Frank's HAM RADIO blog: UHF/VHF handy for hiking

I love hiking. Playing with ham radio on a top of a hill, far from noise sources is a great fun.
It is always a good question what to take with you... The answer is: The smaller the better.
As I often say: "size and price" counts.

The smallest and cheapest FM rig is an old UV3R from China.

I prefer the older one. It gives 2Wtts only, while other rigs do 4-5W. What is the difference? Nothing. between 4 and 1W there is only one "S" value on your meter.

To make it way better, I do not use the original antenna. I have a small, more flexible rubber duck and a full size telescopic whip. Both are connected to the radio via a BNC-SMA adapter.

It is also easy to connect external antennas to the rig, such as coax colinear or small yagi.

The other big dear is the external PWR supply connector. For some reason that is missing from the radios nowdays. Most radios can be charged using a so called "stand in charger" which I do not want to take with me... This small creature needs 5V, so an everyday USB powerbank or my small solar panel can charge it quickly. NP6 batteries are cheap on the market, one can pack few spare batteries as well.

The rig is probably not the best, but sensitive enough, voice quality is perfect and the size is ideal.
And at the same time it is cheap. Very cheap! In case of a driving rain on your hiking day you do not have to worry if it gets a bit wet :).

I have been using mine for almost ten!!! years. It is one of the most reliable chinese handy. (honestly I would not give more money for a Chinese radio ;) )

If you meet one of this radio on a ham fest, I recommend you to buy one and drop it into your hiking or surviving bag.

UV3R with BNC adapter and rubber duck antenna.
The red reflective sticker on the front helps to find the radio in the dark. It is bright red in the light of a flashlight. If you lose it you will find it easier.