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Mounting options for dual radios
DeoVindice and one other reacted to BoxCar for a topic
To make a complicated subject a little clearer, the intelligence in an FM signal (GMRS is FM) is carried by the shifting of the frequency within its channel. Wide band signals can shift a total of 5 kHz while narrow band signals can shift only half that amount. The result is two-fold, the signal sounds softer and additional channels or paths for transmission can be created between the wide band channels.2 points -
I believe I need to say this after the Darth Vader post before. Here's my personal take and my situation. Most of you are NOT going to be able to park an antenna system 240 feet AGL and 700 feet HAAT and connect your repeater to it. I can. Most of you are NOT going to have a multi-port TX combiner that allows you to connect MULTIPLE repeaters on multiple frequencies to one antenna. I have that as well. Most of you are not going to have a stream of faulty equipment that you have the knowledge and equipment to repair and put on the air and instead need to purchase new or used hardware that honestly ain't cheap. Again, perks of being a radio guy. Some folks will say it's just too old replace it, so I do. I ask what they want done with the old stuff and remind them it's technically classified as hazardous waste (due to chemicals in capacitors and the lead based solder) and they request we dispose of it. All that being said. If you had the ability to park an antenna that high. Cover 7 counties with your GMRS repeater and have that level of coverage, you no doubt would but it's not in the reach of many. For me it's right down the road, so I do it. And the fact that's it's NOT on a 40 foot TV tower in the back yard and can only cover the two closest towns and no further, I feel it's my responsibility if I am gonna occupy the frequencies that I need to allow EVERYONE that is licensed and operates within the rules to use the repeaters I provide. So I do allow everyone. I closely follow the laws. I do have others around me running DMR on GMRS, Selling access as a for profit business (his business license attached to his GMRS site indicates its NOT a non-profit) I refuse to do either. If I want to sell air time,,, I will go get an FB6 or market frequency (would need it due to footprint) and sell air time on a commercial community repeater. I ain't into that though. Don't think that since I do this, you need to do the same. But if you DO decide to put your GMRS repeater system on full send and cover 7 counties with it, remember that you ARE creating interference for others that are not. And in doing so, their repeater on a 40 foot tower becomes useless to them as you overpower it when your repeater starts to transmit. That guy SHOULD have access to your system because you are denying him access to his stuff. Or at least interfering with it a lot. I have worked with and continue to work with the local guys. We have put together a band plan, I have setup duplexers and repeaters for those guys to interleave their channels with my efforts to minimize interference. And I will continue to do so.2 points
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Your choice of radio brands, types (HT, mobile or base) and what purpose you want to use them for, e.g. GMRS for family under one family license to the different levels of individual Ham licenses. So those just starting the venture I hope that the following will help you plan where and what you want to do. This review of the Wouxun KG-935G is more for how should one position this radio since Wouxun has made several GMRS radio which I have KG-805G, KG-905G now KG935G for GMRS and a Wouxun KG-UV8H for Ham. They all have their place in how you use them. The 805G has it place for smaller hands, easy to use. Then going up to the 905G and 935G for a more beefy feel, programing and what I like is scanning group options to name a few. I have my Ham ticket and so how do I plan to fit GMRS and Ham radio into my life. Though out all the forum and posts on Part 95 for GMRS radios and Part 90 for Ham and the two can get married per FCC, I choose to carry two radios that share batteries and other accessories plus program on the HT face and software menus are some what alike. So the KG-935G is a solid commercial radio for GMRS but allows you to monitor 2 and 70 meter ham frequencies, to be clear only receive and can not transmit. So if you want to monitor a Ham repeater, pick the correct frequencies to hear the repeater when you set it up. I have only had the KG-935G radio a few days and still working on making it my daily carry in my Jeep. Yes, I could get a Baofeng or other multi band radios for Ham and GMRS in one radio but if you have used a $40-50 radio, you may not reach a repeater or others may not heard your audio. Do not get me wrong, many who have these multi band radios and works for you great, you are closer to a strong repeater and it is your radio choice… Happy for you. I was given a free BaoFeng UV-82 Classic and could trigger the Ham repeater but no one could hear us in both GMRS and Ham… Now I know why the gifter gave it to us. Do not read into this statement BaoFeng or other brands… are fine, you get what you pay for. It just where I live and the equipment did not match to my radio environmental needs. So for fueling my Ham 2 and 70 meter I have a Wouxun KG-UV8H which is a Ham radio that can monitor GMRS but not transmit on 462.xxx…467.xxx KG-UV8H is Part 90 legal for Hams per FCC. So on both KG-935G and KG-UV8H I can scan away and in my area of Western NC, we have great high mountains and privately owned and friendly repeaters owners as long as you are license, follow the repeaters owners rules and get permission before hand to get the PL codes. So one day the GMRS is busy or I need to reach family/friends/others approved operators on the GMRS repeaters. Then on other days the Ham frequencies is active like on Net Control nights or Fox Hunts or just general communication with other Hams. In our area we have more Ham repeaters then folks to use and talk on them. Out of the 6 repeaters in all bands, it like crickets. O let me add one of the latest thing new to me as a Ham, it is DMR and the DMR repeaters are linked and you can have miles and miles of communication plus talk to others around the world with just a handheld HT radio. No big antenna or collection like an antenna farm in your backyard which might upset your wife. As soon as I understand more about DMR I will let you know. So for those wanting digital GMRS and roam which FCC has not made the rules changes to fit that function, go get your Ham ticket… and do DMR as we have more DMR repeaters