Leaderboard

We can pick on Midland twice as much now? Lol!

Most of humanity bases their opinions off of anecdotal evidence because those experiences shape our immediate reality. So, I try not to discourage sharing of personal experiences. I'm a scientist and there is an expression I heard long ago, when I first started my studies, that still holds true today. Nothing is impossible, just improbable

50 Watts AND 15 High Powered GMRS Channels?!? I can understand a claim of 8 High Powered Channels (Channels 15 - 22); or even 16 High Power Channels (Channels 15 - 30), but 15?!? I thought we already had a thread on the Midland MXT500; does it deserve two?!?

@gortex2 I think it has a lot to do with were you are and if you stimulate the traffic or not. In my experience, people meet there and then move to another frequency to leave the calling frequency open. Since VHF is still a LOS, you may just be missing the traffic if it is out there. I live near Interstate 95 in the DC metro area. I monitor with my base while working during the day and there is always traffic on 146.520, 147.525 and 446.000. They are well used by the locals and travelers who are making their way north or south and looking to chat. I even do it myself. Recently, I was driving from DC to New England, alone. The bands sounded dead, but during the day every time I called out on 520 announcing I was traveling through and looking for a contact, someone got back to me. One of the longest 2m contacts I had with a stranger was while I was heading north. I was just getting on the Cross Bronx and called out. Some guy in CT on a mountain top heard me and responded. I chatted with him all the way to RI. As we chatted, we had several other people hop in and out of the conversation too. I'm headed to New England this Saturday. I'm going to be using 20m and 2m for company since I will be driving alone. Between the two, I typically have company the whole trip.

Tip: this was somewhat mentioned here in the thread, but you can use at least a 50 foot modified network cable to run this with the head very far from the actual radio. For example, I'm using this in my home, I have an antenna on the roof that comes down with a 50 foot lmr400 to a polyphaser attached to service ground and then into the basement. I have the business end of the radio connected to the end of that antenna lead right as soon as it comes into the basement, then the 50' modified network cable running across the basement up into my office where the head unit is. Power to the radio is running off a 900 watt, 12v server power supply (KG-1000g shows 12.34v upon startup)...that's controlled by a wifi outlet to turn on/off the power supply remotely without having to go down into the basement.

Papatree, I took some S21 measurements of the inline SWR arrangement I am using in my shack that you might find helpful. Scenario consists of a 3-Foot RG-58 cable with PL-259 on each end, an SW-102 meter, and PL-259 to BNC adapter. Insertion loss of the whole assembly for GMRS = 1dB. First image is the test configuration. 2nd image represents insertion loss from 460-470MHz. Third image represents insertion loss from 50MHz to 900MHz. As you can see, insertion loss is less that 1dB at and below GMRS frequencies, but gets a bit wonky over 500MHz. Thought you might appreciate seeing this. Yeh, the pictures are a little dark, but you get the picture.

