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Newbie here, first post actually! I picked up one of these radios recently and have noticed a couple things. 1) The GMRS-V1 starts with channel 0 instead of 1 so if you are using this radio with your more typical GMRS radios like Cobra, Motorola etc. your channel numbers are all off by 1 channel, i.e Ch. 1 on a Motorola is actually Ch. 0 on the V1. I'm hoping this can be reprogrammed with CHIRP but haven't tried it yet. 2) The scanning function for CTCSS tones doesn't work very well, or I'm doing it wrong. I suggest having a printout of the CTCSS tones of whatever other radio you are trying to communicate with as there isn't a standard it appears across the many consumer GMRS units. Obviously if you are using the V1 with another V1, neither of these issues matter, nor are they deal breakers when using with units for other manufacturers, just something to be aware of should you purchase a V1.

I and others on here are of the opinion that any Part 90 gear that meets the technical requirements in Part 95 (which virtually all do today) is okay to use on GMRS when operated within the appropriate limits. I know you mentioned Part 95 specifically, and there is still a legal gray area on what I just said above. The issue is that there isn't a lot of equipment available that is certified for GMRS to the extent that the Part 95 rules are a major hinderance to the service. Following the letter of the law, then you should only use Part 95 equipment. However the rules exist to set minimum technical requirements and modern Part 90 radios are compliant and worthy substitutes (in many cases also exceed the specifications of Part 95). From an enforcement standpoint, it's really a non-issue. I've seen no reports of the FCC taking issue with a Part 90 radio, being operated correctly (i.e. within proper power limits), on GMRS. There is no way to tell aside from a station inspection that the radio is not Part 95 compliant. I'll stress once again that this is opinion, but it is a prevailing opinion in the community it seems.

I have one of these radios. It's pretty awesome.

Quarterwave - everything is cool at your end and we sent you a PM regarding the situation to which you have responded to. We will only say this one more time in the open before the staff here takes punitive action: We DO NOT want to see any posted suggestions regarding BLATANT** unlawful operation - such as over power being an "OK - who cares" situation, Ham equipmment being used on GMRS frequencies and so on. Any further postings of this type will trigger an automatic staff response which may decrease our membership by one, as well as being removed from the main website registration. The suggestions made by the individual in question may also potentially stir the interest of the Commission because the Commission IP address shows up occasionally as a guest here and the call sign of the person is clearly visible. Need we say more? The MyGMRS staff ________________________________________________________________________ [** ref: the Part 90 equipment in Part 95 service is not a blatant issue as of this time and is still on the table for discussions as usual.]

No, I'm afraid it's not "all fine". Follow the rules. I have read a couple of your posts, are you here to participate or instigate? Sounds very negative to me. I think I can speak for all members in saying we welcome participants....not problems. Let's don't be antagonistic...or maybe this isn't the site for you. And furthermore...a 300 watt repeater has no better usable range than a 50 watt repeater if the receive isn't enhanced. 4 watts from a portable still only goes so far to reach a repeater....300 watts is just "broadcasting" and is likely hurting the receive side more unless using high dollar cans, pre filters/selectors, etc. Moderator - if I am being too forward with our new member here, please delete. Just calling it as I see it, and don't want something getting out of hand.