BAOFENG BF-88ST Pro Series Two Way Radio User Manual

: June 10, 2024
: BAOFENG

Table of Contents

BF-88ST Pro Series Two Way Radio
Package Contents
Frequency Chart
Main features
Using the Flashlight
Emergency Alert
Menu Options
Maintenance
EU Declaration of Conformity
Technical Specifications
Disclaimer
References
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Two Way Radio
BF-88ST PRO SERIES
User Manual

BF-88ST Pro Series Two Way Radio

Thanks for choosing BAOFENG!BF-88ST PRO is a FM two-way radio transceiver suitable for use in the 446 private mobile radio service (PMR446). Programmed with the 16 PMR446 frequencies, Max Transmission power 500 mW, Bandwidth 12.5 kHz, Maximum transmission time limit 180 seconds, fixed antenna, no registration or fees. but restrictions of use may apply in some Non-EU countries. For further information, we suggest you look at the “Restrictions on the use” chart.
ATTENTION!
Before using this product, read the RF Energy Exposure and Product Safety Guide that ships with the radio which contains instructions for safe usage and RF energy awareness and control for compliance with applicable standards and regulation.
BAOFENG BF-88ST PRO is a multi-task PMR446 transceiver.
Combining the latest technology in radio communication along with a sturdy mechanical frame, BF-88ST PRO is the ideal and effective solution for the professionals who need to stay in touch with the working team (in construction sites, buildings, shows, trade fairs or hotels) or for leisure users that just want to keep up with friends and family.
Coverage
The maximum range depends on terrain condition and is obtained during use in an open space.
The only limitation to maximum possible range are environmental factors such as blockage caused by trees, buildings, or other obstructions. Inside a car or a metallic construction, the range can be reduced. Normally the coverage in the city, with buidings or other obstructions is about 1 or 2 Km. In open space but with obstructions like trees, leafs or houses the maximum possible range is about 4-6 Km. In open space, without obstructions and in sight, like for example in mountain, the coverage can be 10 Km.

Package Contents

2BF-88ST PRO transceiver
2 1200mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery pack
2 belt clip
2 desktop charger

Frequency Chart

Ch.	Freq. (MHz)
1	446.0063
2	446.0188
3	446.0313
4	446.0438
5	446.0563
6	446.0688
7	446.0813
8	446.0938
9	446.1063
10	446.1188
11	446.1313
12	446.1438
13	446.1563
14	446.1688
15	446.1813
16	446.1938

Main features

• 16 PMR446 Channels
• 2 Channels Watch
• Channel Monitor
• 155 Sub-Codes (50 CTCSS codes/ 105 DCS codes)
• Hands-Free Operation (VOX)
• Roger Beep Tone
• Battery Level Meter
• Battery/Power Saver
• Low Battery Audible Alert
• 2pin Kenwood headset jack
• Keystroke Tones
• Battery Life: up to 18 hours (under typical use conditions)| • Output power: ≤0.5W
• Sub-Codes Scan and Store
• Channel Scan Function
• 10 Selectable Call Tone Alerts
• Call Alert
• Keypad Lock
• Emergency Strobe Light
• Backlit LCD Display
• TOT (Time out timer)
• Li-Ion 1200mAh battery pack
• Up to 10 km range*
• LED Torch
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*Range may vary depending on environmental and/or topographical conditions.
Battery recharge
BF-88ST PRO is equipped for using a 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable battery pack which can be recharged connecting the socket of the AC/DC wall adaptor to a mains power socket and inserting the jack of the wall adaptor into the desktop charger plug. It takes 4-5 hours to fully recharge the radio. For maximum battery life, we recommend charging the battery pack when the BF-88ST PRO is off and the battery pack is fully discharged.
! Using a different battery charger other than the one specified can cause damage to your device or may even cause explosions and personal injuries.
Main controls and parts of the radio

