eSynic Professional 1PACK UV 5R Plus Radio Walkie Talkie

There are simply too many features built into this radio to review them all; it’s literally jam-packed. The feature set is very comprehensive and includes dedicated access to the NOAA service channel. Broadly, this is a compact radio transmitter and receiver, similar to a BaoFeng UV-5R with a backlit digital display and front keypad. This radio has almost become a de facto standard for small-format radios. It is dual-band, unlike some 5R variants that are triple-band.

The transmit button is on the left side, and headphone and mic sockets, as well as USB-C, are on the right, protected by some rubberised covers. The power and volume control is on top, but there is no squelch control, as that is controlled in software. I prefer to set this using a control and can’t understand why this is not a pull-out using the same control knob, as I understand that space is at a premium. Other physical features include a detachable belt clip, which is very useful. Just ensure that the clip is pushed well into place until it clicks; otherwise, it can fall out. The speaker is at the front, as are the menu controls, and you get a handy torch next to the flexible antenna. Disappointingly, there is no holster provided, but maybe not expected at this ridiculously low price. For the feature set, this is exceptional value for money.

In terms of its utility, I would first say that this is not a radio for a novice, even with the beginner price. The instruction manual is perfunctory and is in contrast to the other radio that I have that comes with a book on how to work it and set up everything you need. The other factor is that this radio is above the 0.5 W threshold for licencing, and you definitely need a licence to transmit in the UK. Its power rating is up to 5 watts. Looking at the UK frequency bands available on this radio; they are outside of the licence-free PMR bands. The costs and administrative complexity can vary from free for marine use to a nominal cost for amateur radio applications, all administered by OFCOM. If there is a cost element needed, then this should be kept in mind, as although some licences are inexpensive, they can almost double the cost of the radio.

The radio is programmable, so you can assign frequencies to assigned channels within the radio. It has a dual-watch mode to scan both frequencies. Many of these features are available through the function key and the keypad combination without having to open the menus. It’s handy that you can select the power mode from high to medium to low, saving power and ensuring that you don’t overwhelm a receiver if you are close.

Charging is via the provided base unit or using the USB-C port on the battery. The marketing seems to imply that USB-C charging is on equal footing with the use of the base station, but the instructions state that USB-C should only be used in an emergency. The radio needs to be slotted into some short guide rails in the charging base to engage with the charging pins. This is a little hit and miss, and this design is due to the compact nature of the radio, as there is little room at the front to retrain the radio in its cradle, unlike a rechargeable phone handset that one might have in the home.

This is an inexpensive radio, and to set your expectations, all might not be perfect. The traditional UV-5R has been reported to produce harmonics outside its intended transmission band. This means that when transmitting on one frequency, it might unintentionally generate signals on multiple frequencies, potentially causing interference with other radio services. I really don’t want to get into the inconvenience of filtering, and only time will tell if this eSynic has improved the matter. To be fair, the radio does carry a valid FCC ID of XBPUV-K5, and you can follow this ID to reveal that it has passed all manufacturer and FCC testing, so perhaps a lack of signal fidelity is a thing of the past.

On the plus side, there are plenty of accessories available for the radio, including an app on the manufacturer’s site and a programming cable to connect it to third-party applications such as Chirp. The earpiece and microphone are average but not exceptional. The battery life seems good, and you get a lot of use before recharging, unless you just leave it parked in its cradle. I like the small flashlight, and this also has a strobe mode, which is good to see, particularly for marine use. In summary, it is a very capable entry-level radio with lots of features, and I like it for its very compact footprint. You can also listen to commercial radio on it, where DAB hasn’t taken over.