If it fits your needs, go for it. Personally i have a uv-82 but whatever you go with, I'd suggest getting an extended battery and a nagoya antenna

You need the cable too right to program it?

Yeah, and a free software called chirp

Generally best to program it to gmrs frequencies since that's what most people use but if you have a team, you can use whatevers in your radios range

Technically illegal without one of the ham licenses but fuck it, they can't find you unless you're broadcasting pirate radio.
That being said, getting your license will teach you everything you need to know for the most part

I got the uv82hp with the na771 16”.

Works great

GMRS is not a Ham license. It is a no test required application fee of $70 for a ten year license. Your license can be extended to cover family as well.

shoot wrong one, yeah you're right

still suggest picking up a book though

A lot of the basic questions people ask can be answered if you study for the technician exam. Not saying you have to get the license but if you can pass a practice test you'll know you are at a good starting point for learning

You don't NEED a cable and chirp, but it's super annoying to program Baofengs by hand

I can second the UV-82, have been using them for years. Plenty of batteries available- does the GT3-TP take standard shape batteries? Also paying extra for 8 watts is not the best use of money, get a better antenna first. My opinion

Judging by the pictures it looks like it does take standard UV-5R batteries which is good

I'm definitely not part of the radio community or anything but I've always been told "wire is cheaper than watts"

I believe you are allowed to use FRS and GMRS at low power without a license

FRS, yes, but not with Baofengs. GMRS needs a license. Technically.

There's literally no way for them to find out though. Unless you're broadcasting some radio 24/7 at high power, someone gets annoyed with it, calls up the FCC, and they have the one guy for your region drive out all over the city searching for it, you're fine

Precisely

And the FCC enforcement bureau is getting smaller every year. Avoid malicious interference and you're fine

I recall when the FCC cracked down on the import of Baofeng radios they admitted in a bulletin that the country is flooded with radios not type certified for FRS/GMRS that are using both services. The FCC basically said they didn't have the enforcement ability and would only address the worst offenders but there was no way they could address the widespread usage of "illegal" radios.

Very true. Lots of people yse them for hunting with no repercussions

Still should register if you live in a high density area or feel like being honest, you're not risking anything by licensing a radio.

I'd argue that gives the government just a little more money to enforce stuff. It's your decision to weigh risk, whether or not to get your permit.

The UV 82 is more expensive then the one I posted. I like that one because it was dust and drop resistant. The UV 82 is not much more but what makes it better? If it just has a better antenna I see pretty good ones on Amazon for $10-$20

https://youtu.be/0AqpylH_o8Y

The GT-3TP it is with the data cable its $63 now to work on getting my license

Both are awesome I got a gt3tp for like $30 it was a good buy

You can use certain frequencies at low power without a license but it would be nice to have for sure so you can get into repeaters and all that

What are these frequencies any links?

^^^ this

Total fucking noob here, don't know shit about comms. Will $100 get me anything decent in terms of a radio? Just something to learn on?

A Yaesu or Wouxun probably

What model yaesu?

FT-4XR

For transmit and receive on Low Power (0.5/1 watt)
VHF
151.820
151.880
151.940
154.570
154.600

UHF
462.562
462.587
462.612
462.637
462.662
462.687
462.712

NOAA Weather Receive Only
162.425
162.450
162.475
162.500
162.525
162.550

@yeetasaurus Yeah you can get a Baofeng for comms or if you want to listen to shortwave you can get one for far under 100

Thanks man we can talk on them without issue from the law?

@Reno can I turn down the transmission power of a radio? All of mine are 8 watt

Yeah I believe so as long as you keep it on low output

Sorry for making you dumb this down for me, shortwave?