Comparison of Spurious Emissions from Baofeng UV-5R and Yaesu VX-6
UV-5R's Spurious Emissions
The Baofeng UV-5R receives frequent criticism for spurious emissions, so a friend and I decided to test it. We also had a Yaesu VX-6 on hand, so we used that for comparison since it's an expensive radio that's seen as a benchmark in the handheld category. It's about ten times the price of the UV-5R, but price isn't really a fair comparison because the VX-6 is submersible to 30 feet, transmits on 2m/1.25m/70cm, receives a much wider frequency range, has a 900 channel memory, etc. It's an entirely different radio for many reasons. BUT...Yaesu is known for quality including spectral purity, and that's what purists criticize the Baofengs for, so this is a fair comparison in that regard.
We performed the test with a NooElec NESDR Smart Bundle - Premium RTL-SDR running GQRX Software Defined Radio (SDR) as a spectrum analyzer, on a Mac. So it's not a lab test with calibrated equipment but it still provides useful information.
We performed the first test inside a building made of concrete and aluminum, so we expected a lot of reflections. As expected, the Baofeng exhibits a lot of spurious transmissions. Transmission on frequencies other than the set frequency were both more numerous and higher amplitude than the Yaesu. I was surprised to see that the amplitude of one of the Baofeng's spikes was nearly as tall as the actual transmitting frequency.
The Yaesu had quite a bit of spurious transmission as well, even though the amplitude was lower than the Baofeng in most cases.
Pic 1: Baseline reading inside; neither radio transmitting.
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Pic 2: Baofeng transmitting inside on 146.200; GQRX set at 146.120.
Pic 3: Yaesu transmitting inside on 146.120, where GQRX line is set.
Because of the concern that reflections might alter the readings, we also performed the test outside. This test was about 100 yards from any building, and we did measure fewer reflections. But overall, the results were very similar to the indoor test with the Baofeng exhibiting more meaningful spurious emissions than the Yaesu.
Pic 4: Baseline reading outside; neither radio transmitting.
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Pic 5: Baofeng transmitting outside.
Pic 6: Yaesu transmitting outside.
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In conclusion, the Baofeng's spurious emissions were more numerous and severe than the Yaesu...but the Yaesu is not immune to this issue. It's up to each amateur radio operator whether the severity of the unwanted interference is worth spending an extra $100-200 on a higher quality handheld. Personally, I wouldn't base my decision on the Baofeng's reputation for spurious emissions, though. I appreciate the Baofeng's low price so I can afford to put an emergency comms kit in each vehicle, but I also appreciate the additional features on more expensive radios like the Yaesu (weather resistance, easier to program via the menu, greater frequency receive range, 1.25m transmit, etc.).
But no law says we have to choose...it's ok to have both!
