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This is a spectral purity test from a typical Bao Feng HT. Note the existence of 1st., 2nd., and 3rd. harmonic 'spurs'. This is what you want to amplify? A properly designed transmitter would have adequate filtration to suppress those spurs almost completely.

And just to keep gMan comments consistent, here is my daily batwing recommendation, err... Motorolian Empire propaganda... Get an XPR4550 UHF... I think you'll really like that radio. Here is a good one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorola-XPR4550-Two-Way-Radio-AAM27QPH9LA1AN-403-470-MHz-25-40-WATT-UHF/114491711393?epid=1901496480&hash=item1aa83cdfa1:g:EhwAAOSwNDVfnQra Mic here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RMN5052A-Mic-For-Motorola-XPR4300-XPR4300-XPR4500-XPR4550-XPR5550-XiRM8260-radio/124480973478?hash=item1cfba4eaa6:g:p1AAAOSw96Ff0lMp Here is the cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Programming-Cable-441-Motorola-MOTOTRBO-XPR4550-XPR4580-XPR5350-PMKN4010B-USB/351924161247?hash=item51f0508adf:g:Kh0AAOxy0rZRFnXY Here is the CPS: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Programming-Disk-CD-For-M-16-0-SL300-XPR7550-XPR4550-XPR6550-CM200D-CP200D-DMR/264975585174?hash=item3db1c68f96:g:YkcAAOSweMZc5GfY That should get you started in the world of Motorola radios... if you need help with the programming send me a PM... I walk you through the basics. There are also a lot of Motorola CPS tutorials on youtube... either way. /End of daily Motorolian Empire propaganda... G.

Wow, you say you paid 69 dollars for that Bao...?? man, that is bad... sounds like you got ripped off... I paid 29 bucks for an UV-82FHP (8w) back in 2018... G.

The real problem is - they don't realize that for similar prices, they can buy used commercial radios that have 10 times better specs.

People need to see comparisons to understand. Can you show us a Japanese radio as well?

The flip side is at those prices, a lot more people can dip their toe in. When they realize it's for them, they can grow into a better system.

In 95.345, .347 and .349 of part 95 rules disallow remote control, automatic control and network connection for all services, unless expressly allowed for it within the sub-part text for that service. The following is extracted directly from the sub part 95E text for GMRS. § 95.1745 GMRS remote control. Notwithstanding the prohibition in § 95.345, GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations may be operated by remote control. § 95.1747 GMRS automatic control. Notwithstanding the prohibition in § 95.347, GMRS repeater stations may be operated by automatic control. § 95.1749 GMRS network connection. Operation of a GMRS station with a telephone connection is prohibited, as in § 95.349. GMRS repeater, base and fixed stations, however, may be connected to the public switched network or other networks for the sole purpose of operation by remote control pursuant to § 95.1745 Hope this helps. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

How much you paid for this wonder? G.

GMRS can be linked via internet, there are entire GMRS networks already in place... now you're saying its illegal? G.

Really liked my 880 until I toasted it by ripping the antenna off and trying to transmit.. sizzle. Have replaced with 8180. Below is info on all you should need for the 880. Software KPG-49D https://hamfiles.co.uk/index.php?page=downloads&type=entry&id=radio-programming%2Fkenwood-programming%2Fkenwood-kpg-49d-rss_2 Programming cable: https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTDI-USB-Kenwood-Programming-Cable-TK-780H-TK-880H-TK-980-TK-981-KPG-46/163486194020?hash=item2610895964:g:lfAAAOSwARxfZCD5 Manual: https://www.manualslib.com/k/kenwood+tk-880.html

Good morning IronArcher. When you have a poor SWR, the power readings on the SWR meter become exaggerated; read, inaccurate. The meter is merely incapable of accurately determining the radio’s real output power any longer due to timing of the various reflections in the cable. The radio is not actually outputting more. It is in-fact this reflected power that, if too high, can lead to the failure of the output stage of your radio, which in-turn is one reason why we try to keep the SWR low. One must use a non-reactive dummy load on the output end of SWR/Power meter to obtain your most accurate power reading. Thought you might appreciate knowing this. Regards Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Well, first of all, my dual band CCR didn't cost $39. Second, I have a dual band mobile antenna that isn't the stock rubber duck. Plus really nice base antennas that cover the U/V and U bands. So, is there anything else you'd like to "goodness sake" me about?

For goodness sake, IF you're going to amplify a hand-held, you should do it with something that isn't putting out spurious birdies on 3 different frequency bands. That would be a service to the GMRS (and surrounding) spectral communities. Amplifiers are broadband noise generators. They're going to amplify whatever you put into them, including spurious signals that your $39 CCR is generating. Cheap amplifiers hooked up to a cheap portable are a recipe for disaster. Even a good amplifier hooked up to a CCR is going to be problematic. As others have mentioned - just use a 25 watt mobile with a decent antenna if you want to put out more power. You will spend less in the end, and have a MUCH better solution.

You could try with your handhelds while sitting on the roof of each house (if possible, and if its not too dangerous). If the portables reach, when both radios are on the room, then all you probably need is a roof mounted 1/4 wave antenna. 2 miles out is at the edge of radio horizon for high end portables... so if you don't want to invest a ton of money I think a couple of 1/4 wave antennas on the roof of each house is going to do it nicely. G.