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This is roughly the setup I use on my Sienna so I can fit in the garage. In order to connect this to your HT you would also need the adapter. This is certainly not the only setup you could use, I'm sure others will chime in. This, as I like I say about instruction manuals, is just how one guy does it. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/cma-cp-5nmo https://www.ruggedradios.com/collections/mobile-antennas/products/point5-gmrs-antenna https://www.amazon.com/DHT-Electronics-Handheld-Antenna-Quasheng/dp/B00COKNKS8/ref=asc_df_B00COKNKS8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309707619534&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18152382270226592541&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031580&hvtargid=pla-569717079243&psc=1

Looking at the chart in the manual, it looks like DCS #27 equates to a DCS tone 165....since it's specified as (N)ormal, that should be the one you need. If it were (I)inverted, it'd be looking for that chart @Sshannon mentioned for an equivalent tone to use, then using the chart in Midland's instructions to find what code to enter. I won't say Midland is bad, but their use of code numbers to enter the tones does add an extra layer of complication. Also, some of that reputation online is based on prior versions of the radios, which WERE less than stellar for repeater use due to being narrowband only (which sounds quieter on a wideband repeater) and not having the ability to set transmit and receive tones independently. As far as I know, those shortcomings got addressed when they updated the radios from a usb-a port on the front to usb-c.

No, 65 is not the same as 165N. Unfortunately some of the manufacturers have included non-standard digital codes. Scroll all the way to the bottom of the list. About the “N”, that means normal. If you see an “I” it means that the bits of the code are inverted. There’s also a document “out there” that reveals equivalent codes. It has been attached to forum posts in the past. You might find it in the files section.

This should really be in the amateur radio forum rather than here, but I agree mostly with you. I think it’s a matter of training for all users. It’s a reflection of the fact that technician class opens up two bands to people with the least training. There are calling frequencies for digital modes and most DMR traffic is on UHF, rather than VHF, but people do make mistakes and sometimes our smart radios don’t always help. I had to turn off automatic mode detection on my FT5DR to avoid accidental transmissions using C4FM. It’s also indicative that people are misusing the 2 meter national calling frequency as an emergency frequency. If a person is going somewhere where they might need emergency communications they should probably get a PLB of some kind. For those interested in a discussion of simplex frequencies and digital modes, here is a page listing the simplex frequencies for digital voice modes: https://0x9900.com/dmr-or-c4fm-simplex-frequencies/

The Shaw Butte repeater is linked with the Southwest Community Radio System (SWCRS) network of other repeaters throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and I think Utah. The Shaw Butte repeater has two access modes, one for the local mode only, no link to the network; and one for the network mode to link up with the other linked repeaters. The linked repeaters in Arizona are Shaw Butte, Towers 600, Mt Elden, Diamond Point, Greens Peak, Pinal, Mt. Lemmon, and others. The DPL code is for the linked network access and the local mode requires the CTCSS/ PL of 100.0 Hz. There is no tone on the downlink side. If you want to communicate with other stations near the other repeaters both stations would have to access the respective repeaters with the link tones. Also, if you want to participate in the Sunday and Wednesday Nets, you'll have to access the network with the link tones.

Thank you, WRQC527, for the help. Nice clean setup. That is what I'm looking for.

You forgot the "best" part ... they all came pre-programmed with a bunch of test frequencies, many of which were in the public safety bands. Did that hours ago.

nice…

Yeah... the AM radio thing is silly. But EeeeVeee's don't need any radio... 'cause they're connected to the cell phone network all the time so you can listen to Spotify and da gubbamint can spy on you all the time, even if you dropped yer cell phone in the toilet! The Anytone AT-779UV is OK. I like the display, but I hate how the controls function. I originally hated the display on the Btech UV-50X2 (QYT 980PLUS), but now that I've figured how to set them up, I like them. Well, I got my ribs in the smoker and my Jeep needs washed...

A few of us use 146.520 for a informal Friday night analog simplex net and have a blast. Guaranteed every now and then we get somebody complaining that we shouldn't be doing that because we are on the calling frequency that has very little if any traffic most of the time unless it is our group. Guess that is where the term sad ham comes from.

