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I think if you go through present and past threads on various topics it will be obvious who those people are. Two are on my block list because I don’t want to waste my time getting posting notifications when they post their garbage. The linking discussion pertains to GMRS not Ham Radio. The question about it’s legality is murky since the rules are a bit ambiguous so it’s a gray area. Until the FCC clears up the language there is the possibility they will unambiguously make it clear one way or the other, maybe flatly prohibiting it by name. Other rules are rather straight forward, however some posters encourage operating practices, equipment modifications (software - hardware -programming), that leave little doubt it violates the rules. Demands for “proof” of enforcement actions, and lack of any, is not permission to ignore them because it’s “really” ok. Essentially the poster(s) are looking for acknowledgment from others their actions are OK to excuse what they know is wrong. I’m not playing that stupid game.

Well just because you can hear the repeater doesn't mean you can always get back to it. Most repeaters are not balanced as they should be in the GMRS or ham world. I would get closer with a radio and test locally to the repeater before you can determine if its your setup.

Picket fencing is not caused by the antenna movement. It's caused by characteristics of the terrain and the speed of the vehicle, compared to where the receiver/repeater is. Weaker signals are more susceptible to it because there is not enough energy to scatter enough signal to overcome shadowing from trees and buildings. It's a power/line of sight issue.

Swing and a miss. LoL

Welcome to the forum! Congrats on the perfect first post. Look everybody, another trooper from the NotaSingleclue Brigade.

I sent a message almost 2 weeks ago with no reply so I decide to do a forum search which returned this thread. So when you replied on 7/30 and said: ”Did you try reporting your post and using the comment field to explain your issue? I have had good results doing that. Simply being tagged might not attract his attention.” and the OP did that with success, I followed suit by making a post and reporting it. So how is that not learning from this post?

Really?!? Care to correct your misinformation?

I can't explain why your meter shows such discrepancies. All I know is that others on this forum have measured this unit and received results that more accurately represent what it is capable of doing: 18 watts on UHF and 20 watts on VHF. I have also conducted transmission experiments that show that this unit is capable of clearly hitting both simplex communications and repeaters that are many miles from my home base. It even outperforms my Yeasu FT-857d on 2 meters and 70 cms. I had two units: one in my shack and the other in my car and have been very happy with the results. As I said earlier, you are unlucky to have received two defective units, especially since you only want to use it for GMRS. When operating to full power specifications, the only two "complaints" I have about this unit is: 1) The CPS software is a bit cumbersome to work with, but there are workarounds; and 2) There is no 50 watt model. AND for the price and size component, it can't be beat! One guy on this Forum even installed one in his Ferrari!

I have no plans to use it on anything else; I unlocked the frequency range because that also unlocks the number of memories that can be programmed for GMRS use. In factory trim, it only provides NINE additional GMRS channel slots beyond the preset 30 channels (out of 500 memory slots). Unlocked allowed me to load 29 repeater configs (granted, 16 of those are just the options on an RT97 mini-repeater) -- 20 more than the stock set-up. But for something being sold as a 20W GMRS radio, why should two samples exhibit their WORST power output on GMRS frequencies (and by the same amount!), showing twice the power on the VHF band. Based upon the programmer (and the radio), it /is/ designed for operation in those other bands -- but has only been certified for GMRS in the US (cut-off of the image are entries for European PMR, though that may be a distinct firmware version as it reads "European version PMR", and Australian UHF CB) I'll accept that there may be some component due to meter inaccuracy, but with the same configuration of meter&dummy load, the 15W Midland shows higher power on repeater frequencies, and almost the same power on simplex frequencies. If both radios are putting out their rated power (which is listed as 18W in the manual for the DB20-G), I'd expect to see the DB20-G showing 20% higher power than the MXT115 on any given channel (18/15 => 1.2) -- or ~15W.

Set CH22 as a "priority channel."

Also, the OP is receiving the repeater on one frequency and should be transmitting on another. The repeater antenna is almost certainly tuned to the repeater transmit frequency, but we don’t really know about the OP’s antenna or transmission frequency. Is the OP transmitting on the correct repeater receive frequency (467.xxx?) I think we all assume he is, but maybe not. Is the OP’s antenna tuned for the simplex transmitting frequencies (462.xxx) or the repeater receive frequency (467.xxx?) Although the difference is only 5 MHz, it is a difference which can reduce transmission power if SWR varies much over that 5 MHz. The OP already admitted that the tones haven’t been confirmed. That absolutely could be a problem.