in our area. Ham ticket test is not that hard… I’m 74 yo and my 12 yo grand daughter and I did FRS for years just in the yard and close neighbors. Then we got a family GMRS license and many GMRS folks who are Hams also, suggested to us to study and take the Ham test. You no longer need Morse Code as part of the first level of license. Second get a study buddy, friend, one or more of your children or grand children. For a preteen to get ones Ham ticket has caused her to grow, be confident and has new friends, fun events. O yes she had Mic fright at first, I still do and ex LEO. How we got started is we first reached out to the local Ham club, we meet the folks at a lunch meeting and felt welcomed and asked for a coach to walk us through the process. It not hard, it took us one and half months of online study three times a week for one plus hours and we pass the test end of May 2021. It is quoted that Ham radio is the art, science in communication and helping others in times of an need or emergency. My 12 yo grand daughter caught the radio vision after going to Rocket Museum in Huntsvilles, AL and saw all the radio equipment and all the astronaut where Ham and you can talk to the ISS as it goes overhead. So one of her many goals in life is joining Space Force as well as be a pet sitter and walker. Feel free to PM me if you want more personal detail, otherwise all comments accepted as this is IMHO which that is why no one radio fits all your needs, it personal, so share your story so others can see if that fits them. So go and enjoy your radio journey. MacJack1 point
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This application appeared today on fccid.io: AZ489FT7146 https://fccid.io/AZ489FT7146 Motorola is adding to their 900MHz FHSS digital on-site business radios with the Curve Series. It is a DLR style radio with 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi added to it. I don't understand the "Curve" name to it. Should be interesting. It doesn't appear to have any Bluetooth capability but that might come in a future model. The 900MHz FHSS digital system is compatible with the DTR and DLR series radios.1 point
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You will like it read and reread the instructions they are actually accurate!1 point
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Mounting options for dual radios
WROA675 reacted to MichaelLAX for a topic
His Midland video was first and before he reviewed the Radioddity. I will watch 12.16 later but this disadvantage is less pronounced at home, especially where you live, but annoying if in the future more repeaters use the same frequencies, such as 462.700 in SoCal. Split tone is where the input tone of a Repeater is different than the output tone of that repeater. That makes it more difficult for users to self-discover the input tone and hence the repeater owner might want to keep out the riff-raff! Narrowband is to be avoided at all costs: except where it is mandated by the FCC for the so-called low-power (0.5 watts) interstitial channels 467.xxxx Channels 8-14. He was simplex with his 10 mile away friend. You would need a home Power Supply that provides 12 volts DC with plenty of amps: Randy recommends one at BuyTwoWayRadios.com for about $150. Mine was about $90 when Ham Radio Outlet was still in business in Burbank; now their closest is in Anaheim, and you want to avoid shipping costs as they can be heavy. Check out hamradio.com and the Powerwerx website, too.1 point -
Good Youtube Channel for GMRS Info (Including Equipment Reviews)
wayoverthere reacted to MichaelLAX for a topic
I watch Randy's videos for the entertainment value; even the ones for which I have no interest in the product being reviewed, and his snappy repartee to some of the snarky comments below It is refreshing to see someone intelligently call out the internet-morons! ?1 point -
Mounting options for dual radios
WROA675 reacted to MichaelLAX for a topic
Click on your Profile photo here, click on Edit Profile near upper right and then scroll down to Location.1 point -
Mounting options for dual radios
WROA675 reacted to MichaelLAX for a topic
And for $25, a cup-mount holder will save you drilling holes which is a perfect addition to this units ability to plug into the cigarette lighter for easy install, removal and reinstall. Cup-Holder mount1 point -
Mounting options for dual radios
WROA675 reacted to MichaelLAX for a topic
I don't know much about that radio, but before your ability to refund it expires, be sure that it has the ability to have multiple channels with repeaters on the same frequency but with different tones. This is essential in a mobile unit or HT where you will be operating outside your normal coverage area. For example you drive down to San Diego and want the ability to communicate through various repeaters that reside on the same frequency. Take a look at this $99 retail Anytone AT-779UV a/k/a Radioddity DB-20G (retail $109) for its similar features to what you want but with over 100 channel capability: Radioddity DB-20G on Amazon1 point -
Good Youtube Channel for GMRS Info (Including Equipment Reviews)
WRQK823 reacted to MichaelLAX for a topic
I am still waiting for the upcoming Randy posts on: 1) Using your fanless GMRS Mobile to cook your breakfast eggs sunny-side up; and 2) a review of the new Baofeng with its swear-word cancelling feature (did I tell you its only $40?!?)! ?1 point -
I received the radio yesterday! Hopefully, I can decide the mounting arrangement in my Jeep and get it up and running this weekend.1 point
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The MTX speaker is pretty weak. I run an external CB speaker and it works well. I jammed mine under the dash. Being the Andy 2 is pretty small you could mount that via bracket then use velcro or double sided tape to hold the MTX to the bottom if you want it there.1 point
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Exterior Antenna Mounts On Newer Chevy Trucks
SteveC7010 reacted to gortex2 for a topic
I drilled 7 holes in the roof and installed NMO mounts. That's the proper way to install an antenna. A single UHF quarter wave in the center of the roof on an NMO almost disappears to 99% of the community.1 point -
I found this page dated May 19th, 2021: https://radioaficion.com/cms/midland-mxt500/ It has specs, pics [probably from the FCC] & a link [definitely from the FCC] to the owners manual Just wanted to share 731 point
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Your First and current GMRS HT
DownEastNC reacted to BKmetzWRKZ843 for a topic
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Can Non-Licensed Friends Transmit Legally on a GMRS Licensee's Radio?
