Review on 📻 Radioddity GS-5B: Dual Band Long Range Bluetooth Handheld Ham Radio with Dual PTT for Two Way Communication, USB Rechargeable, S-Meter, Programming Cable, Rainproof Design by Daniel Oliver

October 14, 2020 Before I start, I am a top-class radio amateur. Short Description: This is an industrial grade waterproof radio suitable for daily use in harsh environments. GS-5B is the one to buy. I foresee it replacing UV-5R and becoming the standard for all non-digital HT. The distance/range is excellent, outperforming my established Japanese brand ham radios. Antenna on: 38 miles low power to repeater, 7 miles simplex. Save to buy a second battery when it's on sale but not yet available. Long review: First of all, ignore all the other reviews who get angry about the bluetooth programming app for mobile phones since it is still in beta phase. I can confirm that the iPhone needs a camera app to keep the Q code in focus in the manual, and the phone does the rest. You need to download the "Test Flight" app from the Apple App Store, with where you can run beta testing programs. Then select "Radioddity Gs-5b" and you're done. That's easy. The package includes a serial programming cable that allows programming directly from a computer and in turn downloading the program from the radiology website. Very easy. Many are upset that this radio does not work with CHIRP. Get over it! This may work with CHIRP. However, the programming is elementary. Power and Range: This is the shining star of this radio. All tests were conducted using the included rubber cleat antenna. My meter showed an output power of exactly 4 watts at high power and about 0.5 watts at low transmit power on all tested channels. I was able to talk to a low power repeater 38 miles away. I measured the elevation from my location to the repeater with an elevation difference of only 100 feet. Simplex: high power = 11 miles, clear signal. Low power = 7 miles, clear signal! I was blown away by this feature as it is better than some of my Yeasu HTs. Frequency Range: 136-175 MHz and 400-520 MHz broadcast frequencies covering the amateur and commercial bands. The receiver frequency is 136-520MHz, allowing you to monitor on the 220MHz band. Scope of delivery: The back is very durable. Supplied with separate plug-in charger, antenna, serial programming cable, belt clip, strap and high quality radiologically transparent earpiece and microphone. Device: The device is very well made, durable and resistant to falls. This is a Hunter Orange that is very noticeable, especially in harsh outdoor conditions, and very easy to find. I like it! On the underside of the radio is a large flashlight with a strobe function that is clearly visible up to 3 miles away. I tested it on the lake next to my friends on the shore. Battery: The battery is a 7.4V 2000mAh battery pack. Comes with a battery. It attaches to the back of the radio with the included set screw, leaving the battery in a very secure location. This is a rubber edge that increases moisture resistance. There is a micro USB port on the back of the battery. On, high performance, standby: Almost 36 hours. Low power consumption, standby time: almost two days, more like 48 hours. High performance, talking for 3-5 minutes of continuous chewing of a rag = 4.5 hours. Low power consumption, talk 3-5 minutes non-stop = 7 hours. Battery life could be better, most likely due to the performance demands of the color screen. Charging: The radio was fully charged in about 15 minutes without packaging. Fully discharged: Battery charger = 1 hour 15 minutes average. When charging via the micro USB port with any universal cable = 2.5 hours. This is a bonus as you can find these Micro USB cables that come standard with many portable devices such as Samsung phones and other devices. This cable can be found anywhere or at any lost property office if you are in a situation where you need to find the cable very quickly. Recommendation: I wholeheartedly recommend radio newbies and veterans alike to buy this radio. This could be the new standard dual band radio N4REX