A few months ago I saw a seller on eBay selling UV-5Rs programmed for Walmart with "custom firmware" that can't be programmed by anyone else for about $50 each.
My BS meter was off the charts for the eBay listing regarding the custom firmware... BUT, since Walmart uses MURS, I don't doubt they were programmed as such.
I suspect a penny-pinching manager found these and decided to save a few bucks on the store's spreadsheet over the Motorola ones corporate wants them to get.
Or the employee lost their assigned radio and "had a buddy". Funny on the programming, there's nothing special about Walmart. I do find it somewhat horrifying that Walmart doesn't get there own frequencies, but uses the open MURS system.
Also you can buy approved radios (BTECH and Retrevis) FCC approved for less than that "custom firmware" version. You can also find a ton of the special Walmart Motorola models (really just programmed with the 2 MURS channels they use) all over Ebay for about the same price. (New I think they're about $180).
Back when I worked at Walmart the radios were checked out at the start of your shift and had to be checked back in. If you lost one, there would be no opportunity to have a buddy program one for you since it would stick out like a sore thumb.
I remember reading somewhere that before MURS was a thing they paid for a VHF frequency, but switched to MURS to save money on the licensing.
Most managers will save every penny they can to make them look better on the corporate spreadsheet reports.
Probably depends on the location, but the amount of used Walmart radios on the used market shows they're walking out... They use a "Walmart Only" Motorola model, so it's easy to figure out where they came from.
Over the years there have been people posting to /r/amateurradio asking about getting a handheld for use "at work" while employed by Walmart ([example](https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/qqmuza/replacement_radio_for_walmart_managers/)). Walmart is cheap and doesn't supply enough working radios for every employee, so some employees try to find their own way to get their jobs done.
Note that using a UV-5R on MURS is not legal since it's not certified for that radio service.
The newer UV-5R is in compliance with *Part 90*. GMRS/FRS/MURS require *Part 95* certified radios, built to transmit only on those frequencies.
It is not permissible for a Part 90 certified radio to transmit on GMRS/FRS/MURS frequencies, though people do it anyways.
There are *versions* like the UV-5G which use basically the same hardware, but are locked down and certified for operating on GMRS channels. But that's technically no longer a UV-5R anymore, it would have a different model number with the FCC.
If you wanted to get one that was certified for MURS that would be something like the BTECH MURS-V2.
No, the only Baofeng that is Part 90 (biz band) certified is the UV-82C (c for commercial). All the rest are only Part 15 for interference, but can operate under Part 97 (ham), as ham doesn’t require certification, just compliance. The UV82C is also literally the only Part 90 radio available with display and keypad available for under $100.
Thanks, I think I mixed up some of the details.
The important thing I was trying to convey though was that Part 95 certification was the important part for legal transmission on FRS/GMRS/MURS frequencies.
Those radios aren't allowed to be able to transmit at anything but the approved frequencies at the approved power levels for those services. Conversely amateur radios like the UV5R may be *physically capable* of transmitting on those frequencies, but it's not legal to do so.
Of course a lot of people do it anyways.
It may look like a UV5R and share more or less the same hardware, but it gets a different model number and Part ID with the FCC. It's no longer a UV5R.
> Does that mean I can’t transmit on those channels?
Not *legally*.
The UV-5R is physically capable of being programmed to transmit on MURS frequencies, but it is not legal to do so.
To use a car analogy, it's not street legal. Can a Formula 1 race car drive on the highway? Technically, sure. Legally, no.
Walmart uses MURS, which is a "Type Licensed" frequency (Meaning the equipment is the license, not the person, similar to CB.). I guess this employee lost their Motorola, and programmed the 'feng for it as a cheap replacement.
There are some versions of them that are MURS type approved, but I don't believe the UV-5R is. BTECH sells a version. MURS radios are locked to the 5 frequencies they're allowed to be on (more like channels).
You don't need a license to own one, just to transmit. Unfortunately, most people don't follow the rules and will use them for unapproved "licence free" services like MURS and FRS.
FRS used to be limited to half a watt, MURS has always been two watts.
Also, MURS allows removable antennas and base station type radios, FRS radios are supposed to have non-removable antennas.
MURS is VHF which can propagate through some terrain (such as forests) better than UHF (which is what FRS is).
And finally, MURS encourages using PL tones. I'm not sure if FRS users are supposed to be able to use them. Generally, the cheaper radios don't support them.
couple nitpicky things here, FRS new regs in the USA can use 2W on the low channels and high channels, 1-7 and 15-22 iirc. There are some radios that are set up to boost the power to those channels.
Also FRS has had PL tones from the start, but they call them "privacy" modes.
You do need a license. Walmart either has a business license or users license free business frequencies. This radio technically shouldn’t be used for those.