I would say no. There may be some lopsided power and performance stopping it, even if the transmitter wattage is the same. For instance... if the repeater has a full 50w going into the antenna (say a tower mounted repeater) and it has an antenna with a 10dB gain, it will have an effective radiated output of 500w. If your mobile is only putting out 30w-35w due to installation limits and you have a no-gain antenna, like a 1/4 wave, your only putting out 30w-35w. Even with the high gain antenna at the repeater site... there is no guarantee you are going to get picked-up by the repeater. Especially if the repeater has a poor receiver or is being de-sensed by some other radio on the tower causing interference around it. If you can drive closer to the tower to confirm, that would be your best bet. If you get within 10-15 nautical miles and it still doesn't work, you may be doing something wrong or have a problem.

Oh, I can't agree more. If you are looking for a relative measurement the cheap meters are great. And if they are 10% or even 20% accuracy, they are enough to tell you that you are squirting RF out of the radio and the SWR is close or way off. And I have some of that stuff too. I run an Anritsu 412LMR Master and a 50dB Connecticut Microwave 100Mhz to 1Ghz directional coupler for doing high power readings. And I am expected by both my employer and my main client to check the loss of the cables I am using and do my power calculations with those loss numbers in mind. In fact the client saw me doing it and when they ask what I was doing and I explained it, they required everyone else in the state to do the same thing. So my coupler is 50dB down from the actual signal level. So a 100 watt signal (50dBm) would register at 0dBm without that cable loss but at 800 Mhz that cable has 2.7dB of loss so it's significant, and will through the readings WAY off if not accounted for. Of course it all got questioned until I connected the 3 thousand dollar Roade and Swartz watt meter up in line as was within 1.5 watts of what I had on the paper for my reading. At that point they were all happy and rewrote the procedure for doing RF power readings at an RF site. Now I don't break all that out to check the SWR on a mobile antenna for a vehicle install. I use one of my Bird meters for that. And it's MORE than accurate enough to do that work. And maybe I was a bit harsh on my reply, but I thought my head was gonna explode when I read that. Not your answer to it, but that it's a topic even being discussed. But I get a LOT of that. I had one today, guy was wanting to know why his vehicle repeater was not working when he was driving down the street. I wanted to tell him because whoever installed it actually did it right. They are connected to the park neutral switch so they specifically DON'T work when you are in motion. That's what the mobile radio in the vehicle is for..... the one connected to the VRS (vehicle repeater system) that you talk through when you are on a fire ground and OUT of the vehicle. I honestly told my boss what was up and to explain that the system is designed that way to keep from causing interference while responding and driving past another working incident where they were also using a VRS to extend their coverage.

WiFi when you are using your call sign as your SSID and transmitting or exceeding the ERP allowed in part 15. You also have to be using the correct channels. This is a sticking point with MANY hams but the question has been asked directly to the FCC a number of times and they have said it was acceptable to encrypt data links that were ONLY supporting ham radio activities.

Trident had their own terminal program called Tcomm. I have a copy of it around somewhere. As I recall, it was from Win95 era, but would run on WinXP. I would NOT recommend using a Trident Raider panel unless you've got a copy of the manual (along with a few hours to read it). Trident was selling those for LTR use, and as I recall, you have to assign the user an LTR ID# - but then tell the panel that particular ID# was going to be using conventional PL or DPL - and then use a translation table to assign the particular tone code parameters to that ID#. I can tell you that the Raider panels are reliable - I still have a few in service that are approaching 25 years with zero problems. i20r panels still pop up now and then on Ebay. They were nice to use with the GR series repeaters, but I wouldn't spend big bucks to flog a GR300 back to life. There's better alternatives out there nowadays.

