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Things to keep in mind for why I said what I said. For starters the spring base that the Midland Antennas(specifically the Highland 3dB for this discussion) is pretty heavy duty compared others like the 6dB antenna Midland offers(the super skinny whip). To specify that spring is more than capable of holding the antenna in a folded position just fine. If it wasn't, it would have problems holding the antenna upright while driving down the HWY. Next is to understand that particular antenna I'm looking at. Both the Highland and Canyon Edge that I mentioned above are still 3dB antenna's like the Ghost antenna. Of the 3 one actually requires a ground plane(something I wasn't aware of at the time) vs the other two that don't require a Ground Plane(though it would not hurt to have one). In reality the antenna wasn't stacked to get the signal. If it was stacked, it would be a different signal with frequency or gain. i will also add that the Highland antenna has a set screw to lock down the antenna down to the spring base. This will make it nice as the set screw will not let the antenna just vibrate and rotate off. It will also help keep others hands off if they don't have the tools. Last but not least and I this is more of a poke to the comments of wanting to talk to the Moon. I am choosing a 3dB antenna due to the use I have. I understand that the beam pattern is more of a ball pattern vs a stretched oval that a higher dB antenna has. With a quality antenna in combination of the 50 Watt Radio I have, I should still be able to get an excellent range in general. I also understand that the 3dB will be great for mountain type terrain that I usually travel on. If I was traveling more on open desert type terrain, then a 6dB or higher would be better, but I'm not on that type of terrain regularly. Let's also keep in mind that if my goal was to talk to the other side of the world, I would have a base station HAM radio with more power than anyone would ever need.

From what I can tell here, you have a little bit better setup than me with that antenna. To specify it comes down to having a ground plane of sorts. I myself do not have that with my antenna. It doesn't help either that I have a few other items nearby the antenna causing some interference as well. In reality it all depends on the setup. For myself I find that I will need a different antenna that isn't as dependant on a ground plane. That will be the advantage of the Highland antenna since it is more ground independent.

I installed a relay to kill power to the radio when I turn off the key, but I try to remember to turn the radio off before the ignition, so it doesn't get that surge at startup. I don't know if it's really anything to worry about, but it's easy and seems like a reasonable precaution.

I mounted mine with a Midland – MXTA27 MicroMobile Universal Lip Mount. It seems to use the ground plane of the hood well enough. I'm able to hit a repeater 40+ miles away from me with ease. It's not as clear as on my home base station using an Ed Fong J pole, but it does well enough and for jeep to jeep comms under 3 miles, it's like the person is sitting in the Jeep next to me.

Im curious... what made you draw that opinion? Nothing I wrote is factually incorrect and is related to you inquiry. Which is part of my confusion about your statement of me. I want to know why you wrote that, so i can correct my replies in the future, that way they can be more well understood. Not only have I seen them, I have also installed several of both models for friends. I also described some drawbacks of spring-loaded fold down mounts (both separate or if built into the antenna). Additionally, due to both antennas having a vertical radome significantly larger than 1 full wavelength on GMRS frequencies, I tried to explain how stacked element antennas are designed (leading to their extreme size for the frequency) and how they work, but in a way to understand the concept without a lot of fundamental knowledge of electronics and antenna propagation and design.

My Btech repeater has a squelch along with the tones.

Randy (@OffRoaderX) did a video that might help:

yes it is running dtcss and i am setup to tone in and out. I think you answered my question traffic that I am hearing since the move are very low signal strength that makes them un readable. was just wondering if repeater could filter out broken and or weak signals. thanks

It certainly doesn't surprise me that there are differences. That is why I'm looking to get information now instead of later. Now I have done some reading, but haven't been able to get clear answers. I can also state that I understand that radios that are going to be used in Canada need to be IC approved. Then again this is something that each country will probably have a rule for.

that did it, thank you

Mine does that too. Have not looked for a fix.

hi all! i recently picked up at db20g and was able to program it using the radioddity cps software. one issue it's having is that every time i turn on (power up) the radio, B channel is always starts up in vfo mode, even though its programed to start up on channel/memory mode. just wondering if anyone else noticed this or has this issue? will another programing software fix this issue? Thanks!

Midland calls it a ghost, others call it a 'phantom' antenna. There are ground plane kits for it, nmo mount with radials. Works nicely for wall or mast mounting. Myself if I decide to mount using the ground plane kit, I go with a 3 db stainless whip. Little more to capture signals.

