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Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/22/21 in all areas

  1. I believe your conclusion to be correct. This topic has been discussed and debated many times before, and I do believe someone on this forum, perhaps even within the last 60-90 days, provided some very useful information that provides clarification. My takeaway for years has been that there is a relative rare case in GMRS where a need can exist to establish a permanent point-to-point link between two transceivers that will always and forever only communicate between themselves for as long as they exist. (Think two microwave-like dishes pointed at one-another on towers 50 miles apart). When such condition exists the links are then limited to 15w. My currently understanding is that the terminology stems from terminology that exists (or did exist) in the land mobile radio service from which GMRS evolved. And since there are grandfathered licenses out there that date way back in time, the language remains and continues to add confusion to modern-day GMRS licensees. The circular reference in the Fixed Station definition reference grossly adds to the confusion. As always, I am willing to be educated. Yet after near twenty years I have yet to learn anything more credible than that. Do a search on Wikipedia for the terminology and you will end of with a few more nuggets of both clarity and confusion. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM
    3 points
  2. I recently purchased a Wouxun KG-UV9P radio as I am obtaining my Ham license. During my internet research for better information on programming it, I discovered that Wouxun has a GMRS version of this Radio that is reportedly in process of gaining FCC approval. Information can be found here: https://bettersaferadio.com/bsr-wouxun-kg-uv9g-gmrs-two-way-radio-scanner/ So far, I love the features of the KG-UV9P, but I sure wish the Chinese would hire a person that speaks English natively to write their manuals. Their manuals are awful. In any regards, I like the feature set of the HAM version I obtained. Full-Time dual channel receive capable (radio has dual receivers). Each receiver can scan and receive simultaneously. You can designate primary channel on the unit so that when the unit is scanning it checks the primary channel most frequently. Unit has built in PL code scanner and supports non-standard codes. Built in support for running frequencies in 7 different bands. The number 1 worst thing about the radio is the manual and a close second is the beautiful display. The display is looks nice indoors but is total useless outdoors where an HT should excel. This is true even with brightness turned up all the way. A backlight LCD would have been a far better choice. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    1 point
  3. Think I found my answer at: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/95.303 I think the important lingo there is "communicates with other fixed stations only." So, a mobile radio attached to a power supply used as a Base that is communicating to other mobile units can definitely transmit at 50 watts. Do I have agreement??
    1 point
  4. I wouldn't install a TRAM antenna on a good repeater such as a MTR. Order a DB404 or 408 for the repeater if you want good performance. What does it have for a duplexer ? https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=4267 https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_193_258_1098_1099&products_id=4268 I'd go with the DB408 personally but I do run a few DB404 on small GR style repeaters. Don't skimp on hardline either.
    1 point
  5. Let’s be clear, this just applies to mobile radios. It usually requires a programming change to enable or disable. This same “off hook” feature can also be used to disable scan when the mic is picked up. Again it’s just an easy programming change. With the exception of one public safety channel, I program Rx frequencies as CSQ which means I always monitor before transmitting. But then amateur and GMRS around here (Southern Adirondacks) is not heavily used anyway.
    1 point
  6. Extreme

    BTech Amp-25

    About all I can do on this. Then it's up to them.
    1 point
  7. I would personally spend some time listening to the channel before deciding. I spent days listening in the site where my machine resides before putting it on the air. As to the antenna the 1486 would be the choice as it is a strait up UHF antenna. I'm not a fan of the Tram/Comet antennas but they seem to be popular w/HAM's, then again I live in the LMR/PS world. what is the plan for cable? These are what I'm using. Not cheap and will last 20+ yrs on a site barring physical damage. https://d3ciwvs59ifrt8.cloudfront.net/3d2faca2-b31b-426a-8e30-d282d46d987b/8b99adb0-0d32-46b0-9f42-8c4580c6e3d2.pdf
    1 point
  8. It would also be a moot point if an asteroid blew the planet to smithereens, however power goes out 99.999% of the time for reasons other than emp's and extinction level asteroids.
    1 point
  9. Extreme

    Retevis RT76P programming

    Yup, worked just fine with the 1.45 software. Easily hit both repeaters at 6 miles from inside the house. Piece of cake talking over the repeater hill into town an additional 8 miles away.
    1 point
  10. 8nannyfoe

    AGC enabled repeater

    Follow up: So the HT/mobile desense issue....was not the issue. The problem was no one was on the radio last night when I tried. Both are able to make the 17 plus mile trip to the repeater. The static sounding "tail" is exactly what I was hearing from both the HT/mobile units. From the testing I did, I learned several additional things. I am shocked and impressed with the range this Wouxon 805 has! Repeaters are game changers. And lastly this forum is an invaluable info source. Thanks for all the input!
    1 point
  11. 1 point
  12. n1das