Congratulations on getting a DB20-G that shows 20W. While I expect some variation for my MFJ-847, near 50% error I don't believe in (on VHF it is within 2% of a Diamond SX-200 [the 200 is HF-200MHz, so can't test it on GMRS frequencies]). I'm on my second DB20-G via Amazon, returned the first as my meter is only showing 11.9W for the middle of the repeater band -- into a dummy load, and I went out of my way to reduce losses: meter coupled to radio using a double-ended PL-259 gender changer; if I had a second I'd connect the meter to the dummy load with it rather than using 18" RG-213). Unlocked, and with frequencies entered for bands that the (intended) antenna will never match: DB20-G rated (manual) 18W sold as 20W Channel Low Middle High MURS 4 5.1W 12.6W 22.1W Illegal as MURS is limited to 2W Marine 16 5.6W 13.0W 21.9W GMRS 01 3.8W 6.5W 13.5W Only Low is legal, 5W max #01-#07 GMRS 15 3.8W 6.5W 13.5W Lowest GMRS frequency GMRS 22 3.8W 6.5W 13.4W Highest (simplex) frequency Rptr 15 3.1W 5.2W 11.9W Lowest (repeater) frequency Rptr 22 3.1W 5.2W 11.8W Highest GMRS frequency MXT115 rated 15W Channel Low High GMRS 15 3.9W 12.6W GMRS 22 3.8W 12.6W Rptr 15 3.6W 12.4W Anomaly? Rptr 22 3.6W 12.6W Basically, the same low power readings as the unit I returned. I didn't bother with 2m/70cm frequencies as it will be mounted right next to a 50W Icom ID-5100 dual-band. I suppose I'll keep it, since I wanted it for two reasons: selectable (W)FM/NFM, and (unlocked) ability to save many more /named/ repeater configurations (currently 13 statewide, and 16 for an RT97). It is definitely under-powered on repeater frequencies. The 15W MXT115 (no named channels, NFM-only, only 1 config per channel) is showing 84% of rated power (2.5W low) across the band. This 18W DB20-G, OTOH, is only 66% of rated power on GMRS repeaters, and 75% on GMRS simplex. Yet it is 122% on 155MHz frequencies which it wasn't even sold for... VHF Low and Middle power matches UHF Middle and High power. The measured power is just close enough to not feel like I'm losing anything from the MXT115. The DB20-G was measured powered from an Alinco 30A 13.8V supply (normally powers a Kenwood TS-590); it showed 13.5V on the radio so either that is a lossy power-lead, or just poor calibration in the radio. The MXT115 had the same power meter/dummy load configuration, but was powered from a running vehicle (I have it wired to the battery -- need to find power-lead quick disconnects and an in-line fuse for the DB20-G to fully replace the MXT115 install).

That is almost certainly an "MDC" on Motorola radios, or "FleetSync" on some Kenwood radios. It's a digital identifier that other radios of the same type can read and display on their screen.

Thanks. Not sure which one or a combination of your suggestions did it, but the PTT is no longer sending out tones.

Check menu #19 and make sure its set to OFF, and make sure that all the call-id/group-call options are turned off. If that doesn't fix it, do a factory reset (Menu #45, option #1).. If THAT doesn't fix it, contact BTech support and tell them to send you one that isnt broken.

Eh, I had/have an RT97 that I use with a roll up J-Pole from N9TAX. Ideal? No, but it does work well with height.

I probably answered this myself. “The efficiency of a j antenna falls off rapidly as the operating frequency is raised.” https://books.google.com/books?id=_lUrAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA141&lpg=PA141&dq=quarter+wave+whip+vs+zepp&source=bl&ots=NaZVS10MdL&sig=ACfU3U3ZksxDFNcMl90bI_yGzoXgOg_KHQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjg9-WLm4j6AhXMJDQIHW-5B4AQ6AF6BAg2EAI#v=onepage&q=quarter wave whip vs zepp&f=false

I would not. Buy a real antenna and cable. The antenna is the most important part of a repeater. Manage expectations. You wont talk 50 miles with a JPole (well unless your at 5000'). Remember the RT is low power =/- 5 watts. Shorted antenna line and antenna they better.

Provided the antenna is properly tuned to the GMRS frequencies AND your cable/connector losses are low, you should see a marked increase in Rx and Tx over "some" 1/4 and 1/2 wavelength antennas. There is a lot of math and physics that go into any perceptible difference in distance and quality of comms. Probably the most important element to consider is "line of sight" based on your height ASL. Good luck

He is correct though, it would be easier to help if we knew what radio the guy was using.. And I prefer his direct and to-the-point replies to the 5-10 paragraph uncecessarily-complicated answers that always include a full resume of the person leaving the reply as well as a list of all the radios they own. I guess we all have different want/needs in forum replies..

That’s not a petition; it’s a rant. I won’t sign it.

