One of the useful features of owning an inexpensive Ham radio such as the Baofeng UV-5R is the ability to listen to weather radio frequencies. Listening to the broadcasts on a weather radio can provide valuable up-to-date information on dangerous storms and conditions that may be approaching. The specific frequency needed for an area can be looked up or found via trial and error.
Here are the NOAA weather frequencies:
162.400 MHz
162.425 MHz
162.450 MHz
162.475 MHz
162.500 MHz
162.525 MHz
162.550 MHz
While the frequency can be entered in the Baofeng UV-5R and similar radio’s by just punching in numbers it is also possible to save it as a channel for easy access at any time.
Programming the Baofeng UV-5R for Weather Frequency
- Step 1. Press [VFO/MR] and enter Frequency Mode.
- Step 2. Press [A/B] and choose the A-Side (upper display).
The A side must be used to program channels into the radio.
- Step 3. Press [BAND] for the frequency band.
Toggle [BAND] to choose 136 MHz (VHF) – not UHF.
If this is not performed correctly the radio will cancel the operation after entering the frequency in Step 5.
- Step 4. Disable TDR (Dual Watch/Dual Standby).
Press [MENU] 7 [MENU] [press up/down arrow keys] OFF [MENU] [EXIT]
- Step 5. Enter the frequency.
Using the keypad, enter the frequency into the radio.
- Step 6. Assign the frequency to a channel.
[MENU] 27 [MENU] [enter channel number XXX] [MENU] [EXIT]
That’s it. Programming frequencies via software is easier and more flexible. That’s for another post at a later date.
Now – go grab your Baofeng UV-5R and check the weather……
I have been trying to program frequencies into my radio but when I get to the sixth digit for The weather frequency the radio says “cancel”. Why is that?
I’m having the same issues here also, UV-5R+.
I’m not having this issue. I follow the procedure included in post and it works. Hmmmm……
Having the same issue did you ever figure this out. Would very much appreciate the help
I’m having the same issue for the weather channels
Can you expand the explanation on Step 3
All other steps are clearly explained.
I get to the last digit when entering the freq. and get cancel from the radio.
Same
Same here. I wonder if newer firmware blocks these from being added since someone could accidentally transmit on the frequency?
Another theory is that you can’t add a channel that squelch is currently broken on.
Those having problems with dialing in the frequency directly, it may be your step amount. Click MENU, 1, MENU, use up/down arrow to adjust to 2,5Hz, MENU, EXIT.
Then try to dial it in again.
Now, if there was a way to have the squelch remain closed until there was an actual warning (i.e. tornado) where it behaves like a normal storm weather radio, that would be nice. As it is, you have to listen non-stop to hear warnings. Better than nothing, but it’d be nice if it was silent until a warning was issued. Else it just becomes background noise.
Followed the steps exactly and checked my step to ensure 2.5 and still cant program the frequency
Try resetting radio to default. Then follow the instructions.
I am not able to get any on my UV82HP either
Whoever said it couldn’t be programmed when squelch was broken was correct. Take of the antenna and nothing comes through, then you can program it like every other channel.