    Retevis 900MHz

    No programming is needed to use the DTRs and DLRs with each other right out of the box at the factory default settings. Customization of features and settings requires the Motorola Business Radio CPS and is a free download from Motorola. Some features and settings on each model can be changed without requiring the CPS. The CPS cable is around $35 on Amazon. The same CPS and cable programs all of Motorola's business radios (RDV/RDU series, RM series, RMM series, etc.). The one exception is the legacy DTR410/550/650 models use a different CPS cable. You can download and install the CPS and play around with it and explore the DTR/DLR features and settings. The latest version of the CPS is R08.02 and programs all of the older models. You don't need a particular version of the CPS to program an older radio. Just use the latest CPS version. The Motorola Business Radio CPS can be downloaded from here: https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/commercial-business-two-way-radio-systems/on-site-business-radios/dtr-series/dtr700.html#tabresource There is no "pairing" of DTRs/DLRs like there is with Bluetooth devices. They pair up with each other on the fly with each PTT press. They do have to first be on the same frequency hopset and talkgroup ID in order to work with each other. A transmitting DTR/DLR listens for an acknowledgement from a receiving DTR/DLR radio during the NEXTEL-like PTT "chirp" talk permit tone to sync up to allow transmission to continue. When in range, transmission simply continues. When out of range, transmission stops after the PTT chirp and emits a warning beep indicating the call failed. The beep is a soft "do-do-doot" sound on the DLRs and DTR600/700. A DTR600/700 will also display a Call Failed message. The legacy DTR410/550/650 models will scream at you like an old NEXTEL phone and display a User not Available message. The end result is you will always know that you are in range and your transmission was heard and acknowledged by another radio. This makes it easy for range testing because you don't need two people for "Can you hear me now?" testing. You can leave one radio on the dining room table at home and then take the other radio with you and go for a drive and press PTT to see where you get connect hits. I have found people tend to use these radios right out of the box at the factory default settings, like FRS bubble packs. I have customized the programming in my DTRs but I purposely kept the factory default public talkgroups in my programming to listen to and talk to defaulted radios. I have private groups in my programming to keep my DTRs private when I want that. I have monitored activity on the default public groups in my travels when passing through major retail areas. The local Costco Wholesale near me uses DLR radios at the factory defaults and I can hear them when I'm in range. They are amazing radios.
    1 point
  13. gman1971

    SWR Meter for GMRS

    Oh, the Surecom shill... seriously, get a NanoVNA v2 with a 4.3 screen to measure SWR. Tune your antennas to 50 ohms, not to the lowest SWR (return loss). G.
    1 point
  14. The FCC does not explicitly limit the power of the handheld to 5w across the board. The 5w limits in the GMRS rules apply to all radios permitted to use some of the itinerant frequencies. But while the rules do not expressly limit it, the power is implicitly limited because handheld radios must comply with RF radiation exposure limits called “Specific Absorption Rate” limits. If it were somehow possible to manufacturer a higher power unit and achieve SARs compliance I suspect you would see higher power units available. Don’t hold your breath. https://www.fcc.gov/general/radio-frequency-safety-0 Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM
    1 point
  15. If it was pushing 8w it would never be approved anyway. 5w limit on gmrs hand held and all that jazz. Anyone hear anything new yet on this radio yet?
    1 point
  16. I currently have three of these radios deployed around my home. They work great. I have taken them out into the field for range testing and this little 5watt handheld really performs well. I hook them up to mag mount antennas and used a Nagoya antenna as well. I am very pleased with the quality, accessories and general feel of the unit. I recommend it to anyone who would like a strictly GMRS hand talkie.
    1 point
  17. Email today from BSR stating the release date is pushed back even further, possibly 2 months due to issues with FCC certification. The 8 watt output couldn't pass SAR (radiation exposure) requirements and they are now pursuing it at 5w.
    1 point
  18. Thanks for the info. I went and ordered the KG-805G. As the BTECH GMRS-V1 is just annoying me and it's still in the return policy. I'll standby for the KG-UV9G.
    1 point
  19. WRAX891

    First FRS area post

    I heard some kids playing with FRS, likely bubblepacks, that they received for birthday. I knew it was a birthday gift because they said it was. I just listened until they faded away in a few days. Batteries probably dried out and now their little WT’s are thrown into a drawer where they will be soon forgotten. There are probably millions of these buubepack WT’s sitting in drawers, collecting dust. They are good for car convoying, as long as the cars stay close..
    1 point
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