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There's so much good stuff out there in the way of used Part90 Commercial gear.... I've got a couple PM400's, an XPR5550 (shop truck), an old TK-880, and an assortment of portables that run the range from Vertex through Motorola. I've always been a fan of the M1225 for starter gear. It's small enough, has decent specs, and the software is very easy to use. I've picked up units off eBay for under 25 bucks for low power (25 watt) 4 channel models. The 20 channel display units usually run higher, but almost always under $100 for clean working units. The M1225 series was also type accepted for Part 95, which calms some people's fears. I have to admit that having access to all the software and cables makes things pretty easy for me, but unless you're looking at current model top of the line stuff, the software is pretty easy to come by, and most of the mobile cables you can make yourself if you can follow a diagram on Batlabs or Repeater-builder.

I've used the M1225 as a repeater setup and mobile, I will agree. Very nice!

I'm a Motorola kind of guy, even if I gotta spend the extra to get it. I use a Motorola PM400 UHF 438-470, 1-25 watts customizable, only 64 channels but that works for what I need. RF goes out to a 1/4 wave NMO on the center of my roof. I have used a couple odd ball mobiles, but I've always gone back to Motorola. Best of luck!

Well I was able to reach Sassafras repeater to talk with a gentleman in Cleveland GA today on the 4 watt TERA TR-505 and I was in Gainesville so I was about 30 miles from Sassafras and 10 or 15 miles from Cleveland. I think the problem is exactly like you explained, I’m losing contact with the repeater when the 4 watt handheld is in areas without line if sight. That explains why the radio works sometimes and does not work sometimes. I also have to keep in mind that since the Sassafras repeater is not linked at the moment there are simply fewer people listening. Anyways, my son is coming up tomorrow and he’s going to help me run some Simplex testing around the local Dahlonega area, so that should be even more educational.

A tip on reading the advice regarding radio suggestions. There is a tendency for ham operators to be more willing to use commercial and/or used equipment. On the other hand, those who started with GMRS or came from CB tend to prefer turn-key purpose made gear. Neither is better or worse than the other. But, depending on your needs and abilities, there might be a difference to you. You check under the avatar to see if a member lists a ham license. Most, but not all, hams do. Personally, I like Motorola equipment and the M1225 is a fine radio. But, consider the info under my avatar. YMMV And, +1 on bluemax49ers for your programming cable needs.

Fully agree. The 1225’s are great. I’ve also used the CDM1250s and 750s with great success.