BaoFeng BF-888S Two Way Radio (Pack of 6) Review

The two way radio is a smart piece of innovation attracting large number of users as it provides long and short range communications with crystal clear clarity. Radios within the similar price range cannot provide such quality and deliver scrambled communication. By purchasing Baofeng BF-888S, you can get a programmable device.

Best Interesting Features

• The device is available in the form of a hand held transceiver that helps to initiate communication with a huge range of 6Km.

• It is particularly useful in situations when you are camping or going on a long trip.

• High illumination flashlight is incorporated into the device so that it could prove as a shining beacon in the wilderness.

• The product is equipped with VOX (voice operated exchange) that doesn’t require a button to be pushed for talking. It offers complete freedom to the users.

• BF-888S is backed by 16 memory channels that can easily accommodate different users communicating simultaneously with each other.

• The device is equipped by low voltage alert, therefore you can charge the radio before it goes out of order.

• Scanning function is essential to check all the channels in order to find the free bandwidth. Automatic feature ensure seamless communication within the group without any problem.

• Security is a very important feature of the device as it helps to encrypt the information while transferring it from the sender to the recipient.

• Transmitter time out information can be programmed according to the requirements and the specifications of the users.

Things to consider

• It is a two radio available in a pack of 6 to the users. The product is available at a price of 72$ to the users with host of features.

• Auto scanning and programmable attributes make the device a must buy for the users.

• Presence of the CTSS/ DCS functioning in the device assists in the monitoring of the 70cm repeaters.

• Users can communicate with each other using simplex transmission on dedicated channels provided by the devices.

• The product is ideal for voice transmission over couple of frequencies. The device can easily be used with different types of licenses.

PROS

• One of the USPs of the product is the low price with tons of entertainment features.  Value addition is available in the form of buttons and controls that are not only durable but can survive in adverse environment.

• Since the product has a rugged appearance as it can easily survive the scratches along with the drops and the drips. It can work in indoors as well as outdoors for the users.

• Portability of the device ensures that it can be carried from one place to another without any problem. Lithium battery in the device lasts for a long time after single session of charging.

• BF-888S can easily communicate with radios belonging to different brands. Even in a building, they work in a seamless manner without the signals being blocked by the impediments.

CONS

The device is bundled with features that there is no scope of complaints. The only problem is that people do not know how to program the radio. First time users need a bit of training to configure the product as per their preferences.

Experience after using it

When I purchased two- way radio, it delivered high quality performance. The user interface is simple with the voice reminding that the device is switched on. I stay in the hills and found that the radio was able to communicate at a range of about 2miles.

Initially I was getting 3 watt output but found that with antenna it was possible to achieve the 5 watt goal.

The device is one of the best in its categories that operate in the GMRS frequency range. Radio is rugged enough to last for many outdoors tours.

I also noticed the presence of the speaker on the right side and on the left, the push to talk button. Initially faced some issues but later found the spot that was easy to press.

Two PTT buttons are available to the users with one performing the squelch button and the other controls the LED light.

Tips for using and maintenance

• One of the most important functionality of the device is the programmability of the channels. PC programming lead is required to accomplish the task. Pre programmed frequencies are allotted to the device by the local services.

• USB lead is plugged into the speaker as well as the microphone. The user may also require Baofeng BF-888S Programming Software which is an EXE file that could be installed on the device. The interface on the computer provides list of channels to the users.

• You can set the frequencies for each channel on the screen from narrow to wide. After set up, click on the write to radio to start the transmission.

Conclusion

The radio is well priced with the kind of durability on offer. You do not have to worry about its functionalities as the device can work in any condition. Different types of frequencies are also available with the device for data transmission during emergency.