JUCJET UV-5RE Support: Manual, Software, Channels & Licence

The JUCJET UV-5RE is a programmable dual-band VHF/UHF amateur (ham) handheld with 128 channels for licensed operators – outdoor groups and working environments where everyone who transmits holds a licence. It is not a licence-free PMR446 or FRS walkie talkie. This page covers quick start, licence rules, channels, the programming software, realistic range and the questions we are asked most often. Different model? See the Support overview or the Download Centre.

Amateur radio – licence required. The UV-5RE is a programmable amateur radio. Transmitting requires an amateur radio licence under the rules of the country where you use it, and it is not a PMR446 or FRS device. Want something that works out of the box with no licence and no paperwork? See our licence-free PMR446 sets.

Quick startLicence & legal useChannels & frequenciesProgramming & softwareRangeFAQAccessoriesWarranty & contact

Quick start

  1. Charge first. Fit the battery and charge it in the supplied USB charging dock until the indicator shows full; the indicator is explained in the user manual. Fit the antenna before switching on and never transmit without one.
  2. Set a frequency or a channel. Enter a frequency on the keypad in frequency mode, or use channel mode for any of the 128 stored channels. High or low power is selectable – use the lowest level that does the job and never more than your licence allows.
  3. Talk. Press and hold the PTT (push-to-talk) button, wait half a second, then speak; release to listen. The short pause stops the first syllable being cut off, which is often mistaken for a weak signal.
  4. Hands-free (VOX). The UV-5RE supports VOX: the radio transmits when it hears your voice. If it “keys up” by itself in a noisy place, VOX is switched on – turn it off or lower its sensitivity in the menu (see manual).
  5. Earpiece. An earpiece is in the box with every radio. Push the plug fully into the socket; a half-inserted plug is the most common reason an earpiece stays silent.
  6. Everything else is in the printed user manual in the box. A PDF is not yet in the Download Centre – email ka@jucjet.com with “UV-5RE manual” in the subject line and we will help.

Licence & legal use

  • The UV-5RE transmits on VHF and UHF amateur bands. Transmitting requires an amateur radio licence (and, where applicable, a callsign) under the rules of the country where you operate. Operate only on the frequencies and at the power your licence permits, and check your national regulator before you key up.
  • Programming PMR446 or FRS frequencies into the UV-5RE does not make it a PMR446 or FRS radio. Those are separate licence-free services with their own equipment rules; the UV-5RE is a programmable amateur radio with a removable antenna and may only be used on amateur bands with a licence.
  • For shops, hotels, events or a family holiday, use a licence-free PMR446 set instead.

Channels & frequencies

The UV-5RE is a dual-band VHF/UHF radio with 128 memory channels. There is no fixed channel table to print: each channel holds whatever you program into it, by keypad or by PC. The exact transmit ranges of your unit are printed in its user manual – check them against your licence before transmitting. When two radios cannot hear each other, compare the actual frequency and the transmit/receive CTCSS/DCS settings on both; a channel number alone proves nothing, and CTCSS/DCS is selective squelch, not encryption.

Programming & software

  • UV-5R / UV-5RE programming software (Windows): Download ZIP – the package listed for the UV-5R / UV-5RE (also known as 5R, 5RE) in the Download Centre; it contains a UV5R_ENG setup for Windows.
  • Check which radio you have. The Download Centre lists a separate 5RM / 5REM (M Edition) package that is “not for the standard 5R / 5RE”. If your label or box says M Edition, 5RM or 5REM, use that package instead; if it says UV-5RE, use the UV-5R / UV-5RE package above. Not sure? Email us a photo of the label before installing anything.
  • Read first, write later. Connect the radio, click Read and save the file before you change any setting. That saved file is the only way back to the settings the radio shipped with.
  • Programming Operation Guide (PDF): Download PDF – the general Read → check RX/TX → enter frequencies → Write sequence for our programming software; the number of channels shown and the screens may differ from package to package.
  • Programming cable: the software connects through the 2-pin USB programming cable, whose product page lists the UV-5RE among the UV-5R-family radios it fits.
Driver troubleshooting (“radio did not respond” / “port not found”). 1) Install the driver that comes with the software package, then unplug and re-plug the cable. 2) In Windows Device Manager the cable must appear under Ports (COM & LPT) – select that COM port in the software. 3) Switch the radio on, turn the volume up and push the plug fully into the 2-pin socket. 4) Try another USB port or a USB 2.0 hub. 5) Still stuck? Email ka@jucjet.com with a screenshot of Device Manager and the error.