"Having donation options would be one thing, but there is zero chance you're convincing me that you need to collect a membership fee to cover costs, imho" And I agree. At 70+ years old. I have seen a lot and when money is involved, there is a paycheck in the background for many issues like to, "JUST COVER EXPENSES."

Thank you, I haven't even talked on mine yet.

The education thing could be useful. I barely passed my GMRS test and am still studying for my entry level (use of Channels 1, 2, and 3) MURS exam after failing it twice, already. But nobody's posts that I have seen here, has touched on the important stuff. Will there be hard hats? What about bright orange or green safety vests? How about GMRUS magnetic decals for the car or truck for use in disasters or sanctioned emergency drills? Will there be an emergency communications trailer? If not, count me out. If GMRUS does not offer hard hats, I may join this guy's organization. At least he has some cool, though well used, protective gear.

Kinda mean spirited writing a letter to a guy who can't read?

People people please, I think what we are all forgetting here is that radios goes bleep bloop... And isn't that all that truly matters?

So it has been a bit since I was on here and I can say I got a good amount of responses. That said the first one was a bit hilarious. I have a feeling that marc has not looked at the antennas mentioned let alone the antennas that the Australians use for those CB Radios. With that all said I found out that the Ghost Antenna is not meant for much if it isn't grounded well. That was something I found out recently from Midland. Because of that I decided to go ahead and purchase the Highland antenna. Why? Because that antenna does not require a Ground Plane. Because of that I should technically get better performance causing me to get better range(within reason). Now for those wondering why a 3dB antenna has been chosen over other antennas, I understand my particular use. I don't necessarily need to talk to the moon, but I know that a good antenna paired with a good radio you can get an excellent range in multiple terrains allowing you to speak to others and get weather information from NOAA(if there is a tower nearby). The antenna was just ordered today and I am looking to get it installed in the next weekend. Once that happens I will test the performance and report back.

Your licenses will not transfer, Nor do I believe are US GMRS radios permitted in Canada. Their GMRS is much more like our FRS. You’ll need to research what radios and bands are available. Amateur radio is different. There are agreements that allow an amateur from one country to operate in another (not all, but many)

Hello all, I have a question related to the rules for Canada specifically when it comes to using mobile radios like the GMRS or others. I myself do have a license to operate a GMRS Radio in the US and I currently have a Midland MXT575 Radio in my vehicle. I also have a Garmin Tread equipped with the Group Ride that uses MURS at 5 Watts at best. In the near future(probably in about 2 years) I see myself moving up to Canada for work and I'm curious if I will be ok to keep the radios I have(even if it means getting the appropriate license) or if I will need to change the radios on the vehicle. Any information will be helpful!

Most mobile radios are designed to run at 13.8 volts. Most 12 volt vehicle charging systems are designed to charge between 13.8 and 14.2 volts on average. 12 volt power supplies are all set to 13.8 volts for a fixed output. Newer vehicles with the battery management system will see charging voltage as high as 15.2-15.4 volts at startup if the vehicle has not been ran for a while. A lower voltage of 11.5 should not affect the signal quality when compared to 13.8 volts or even 15 volts. The only thing you should notice is a difference in the output power of the radio.

CTCSS, DCS, or carrier squelch are all options. None of the are based on readability, although DCS (aka DTCSS or DPL) does require some measure of readability for the digital code to be recognized. What do you mean by unreadable? Are you using something like CTCSS or DTCSS?

This sums it up well; i've talked into a GMRS repeater and a 70cm ham repeater on Joaquin Ridge on the west side of the San Joaqin Valley from a hill on the east side of the valley (75ish miles) with 5 watt HTs. I've also talked into another 70cm repeater on Fremont Peak from a bit further east, around a 115 mile shot over the valley on the 50 watt mobile in my truck. In both cases, i had clear line of sight over the valley, as i was sitting around 4500-5000 ft elevation, and all of those repeaters sit around the 3000ft mark on hills/ridges.

that is a lot of power output difference %. what was noticed on mine was quality of signal 11.5 volts vrs 13. I am not a circuit engineer but, bet there is an optimam somewhere in the calculations?? dont think power output wattage is key to the full picture of radio clarity and propagation. am no expert tho.