Antenna
Flashlight
Volume Knob with Power SW
Led indicator: RED – TX; GREEN – RX.
PTT button (Push-To-Talk)
LAMP button – Turn the LED flashlight on or off.
SCAN button – Activate or deactivate scanning.
Emergency button – Turn emergency alerts on or off.
Speaker and Built-in microphone
: Short press for channel selection. Long press to initiate a ringtone on the current channel.
: A short press is used to activate menu functions and confirm settings. Long press is used to lock and unlock function keys.
Headset jack (Headset not included)
LCD Display
: Short press for channel selection. Long press for monitoring (for weak signal monitoring).
Li-ion Battery pack

LCD DISPLAY

BAOFENG BF 88ST Pro Series Two Way Radio - DISPLAY

1. Channel (1-16)
2. Keypad Lock
4. Transmit Status
5. Receive Status
6. Transmit power indicator. Low power only in PMR mode
7. Dual Channel Monitor| 8. Activate the VOX function
9. Battery Indicator
10. Select the DCS/CTCSS type of squelch method
11. Scan Indicator
13. Emergency alert function activated
14. Displays the set CTCSS tone or DCS code (CTCSS: 1-50; DCS: 1-105)
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Basic Operations
In order to get the most out of your new radio, read this reference guide completely before attempting to operate the unit.
Power on/off and volume adjustment
Rotate the Power/Volume knob clockwise to turn the radio on. Rotate the control clockwise /counter-clockwise to adjust the volume level as you prefer. To turn the radio off, rotate the control counter-clockwise till hearing a mechanical “click”.
Choosing a Channel
Your radio has 16 channels and 155 Sub-Codes you can use to talk to others. In order to speak to someone, both your radios must be set to the same channel and Privacy code.
If the or button is locked, please press and hold the button for 2 seconds to unlock. Press the or buttons to select one of the 16 PMR channels
Keypad Lock
To avoid accidentally changing the radio settings, press the button for 2 seconds. The icon will appear on the display. [PTT], and keys will still be active. Repeat the same procedure to unlock the keypad.
Talking on Your Radio
To talk to others using the radio:
(1) Press and hold the [PTT] button and speak in a clear, normal voice about 2-3 inches away from the microphone. While you are transmitting, the TX→ icon appears on the display. To avoid cutting off the first part of your transmission, pause slightly after pressing the [PTT] button before you start talking.
(2) When you have finished speaking, release the [PTT] button. You can now receive incoming calls. While receiving, RX displays.
Monitor Mode Feature
Your radio allows you to listen for weak signals on the current channel at the press of a key. To turn ON Monitor mode: Press and hold
button for 2 seconds until two beeps sound. The receiver circuit stays open, and both noise and weak signals can be heard. The RXicon blinks. To turn OFF Monitor mode: Press and hold button for 2 seconds to return to “Normal” mode; two beeps sound and the RX icon stops blinking and disappears.
Channel Scanning
Your radio can scan all 16 channels for activity. To enter, quickly press the button. Repeat the same procedure to exit.
Your radio will rapidly scan each of the 16 channels and stop on any active channel. Your radio will resume scanning after 5 seconds when the channel is no longer active. When you press the [PTT] button to transmit on an active channel, the scanning function will stop and remain on the active channel for 10 seconds before resuming scan when [PTT] button is no longer pressed. To resume scanning, quickly press the or button.
Scanning Sub-Codes
Press and hold button to enter the Sub-Codes scanning. A flashing “CTC/DCS” will be in the left status display to indicate the radio is in Sub-Codes scanning mode.
In this mode, the lower display will cycle through the Sub-Codes as they are being tested. Once the bits of the received Privacy code are determined, the “CTC/DCS” indicator will stop flashing. Press the [PTT] button to save the scanned tone into memory.

Using the Flashlight

You can use this radio in an emergency. If you press button, the radio turns on the high-intensity LED flashlight on your radio.

Your radio operates normally when the emergency strobe is activated.
(1) Press button once, it will turn on continuously. (Always On mode)
(2) And then, press button once, the Strobe Light emits the emergency signal. (Strobe emergency mode)
(3) And then, press button once, the light will be turned off.