We have several projects planned that are in various stages of development, but I'm trying to figure out priorities based upon what the members want (and some things that I haven't thought of yet). I think we can all agree that Problem #1 is outdated listings that never got removed but are no longer on the air for one reason or another. We have plans to address that, but it requires a major redevelopment of the site. In the meantime we have the toggle switches on the map that allow you to hide anything that hasn't been updated in the last year, as it could be stale. So, what do you think myGMRS needs? What do you personally wish we had that we don't? Here's some projects that are being considered or are already in the works: Finish working on the mobile apps. We have a beta version of the iOS app that has some issues before it can be released to everyone. That effort needs to be revived soon. The Android version has been released but there are new features that we want to add (and will also be in iOS). A complete site redevelopment. Much of the code powering myGMRS is over 10 years old. It's the main reason new features aren't being added -- we need a fresh modern platform to work with. Some early experimentation has been done and we think we have the right combination of technology, but need to build it. Then we can begin adding new features once we have covered all the current functionality. Launch of our store and securing reseller arrangements with various suppliers. This has been a small success already that we're hoping will grow with time. Most of my energy has been spent here lately, trying to get products that our members are likely to want to purchase. We're always looking for suggestions on products we should add, so please let us know. Expand our repeater linking project. We have had success with adding systems to our myGMRS Network over the past few years but we haven't pushed to expand very hard. Interested parties have come to us asking to join and we have approved them on a case-by-case basis. It's time, I think, to ramp up the project and try to get more high-quality repeaters on board across the country. There is a lot of work involved in making this something that can scale up without taking huge amounts of my time, however. Upgrade the forums. We're using an older version of the IP.Board software, and I want to migrate to the latest version soon. We'll have to migrate all the accounts and topics over, but hopefully it won't be such a tough process.I also have a really cool project in mind that I'm going to remain tight-lipped about. It would be an app which would be of interest to the entire two-way radio community, not just GMRS and Amateur operators. I'm working on a proof of concept that could expand into a whole side business if successful. So again, what do you think this site is missing? What kinds of features do you think would be worth paying a small subscription for? The core features of the site will remain free. Since incorporating, we have had to look for ways to monetize the site so it pays its own bills and can grow with time. One example might be an ad-free experience for paid subscribers. Another could be advanced tools for helping to compile a list of repeaters along a trip or commute. Dream up some ideas and hopefully we can launch them all!

Full disclosure, I used to work as an engineer for the the JVC/Kenwood Group / Zetron.....the 5000 series Kenwoods are nice, but I prefer APX series Motorola for sure. I will only contemplate Kenwood amateur radios now, unless they are at a hugely discounted rate. You may have dodged a bullet, and it was hard for me to recommend Kenwood P25 radios when I knew some of the inside info. My area is going P25 Phase II as well, and multi-band capability is also needed. Years ago, I did have some Harris Unity XG-100P radios for this purpose, but I only keep one for my own use now (amateur bands, marine VHF, GMRS, etc.). P25 is my favorite digital mode, with DMR second.

I really prefer P25 as a favorite digital voice mode... But that may be because I've been a Firefighter for the past 25 years and use/listen to P25 trunked daily. I have also used DMR, Yaesu Fusion/Wires-X, and D-STAR, and honestly I still think P25 has the best sound quality. I have heard some P25 transmissions that sound so clear I could have sworn it was Analog... But that's just my preference and I am sure some will disagree just like some may agree; it's subjective to the person's usage.

Yes I own one. And honestly at 1W power I would save your money and buy another radio. Initially I was buying it to use on 900 MHz ham frequencies since it covers the whole spectrum without any modifications like Motorola 900 radios do. However with 1W of power and 900 MHz repeaters not common in my area it just wasn't making the distance I needed to. So for about the same price I got a Motorola XPR6580 and software-modified it to use on 900 MHz bands and with the 3W power for the Motorola it does the job quite well. Bottom line, the Retevis 900 MHz radio is junk if you need it for repeater-type access, but for local on-site comms it works just fine within reasonable distance. Hope this helps...

It's 22 High power channels, 15 Very High power channels, and 8 Ultra High power channels. And a brazillion private codes! For a modest price of $400. And wait, there is more!

Agreements... Yawn. NotaRoundhead should just declare Canadian border abolished.

Very nice. I like when pictures are posted instead of just seeing typed text and having to take someone's word for whatever is being discussed. Seeing this, I may buy more SW102 meters for some of my other UHF installs.....most of them are under 500 MHz. Thank you for posting.

Sharing of personal experiences that he claims to be probative of a much larger point, but which are easily shown to be completely wrong, have no value other than to mislead others. Now if he wants to share how he just has bad luck on the road; then your point is well taken! There is an expression I heard long ago that still holds true today: Don't confuse bad luck with irony! (Alanis Morissette, "Ironic")

Absolutely bang on! This is a prime example of the differences between a "ham listener" and an "active ham..." Over the years I've heard hams whine that "the bands are dead," yet when I ask them how much time they invest in calling CQ they nearly always answer "What's the point? I never hear anyone talking. The bands are dead!!!" <Sigh>

That reminds me, I need to get off my duff and upgrade to Extra before the fee goes active! ?

