🤝 Radio Compatibility
Will your Arcshell talk to your friend’s Motorola? The answer is Yes, but they must be programmed to the same frequency and tone.
🟢 Compatible Radios
These radios can all communicate with each other if programmed correctly:
- Other BF-888S Clones: Pxton PX-888S, Retevis H-777, etc. (See our Clones & Variants guide for a full list and accessory info).
- Consumer FRS/GMRS Radios: Motorola Talkabout, Midland, Cobra, Onn.
- Ham Radios: Any UHF-capable handheld like the BaoFeng UV-5R.
🔴 Incompatible Radios
Your radio will NOT work with:
- Digital Radios (DMR/P25): Your radio is analog only.
- CB Radios: These use a completely different frequency band (27 MHz).
- VHF Marine Radios: These use the 156 MHz band (though some clones are dual-band, the AR-5/BF-888S are typically UHF only).
Matching Privacy Codes
If your friend’s radio says they are on “Channel 1, Code 12”, you must find the frequency for Channel 1 (462.5625 MHz) and the CTCSS frequency for Code 12 (100.0 Hz) and program those into your radio via CHIRP.