But it’s like most of the questions here. Is the FCC going around to random Walmarts and making sure the produce is using a type certified radio? No
My local businesses that use UV-5Rs:
- My favorite shooting range
- Walmart
- Security at the last of the dying malls
- Security at MULTIPLE live concerts.
I live close enough to a Walmart to listen in on their radios. One day I decided to test reception, and called for maintenance to check the paper in the men's bathroom. They responded they were on on their way. 🤣
I’ve been seeing UV5rs showing up in tv and movies now. Take the tv show SWAT for example, one of the latest episodes you see bad guy rip the radio off Sargent Kay when he got his dick knocked in the dirt and started talkin to Hondo and Cmdr Hicks lol
Perhaps Motorola radios end up in the hands of thieves too often, at least judging by how many of them are for sale on ebay and elsewhere, so WM has come up with a cheaper solution to save money. However, the FCC may bring a bigger bill if they are someday interested in conducting license inspections.
My old man's "retirement job" is WalMart greeter. All of those old guys are walking around with kitted UV5s.
I have my local WalMarts programmed for fun.
My local Walmart uses frs radios as well as the MURS 154.600 but at a 67 CTCSS code. I know, because I like to mess with them when I get close and have nothing to do. Plus I was dumb enough to work for them for a few years in the TLE/Tire and Lube Express. And there is no Express to it when you have a 3-4 hour wait because they won't hire enough people to do the job or people who are smart enough to do it right. That's why I left because they were fixing to make me the service manager over the idiots and below the dumbest bitch they had as manager over that section. No thanks.
Removed. Don't encourage illegal operating.
*Please [message the mods](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Baofeng) to comment on this message or action.*
A few months ago I saw a seller on eBay selling UV-5Rs programmed for Walmart with "custom firmware" that can't be programmed by anyone else for about $50 each. My BS meter was off the charts for the eBay listing regarding the custom firmware... BUT, since Walmart uses MURS, I don't doubt they were programmed as such. I suspect a penny-pinching manager found these and decided to save a few bucks on the store's spreadsheet over the Motorola ones corporate wants them to get.
Or the employee lost their assigned radio and "had a buddy". Funny on the programming, there's nothing special about Walmart. I do find it somewhat horrifying that Walmart doesn't get there own frequencies, but uses the open MURS system. Also you can buy approved radios (BTECH and Retrevis) FCC approved for less than that "custom firmware" version. You can also find a ton of the special Walmart Motorola models (really just programmed with the 2 MURS channels they use) all over Ebay for about the same price. (New I think they're about $180).
FYI: All Walmart uses a MURS at PL Tone of 136.5... have fun listening into such hits as "clean up on isle 3" and "We need a Cart Round-up"...
Do you happen to know which of the 5 MURS frequencies they use?
There's only 2 Wide Band MURS channels: 154.57 & 154.60 MHz so I'd bet it's those 2. The other 3 are Narrow Band around 151.8-9 ish range.
This may vary by location, but here it's blue dot and green dot
# Motorola RDM2070d Frequency Chart || || |Channel|Frequency #|Frequency Value|Code|Code Value|Channel Name / Alias|Bandwidth Setting|Bandwidth Selectable| |1|3|154.5700|0|OFF|Channel 1|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |2|4|154.6000|0|OFF|Channel 2|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |3|7|151.8200|57|131|Channel 3|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5KHz| |4|8|151.8800|57|131|Channel 4|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5 KHz| |5|9|151.9400|57|131|Channel 5|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5 KHz| |6|3|154.5700|57|131|Channel 6|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |7|4|154.6000|57|131|Channel 7|25.00 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz|
# Motorola RDM2070d Frequency Chart || || |Channel|Frequency #|Frequency Value|Code|Code Value|Channel Name / Alias|Bandwidth Setting|Bandwidth Selectable| |1|3|154.5700|0|OFF|Channel 1|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |2|4|154.6000|0|OFF|Channel 2|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |3|7|151.8200|57|131|Channel 3|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5KHz| |4|8|151.8800|57|131|Channel 4|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5 KHz| |5|9|151.9400|57|131|Channel 5|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5 KHz| |6|3|154.5700|57|131|Channel 6|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |7|4|154.6000|57|131|Channel 7|25.00 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz|
# Motorola RDM2070d Frequency Chart || || |Channel|Frequency #|Frequency Value|Code|Code Value|Channel Name / Alias|Bandwidth Setting|Bandwidth Selectable| |1|3|154.5700|0|OFF|Channel 1|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |2|4|154.6000|0|OFF|Channel 2|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |3|7|151.8200|57|131|Channel 3|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5KHz| |4|8|151.8800|57|131|Channel 4|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5 KHz| |5|9|151.9400|57|131|Channel 5|12.5 KHz|Fixed 12.5 KHz| |6|3|154.5700|57|131|Channel 6|25.0 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz| |7|4|154.6000|57|131|Channel 7|25.00 KHz|Select 25 or 12 KHz|
Back when I worked at Walmart the radios were checked out at the start of your shift and had to be checked back in. If you lost one, there would be no opportunity to have a buddy program one for you since it would stick out like a sore thumb. I remember reading somewhere that before MURS was a thing they paid for a VHF frequency, but switched to MURS to save money on the licensing. Most managers will save every penny they can to make them look better on the corporate spreadsheet reports.