I think that’s probably correct, telemetry stations with grandfathered licenses for the fixed stations rather than the individual licenses that are issued for GMRS users.

BINGO! You got it. As it is a treaty it has to go through the Congress Critters in the Senate who will do everything in their power to politicize it.

The rule for Line A is required of the FCC by a treaty between the USA and Canada, not by lack of motivation by the FCC. Until Canada and the USA amend the treaty the FCC cannot change the rule.

Well since there are so many limitations on what is not permitted on GMRS, I am guessing the only use for fixed stations in GMRS would be RF Links between repeater. Essentially use another repeater on the same site at 15 watts max on a different pair with a Yagi pointed at the other repeater site, creating a wide area repeater network without IP or any other infrastructure.

eCFR Title 47, Chapter I, Subchapter D, 95.303: Definitions "Fixed station. A station at a fixed location that directly communicates with other fixed stations only."

You have a complete misunderstanding of the function of the "monitoring 520" sticker (presumably 146.52, the national simplex calling frequency for 2 meters): He is telling YOU that if you want to start a conversation with him, shout out to him on 146.52! The amount of chatter and/or peeps on that frequency at any particular time is irrelevant.

I am not sure where @WyoJoepurchased his battery eliminator and/or TYT-88UV, but I purchased my TYT-88UV at Lets Get Ready ($34 plus free shipping plus LGR can give you the codes to open up the 88UV so that it not only transmits on 2 meters and 70 cms, but GMRS and MURS too) and they did not seem to have the "ribs" that Joe references (see photos below). I purchased my GM-30 clone, the Pofung P15UV for $30 at Amazon). Both the TYT-88UV and the Pofung P15UV come with a charging cup for the battery (and wall wort for 110v) as well, so this is an inexpensive way to get such a charging cup with another handy HT to have as needed as well! Joe pointed out to me that the updated Radioddity GM-30 firmware and CPS software work with my P15UV, as well! So I have the 88 in my car as a backup HT (and CTCSS/DSC tone scanner) and I gave the P15 to my 10 year old grandson.

I have used my TYT UV-88 battery eliminator with my GM-30, and it works fine, but needs a small modification. In the attached image, I show a GM-30 battery and a UV-88 battery. The UV-88 battery has two red ovals showing the "ribs" on the slot where the battery latch latches. These have to be removed to work with the GM-30. The battery eliminator also has ribs that need to be removed. I used sprue cutters to remove mine, but an exacto knife or utility knife should work equally well. If the "ribs" aren't removed, the battery latch will not engage, and the battery or battery eliminator can easily separate from the radio.

Honestly I don't think "we" will ever achieve a real concensus, but it's been a fun discussion! ?

If he just got his technician, I'd get him a reasonable priced dual band HT and start there. 440 is about the same as GMRS so he can still use that. Alot more repeaters for amateur radio in the world than GMRS.

The technician license primarily allows the use of the VHF and UHF spectrum of the amateur radio band. GMRS operates in the UHF spectrum. Operationally, GMRS and the UHF/VHF spectrum of the amateur band are very similar. The primary differences are the frequency on which they operate, and the way they are commonly used. GMRS is most often, though not always, used within a family or small group (like a 4WD club) where the user is talking to other people nearby that they know for the purpose of communicating within the group. Amateur (ham) radio is often used to talk to others outside of the small group, quite often even to strangers, for the sake of contacting others. With GMRS, the use is usually secondary to other purposes, such as four wheeling, hiking, traveling, etc. With amateur radio, the use is often primary, meaning it is used primarily to make contact with others. With GMRS, one license covers the licensee and immediate family, and there is no exam. This makes it convenient for family use, which I believe is the most common usage. You and your son can both operate on the same license, which could be convenient for you. With amateur radio, the license only covers the licensee, so, each user needs their own license, for which a test is required. This means that you'll be talking to another licensed ham. The equipment is nearly identical between GMRS and the 70 cm. (~440 MHz) UHF amateur band. In many cases, the same equipment will work for both. Many GMRS radios are based on amateur radios, but with modified firmware and Part 95e certification. If you can use one band, you should have no trouble with the other.