I have made sure to be logged into both. I started on the repeater map, and actually had a hard time posting this thread for this reason

The simple answer is our government has become too big and needs to justify its existence with endless regulatory nonsense. It’s time to scale back all federal agencies and re-organize the ones that remain. The FCC is no exception.

Touché! Haha! I think I like this answer the best... Not that I'm incapable of spending hours reading through FCC rules with my lawyer goggles on. But after dealing with DoD contract compliance, government inspectors, and other bureaucratic government types, It's apparent that most of these employees are simply in it for the benefits and a paycheck. I have had security clearances in the past. I know how to keep my mouth shut. Rules be damned...

Welcome! I hope you enjoy it!

Hi everyone, I'm echoing what WRYF376 has posted (rather than start a new thread and making a similar request for guidance). I kinda fell into GMRS by accident when I recently obtained a Talkpod A36Plus radio. I initially thought of only using it as a air band "scanner," but found out there is so much more to it. I recently got my license (WRYF568) and am completely overwhelmed by what is involved (that is, everything having to do with it). So I look forward to absorbing the collective wisdom and knowledge of the myGMRS membership to get me started and involved. Thanks all, this looks like a great board.

I suppose someone who wants to do this can do what an overwhelming number of people have... buy a quality radio that does everything and keep your mouth shut about it. If you don't tell anyone, no one will know. Don't cause interference, don't be an ass, and don't go on frequencies you shouldn't be on, and you're going to be fine... not that I am making any promises or condoning violating the rules.

Most radios you enter in a radio ID that’s universal, global, for all the channel settings. I noticed on my new Kenwood NX-1300DUK5’s you can have multiple ID’s in a list. You select which ID to use from the list, for each zone, collection of memory channels. This is done when building the code plug. To change ID’s you switch to a different zone. I’ve notice DMR, very seldom, on some GMRS channels. I used my D878 in Digital Monitor mode to decode it. Looks like it was some local business. Somebody tried to save money by buying the wrong radios and further screwed up by programming them wrong.

You set Pin8 to PL/DPL - CSQ detect on the Repeater's RX (receiver) radio. This is how you make sure that only intended transmissions (from your group's properly programmed mobile/portable units) will be received on your repeater's 467.xxx frequency. The transmit radio is then being told to key up upon that receive decode action. There is no need for your Transmit radio to detect incoming PL/DPL. It's function is to transmit - but you should still generate a PL tone or DPL code for the Transmit output. Some people try to program the receive and transmit radios the same way - with the idea that they'll be able to swap them around more quickly once the transmit radio burns up. IMHO that's the wrong move. My take would be to program each radio for it's intended use, and set it up properly the first time. You can always save & store the codeplugs for later use to reprogram or re-purpose a unit via the Clone function. If you take the time to set things up properly - AND TURN DOWN THE TRANSMIT POWER - the repeater will live longer, users will be happier, and you will have more time to go about improving the system instead of thrashing around trying to figure out what broke this time. Repeater-builder.com is an excellent resource for anyone trying to build, setup, or program their own repeater.

Just my (conspiracy theorists) opinion, it's the same answer for radio, firearms, and everything else the government touches... it's not about safety or the people; it's about control.

It's good to hear that your grandpa did both. As a grandpa, I also do both and I hope my grandchildren have at least some interest in radio because of me. You'll no doubt see some stupid arguments and snide comments here about ham vs GMRS. Ignore them. It's mostly some people stirring the pot to get a reaction. Ham radio and GMRS have a lot of differences in how they are used, but a lot of similarities in how they work. Enjoy both. Welcome in.

This is a Rohn BX48. It’ll stand 48’ above the surrounding ground. Buying it was almost certainly the easiest part. It must be attached to a solid base. The documentation describes a block of seven sack concrete that’s 5’9” square by 5’ deep. However, my cabin, which is where I intend to install this, is in the Boulder Batholith. I have boulders throughout my property that are larger than a truck. I just need to figure out how to anchor this to one of them.