#hamradio On 2025-02-18, I ordered the [Quansheng UV-K5(8) aka UV-K6](https://www.amazon.com/QUANSHENG-200Three-Frequency-Receiving-Replication/dp/B0CL939BVY?crid=3DFXZ91PIAHG8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.hdGFB_chnG1aYPX4xzbq7BhqevSREU8bBqresFGFPHjoYk7_NhSeb9rKwgvPja-sKrBRygmVGi2lP9Om3INX3K_b_ZQT9uVDzKLuyz4_OCkq-QbvAotz-tOlAH-UQpWNUXBoMN9CIVTFWSyBl4SSWjBwo3QKwpJVUfz4OAsmTFvt03hDyxRwi_u4f_m9Kwmmh2AyIgIcWJWqjiQbErBKFdwowVGBTLXe35cus8rpTovjaZ1vIO1AWjA0WKVkm8-przJcZjZubiW6_sQMqO23hqZo0PNXaSbT6XC6TlHISIh8KIRyZpsDaOEWth-kiYPNofarTJEl3Z3Y3x1TVA38KZW9Mfh0y4W9NhzbnyNAGB8.Zt0YnhoIrwmBkia0VmH8hmAvHIczReiy8i66MgHw-mQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Quansheng+UV-K6&qid=1739823635&s=electronics&sprefix=quansheng+uv-k6%2Celectronics%2C100&sr=1-3#customerReviews) ## Custom Firmware - Option A https://github.com/egzumer/uv-k5-firmware-custom ## Custom Firmware - Option B https://whosmatt.github.io/uvmod/ ## Useful YouTube Links [UV-K5 - Full Review](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE2duF07CyU) [Unlock Extended TX](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrnwYqYTWsQ) [Features](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da8Rm83WFkc) [Programming](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fl9VJCs-v0) [Firmware Mods](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3zXH__BRPM) ## Amazon Review - useful comment Preface: I already own over 30 HT radios, so I really didn't need another, but that of course didn't stop me from buying another. Those of you out there that collect HT's know what I'm talking about. (LOL) I bought this radio due to it's looks, the features it had and the price point. The features this radio has are usually only found on more expensive radios. Now with at least (8) versions available with different nameplates, this radio took over the beloved B-Fang UV-5R's spot for the best "cheap" radio. It beats out that radio in nearly every category. It has been reported recently that it can receive the open source M17 Project digital transmissions, shortwave broadcasts in AM or USB, etc! Things I like: 1) The wide frequency range. 2) The frequency copy/frequency counter feature. 3) The larger display. 4) The side mounted USB-C charging port. 5) The radio uses the common "Baofeng UV-5R style" programming cable. 6) Great transmit audio and microphone gain settings. (no more weak audio for people that talk softly) 7) The speaker has been improved over the original UV-K5. (not as tinny sounding) 8) The display and case styling have been improved over the original UV-K5. (in my opinion) 9) The radio is now CHIRP compatible! Just select "Quansheng UV-K5" as the radio. 10) Great repeater squelch burst suppression. (no annoying burst noise when a repeater un-keys) 11) Custom firmware available. (I recommend the "egzumer v0.22) Things I don't care for: 12) The back light can only be set for 5 seconds max. (can be set to always "on" with egzumer firmware) 13) Most standard functions require the "F" key (function key) to be pressed first. (egzumer firmware corrects this) Performance: As far as receive on VHF/UHF goes, it seems to be on par with most of radio I own in the sub $100 range. The AM aircraft band receive works well. (make sure you select "AM" in the menu) The output wattage is a little over 5 watts on VHF and about 4 watts on UHF. The battery life seems to be the same as other radios I own with the same size battery. Recommended antennas: With this radio covering the 220 MHz band, you're probably wondering what I'd recommend as a good replacement antenna. I own both of the antennas listed below, so you can't go wrong on either one. 14) If you have deep pockets and don't mind spending $21, then I recommend the Nagoya NA-320A, which is the best antenna I've tested on this radio so far. 15) If you don't want to spend as much on the antenna as you did on the radio, then I'd recommend the Radtel RHD-771S for only $8. I real world testing, I see very little difference in performance between this and the Nagoya NA-320A. Just think, with the money you'd save buying a couple of the Radtel RHD-771S antennas, you'd have enough money left over to buy another radio! Menu Trick: Powering up the radio while holding the PTT and upper side function button will add a few extra menu settings to unlock other bands. Note that this is mainly for the factory firmware. The egzumer firmware gives you even more options. The two screen protectors: This radio has (2) screen protectors. After I pulled off the obvious screen protector, the display still looked "cloudy" and seemed to scratch easily. I looked closely and carefully pulled off the second screen protector to reveal the clear, shiny LCD. (you're welcome) Other clones & variants: Quansheng UV-K5 Radtel RT-590 Radtel RT-590 Plus Radtel RT-600 Wurui K5 KSUN UV60D Retevis RA79 (looks like the original Quansheng UV-K5) Quansheng UV-K5 (99) Quansheng UV-5R Plus (looks like your typical Baofeng UV-5R) XINDALONG UVK5(9) (looks like the original Quansheng UV-K5) Update on 03/15/24: A new aftermarket firmware (egzumer v0.22) has been released that gives the radio a spectrum scope, better AM aircraft receive, shortwave band coverage and even SSB receive! Update on 08/8/24: A "newer" version came out in the last few months called the UV-K5 (99) which covers 20MHz to 1,000MHz from the factory. The radio itself appears to be the same, except for a different face plate and the different firmware obviously. I'm happy to report that my UV-K5(8) radio with the egzumer v0.22 firmware installed has been rock steady for several months and no issues. Update on 12/3/24: Another new clone radio came out recently called the "XINDALONG UVK5(9)". It looks exactly like the original Quansheng UV-K5. These have been selling for $34 a pair, which makes them the cheapest version available. Update on 12/5/24: Yet ANOTHER version of this radio that is made by Quansheng called the "Quansheng UV-5R Plus" which looks like a Baofeng UV-5R. Update on 1/8/25: Guess what? Two more clone radios! The Radtel RT-590 Plus (looks unique) and the $15 Radtel RT-600. (looks like an original Baofeng UV-5R) Overall: I affectionately call this HT "the Swiss Army Knife of radios". It does just about anything you want it to do, especially with the aftermarket firmware installed. I can't think of a reason why anyone wouldn't buy at least one (or two) of these. Considering the features, capabilities and extremely low price of this radio, I give it a solid 5 star rating! ## Full Band HF v2.0 Mod (RX only) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d14Rho-FLg&t=2s board: https://star.aliexpress.com/share/share.htm?platform=AE&businessType=ProductDetail&shareId=21573072806&redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aliexpress.com%2Fitem%2F1005006858275779.html%3FbusinessType%3DProductDetail%26srcSns%3Dsns_Copy%26spreadType%3DsocialShare%26bizType%3DProductDetail%26social_params%3D21573072806&aff_fcid=63a652037f8f4a3e81d03479f0419f3f-1739824118409-06177-_mO8pW9E&tt=CPS_NORMAL&aff_fsk=_mO8pW9E&aff_platform=shareComponent-detail&sk=_mO8pW9E&aff_trace_key=63a652037f8f4a3e81d03479f0419f3f-1739824118409-06177-_mO8pW9E&terminal_id=92a60156992748b19a567b61abc743d8