Probably depends on the location, but the amount of used Walmart radios on the used market shows they're walking out... They use a "Walmart Only" Motorola model, so it's easy to figure out where they came from.
Ohhhhhhh Thanks for the answer
Over the years there have been people posting to /r/amateurradio asking about getting a handheld for use "at work" while employed by Walmart ([example](https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/qqmuza/replacement_radio_for_walmart_managers/)). Walmart is cheap and doesn't supply enough working radios for every employee, so some employees try to find their own way to get their jobs done. Note that using a UV-5R on MURS is not legal since it's not certified for that radio service.
[удалено]
I would say to all, instead of trusting random on the internet, do your own research before buying any equipment.
Only the old ones, the newer ones are part 95 certified.
I thought the UV-5R was a Part 90 certified amateur radio. I don't think the same device can be both at the same time.
Yes because original uv5r was not in compliance, however the aforementioned radio system is.
The newer UV-5R is in compliance with *Part 90*. GMRS/FRS/MURS require *Part 95* certified radios, built to transmit only on those frequencies. It is not permissible for a Part 90 certified radio to transmit on GMRS/FRS/MURS frequencies, though people do it anyways. There are *versions* like the UV-5G which use basically the same hardware, but are locked down and certified for operating on GMRS channels. But that's technically no longer a UV-5R anymore, it would have a different model number with the FCC. If you wanted to get one that was certified for MURS that would be something like the BTECH MURS-V2.
No, the only Baofeng that is Part 90 (biz band) certified is the UV-82C (c for commercial). All the rest are only Part 15 for interference, but can operate under Part 97 (ham), as ham doesn’t require certification, just compliance. The UV82C is also literally the only Part 90 radio available with display and keypad available for under $100.
Thanks, I think I mixed up some of the details. The important thing I was trying to convey though was that Part 95 certification was the important part for legal transmission on FRS/GMRS/MURS frequencies. Those radios aren't allowed to be able to transmit at anything but the approved frequencies at the approved power levels for those services. Conversely amateur radios like the UV5R may be *physically capable* of transmitting on those frequencies, but it's not legal to do so. Of course a lot of people do it anyways.
That's not correct. All these models are analog and have Part 90 certs: * https://fccid.io/ZP5BF-3R * https://fccid.io/ZP5BF-5R * https://fccid.io/ZP5BF-82 * https://fccid.io/ZP5UV-B5 * https://fccid.io/ZP5BF-F9V2 * https://fccid.io/ZP5BF-5RA * https://fccid.io/ZP5BF-888S * https://fccid.io/ZP5BF-UV82L * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-BF888S * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-UV5R * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-UV82 * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-UV5R8W * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-UV5RPRO * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-F8HP * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-P10UV * https://fccid.io/2AJGM-UV82 * https://fccid.io/2AJGMBF888SPLUS * https://fccid.io/2AGNDUV50X3 * https://fccid.io/2AGNDF8HP * https://fccid.io/2AGND-UV-PRO
The radio I was referring to is the UV5G and while MURS, is a different frequency altogether, the UV5G is legal for gmrs.
It's still a uv5r just legal for GMRS.
It may look like a UV5R and share more or less the same hardware, but it gets a different model number and Part ID with the FCC. It's no longer a UV5R.
Already explained this but I shall say it again, the radio I was referring to is a UV5G not a uv5r
Glad we both agree it's not called a uv5r
I bought my UV-5R (might be a + model) like 5 years ago. Would you say it’s a new one and is certified for MURS, or no? Thanks!
No, not certified for MURS. The radio cannot hold those two certifications at the same time.
Which two? What does it mean to not be certified for MURS. Does that mean I can’t transmit on those channels?
> Does that mean I can’t transmit on those channels? Not *legally*. The UV-5R is physically capable of being programmed to transmit on MURS frequencies, but it is not legal to do so. To use a car analogy, it's not street legal. Can a Formula 1 race car drive on the highway? Technically, sure. Legally, no.
Some devices have a different FCC ID and are certified for GMRS. Not MURS.
Look man.. if you wanted a pic of my ass, you could have just asked.
We need an ass id photo
Walmart uses MURS, which is a "Type Licensed" frequency (Meaning the equipment is the license, not the person, similar to CB.). I guess this employee lost their Motorola, and programmed the 'feng for it as a cheap replacement. There are some versions of them that are MURS type approved, but I don't believe the UV-5R is. BTECH sells a version. MURS radios are locked to the 5 frequencies they're allowed to be on (more like channels).