Range: what to expect

There is no verified, model-specific field-test distance to quote on this page. Buildings, floors, terrain, radio placement and interference affect intelligibility. Before relying on the radio, check two-way speech between the actual positions you will use, especially stairwells and obstructed areas, and record the model, version and conditions with the result. Antenna position and a clear line of sight usually matter more than switching to high power.

FAQ

Do I need a licence for the UV-5RE?
Yes. It is a programmable amateur (ham) radio, not a licence-free PMR446 or FRS walkie talkie, and you need an amateur radio licence under the rules of your country to transmit on it. If you want a set that works straight out of the box with no licence, look at our PMR446 radios.
Which software do I download – UV-5R / UV-5RE or the M Edition package?
Check the label on the radio. “UV-5RE” means the UV-5R / UV-5RE package on this page. “M Edition”, “5RM” or “5REM” means the separate M Edition package in the Download Centre, which is not for the standard 5R / 5RE. If in doubt, send us a photo of the label first.
Can I program it without a computer?
Yes. Frequencies and settings can be entered on the keypad; the PC software is for storing and editing all 128 channels at once. Either way, only program frequencies your licence permits.
The radio transmits by itself – is it faulty?
Usually not: VOX is switched on and reacting to noise. Turn VOX off or lower its sensitivity in the menu (see manual). If the radio still keys up with VOX off, email ka@jucjet.com.
Can it talk to PMR446 or FRS walkie talkies?
It is not a PMR446 or FRS radio, and programming those frequencies into it does not make it one (see “Licence & legal use”). If you need to talk to licence-free radios, buy a radio of that type.
What is in the box?
Per radio: the walkie talkie, a battery, an antenna, a USB charging dock, an earpiece, a belt clip and hand strap, and the user manual. The 2-pack contains two of each.
How far does it reach?
Range depends on terrain, buildings, interference and antenna position. There is no verified distance for this model that we can quote, so test at the actual positions you will use.
Which earpiece or headset fits the UV-5RE?
An earpiece is included with every radio. For spares, check the compatibility list on each accessory page before ordering: our 2-pin programming cable lists the UV-5RE, while the manufacturer-confirmed list for the earpiece, braided headset and speaker microphone does not name the UV-5RE yet. Email ka@jucjet.com with a photo of the socket and we will confirm.
What if my UV-5RE stops working?
2-year manufacturer warranty and 30-day returns. Email ka@jucjet.com with your order number and a short description of the problem.

Bought your UV-5RE here? A short review on the UV-5RE product page helps the next buyer more than anything we could write.

Accessories for the UV-5RE

An earpiece is already in the box. Before ordering a spare earpiece, headset or speaker microphone, check the compatibility list on the accessory page; if the UV-5RE is not listed there, email ka@jucjet.com with a photo of the radio’s accessory socket and we will confirm what fits.

USB programming cable, 2-pinNeeded for the Windows programming software; the product page lists the UV-5RE. Acoustic-tube earpiece with mic & PTT, 2-pin (6-pack)Discreet in-ear style; check the compatibility list before ordering for the UV-5RE. Braided headset with PTT, 2-pin (2-pack / 5-pack)Over-ear style for long sessions; check the compatibility list before ordering for the UV-5RE. Speaker microphone with PTT (1-pack / 2-pack)Hand microphone with a 360° clip; check the compatibility list before ordering for the UV-5RE.

Warranty & contact

2-year manufacturer warranty and 30-day returns. For a warranty claim, a missing manual or a question this page does not answer, email ka@jucjet.com with your order number, the model name printed on the radio and a short description. Warranty registration and all other models: Support overview.