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I know the last post was almost a year ago. I just received my RA86 with an antenna upgrade over the little one. Here is my findings. It comes with privacy tones pre-programmed. You can delete them by turning the radio on while holding the PTT and Scan buttons. You can program up to 99 channels, simplex or repeater. After programming repeaters, you need to turn on the repeater function from any channel. I programmed some public safety frequencies, but the RA86 will not allow the program to install the transmit frequency. This is where labeling the channel would be nice, but it doesn't have the capability. The setting scan is done from the microphone. If you update the radio, you have to start over and set the scan and repeater functions. Scroll using the menu button and select with volume buttons, and then wait for it to time out. I downloaded both the programming software and driver from the Retevis website. I needed the driver for the programming software to work.

try a coat hanger

Best wishes for you 521. I'm glad you are here to post.

100 miles is nothing. There is one of the Queen's favorite viewers in California that can do 200 miles with ease. Seriously, the average terrain elevation in the area of the Maljamar is somewhat flat and approximately 4,000 AMSL and the Maljamar repeater site appears to be sitting at the 4,121 ft level. With the curvature of this great planet and the fact that the propagation of the UHF signal essentially requires a " Line-of -Sight", I highly doubt that the area of coverage footprint is anywhere near a hundred miles. You would essentially, need a site approx. 10-13K in elevation above the average elevation of 4K to have the range of 100 miles with an UHF signal. Even a microwave control path, peak to peak would have difficulties in making it that distance because of the earth curvature. In this case, the 100 mile range of this site is very arbitrary.

Both likely to work, the 50 watt radio will sound louder.

Oh, my! That sounds serious! Can you tell us more about what will happen if he (or anyone) makes a pest of themself?

That radio is currently the GOAT but it’s a ham radio, so be aware that it’s freebanding, and if you’re going to do that, you’re not allowed to make a pest of yourself or you might actually get in the shit — only break one rule at a time! BTech has a beastly 50 watt unit which uses the same software as the Vero, and a GMRS Pro, which is probably still more radio than you need, but Vero software is super easy compared to the alternative menu and manual stuff!

yall are too funny....lol

Went to the website and found this. And then found this about the HDG antenna So much for the informational insert inside the box

Btech RPT50

Beautiful dog.

It sounds like the Baofeng just doesn't have the "legs" to reach the repeater. Even given the same nominal wattage, some radios just have a little better reach than others.

I believe the kenwood TKR-830 was part 95 according to repeaterbuilder.com, however the tkr-830 is a full duplex radio meant for a trunking system; takes some hacking to make it a stand alone repeater.

Ah, thanks! So that means my first Tx hit the repeater and it responded with its call-sign in Morse-code. The Baofeng also received the call-sign, but it is not receiving the Tx from the Wouxun KGS-88G. Nor does the Wouxun receive transmission from the Baofeng. All is well in simplex land.

Yawn, looks like you got me, Einstein! I would never directly ground a radio with 500 MCM as it's best to feed your primary bonding plate with 500 MCM and then, yes then, reduce to a home run of 250 MCM to each fixed equipment rack. https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Harger-223T-Tin-Flange-Bonding-Plate/6096051 But, we ground each of our Baofeng handhelds with 4/0 THHN for maximum flexibility.

Again, where are you placing the surge suppressor's? They typically are inside the structure, either directly mounted to or wired to a ground bar located right at the entry point. Surge suppressors are a serviceable item, so they need to be exposed to be replaced after they fire and short. Not wrapped in putty and tape outside. Where do you come up with this crap?

Even though this is about as far from the truth as I can imagine, I am gonna give you to benefit of the doubt to explain this, WITH links to real documentation proving what you are saying is true. Even if I know it's BS and in truth NOT EVEN possible. I mean seriously, just give me a part number for the Burndy lug that's a single .25 (1/4 inch) hole that I can connect to an MTR repeater ground screw. Let along the one for a 10-32 screw hole that would be on a radio. Never mind getting the 500 bent into shape to connect to the radio. I have to see this. Do you have pictures? Are you using the 500 cable as the method to mount the radios on a desk?

Hi Steve I am new to GMRS, that being said I don't understand LOL. Im using chirp now cause the WOUXUN programming software was giving errors on my windows 11. so I feel lost on what settings I should be using Thanks

Its easiest to start with the pre-programmed channels so you can see what they look like in CHIRP.. Once you figure that out you can then create your own new, custom channels. Re Tone or TSql, i believe @SteveShannon already answered that question in your other post, and because he is an officially-recognized HERD, you should listen to what he says.

HI OffRoaderX Yes i got the link from twowayradios. is the software I am using. I downloaded chirp as alternative and trying to setup repeaters - do I have to use the repeater channels preprogrammed or can I use any channel? Am I supposed to use tone or tsql ? KG-935G+.lnk

And you are doing exactly what is expected when considering buying a disposable radio. No shame in buying a Midland if it makes you feel good and it gets the job done.

No assumption, people buy cheap tools from Harbor Freight with the intention of using it once to get a certain job done and throw it in the storage bin when done with the intention of possibly using it in the future. They generally forget about it and it gets tossed in the trash accidentally or intentionally. The same concept applies to these disposable or throwaway radios we buy. Case in point, I bought a Baofeng UV82 10+ years back for under $50 with the intention that it is a sacrificial radio, or disposable as we like to call them. The damn thing far exceeded my expectations of performance and survivability of abuse and is still in use today and doesn't YET warrant going into the scrap bucket. As for Midland, these radios are generally mistakenly purchased solely by name recognition or not taking the time to fully researching prior to purchasing. People see the flashy ads on the seller's site and go for it. Sadly, the majority of Midland purchasers learn the hard way that they made a costly mistake and finally wise up and never buy another Midland product again. In Midland's defense, their marketing is strong enough to bring in enough one-time customers to survive. A moth going back to the flame a second time is delusional.

The output power isn’t meaningless, but it has much less of an effect than the antenna height and gain. A 20 watt radio can easily transmit 100 miles if there are no obstructions, but obstructions are common. A fifty watt radio cannot overcome obstructions, but it can power its way through vegetation which might attenuate the signal of a less powerful radio until it cannot be detected. There are lots of threads which discuss which antennas work well and how and where to mount them. And attenuation affects signals in both directions. So, more important than the output power is the cable, the antenna gain, the antenna mounting position, and the antenna height. Personally I use a db20g radio with a Midland MXTA26 antenna on the center of my steel roof using a magnetic mount from Midland.

You spelt farz wrong.

I know, another newbie question about fars...but I'm looking for some input from others with a some experience. I was playing around on the repeater map and found the Maljamar, NM repeater says estimated range of 100 miles. What equipment would be needed on a mobile car setup to get to the repeater from 100 miles away? Would a 25W radio be enough power or would a 50W radio be needed? What about an antenna with gain? I realize that this probably depends on many things but hoping to hear about if this is realistically possible. I looked at the RF Line of Sight website and assumed the repeater is 100m high (no idea if this is accurate) and it says there is clear line of sight to Carlsbad and Roswell. Has anyone here used this repeater before? The reason I'm asking is because I'm looking into getting a mobile setup but just haven't pulled the trigger yet. The posting from a few weeks about about mobile setup is really useful. Thanks, hope you all have a good Fourth of July.