Baofeng UV-5R (Certified) Compliance Test

Compliance testing to ascertain if this radio meets ITU guidelines for spurious emissions.

 Baofeng UV-5R (Certified) Final Grade: PASS

The Baofeng UV-5R (Certified) amateur radio sample we tested performed well across both of its bands.  We measured no spurious emissions exceeding the levels permitted by ITU guidelines.  

It is important to note that this was a single-sample test and it is possible other samples could vary in performance.

Tests performed in Surrey, BC, Canada on July 13, 2024 by Reg Natarajan.
Discuss this radio on our forums.  https://forums.advancedamateur.ca/t/baofeng-uv-5r

Power Output Testing

Power output was measured using a Surecom SW-33 Plus into a dummy load. The radio was set to maximum power. The ITU guidelines for spurious emissions require measurements of "the power (W) supplied to the antenna transmission line".  That requirement makes this separate power measurement necessary, as it is incorrect to measure relative to the fundamental (f0).  All numbers have been rounded.

2M

146.520 Mhz

6.2 watts

Using the ITU formula of 43+10log(P) dB, spurious emissions for a signal of 6.2 watts must be at least 50.9 dB below the power supplied to the antenna transmission line.  6.2 watts is approximately 37.9 dBm, which means no spurious signal may exceed -13 dBm, or approximately 50 microwatts.

70cm

446.000 Mhz

5.6 watts

Using the ITU formula of 43+10log(P) dB, spurious emissions for a signal of 5.6 watts must be at least 50.5 dB below the power supplied to the antenna transmission line.  5.6 watts is approximately 37.5 dBm, which means no spurious signal may exceed -13 dBm, or approximately 50 microwatts.

Spurious Emissions Testing

Spurious emissions were measured using a Tiny SA Ultra.  The radio was set to maximum power and was connected to the TinySA through an attenuator. It is important to understand that the graphs below are using a decibel scale, not a linear scale.  If a spurious emission spike appears to be almost as tall as the fundamental, that does not mean it is emitting almost as much power.  Refer to the raw data shown. 

VHF 2m Band Test Results: PASS

Raw Data 2m

All numbers have been rounded

Power at Antenna: 37.9 dBm (6.2 watts)

Fundamental (f0): 37.2 dBm (5.2 watts)

The Baofeng UV-5R sample that we tested displayed displayed no spurious emissions above the 2m band fundamental that violated ITU guidelines. Power at the antenna was measured at 37.9 dBm and the highest spurious reading was more than 59 dB down, well beyond ITU requirements.  

UHF 70cm Band Test Results: PASS

Raw Data 70cm

All numbers have been rounded

Power at Antenna: 37.5 dBm (5.6 watts)

Fundamental (f0): 36.3 dBm (4.3 watts)

The Baofeng UV-5R sample that we tested displayed no significant spurious emissions above the 70 cm band fundamental in our testing.  

Comments

Whatever you may have seen, heard or even measured about old UV-5Rs, this certified sample tested clean.  It wouldn't transmit out of band, either.  Its spectrum graphs are as clean as most Yaesu or Icom offerings.

Many thanks to Mike VE7YEG for the use of his radio for testing.

~Reg Natarajan VA7ZEB / HJ1ZEB, July 13, 2024


Discuss this radio on our forums.  https://forums.advancedamateur.ca/t/baofeng-uv-5r