Review on BaoFeng 1PCs 888S Walkie Talkies: Long Range Communication with Rechargeable Battery, Earphone & LED Flashlight by Derek Dolla

Corrections to published data are in order. Firstly, some sellers claim it is 5W power. When you receive your radio and read the manual, look at the manufacturer's label under the battery or visit any of the websites (Baoffeng bf888s, Retevis h777, Pofung 888s, all the same radios), you will find that the transmit power is listed below. ≤ 5W, which literally means "less than or equal to 5W", NOT 5W! This is a completely non-binding statement. It can be 500mW, 1W, 2W or whatever, at or below 5W to meet specification. You could say it's ≤ 100,000W and be just as accurate. It's like "Sale up to 50% off". It just means anything less than 50%. 0% means "up to 50% discount". Actual power output in high mode is measured at 2W at best, 1.8W to be precise. at the antenna connection with the factory antenna. That's about what you get from a standard GMRS blister pack of GMRS/FRS radios. So I tested the range of this radio versus 2 blister packs (Midland and Motorola 2W and 1W) GMRS radios /FRS in a rural area with single storey buildings. All three gave about 3/4 mile. The only difference was that the BF888s/H777 had a much clearer voice until it was lost and the batteries lasted much longer. Ionic which means they lose almost no power (1.5% - 2% per month) just lying around unused for months compared to Nickel Cadmium in most radios which lose 10% = 20% per month without use. The following is a completely false statement, some of which are legal in the US right out of the box.. NOT!. Most channels are programmed for licensed commercial use and GMRS frequencies require a license to broadcast at this level of performance. Just look at FCC.gov. Also, channels 10 and 11 are programmed for medical use only. Channel 10 is programmed into a Medflight base station in my area. Channel 15 is programmed ONLY for police use, this is the exact same frequency used by the local police department to broadcast messages. If you want to check for frequency conflicts in your area, go to a radio station and search for them for your area. I don't think you want to be caught jamming your police radio frequencies or emergency medical channels. DO YOUR HOMEWORK AND HAVE A CONSCIENCE! The low power setting is over 500mW, so they cannot be programmed in any way for use without an FCC license, even on FRS channels. Even GMRS charges $90 (Family for 5 years) for a license. Just know what you are buying and what can happen if you follow the old adage "ignorance is bliss". Especially if you've been fined five figures by the FCC or are responsible for not allowing someone to receive emergency service. Don't think the police won't catch anyone interfering with their shipping routes! Other details are mostly covered in other reviews. These are pretty good solid radios and are NOT FCC approved.