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Just got a set of these yesterday, 9/11/25. So far, I like them... a lot. The phone app programming is very nice. And the display is pretty decent in daylight. Way better than my AR-5RM's. I got them because I wanted something sturdy, but still had a touch of radio dorkness. I wanted IP67 rating, weather alerts, and GPS. I have not tried the texting feature yet, but that's because I haven't had time. Maybe today... And yes, the antenna comes off with ease. shhh don't tell anyone!!

You won't have to worry about that if you are using a Part 95 certified GMRS radio as they are locked down so they only transmit on GMRS channels.

Joining the ARRL is your choice, however you do receive the benefits of their efforts in protecting the airwaves amateurs enjoy.

Define "fixed" in a legal and technical context: Great question—“fixed” carries distinct meanings in legal and technical domains, and they’re surprisingly nuanced. Let’s break it down: Legal Context In law, “fixed” often refers to something that is permanent, definite, or not subject to change. Here are a few examples: • Fixed Term: A contract or agreement that lasts for a specific, predetermined period. • Fixed Penalty: A set fine or punishment that doesn’t vary based on circumstances. • Fixed Assets: Tangible property like buildings or equipment that are not easily converted to cash. • Copyright Law: A work is considered “fixed” when it is embodied in a tangible medium of expression—meaning it can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated for more than a short time (e.g., written on paper, recorded digitally). Technical Context In engineering, computing, and other technical fields, “fixed” typically implies non-variable, stable, or predetermined characteristics: • Fixed Value: A constant that does not change during computation or operation. • Fixed Point Arithmetic: A method of representing numbers where the decimal point is in a set position—used in systems with limited processing power. • Fixed Frequency: A signal or system operating at a constant frequency. • Fixed Installation: Equipment or infrastructure that is permanently mounted or not intended to be moved. From the two contexts we can see that a fixed location consists of equipment that is permanently mounted or not intended to move or, not subject to change as it is at a definite and permanent location. As in my example, a repeater meets the qualifications of being permanently mounted and not intended to move or change. It fails the second tranche in that it does not communicate to other fixed stations. Stretching the permanently mounted or intended to move tranche, if you can pick it up because it isn't bolted down, it isn't fixed.

Waiting three weeks to respond to your other post and then starting a new thread does not help…

No [3 weeks later??]

I would add some clarification on this, if you are using a type accepted 5 watt hand held GMRS radio you won’t have any issue using channels 8-14. The radio will be programmed to reduce wattage on those channels from the factory. Type accepted GMRS mobile radios won’t transmit on those channels.

By obtaining a license and creating an account here it gives you access to repeater information. You are given permission via the fcc to use more power when transmitting and use of radios with removable antennas to use better antennas, and the ability to transmit through repeaters. If you just want to listen you can do so and none of those things matter and no license is needed. You can hear repeaters as the tones are only needed to transmit through them. You can buy good scanners or any radio and equipment you like. The license is just for transmitting and as @SteveShannon recommends no license needed for FRS and all channels are the same. Nothing wrong with enjoying radio as you choose.

That's either a very mis-tuned duplexer or a broken one. I'm using an EMR 526-4 on my repeater, tuned to .700 by a dealer. Other than being huge, heavy, and looking like an out-of-control party at a steamfitter's convention it does an amazing job. N connectors on input and output (and I assume throughout, but I'm not checking because I might throw the tune off).

Do you have family where it would be helpful to chat while one of you is outside the house? You can use it as an intercom, like the old Nextel iDEN phones. The advantages are that it works if the cell towers are down, radios can be purchased for far less money than cell phones, and one license covers your entire family. The disadvantages are that it doesn't have coverage as good as cellular if you have tall buildings or hilly, wooded terrain and there's no privacy. They can also be used for some types of communications during some types of emergencies. I'm qualifying that because it isn't suited for the hardcore "prepper in a bunker" types, but as an example we had a water main break on a main road here earlier this week, and someone in an apartment building overlooking the new sinkhole and geyser was providing real-time updates, while the city just sent out a generic alert and ended the day with a boil water advisory. People were asking how congested various alternate routes were and getting answers. There may also be repeaters in your area that you can use to increase your coverage. You can find candidates here, although you'll need an account to access the details. You can also find people who are interested in chatting, though it may take some effort and since GMRS is for personal use, the first people you hear may not be interested in talking to you. Near me, I have two guys who seem to mostly debate the merits of Doritos and hamburgers. OTOH, if it isn't for you, it isn't for you. No pressure to do anything you're not interested in. Lots of people just listen.

I never did understand the whole duck on the dash thing. I don't want anything on the dash that could go flying around in an accident, even a rubber duck. Nice job on the radio install. The 2730B is nice as the black screen is easy to see in all light conditions.

Just get an FRS radio. No license is needed to talk and you can listen to all of the same channels.

If all you plan on doing is using a radio or scanner to listen, you do not need a license and there would be no benefit. If you want to talk, you need a license.

The only FCC rule restriction that comes to mind would be that you cannot use a 5W GMRS radio on channels 8 thru 14. Those channels are restricted to 0.5W which is common for most FRS radios. If you can set your radio to low power, you might be ok, but most 5W radios, even at low power, would probably still exceed the 0.5W power limit. That being said, if you were to transmit on those channels with more than the permitted 0.5W of power nobody would likely know or even care.

When I recently got my HAM license I got an invite to join the ARRL buy the cost of the yearly dues were too much. There's a local club that's closer to my price range that I'd like to join though.

I got a hit on Shaw 725 a couple days ago. I wasn't expecting it but I tried it to test a radio I'd just programmed and got a return from it. There's not that many GMRS Repeaters in the Phoenix area, it'd be ashamed if we lost one. On the other hand we're covered up in 2M/70cm HAM Repeaters here in the Valley which is a good reason to get your Amature License.

Seems like there is always the tendency to make things more complicated than the really are.

My RT-900 gets 6.82w on 1.25M. For $25 bucks it's a heck of a nice radio.

Maybe your tune is a bit off. Doesn't take much.

Noted, I may need to visit that facet

I have the similar XLT 100 watt duplexer, DP-GMRS-100R and it has less than a 1.3dB loss through the duplexer. I think the difference is it's in a rack case and has N connectors instead of 239s. I saw almost no difference between the 3 duplexers I have from the output of my repeater.

My kids likes the ducks and my oldest likes to trade ducks so they stay.

Soooo... I might have a duplexer for sale, Justa sayin....

FYI, the Duplexer I am/was using which gave me 24W from a 47W input is the DP-GMRS-100 by XLT.

Update: I contacted Radioddity about the TYT TH-9800. explained my issue. I have had this gear for over a month but they replied that they would replace it. I am not surprised due to the reputation of this particular machine BUT they did act fast with no pushback, as least for now. Thank you again for all of your input to lead me to not keeping a piece of gear that doesn't work. As a newby, I would have kept it and eventually trashed the $ amount paid.