QUANSHENG UV-K5(99) CEC 0.51

WHEN CHEAP DOESN'T MEAN INFERIOR!

I think everyone on the planet has heard of the Quansheng UV range and that's down to the radio's ability to transform itself into something which far exceeds its original design spec, thanks to the availability of various firmware options.

The UV-K5(99) is one of the latest iterations and can be installed with any of the following firmware options to suit the user's requirements...

STOCK Firmware:

The radio features a standard frequency range of 50 MHz to 600 MHz for receive (RX) and offers selectable transmit (TX) ranges of 136–174 MHz or 400–470 MHz with support for AM and FM modes.

EGZUMER Firmware (v0.22):

Experience a frequency range from 18 MHz to 1.3 GHz with support for AM, FM, and USB modes. This firmware includes advanced features such as a spectrum analyser, an AM receive (RX) fix, battery percentage display, additional frequency steps, and configurable button functions for a comprehensive radio experience.

IJV Firmware (v3.40):

This firmware supports a frequency range from 15 MHz to 1.3 GHz with support for AM, FM, DSB, CW, and WFM modes. It is optimized for a wide range of frequencies, ensuring robust performance. Advanced features include transmission in emulated DSB mode, stable SSB reception, SATCOM boost, CW beacon, TX modulation indicator and an S Meter.

CEC Firmware (v0.51): (My chosen option)

In addition to a broad frequency range from 18 MHz to 1.3 GHz with support for AM, FM, CWN, CWF, CW, and SSB modes, plus an internal HF expansion board (IOTCU SI4732 v2.1) and an upgraded RF choke in single antenna configuration, allowing reception (RX) on HF frequencies from 0 MHz to 30 MHz in AM, FM, LSB, USB, and CW modes.

SI4732 PCB HF Modification

Adding the HF expansion board is a pretty simple task if you can solder with confidence and there are plenty of videos on YouTube to take you through the process. Some people even go to the trouble of fitting a secondary antenna socket purely for HF, but I'll leave that for braver souls - I'm currently happy to swap over to a telescopic when required.

To be honest, I don't use 2/70 that much and I already have 3 handhelds to cover VHF/UHF, but none of them provide such an amazingly wide reception range and none of them cost just a few quid!!  If you buy your Quansheng from AliExpress along with a SI4732 Mod PCB, you'll pay next to nothing for a very capable HT.

The aesthetics of the radio are personal and I can understand why some people prefer the appearance of the (8) over the (99) because of the 4 faux bolts around the trim on the older model - they look pretty cool and I think it's a shame Quansheng didn't retain that look.

Having said that, aesthetics are not the prime reason for buying one of these radios. People buy them because they're super cheap and have features comparable to incredibly expensive radios like the Kenwood TH-D74/75, (which also has HF Receive). Sure, there's no Digital modes, APRS or GPS, etc, but neither is there hundreds of £££ being spent. These things are at the price-point where you can just leave one in your car's glovebox!

In practical, everyday use, the Quansheng works exactly as you'd expect any 2/70 to work. It has comparable output power to the big manufacturers and for local rag-chewing, it works a treat. If you're within reach of a local repeater, happy days!

The display is nice and clear, with a useful amount of information and it's pretty easy to work out how to use it without even picking up the manual. When you switch to HF mode (Long Press 0), then you have to learn more keyboard shortcuts...

 

My only criticism of the radio is the tuning method - I'd much prefer to be able to use the rotary dial to change frequency or run through memories instead of having to push the up/down buttons. Having that lovely big dial just for volume is a waste.  Oh, and I wish it had the 500Hz step size. So many HF operators seem to use it these days, that it's annoying when radios don't have it. The sensitivity and selectivity of the UV-K5 is err okay - it's not gold standard obviously - but it's perfectly usable. 

The speaker is loud enough to be heard in noisy environments, but the audio is very much on the 'thin' side. Given a good strong signal though, human voices are well presented - for example if you listen into BBC Radio-4 on FM, it's excellent! There's a 2.5mm headphone socket for when needed.

Battery size is a reasonable 1600mAh and is light and slim. How easy it is to get a spare battery, I'm not too sure, but at these prices, it's probably worth buying a second radio!! A desktop charger is included in the price, which is always nice to have.

So overall, I don't think you can go wrong with one of these. They're a no risk toy - if you get one and don't like it, sell it on - you won't lose money!

73, Tom, M7MCQ