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There are “shack in a box” radios that include every common band from 160 meters to 70 cm.

Naa naa naa see, that's TOTALLY different. You need a screwdriver and a soldering iron to unlock MARS mod that radio! You can't do it in software!!

Icom, Yaesu, and the other top brand ham radios follow the rules. CCRs may let you break the rules. 95.1761: (c) No GMRS transmitter will be certified for use in the GMRS if it is equipped with a frequency capability not listed in § 95.1763, unless such transmitter is also certified for use in another radio service for which the frequency is authorized and for which certification is also required. No GMRS transmitter will be certified for use in the GMRS if it is equipped with the capabilities to operate in services that do not require equipment certification, such as the Amateur Radio Service. All frequency determining circuitry (including crystals) and programming controls in each GMRS transmitter must be internal to the transmitter and must not be accessible from the exterior of the transmitter operating panel or from the exterior of the transmitter enclosure.

I see where the confusion lies. It's rooted in the idea that the FCC actually does anything to or for anybody.

My advice, is avoid the Retevis

If you mean the DB20-G, then yes. Or you could pick up the Anytone or Retevis flavors, whichever is cheapest, they're the same radio (hell, my Radioddity showed AnyTone on the welcome screen haha). Pick up whichever's cheapest and comes with the programming cable (the Radioddity at least did when I bought mine, the Retevis didn't, and I don't remember about the AT). My DB20G showed the same price at the time as the Retevis, but came with the cable.

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.