Emergency Alert

The Emergency Alert feature can be used to signal members in your group for help. The emergency alarm function is activated by menu operation.
To activate the emergency alert function, press and hold the [Emergency] button on the top for 3 seconds. The radio will send out a loud siren sound and the flashlight will flash.
Press the [Emergency] button to exit the emergency alert function.
WARNING: The Emergency Alert feature should only be used in the even of an actual emergency.

BAOFENG BF 88ST Pro Series Two Way Radio - Options

CTCSS/DCS tones selection
BAOFENG BF-88ST PRO can receive in two modes:

Open traffic: in this case you will hear any communication transmitted on the selected channel;
Group mode CTCSS/DCS: CTCSS/DCS tones are access keys that allow you to receive only messages coming from parties using the same channel and code. The speaker will remain muted until the correct tone is received.
To activate 1 of 50 different CTCSS/105 DCS tones in RX and TX

Turn on the radio.
Select the desired channel.
Press once until the Display shows oF (blinking on the right side).
By pushing the or button the display will show CTCSS (ct blinking) or DCS (dc blinking); press to enter the CTCSS or DCS tones. Now select the desired tone with the or buttons.
Press the PTT button to exit menu or to continue set up.

VOX function
BAOFENG BF-88ST PRO enables hands free conversations through VOX function.

To activate VOX function press the button 3 times and ‘VOX’ will appear on the display.
Use the or buttons to select the desired setting:
The VOX sensitivity can be set in 3 different levels:
• 1 = high sensitivity (normal voice with no background noise)
• 2 = Medium Sensitivity for most environments
• 3 = low sensitivity (useful in very noisy areas or if you talk loudly)

Press the PTT button to exit menu or to continue set up.
To disable the VOX function follow the instructions above and select option oF (OF: Disabled).

Setting and Transmitting Call Tones
BAOFENG BF-88ST PRO can transmit different call tones to other radios in your group so you can alert them that you want to talk. Your radio has 10 call tones for you to choose from. To select the call tones:

Press the button 4 times and ” CA ” will appear on the display.
Press or to change and listen to the call tone.
Press the PTT button to exit menu or to continue set up.
• To disable the Call Tones follow the instructions above and select option oF (OF: Disabled).
In order to transmit your call tone to other radios, set up the same channel and Sub-Code on your radio and press and hold the button.

Emergency alarm type
With the emergency alert feature, you can signal to your group members that you need help. The alarm signal can only be signaled that you need help by pressing the [Emergency] button after the emergency alarm function of the BF- 88ST PRO is activated.
Select an emergency alert type:

To activate emergency alert function press the button 5 times and until the display shows “ ”.
Use the or buttons to select the desired setting: oF: Disabled
1. Local alarm, the radio itself emits an alarm sound;
2. Send an alarm tone on the current channel to signal to group members that you need help.
Press the PTT button to exit menu or to continue set up.
WARNING: The Distress Alert feature should only be used in a true emergency. If the receiving group does not respond to the distress signal, Baofeng will not assume any responsibility.

Keypad beep
To deactivate the keypad beep, follow these steps:

Press the button 6 times and until “ ” is displayed.
Use the or buttons until the display shows “ ”.
Press the PTT button to exit menu or to continue set up.
Now you won’t hear any beep at the pressure of any button.

ROGER BEEP (End transmission tone)
When your transmission is finished (PTT released), BAOFENG BF-88ST PRO gives out a sound that indicates to the other party that s/he can start talking. This function is enabled by default. To deactivate it:

Press the button 7 times and until the display shows “ ”;
Using the buttons or select “off” and “ ” will be displayed;
Press the PTT button to exit menu or to continue set up.

Dual Watch Mode
Your radio has a DUAL WATCH function, to enable user to scan 2 channels for any activity. The first channel will be the current channel setting and the second channel will be the selected channel on the. To set another channel and start Dual Watch:

Press the button 8 times and until the display shows “ ”;
Using the buttons or select the channel, then press .
Using the buttons or select the CTCSS/DCS, then press .
The radio starts to Dual Watch.
The screen will alternate between home channel and Dual Channel Monitor channel.
Note: If you set the same channel and Sub-code as the current channel, Dual Watch doesn’t work.
Press the button to turn the Dual Watch mode OFF.

