Baofeng SW-9 10W Multi-Band Ham Radio UK – SSB Reception, Dual Bluetooth & Fall Detection

Yes. The SW-9 is a 10W amateur radio transceiver and is not a PMR446 licence-free radio. To transmit on its VHF, UHF, or 220 MHz frequencies in the UK, you must hold a valid UK Amateur Radio (Ham) Licence issued by Ofcom. Receiving across all bands — including shortwave, AM Airband, FM Broadcast, and NOAA Weather — is permitted without a licence.

Both listings contain identical SW-9 radios. The Single listing offers 11 bundle options — from a radio-only option through to complete field kits with speaker mic, programming cable, and NA-771 antenna. The Twin Pack provides two SW-9 radios in one order — ideal for paired operators such as SOTA activators, RAYNET teams, and amateur radio pairs sharing the same frequency plan.

Yes — the SW-9 is CHIRP compatible. In CHIRP, select Vendor: Baofeng → Model: UV-17 Pro GPS. Use the latest CHIRP-next build for best compatibility. A compatible USB programming cable is required for CHIRP and CPS programming — available as a bundle option on the Single listing.

Three methods work without a PC. Use BT Data mode with the free Ola Radio app (iOS and Android) to wirelessly programme up to 1,000 channels across 10 zones from your smartphone. Alternatively, use the One-Key Frequency Copy function to capture frequency, CTCSS, and DCS settings from a nearby transmitting radio instantly, or use keypad entry to programme frequencies directly on the radio.

Yes. The SW-9 supports SSB reception from 150 kHz to 29.999 MHz with both LSB and USB modes for weak-signal monitoring and long-distance DX listening. SSB is a receive-only feature — SSB transmission is not supported. There is no waterfall or spectrum display. The SW-9 is designed for monitoring known SSB frequencies rather than full SDR-style scanning.

Yes. The SW-9 receives AM Airband from 108–137 MHz in AM demodulation mode — covering the international civil aviation communication band. This is receive only. Transmitting on airband frequencies is not permitted without the appropriate aeronautical licence and is outside the scope of a UK Amateur Radio Licence.

The SW-9 requires a standard USB-C power source rated at 5V/2A maximum. USB-C PD (Power Delivery) fast chargers — common on modern phone and laptop chargers — output higher voltages that are not compatible and will not activate charging on the SW-9. Use a standard 5V/2A wall adapter, power bank, or car USB port for reliable charging.

The SW-9 includes a built-in tilt sensor that detects abnormal falls. When a sudden change in radio orientation consistent with a fall is detected, the radio automatically triggers an emergency alert. This is particularly useful for solo hikers, SOTA activators, off-road drivers, and lone field operators working in remote UK environments where immediate assistance may not be available.

The SW-9 has two dedicated SMA ports: one for VHF/UHF/220 MHz communication and one for Aviation/HF shortwave reception. This allows simultaneous connection of different antenna types optimised for each function — for example a high-gain VHF/UHF whip on the communication port and an HF wire antenna or donut SW antenna (Not include) on the shortwave port. Both standard UV and 220 MHz antennas are included in the box.

Yes. The SW-9 is well suited for SOTA (Summits on the Air) activations where 10W power and tri-band capability maximise contact range from elevated positions. For RAYNET (Radio Amateurs Emergency Network) and emergency communications, the 1,000-channel zone organisation, fall detection, and multiple programming methods make it a practical deployment choice. A valid UK Amateur Radio Licence is required to transmit on all operations.