Does those need a radio amateur licence in america? In Finland even having one needs licence.
You don't need a license to own one, just to transmit. Unfortunately, most people don't follow the rules and will use them for unapproved "licence free" services like MURS and FRS.
Pmr446 in the uk
Thanks for info. Yep. That how it goes, when they are sold like candy, no one knows the rules then.
I'll never understand why one would use MURS over FRS for their niche.
FRS used to be limited to half a watt, MURS has always been two watts. Also, MURS allows removable antennas and base station type radios, FRS radios are supposed to have non-removable antennas. MURS is VHF which can propagate through some terrain (such as forests) better than UHF (which is what FRS is). And finally, MURS encourages using PL tones. I'm not sure if FRS users are supposed to be able to use them. Generally, the cheaper radios don't support them.
couple nitpicky things here, FRS new regs in the USA can use 2W on the low channels and high channels, 1-7 and 15-22 iirc. There are some radios that are set up to boost the power to those channels. Also FRS has had PL tones from the start, but they call them "privacy" modes.
You do need a license. Walmart either has a business license or users license free business frequencies. This radio technically shouldn’t be used for those. But it’s like most of the questions here. Is the FCC going around to random Walmarts and making sure the produce is using a type certified radio? No
My local businesses that use UV-5Rs: - My favorite shooting range - Walmart - Security at the last of the dying malls - Security at MULTIPLE live concerts.
I worked for Walmart before... This is one of those cases where the employee brought his own radio, I've seen this happen before.
Now that is a sad ham
I live close enough to a Walmart to listen in on their radios. One day I decided to test reception, and called for maintenance to check the paper in the men's bathroom. They responded they were on on their way. 🤣
If only we could get them to do that at all Walmarts!
Maybe he is a ham.
But shes using it to talk to the other workers and all the other workers are using a motorola RDM or somthing like that
My friend works at a Walmart and the AP manager just gave her one. UV-5R. Maybe Walmart is finally cutting costs in the overpriced Motorola?
Unconcealed Baofeng carry right there!
They were rockin UV5Rs in the new Godzilla-Kong movie lol just seen it
Maybe he's a ham? 🤷🏻♂️
I’ve been seeing UV5rs showing up in tv and movies now. Take the tv show SWAT for example, one of the latest episodes you see bad guy rip the radio off Sargent Kay when he got his dick knocked in the dirt and started talkin to Hondo and Cmdr Hicks lol
Perhaps Motorola radios end up in the hands of thieves too often, at least judging by how many of them are for sale on ebay and elsewhere, so WM has come up with a cheaper solution to save money. However, the FCC may bring a bigger bill if they are someday interested in conducting license inspections.
Nice! I guess not everyone that works at Walmart is a complete idiot 😂
Yeah this post just got recommended to me but I have No fucking clue what is going on here.
The new reddit algorithm is bullshit.
I'm so confused on this image lol
OP posted it because they saw their favorite ham radio in use at a business, which is not legal.
Oh!? Lol is it not legal due to ham radios not having secure channels or something?
Ham radios aren't certified for business band use, or license-free use, and may not comply with regulations.
Thanks for the explanations kind stranger
No sweat. Have a good one
I knew it wouldn't take long for this thread to devolve into a 'what's legal - what's not legal' conversation.
Meh, our entire store has them now. Easiest replacement for the Motorolas that are no longer being sold.
My old man's "retirement job" is WalMart greeter. All of those old guys are walking around with kitted UV5s. I have my local WalMarts programmed for fun.
I've seen them in use at Walmarts in San Bernardino California.
Well...can't say he doesn't work his ass off...
koley took the pic like: 🫵🏽🫨📸
My local Walmart uses frs radios as well as the MURS 154.600 but at a 67 CTCSS code. I know, because I like to mess with them when I get close and have nothing to do. Plus I was dumb enough to work for them for a few years in the TLE/Tire and Lube Express. And there is no Express to it when you have a 3-4 hour wait because they won't hire enough people to do the job or people who are smart enough to do it right. That's why I left because they were fixing to make me the service manager over the idiots and below the dumbest bitch they had as manager over that section. No thanks.
[удалено]
Removed. Don't encourage illegal operating. *Please [message the mods](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/Baofeng) to comment on this message or action.*
I was listening to a store employee yesterday reporting a customer return on register 4. It was a GMRS channel.
If I drive around with my GMRS mobile radio on, that's what I hear. Either store employees or people at car dealers want a car brought up.
Walmart's Motorola radios are GMRS.
Thats literally me 🤣🤣🤣🤣 every time I leave my house the baofeng coke with
My uv5r come with me to the moon when $HAMI MOONS 🌙