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Many people equate Morse Code and CW. Some of us protest that they are different when people use the terms interchangeably, sometimes because we are being pedantic. I’m guilty of that, but because you asked I hope you’ll forgive me for trying to explain it in a way that is hopefully interesting. I’m on the road, woke up early, and I think the difference is interesting. A radio signal, at its most basic form is just an electromagnetic wave at a particular frequency, with almost no bandwidth. The simplest transmitter is an oscillator driving electrical power of a single frequency into a wire. That single frequency of RF contains absolutely no information. It’s just there when it’s on and not there when it’s off. But because it concentrates all that RF power into a single frequency, it’s easily transmitted by a very simple device and easily received with yet another simple device. That is the “Continuous Wave” or CW, a pure frequency of a single frequency that can travel far with very little power. And although you hear tones at the transmitter and receiver ends, there is no actual audible tone being transmitted. The audible tone is created just for the convenience of the operators at the transmitter and receiver. Samuel F. B. Morse had already developed a way to use DC electricity to transmit messages on the telegraph by turning current on and off in the familiar pattern that’s now called Morse Code. By applying that same code to turn on and off the continuous wave the earliest actual form of radio communications was implemented. So to pedantic purists like myself there truly is a distinct difference between CW and Morse Code. One is the medium. The other is the encoding that allows us to communicate the message. But because CW is almost never used for anything other than conveying Morse Code, the two terms have become interchangeable for most people.

Yep, there are other brands that are way more expensive.

Is it a HAM Lic? you follow this copied cliped process: To request a vanity call sign that was previously held by a deceased individual, you can apply for it under the "in memoriam" provision or the "close relative of former holder" provision, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You must have in your station records a written statement from a spouse, child, grandchild, stepchild, parent, grandparent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or in-law of the deceased confirming their association with the club and their consent to your request. Here's a more detailed explanation: 1. Check if the call sign is available: Use the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) or other databases like QRZ.com to see if the call sign is currently in use or available.

The club will start holding a Wednesday Night Net on the Grasslands repeater. Adam WSHZ 630 has volunteered be the net controller (host) for the first one on June 11th. He has provided the below net procedure for this net.

By regulation, channel 6 is limited to a maximum of 5 watts. That doesn't necessarily mean someone isn't transmitting with more power than that.

Someone would have to provide the FCC a copy of the death certificate before an active call sign would become available as a vanity call sign. It is easy to change the call sign on the KG-XS20G, or any Wouxun radio, using programming software. I don't remember if you can do that through the radio itself, too much blood in the caffeine system this morning.

The Apache 3800 is $40 and the Apache 4800 is $60. Plus they are on sale quite often for less.

Potentially, i am working on getting a ham license, and may look into it... last i saw the callsign was still listed as active though, and was renewed in '23, not sure if that will stay active for the 10 yr span or not?

CW is a mode. Morse Code is the most common code use with CW.

FYI the radio is now in Chirp

I have two of the Apache cases too. The Retevis RT97 repeater setup an a few HTs. All the appropriate accessories under the repeater.

I figured I would let everyone know, I updated Chirp tonight and saw the Radioddity DB20G is now on the supported radios list. Which Im sure means the other brands of this same radio likely work with it as well. Consider this a friendly heads up. I think we all prefer Chirp over most all oem software.

Why not spend less money on better radios and mount one in every vehicle. I’ve got all these toys and you skimp on radios and only buy one junker???? Geeesh. Some people.

It is not available for GMRS..

it its a HAM call sign there is a process you can take to acquire the call sign through the FCC via a Vanity Request. I don't think this would be abailable undere a GMRS lic though. Someone here may know. Steve?????? Of course you would need a HAM Lic

now thats pretty impressive,, a case twice the cost of the radios

We are still working on getting Frida 700 up and running this year. The project was started a few years ago but got put on hold due to some issues with the tower. The group has not decided if this will be a open repeater or not yet. We'll see!

Showing respect for someone who passed isn't weird. The world could use more like you.

https://www.amazon.com/Larsen-27-30-Loading-Coil-Black/dp/B004Z940DA

Well, that's a neater setup than mine. I'm currently using a small backpack for a DB20-G. It's got all the needfuls, (radio, HT's & charger, 110v to 12v transformer, programming cable, and mag mount) except an antenna. I'm looking into a ghost type. I do have an antenna permanently mounted on my truck. Mine isn't so much for portability but more for security. They have been hitting vehicles nightly in my area, so everything comes in at night. I'd really like to mount the radio in the truck, but I doubt it would last a week before some "individual" smashed a window and took it. My currnet mount is a very clunky cup holder mount. Your box set up looks good. And darned if Harbor Freight isn't just a few of miles away.

The Apache cases are hard to beat, especially when on sale and/or you are an Insider Member. I have several Apache cases. Here is one I setup for portable use with my Xiegu G90 20 watt HF radio. I've been thinking about setting another one up for my Wouxun KG-XS20G and maybe a 2m/70cm radio.

^^^^This!^^^^ Most CCJ radios have direct conversion receivers and are susceptible to bleedover, intermod, and other stuff from within and outside of the GMRS band. What you are hearing may not even be on GMRS. Several excellent suggestions on this thread about using Morse decoder apps or posting the audio on here for one of us who can copy Morse, should help ID the source.

You're a ringer - you already know what it means and how to use it.

My MX275 radio goes between my RV, boat, and occasionally my wife's car, depending on the activity. It always has been kind of a handful of stuff. Harbor Freight had a coupon that I used a week or so ago, purchasing an inexpensive Pelican case knock off. There was room in the case for the 275, its cig plug, two UV5Gs, one "RM", three rubber duck antennas, a charging base for the UV5Gs, and the stock mag mount antenna for the 275, which I don't use, but seemed like a good thing to toss in for completeness sake. I used the lower foam layer for the Baofeng charging base, cig plug, and stock external magnetic mount antenna for the 275. The MX275 instructions are underneath it all, since you need them to translate real PL tones to the codes that Midland uses. None of this is high end stuff, but it should be relatively convenient.

ummm