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FWIW: I also got a DB-25D which is basically the same format with DMR capabilities.

Good to know, thanks. I'm also currently considering an ICOM ID-4100A, but it's going to be over double the price of the Radioddity....and it won't do GMRS. Or at least I think it won't.

Another reason is, I really don't want to have to use two different radios when I can just use one. I really don't want two radios mounted in my truck.

My understanding is that the City of Malibu funded DB-20G Go-Boxes for communications during their frequent natural emergencies.

This is exactly why I got mine. So when I get my HAM call sign, I can use it for GMRS, 2m, 70cm, and MURS. Mostly for RX, but TX if I need to.

Thanks for the answer. I'm looking at putting together a portable unit inside a pelican case type dealio. Currently trying to decide which radio to use. The same size of this one makes it appealing. The ultimate goal is to make it into the HF band but this would get me started in HAM. I appreciate the feedback!

Yes! And if you are a stickler for FCC rules you can restore it to GMRS only. You must reload a codeplug each time And if not, I have previously posted a codeplug for when it is unlocked that comports with FCC GMRS rules, otherwise.

I held my Technician license for almost 18 years before I upgraded, for the exact same reasons. I was near exclusively conducting local EMCOMM VHF and UHF support. I upgraded to my General just before COVID hit, mostly out of boredom in my personal time and to encourage/support my son and a friend who we're interested in getting their licenses at the time. We put a study group together and all tested at the same time. I guess that was a long-winded way of saying "I get it." LoL

So, let me ask this question... As someone who is preparing to get their Technician license and is a GMRS user, as well, would the DM20G be a good radio to purchase and then unlock as it would give me access to GMRS, as well as UHF and VHF, the two bands I would have access to as a Technician? Essentially, I would be able to talk on both GMRS and HAM from the same unit?

Me, too! This radio has stood the test of time, now especially with Chirp support! It out performs my Yaesu FT-857d on 2 meter and 70 cm FM.

I just recently did the small to bnc adapter trick. Makes it a breeze to change antennas and I can hook up my radio to my 9db Yagi easily too.

31-39 are TX and RX. 31-38 can only be programmed using software. 39 can be programmed from the radio only for simplex or for repeater in software. 40 & up are RX only, and so are 8-14.

I would suspect you have to store that in one of the open channels. I don't remember if those channels are RX only or not. I unlocked mine right away, so I can put whatever I want in any of the channels.

i was through Hayden early summer. Found one reptaer there. Because of the mountains and trees it was very spotty, Not good for traveling and didnt work well into coeur d'Alene. There are a few good high mountain spots around Coeur d'Alene but no one that i know of has planted a GMRS repeater on one yet. Good luck. Very nice area

It's "1 SQL" on the mic.

congradulations. Don't stop..

What about two different repeaters on the same channel, but with different tones?

There's nothing wrong with staying at technician either. I know some that never upgraded from the old Novice license as they never use HF at all. I threw out the options with General incase you are interested. It never hurts to have more communication tools in the tool box.

I get that, but for my immediate needs, the Tech license is fine. And really, one of the main reasons I got my license, is there aren't really any GMRS repeaters in my area. But there are enough HAM ones to cover pretty much everywhere around here. For the most part GMRS would work perfectly fine for me, if it weren't for lack of coverage in my area.

Right now, I'm just using GMRS, and listening to MURS and 70cm mostly. But there are some 2m repeaters in my area. So I will probably will switch to the Comet.

With the GMRS config, you shouldn't have to do offset and direction and all that. You should be able to pick one of the 'stock' 8 repeater channels, set up the tones, that should be it. A not documented very well step is you need to hit the MON button to cycle the tone modes...one of them being "OFF" (OFF / CTC / DTC N / DTC I), so it won't let you scroll through the tone option menu until you hit MON. That one took me a while to figure out.

I have a couple of Comet 2x4SR antennas. They work well for 2m, MURS, 70cm, and GMRS. SWR is below 2.0 on the 1.25m/220 MHz band too. Though I have not tried using the 2x4SR on 1.25m yet. It is also a popular antenna for EMS and public safety volunteers as it works well for them.

If you’re thinking of using anything in the 2m band I would recommend the Comet antenna you are looking at, that’s a good antenna and the MXT-A26 while good for gmrs and some 70cm will have horrible SWR in the 2m bands.

There are other uses for HF than just talking to anonymous men across the country. You can use VHF and HF with Winlink to send emails. And Winlink is commonly used by emergency management agencies during natural disasters. We had a couple of club members here passing messages to people in North Carolina during Hurricane Helena recovery efforts.

Interesting! later tonight, i will put mine back in locked mode and see what I can come up with! Any specific requests? Specific repeaters?