BaoFeng Operating Instructions for: BF-888S, BF-666S, BF-777S

A. Led Indicator
B. Channel Switch
C. Power Switch/Volume Control
D. PTT (push to talk) Button
E. Monitor Button
F. Function Key
G. Speaker/Microphone Jacks
H. LED Torch

OPERATION

Switching Power ON/OFF

Turn the Power switch/Volume control (A) clockwise. You will hear a beep and a voice prompt indicating the transceiver is ON. Turn the Power switch fully counter clockwise to turn the unit OFF.

Adjusting the Volume

Hold Monitor button (E) down to listen to audio levels while rotating the Power switch/Volume control (A). Rotate Volume Control to increase/decrease the volume to a desired level.

Selecting the Channel (frequency)

Turn the Channel Switch (B) to the desired channel. Ch. 16 is for channel scanning (see Scanning).

Note: Channels can be programmed by using the CHIRP or Baofeng software with a programming cable. Program the channels prior to first use according to local laws and licensing.

Transmitting and Receiving

To transmit voice, press and hold the PTT button (D) and speak into the microphone 23 in away from your mouth in a normal tone of voice.

The LED indicator light turns red when transmitting or green when a signal is received.

Note: Yelling into the microphone does not make your signal louder.

Charging the Li-ION Battery Pack

Charge the li-ion battery pack before using it. The new or stored (more than 2 months) battery pack cannot reach full capacity after the first charge. After 2 or 3 charges and discharges, it will reach full capacity.

1. Plug the wall adapter into an electrical socket.
2. Insert transceiver and/or battery into the charging tray.
3. Ensure that the battery contacts connect with the drop-in charging tray. While charging is taking place, the charging LED will glow red.
4. After 3 hours charging, the charging LED indicator will light green.
5. Remove the unit from the charging tray once charging has completed.

MENU OPTIONS

* SQUELCH LEVEL

The purpose of the Squelch is to mute the speaker when no signals are present. With the squelch correctly set (via software), you will only hear sound when a signal is present.

* TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT)

The TOT limits the time duration of a user's transmission. The purpose of the TOT is to prevent transmitting for a long period of time, causing thermal damage to the radio. And alert will sound when the time limit for that transmission has been reached.

* SCANNING

Scanning is used for hands off monitoring of your favourite frequencies. When the SCAN function is enabled (via software), setting the channel selector to Ch. 16 directs the radio to scan the selected channels from Ch. 1-15.

• Transceiver stops scanning when a signal is detected and continues when signal is no longer present.
• Two or more stored channels are required to enable scanning.
• On channel 16, Press and Hold the PTT and MONI buttons while switching ON the transceiver to turn the Scanning ON or OFF.
• If FM Radio function is activated via software, the radio will not scan.
  Note: There is no actual FM Radio function in this radio, so this option should always remain deactivated in software.

* BEAT SHIFT/SCRAMBLER (not available on some BF-888S)

• This option activates Voice Inversion.
• When set, radios will no longer TX/RX normal audio on the selected channel.
• All radios in the group must have the option set on the same channel to function properly between radios.

Baofeng Disclaimer: On the back of model BF888S aluminum case there is a 'K' /'UPDATE' tag. These tags are for the manufacturer's internal use. They bear no significance for the user.

Check your country's regulations regarding the use of scrambled transmission.

* VOICE PROMPTS (and language)

Audible voice prompts for power on/off, channel and menu settings.

• VP can be set ON/OFF via software.
• On channel 10, Press and Hold the PTT and MONI buttons while switching ON the transceiver to also activate/deactivate Voice Prompts.
• On channel 15, Press and Hold the PTT and MONI buttons while switching ON the transceiver to change Voice Prompt Language (CHI/ENG)
• Any channel 1-16, Press and Hold MONI only while switching ON the transceiver will Deactivate Voice Prompt for that session only.

* - Indicates that feature can be enabled and programmed through the CHIRP or Baofeng software.

* VOX (Voice Operated Transmit)

VOX eliminates the need for using the PTT key to transmit. The transmitter is keyed when the VOX circuit senses you are speaking into the microphone.

• When operating the VOX function, set the VOX Gain level to recognize the desired sound level (via software).
• If level is too sensitive, the transceiver will key with noise in the background.
• If level is not sensitive enough, it will not pick up your voice. Set level for smooth transmission.
• On channel 1-5, Press and Hold the PTT and MONI buttons while switching ON the transceiver to turn the VOX ON or OFF.

* EMERGENCY ALARM

On channel 11, Press and Hold the PTT and MONI buttons while switching ON the transceiver to turn the Alarm Function ON or OFF.

This is a function for your receiver only. You will not transmit the alarm on the channel.

* BATTERY SAVER

This mode reduces power consumption when not receiving a signal. Battery saver turns on automatically 10 seconds after no signal is received and no operation is being performed.

BATTERY LOW ALERT

Reminds you that battery needs recharging. Alert tone will sound and red LED will blink.

MONITOR

When no signal is being received, Press and Hold the MONI. This is helpful for adjusting volume level and receiving weak signals.

1750 Hz Tone: Pressing the MONI button after pressing the PTT will send a 1750Hz tone over the air.

* BUSY CHANNEL LOCK-OUT (BCL)

BCL prevents you from transmitting on a channel if a signal is present. Pressing the PTT switch while a channel is in use will emit an alert tone and inhibit the transmitter.

* BEEP TONE

If turned on, radio will give short tone to indicate that there is nothing programmed for that channel.

* CTCSS/DCS Squelch filtering

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) or DCS (Digital Coded Squelch).

You may sometimes want to hear calls only from specific persons or groups. This option allows you to ignore unwanted calls from others on the same frequency. These tones are sub-audible (cannot be heard) and are selectable via software.

Note: These tones do NOT cause your conversation to be private or scrambled. It only relieves you from listening to unwanted conversations.

SUMMARY OF MENU FUNCTION ACTIVATION

Ch. 1-5, Press / Hold both PTT and MONI, and Power ON
VOX - ON / OFF

Ch. 10, Press / Hold both PTT and MONI, and Power ON
Voice Prompt - ON / OFF

Ch. 11, Press / Hold both PTT and MONI, and Power ON
Alarm Function ON / OFF (if selected via SW)

Ch. 12, Press / Hold both PTT and MONI, and Power ON
Locks Transmitter ON (Power cycle to reset)

Ch. 15, Press / Hold both PTT and MONI, and Power ON
Change Language (CHI / ENG)

Ch. 16, Press / Hold both PTT and MONI, and Power ON
Scan ON / OFF (if option set via software)

Ch. 1-16, Press / Hold MONI only and Power ON
Deactivates Voice Prompt for that session only

SPECIFICATIONS

TROUBLESHOOTING