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While that is true one thing you can do with DMR, and not with NXDN, is setup a SRF, Single Frequency Repeater, that doesn’t require an expensive set of tuned cavity filters. Several DMR radios have the functionality already builtin. This is due to DMR being TDMA verses NXDN’s FDMA mode.

I'm happy GMRS overlaps with FRS. It opens things up to a lot of people that would otherwise never consider it, myself included. If I want to sit by a radio and anxiously await for somebody to talk to using only correct phraseology and not hear any kids, I'll get in to ham. I think some of you might be trying to think GMRS is something it isn't. It's test free, cheap, and overlaps with FRS for a reason.

That is an unnecessary annoyance and shortcoming of the current crop of radios which are all based on some form of amateur radio. I personally am lobbying the importers/manufacturers to change this. The issue you are experience is based on the fact that Menu and Enter are the same key. Once you are in a function menu, do not hit menu again unless you want the current displayed value to become the new value. Instead hit Exit if you do not want to change to the current selection, even if you did not yourself change it. While the Midland radios fall short in flexibility, one think they have going for them is simplicity. Midland requires the user to interact with one or two menu items to deal with codes whereas Wouxun and others require you to interact with 4. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

Good Day. Repeaters almost always require you to encode a CTCSS or DCS code into your transmit signal to get into and use the repeater. Use of a code on the receive side of your radio is customary, but always discretionary. Most repeaters in my experience transmit back a code as well, which may or may not be the same as it requires you to use to get into the repeater. If it does transmit a code it is purely for your benefit. It allows you to set that code in your receiver so you have the reasonable ability to exclude all other signals on that frequency from opening squelch on your radio so you only hear that repeater. But since it is possible that other repeaters and even simplex users within radio range of you may use the same frequency, setting the Rx code in your radio helps you control which radios you hear. If you did not put in the code, you would hear all radios transmitting on the frequency nearby you. And if you keyed up in response to them, they may not hear you. I hope that helps. Regards. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

That's a pretty good summation. FRS/GMRS might be all you need. Some get a taste, and move on to Amateur radio. I've been an Amateur since 1992, but I was/am excited to see the popularity of GMRS taking off. Once you're used to VHF/UFH FM, it's hard to accept crappy AM (CB) radio communications. Like I said, a wide spectrum of society likes "Jeeping" and off-roading. Midland's marketing to that niche group will expand the use of the band as they discover uses for GMRS off the trail. It's all good. I have the abilty to transmit and receive across the VHF/UHF spectrum here at home. I don't really mind hearing the kids playing around on there (except for that non-stop call "ring"). That's what the bubble packs are for. It's a good way to spark an interest in electronics and communications.