Maintenance

Your BF-88ST PRO was designed to fulfill any warranty obligations and to enjoy this product for many years.
As for all the electronically devices, we recommend you to follow this few suggestions:

Do not attempt to open the unit. Non-expert handling of the unit may damage it and/or annul the warranty.
When using regulated power supply, take notice of power voltage that must be 5V to avoid damages.
High temperatures can shorten the life of electronic devices, and warp or melt certain plastics. Do not store the radio in dusty or dirty areas.
Keep the Radio dry. Rainwater or damp will corrode electronic circuits.
If it appears that the Radio diffuses peculiar smell or smoke, please shut off its power immediately and take off the charger or battery from the Radio.
Do not transmit without antenna.

EU Declaration of Conformity

Baofeng and Pofung hereby declares that the radio equipment type listed in Technical Specifications is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at the following link:
http://www.pofung.cn/download.asp?EnBigClassName=EU%20DOC. Via your local Baofeng helpdesk, your dealer from where you purchased this radio or send an email to wangjianhui@baofengradio.com.
This product is an FM two-way radio transceiver suitable for use in the 446 private mobile radio service(PMR446). This is a license exempt service, but restrictions of use may apply in some Non-EU countries.

Technical Specifications

General Part

ATTENTION: conditions of use!
The band of frequencies on which this device operates is administrated by limitations and/or permissions for their usage. Consequently, in the EU Countries mentioned in the sheet, operators must consult the entrusted authorities. In particular, they must possess a license or a frequency assigned to them by their respective competent authority. All articles displaying this symbol on the body, packaging or instruction manual of same, must not be thrown away into normal disposal bins but brought to specialised waste disposal centres. Here, the various materials will be divided by characteristics and recycles, thus making an important contribution to environmental protection.
EU Declaration of Conformity
In accordance with EU Directives and Regulations PO FUNG ELECTRONIC (HK) INTERNATONAL GROUP COMPANY LIMITED Add: Room 1508, 15/F, Office Tower II, Grand Plaza, 625 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong as the manufacturer, hereby declares under our sole responsibility that product(s): PMR Two-Way Radios Model name: E88, BF-88ST PRO, TH-88E, BF-88E PRO, EU88, BF-88E Plus, PM-R88, EU-888S+, PT88 PRO, RD88 is in conformity with the essential requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU: Radio EN 303 405-1 V1.1.1 (2017-05) Article 3.2
EMC EN 301 489-1 V2.2.3 (2019-11) Article 3.1(b) EN 301 489-5 V2.2.1(2019-04)
Safety EN 62368-1:2020H-A11:2020 Article 3.1(a)
Health Article 3.1(a) EN 50566:2017
The notified body Bay Area Compliance Labs Corp.(BACL) (EU Identification Number: 1313) performed a conformity assessment according to Annex III, Module B.
Signed on behalf of PO FUNG ELECTRONIC (HK) INTERNATONAL GROUP COMPANY LIMITED
(Signature of authorized person) Name: Peter Wang Title: Manager Date: 2022-06-09

Disclaimer

The accuracy and completeness of the contents are sought in the process of compilation, but we do not bear any responsibility for the possible errors or omissions. With the continuous development of technology, we reserve the right to change the design and specification of the product without notice. No copy, modification, translation and dissemination of this handbook may be made in any form without the prior written authorization of our department.
EU Contact: APEX CE SPECIALISTS LIMITED
Unit 3D North Point House, north Point Business Park,
New Mallow Road, Cork, T23 AT2P, Irelan

PO FUNG ELECTRONIC (HK) INTERNATONAL GROUP COMPANY LIMITED
Room 1508, 15/F, Office Tower II, Grand Plaza, 625 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
E-mail: wangjianhui@baofengradio.com https://www.baofengradio.com/