The rise of budget Chinese handhelds in Amateur Radio

Over the past decade or so, we've seen a significant shift in the VHF/UHF handheld radio market within amateur radio. The emergence of budget-friendly Chinese-made radios has dramatically altered the landscape of our hobby.

Brands like Baofeng, Wouxun, and others too numerous to mention, have flooded the market with incredibly affordable dual-band handhelds. These radios, often priced at a fraction of the cost of traditional Japanese or American-made equipment, have made it easier than ever for newcomers to get on the air.

Hiroyasu UV-5118

The impact has been two-fold. On one hand, these radios have lowered the entry barrier to amateur radio. New hams can now get started with a functional dual-band handheld for less than the cost of a typical study guide and license manual. This has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of our hobby, particularly among younger operators and those on tight budgets.

However, this proliferation hasn't been without controversy. Many of these budget radios have been criticized for their poor spectrum purity, with some models generating spurious emissions that can cause interference. There have also been concerns about their build quality, frequency stability, and compliance with regulations.

Another issue is the ease with which these radios can be programmed to transmit on frequencies outside the amateur bands. This has led to instances of unlicensed operation, particularly in the business and public safety radio services.

Despite these concerns, these budget Chinese handhelds have found a place in many ham shacks (including mine - I paid a little over £12 for my Hiroyasu UV-5118). They're often used as backup radios, loaners for new hams, or for experimenting with projects where there's a risk of damaging the radio.

As a long-time ham, I've observed how these radios have sparked debates within our community about quality, responsibility, and the future direction of amateur radio equipment. While they may not match the performance of higher-end gear, there's no denying that these budget Chinese handhelds have become a significant part of the amateur radio landscape.

The challenge now is for our community to educate new operators about proper use, encourage compliance with regulations, and perhaps push manufacturers to improve their products while maintaining affordability. It's an ongoing discussion that reflects the evolving nature of our hobby in the 21st century.