The Baofeng DM-32UV delivers a powerful, feature-packed experience for amateur radio operators looking for digital capability, high power, and advanced features in one compact unit.
Operating on both analog and digital modes, this handheld radio pushes out a full 10 watts of output and supports a wide range of functions including GPS, digital APRS, and full Tier II DMR compatibility.
With a bold 2” color display and access to 4,000 channels, the DM-32UV stands ready for everything from emergency use to daily communication on VHF/UHF bands.
Although Baofeng has long been known for affordable analog radios, this model pushes the brand deeper into the digital ham world bringing higher-end features to a much more accessible price point.
Dual-Band Power and Versatility
Operating on both VHF (136–174 MHz) and UHF (400–480 MHz), the DM-32UV supports full amateur band coverage and wide-band receive. Because it transmits with up to 10 watts of power, it offers significantly more range than typical handhelds. You can select between low, medium, and high power to suit your distance and battery needs.
Additionally, the radio includes support for airband receive and FM broadcast reception, making it versatile for aviation enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
DMR Tier II and Dual Time Slot Functionality
The DM-32UV complies with DMR Tier II standards, which means it’s fully compatible with most digital repeaters and networks like BrandMeister. In addition to supporting dual-slot operation on Tier II, allowing simultaneous use of both time slots on a repeater. This maximizes efficiency and access to digital talk groups.
Since digital modes are growing in popularity, having full DMR functionality gives you access to worldwide communication networks. Including the ability to switch easily between analog and digital modes per channel, giving you flexibility to use either based on your situation.
Built-in GPS and Digital APRS
The built-in GPS module tracks your location in real-time. This enables position reporting in digital mode, but it also supports digital APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) via DMR. This means your location, course, and speed can be transmitted over the air and tracked on APRS-compatible systems.
This is especially useful for public service events, emergency response, or outdoor expeditions where location sharing adds safety and coordination.
2” Color Display for Clear Operation
The DM-32UV features a bright 2-inch color screen that makes navigation through settings and channel lists much easier than traditional monochrome displays. Additionally, you can view signal strength, battery status, GPS lock, frequency, and even your current operating mode at a glance. Because the menu structure is graphical and intuitive, setup becomes faster, even for users new to DMR radios.
4,000 Channels and 50,000 Digital Contacts
It has an incredible memory bank of up to 4,000 channels and storage for 50,000 contacts. This ensures its can handle complex code-plug files. If you’re active in multiple DMR talk groups, local analog nets, or scanning multiple repeaters. This capacity ensures you never hit a memory wall.
Furthermore, the massive contact list allows real-time display of callsigns and names when receiving digital transmissions adding a human element to digital comms.
NOAA Weather Receive and Alert
The DM-32UV includes a NOAA weather band receiver along with an automatic weather alert function. This allows the radio to monitor NOAA broadcasts in the background. In addition to sound an alert if hazardous weather is issued in your area. As a result, it becomes a practical part of any emergency preparedness kit.
Wide Receive and AM/FM Listening
Along with traditional ham bands, the DM-32UV receives aviation AM bands and standard FM radio stations. This extends the radio’s utility far beyond amateur use, letting you listen to air traffic or relax with FM music during downtime.
Key Specifications
- Transmit Power: Up to 10 watts (selectable)
- Frequency Range:
- VHF: 136–174 MHz
- UHF: 400–480 MHz
- Airband/AM: 108–136 MHz (receive only)
- FM: 88–108 MHz (receive only)
- Modes: DMR Tier II, Analog FM
- Time Slot Support: Dual-slot for DMR repeaters
- Channels: 4,000 programmable channels
- Contacts: Up to 50,000 digital contacts
- GPS: Built-in with APRS (DMR-based)
- Display: 2″ color screen
- Battery: 7.4V 2800mAh Li-ion
- Audio Output: Loud 1W speaker
- Weather Alert: NOAA with automatic warning
- Programming: USB cable and software (Windows)
What the DM-32UV Can Do
The Baofeng DM-32UV goes far beyond a basic handheld. It can connect to local analog nets, access global DMR talk groups, send your GPS position over APRS, receive airband traffic, monitor NOAA alerts, and store an extensive number of contacts and frequencies. While many radios limit you to either analog or digital. This one gives you both, and at a higher power level than most.
Because of its broad feature set, it works great for portable operations, emergency communication, public service events, or just casual ham radio fun. You can scan multiple channels, use voice prompts for easier navigation, and configure it to suit complex network configurations.
Final Thoughts on the Baofeng DM-32UV
The Baofeng DM-32UV gives hams a true multi-mode, high-power handheld that competes with more expensive models. Its digital versatility, GPS functionality, rich memory, and sharp display make it one of the most capable Baofeng models to date.