AdmiralCochrane reacted to BoxCar for a topic
The application requires certain personal information and the person submitting the application certifies they are the applicant so no; you can't buy a license for another person. That does not mean they couldn't make the application and then you use your credit card to pay for it. It's the statement where the applicant certifies all the statements are true. Falsification is a federal offense.1 point -
You make a very good point and I appreciate saying it. How I interpret what you are saying is “with freedom and rights comes even bigger responsibility”. Thanks to you and all your fellow high profile repeater owners for sharing with the community. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM1 point
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First, let me apologize for the tread hijack. I didn't see the need to start a new thread on this fine radio. Thank you everyone for understanding. Received my radio a week ago. This is my first Chinese radio and it met all my expectations and then some. #1: I was able to fully program the radio through the keypad. This is the first radio I have owned that I was able to do that, and rather easily at that. #2. It has a great battery. I ordered a spare battery, desktop charger, and the battery eliminator for mobile use. #3. The color display is awesome. It's better than the photos and videos I've seen. I almost had an ASMR moment when pulling the protective film off the display. I love doing that on new items. ? #4. Build quality was much better than I expected. On par with my Japanese branded ham HTs. It's a rugged radio that will stand up to just about anything except being submerged. But then this is a premium radio and it carries a premium price. This is definitely NOT a cheap disposable Chinese radio. #5. Performance? I easily hit my nearest repeater that is 35 miles away. Usual caveats apply, over flat farmland, no obstructions, etc. I know, lots of cheap HT radios can easily do that. Nothing special about that. While performing the radio check, I was told the KG-935G was as clear as my 40W mobile unit. That's the part that impressed me. #6. As the radio is a joint project between Wouxun and buytwowayradios.com, buytwowayradios.com (they deserve a plug here) wrote the specs and the owner's manual and it shows. The manual is written in proper & correct English, very well edited, and has the beginner operator in mind. Everything is well explained. As mentioned, this was the easiest radio I ever programmed. I expected programming to be 'challenging' so I ordered the programming cable. I'm still glad I did because it can be used on a lot of other radios, Wouxun and other brands. I did download the software and use it to look at what I did. In reviewing my menu settings I didn't miss anything. One can program the radio faster with the cable, software, and a computer, but it is easily done through the keypad. Using the keypad just takes longer. Photo 1: The radio and the accessories. Photo 2: This carry case was listed under Wouxun accessories, but not under KG-935G accessories. Glad I found it, it easily holds two HT radios. Photo 3: Decent close up photo of the display. As I said earlier, the display actually looks better than in the photo. I also replaced the Wouxun rubber ducky antenna with a Nagoya NA-771G antenna. Maybe I'll drive out about ~40 to 45 miles from the repeater and switch antennas. See if it makes a difference.1 point
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I was able to reach them in a chat today. They said they expect a shipment before the end of September and anticipate my order will be filled soon. Thanks!1 point
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Good Youtube Channel for GMRS Info (Including Equipment Reviews)
wayoverthere reacted to axorlov for a topic
Videos worth watching are only hosted on pornhub. For technical stuff, I read much faster than I can possibly watch.1 point -
What's missing from myGMRS.com?
MichaelLAX reacted to FarleyInglis for a topic
How about a Full/Complete GMRS Repeater List for EASY-Download so that folks can print themselves a book/quick-reference to take along with them while on the road. I travel Texas, New Mexico and Colorado and needed a Quick Reference of the Repeaters that I am travelling near. Attached is a CSV File. As of this posting, the CSV File is the complete GMRS.com Repeater List with a few duplicates removed. It can be Opened in EXCEL (or even a TEXT Viewer). With this list, I can pick out and sort the list any way I choose ... and so can anyone else. I think this would be useful addition to GMRS.com's website/services. GMRS_Repeaters.csv1 point -
Did you use a dummy load instead of your antenna when checking your power? If not, odds are good the power number you are getting from your SWR meter is inaccurate. I personally have experienced power readings that have been off by as much as 43% when using an antenna versus a proper dummy load. I own a 1000G also and have previously tested it with power meter and dummy load. I found the radio to be within 5% of its rated output. In fact, each of the Wouxun radios I own have tested to within 5% of their rated output when properly tested. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM1 point
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