Yes, if your radio's CPS software allows for input by say, comma-separated values (csv); for example: CHIRP, do this: 1) Filter the repeaters on myGMRS as needed for your area (Advanced Search); 2) Slide your mouse across the first repeater selected and down to the last repeater selected (with the button pushed down) to Select All the filtered repeaters; 3) Do a Control-C copy (Windows or Command-C for Mac); 4) Open a text editor or word processor and in a new-blank document, do a Control-V paste (Windows or Command-V for Mac); 5) Save this document as something like "MyRepeaters.csv" 6) Follow the directions in How to use CSV files in CHIRP This is not exactly "plug and play" but once you get the hang of it, you can save you some time vs. manually typing them in, especially if there are many filtered repeaters:

Welcome to myGRMS. From a portability standpoint, the FRS & GMRS radios are smaller than the CD handhelds have historically been. And because they operate in the UHF band their antennas are naturally much smaller. FRS and GMRS both use FM modulation which means that atmospheric static is not introduced into the audio. CB(CBRS) using AM, USB, LSB. FM has recently been approved by the FCC for use in the CBRS, so in time that difference will become moot. FRS and GMRS hardware supports squelch codes (CTCSS & DCS) that give you and your group the ability to prevent the squelch on your radios from opening except when a transmitter using that code transmits. So if you are on a camping trip and your family all uses CTCSS 67.0, you will only hear radios that use that code. FRS and GMRS are not subjected to the gross degree of daily signal propagation changes that affect your range and the ability to communicate locally as CB is. Don’t expect skip to suddenly permit you to talk to Texas from New York because of temporarily atmospheric condition change. But you may experience conditions were perhaps you can talk another town or two away. FRS and GMRS radios can mostly interoperate because they share 22 or 30 frequencies in common. GMRS radios are permitted to use wide-band modulation, which can give some GMRS radios an audio quality advantage over FRS. FRS is limited to narrow-band modulation. GMRS requires a FCC license whereas CBRS and FRS do not. The GMRS service permits use of radios up to 50 watts. FRS maxes out at 2 and CBRS maxes out at 4. The GMRS allows for the use of repeaters. Repeaters make it to possible to increase the usable coverage range, most notably when the repeater is installed in a prime high location. It is not uncommon to have repeaters that cover an entire City, even some that will make it possible for two handhelds 40 miles and more apart to communicate. A GMRS license gives you the permission you need to put up and operate your own repeater. Antennas for GMRS do not have the 20’ above building or tree rule that the CBRS is subjected to. Instead, height limit rules are the same as for Cell Towers, TV Towers and other tall structures where the FAA rules dominate. If you can afford to put up a 200’ tower and get approved to do so from your local AHJ you can put it up. Regarding hardware. FCC rules require the use of part 95 certified hardware for CBRS, FRS and GMRS. Each service has its own set of technical certification criteria. I know of no equipment that is dual-service certified. This does not mean there is not hardware that can be modified to operate on two or more services, just that doing so violates your authority to use it. Many, including some members of this forum, choose to operate outside the rules. Hopefully this information is useful. Regards, and again, welcome to myGMRS. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

For the most part those self-labled "private repeaters" are very low profile "garage repeaters" and have a very tiny footprint anyway... Very few people can afford to pay monthly rent for tower space.

There's also a DMR 900MHz they claim falls under ISM @ 1W, but we all know you need FHSS to operate at 1W license-free in the 900 MHz ISM band. Your move, Retevis. Here's the link, no MOQ. No FCC ID yet, either. https://www.retevis.com/RT10-900MHz-ISM-band-frequency-digital-radio#A9212AX1