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Enjoyed probably a few to many adult beverages last night and decided to knock this out in the wee hours. Paying for it this morning, and things aren't exactly how I wanted (crooked) but the KG1000 is in. I'm glad I didn't just cut a hole and and mount the CAT5 port for the mic without checking first. That cord would have been ripping leg hairs out non stop come shorts weather. Pretty happy with the location I decided upon. Might replace my tired CB and put the mic in that location as well. Now I just need to tidy up the cables a bit. Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

After Hurricane Irma I started thinking about backup communications for the family. There is a nearby repeater which, at about 200 foot altitude, covers the entire area that we live and work in. I also purchased a used 'mobile' repeater as a backup, to be quickly erected after a storm in case the 'tall' repeater fails. It provides about 5 miles of coverage (on a clear day when the moon is full ). Not a whole lot of range, but it still covers our homes. I am about to upgrade that repeater with the goal of 10 miles range. I decided at the same time I got my GMRS license, to get my Amateur license. As I am nearing retirement, I realized that I will go nuts without a hobby, and it provides an additional source of information and communications during times of emergency.

The difference in PL sensitivity is interesting. It suggests the SINAD sensitivity of the original radio is a bit poor. Typically a PL decoder will open at 6 dB SINAD or weaker. The receiver probably lacks gain in the RF or AF circuitry. It could be a firmware difference as well. Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

Whew. Done deal. Works as advertised. Programmed for area repeaters and simplex 'wheelin' channels + ham repeaters scan.- 3 zones. Clears the seat slide & I don't ford rivers so should be good. Kenwood TK-8180 with remote kit. Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

A dummy load is required when you want to get accurate power measurements from your power meter. A dummy load can help confirm your SWR meter is (at least partially) calibrated. A good dummy load connected to the output of the SWR meter (in place of the antenna) should cause the SWR meter to always read 1:1. If it does not, you either have a defect meter or a defective dummy load. No question is a dumb question if you don’t know the answer to it. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM