All Activity

The majority of LMR radios do not have free downloads from their sites. Many Kenwood shops will sell yo uthe software. It most likely is on a CD and not a floppy. I'm sure there are places on ebay that sell a download but I've alwasy preferred software from the vendor vs internet

Yes, I see what it says. Chinese vendors (never heard of that one like many others) don't understand English very well or the FCC regs. Just get some more GM-30s from Radioddity. [I don't need the Chirp file because they obviously messed it up.]

Cool. Looking forward to getting the wheels dirty in PA. First week of October is Uhwarrie JJ so will be there for that one as well. We have busy summer with events. SMJI is in August so will be there, then October have 3 JJUSA trips planned and Windrock for hopefully November.

Here is the Amazon link. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D7PYT1XS/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A3ND7E64AZOQU8&psc=1 It does call it a HAM radio in the title, but farther down in the description it says "Connectivity Protocol - GMRS". If interested, I attached the .img file to upload to CHIRP to see what the frequencies plan looked like when I first opened it up out of the box. Frequencies originally programmed on Baofeng radio.img

A was the old GMRS section; it's Subpart E now. Yes on the antenna, but the requirement is radiated power (ERP), which includes gain from the antenna. So stick with sorry original stubby "rubber duck" antenna for that.

I haven’t looked into this but hopefully they have a software program that can control it from a pc.

Also check out the Radioddity DB20-G a/k/a Anytone AT-779UV mini-mobile: 20 watts, mic controls, cigarette lighter plug, $99-$109 Add a $20 mag-mount antenna and Amazon cup-holder mount and it easily installs/uninstalls in your vehicles.

5 watts vs 2 and optionally external antennas on your vehicles will make a big difference. And of course your GMRS license extends to other certain family members. I often read many complaints about Midland radios on this forum and they seem to be overpriced

Ok. No specific interest. I actually have a set of Midland LXT-600 (FRS) radios. They are pretty useless. Used them once when moving as a travel channel between me driving the truck and wife following in car. I could still see my wife in mirrors behind me and the static was so scratchy she became unreadable until she was the vehicle right behind me. That's why I became more interested in GMRS.

I've actually 3D printed some small screws for circuit boards. They work fine as long as you don't overtighten..

If you’re specifically interested in Channels 8-14; only certified HTs can transmit on these channels. Not mobiles, for example.

yea,, thinking the same.. But they said the same thing with the Tiny Spectrum Analyzer and i love the device.. I don's use thumbs or fingers, i use a pen pad stylus.. I'm thinking of getting this. My Oscilloscope source has retired and moved to AZ leaving me high and dry..

Correct, except GMRS is subpart E. Also, a GMRS radio which transmits data are required to have a non-removable antenna and may not transmit the data through a repeater.

so, if one programs a commercial business radio, meeting Part 80 & Part 90, to GMRS Channels to their perspective power & frequency specs and locks the radio in the CPM programing so no radio adjustments can alter these settings, then you have a legal GMRS radio.. But once you program other XTMT frequencies outside the GMRS Band, you radio is now illegal for GMRS use. This is why many HAMS use Business class radios for repeaters.. As long as these Part 80 & 90 class radios are programed strictly for GMRS to spec, they are legal to use.

You are correct about my misunderstand of the regulations. So if I have an FRS radio (station type) it must meet § 95.587 FRS (FCC subpart B ) requirements? But if I have a GMRS radio (station type) I can use those (FRS/ 467 MHz frequencies) under GMRS (FCC subpart A) requirements which allow for that radio with removable antenna?

Although it looks similar, the TYT UV-88 is not the same radio as the Radioddity GM-30. Channels 8-14 are not the same power limit as other GMRS or even FRS channels. Thay are specifically limited to .5 watt.

GM-30 is a GMRS certified version (TYT UV-88 was HAM version of same radio). Ch 8-14 467MHz channels are part of GMRS too, same power limit.

I think it’s really saying that a radio may be made that’s certified for multiple services as long as it’s properly certified for each of those services and not capable of transmitting on non-certified services such as ham. So a radio could be certified for parts 90 and 95e and used for both by a properly licensed person.

The GM-30 is certified for GMRS and so it satisfies FCC rules for GMRS. Yes if you get a specific tool and loosen the nut, the antenna can be removed; but this does not break certification. GMRS radios can have removable antennas. You are confusing FRS radio specs. GMRS HTs can transmit on Channels 8-14.

My son has the Radioddity GM-30 which is most likely FCC certified for GMRS. It has the factory locked GMRS frequencies which include those 467 MHz (FRS channel 8-14) frequencies. But the antenna is still removable rendering it non-compliant to transmit on those frequencies. I feel like I'm being egged on to run with scissors in my hand.

You’re misunderstanding the regulations. All of the FRS frequencies are also GMRS frequencies and may be used by GMRS radios as long as the regulations regarding power, bandwidth, and station type are obeyed. There’s nothing wrong with following the rules.

Do you have an Amazon page link for the model and vendor you have? (I don't use eBay anymore.) On the power issue, that's questionable; low power is likely more than 0.5W, but it also varies by frequency. I think 220 was the lowest. (There's a post on here somewhere that gives their test results.)

No, programming tones is not a modification. In fact for a certified GMRS radio, none of the ordinary changes made from the panel constitutes a modification. If you “unlock” the radio to allow it to transmit on a frequency outside of the 30 GMRS frequencies designated by regulations that would be considered a modification.

Cool! Post some photos when its done.

Like Mr Natural says: “Get the right tool for the job!” Radioddity and Baofeng offer many budget priced certified radios for GMRS, FRS and MURS, as needed.