How do you know it’s GMRS?

Just remember, smoke signals are line-of sight!

Jeezus... "Some people" .....

Thanks. Most people generally want to follow rules that are reasonable and rational. For example, "this product may cause cancer in California". A warning sticker is cheaper than playing the certification pirates' shakedown game. Other certifications may not be a scams to protect big business from competition or generate revenue. People might be more inclined to be good neighbors if they were told about "spurious emissions" instead of "part 95e". Perhaps there is a YouTube channel that demonstrates how Baofeng is ruining the bands... and not just speculation about potential harm. Other hobbies also cultivate elite fanatics that despise cheap functional versions. Also some hams seem so afraid of an Eternal September... they nearly killed their hobby. Maybe Baofeng is the next America Online floppy. There are more E. coli outbreaks caused by USDA-certified facilities than Amish farms.

My radio, my choice.

If you look close, 99% of them are actually sad-hams, disguised as GMRS operators.

And how do you know they were using GMRS freq.s when FRS is literally the same freq... Many businesses just go out and buy a couple of bubble pack radios for their employees and off they go. What proof is there that GMRS was actually being used? Did you test the wattage coming out of their radios? Where they using a repeater freq.? Where they using radios with detachable antennas? If you can't prove they were using something beyond a bubble pack radio, then you have no case and was a complete waste of their time. "Although they are two separate radio services, the FRS and GMRS co-exist within 462-467MHz frequency range of the UHF band. Both services share the same 22 simplex channels and frequencies. These channel and frequency assignments are standard across the industry. This means that channel 1 on a Midland FRS or GMRS radio is the same as channel 1 on a Motorola Talkabout, or a Cobra MicroTALK, or a DeWALT, Uniden, or Wouxun KG-805F and 805G. Channel 2 is the same, channel 3 is the same, and so on. For this reason, someone with an FRS radio can converse directly with someone who has a GMRS radio and vice-versa." https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2021/10/the-difference-between-frs-and-gmrs-radios.html

It doesnt matter, and only the hall-monitors care - as you can see very clearly in this and other online forums..

Short of interference with medical or law enforcement, why does it matter if individuals are on a channel talking without a license? I understand that there are rules in place to have a license to use system, but at the same time if businesses or individuals are using the system then who cares? I personally don’t agree that we should even have to obtain a license to use this system, kind of a racket if you ask me, but whatever I’ll play along and I’ll even help people get one if they so choose, yet I have read a bit of all these forums and everybody says the same thing, all they hear are crickets in most places. If the FCC isn’t too interested in policing the system then why should it be upon us to do so? Im sorry but I do not have the time nor patience to try and track down individuals or to go to businesses to inform them that they need to have a license to use system. Personally I don’t think any of us should be doing that in any way and putting ourselves in a possible dangerous situation just to inform somebody that they shouldn’t use a radio or how to use one. And to be honest I would much rather have my taxes spent on something more important than to have some government official spending their time trying to track down some kid telling poop jokes or cussing over radio.

Even if it is, it is a worthwhile investment to keep the whole world at arm's length.

Can you please expand on this statement? I have several, and have used them at altitudes from 30 - 3000 feet (mostly listening for satellites), and have never experienced anything I would remotely classify as "going bonkers". Are you saying they can receive more signals at altitude? And if so, why wouldn't that be expected?

I noticed when people were transmitting I would lose part of the transmission every few seconds, sometimes the whole transmission then I would hear my courtesy tone. I noticed this when I had my phone linked in with DVSwitch while monitoring my radio. I did some playing around in the simpleusb.conf setting and found that if I changed it from log to linear my audio would be fine without issues. To change the settings log in with putty, on the main menu hit 12 for simpleusb tune menu After your in the simpleusb menu hit 5 then number 2 When your done making changes hit W then 0. Make sure to restart asterisk when done making changes by selecting option 13 from main menu.

I have looked myself (at the last 10 years of enforcement), thats why I dont trust what you're saying.

Not that I dont trust you, or think you're making stuff up out of thin air, but i would love for you to share some actual facts about all these others this has happened to. Perhaps a link to the FCC enforcement database entry? Because as I'm sure you know, every time the FCC breathes down anyones neck, for any reason, by law, the FCC must publish that enforcement.

I keep my Roger Beep on - when someone complains about it, I remind them that its my radio and nobody is forcing them to listen to me.