buy, same radio as i have here in a 10unit purchase for $539. I could use 2 more.
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Post by Nighthawk on Sept 11, 2014 20:30:53 GMT 10
I'd be in for a couple
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Res-Q
Senior Member
Posts: 375
Likes: 799
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Post by Res-Q on Sept 11, 2014 22:28:18 GMT 10
I'm in for one
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Post by Nighthawk on Sept 11, 2014 23:21:06 GMT 10
Where did you buy yours from please Aus?
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AKM.
Senior Member
Posts: 146
Likes: 295
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Post by AKM. on Sept 14, 2014 18:40:22 GMT 10
How much extra would the microphone be? Put me down for 1 anyway. Thanks.
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Post by Ausprep on Sept 14, 2014 18:47:21 GMT 10
How much extra would the microphone be? Put me down for 1 anyway. Thanks. For anyone wanting to get in on a group purchase, Ive just emailed the guy i bought mine from, will confirm in the next day or so pricing plus whats included with each.
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Post by Nighthawk on Sept 14, 2014 20:36:13 GMT 10
I've got a mate who wants one, and another who is interested in maybe at least two
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Post by yeshi on Sept 15, 2014 9:16:15 GMT 10
I'd be in for 2. I was only looking at these last night!
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Frank
VIP Member
APF Life Member
Posts: 1,864
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Email: frank@ausprep.com
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Post by Frank on Sept 15, 2014 15:10:43 GMT 10
Thanks for the review Aus
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Post by Nighthawk on Sept 23, 2014 18:43:44 GMT 10
For anyone wanting to get in on a group purchase, Ive just emailed the guy i bought mine from, will confirm in the next day or so pricing plus whats included with each. Any news on this one Aus?
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stevem
Senior Member
Posts: 120
Likes: 195
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Post by stevem on Sept 23, 2014 18:47:50 GMT 10
Let me know as well .
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Post by Paul on Sept 23, 2014 19:21:49 GMT 10
I would also be interested. I think two would be a great xmas present for the wife.
Paul
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SM+?
Senior Member
This old dragon will see you all when all this is over and done.
Posts: 339
Likes: 274
Location: Darwin Area, Northern Territory
Email: becci_75@hotmail.com
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Post by SM+? on Sept 24, 2014 1:53:10 GMT 10
I don't know if you can send them up here but if you can I'll take 2 if they are to pricey, just let me know the price 1st so I can work it into my budget.
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Post by Joey on Sept 24, 2014 13:59:23 GMT 10
I'm looking at importing a few of the Baofeng radios from China direct, although it seems to be hard to find someone who stocks the GT3, so far the all I can find is the UV5R model, which is much of a muchness to the GT3.
We could start a prepper emergency channel so if SHTF, we have a way to contact those around us. I was thinking of setting a channel to 166.6 Mhz on the VHF, would kind of go in with the theme of everything going to the fan
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Post by Nighthawk on Sept 24, 2014 14:26:33 GMT 10
While initially liking the GT3, I'm starting to lean a little more to the UV-5R due to its range of accessories available. Still, I'll see what Ausprep comes up with on the pricing front.
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SM+?
Senior Member
This old dragon will see you all when all this is over and done.
Posts: 339
Likes: 274
Location: Darwin Area, Northern Territory
Email: becci_75@hotmail.com
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Post by SM+? on Sept 24, 2014 21:03:18 GMT 10
I'm fine with whatever you guys choose, just let me know how much and where to send it, I'll trust you guys with it.
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