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I've used both CHIRP and manufacturers software for various radios, and I much prefer CHIRP. Some people like RT Systems, but it's pricey and radio-specific. Ive never used it. Because I’m cheap. One thing I did find is that even though my Yaesu FT70 is supported by CHIRP, only analog is supported. Not digital. The folks at CHIRP do a fine job.

I wouldn’t feel bad for Radioddity. They’ve known about this long enough to address it and yet they continue taking people’s money. By now they should have taken them off Amazon and posted a notice to keep people from wasting their money. Once they clear the bad radios from their pipeline they should post another notice. I agree it’s probably as simple as a bit flipped in firmware, but that’s what bugs are.

I have always preferred the manufacturer software. But that's just me.

I use the manufacturer's programming software because I can't get CHIRP to work on ancient Windows 7 computing machine. It seems CHIRP would be easier to use as even different models from the same manufacturer don't share the same programming software. Being able to copy and paste inside of one programfor all of your radios would be great.

Many people, myself included prefer CHIRP but many people also prefer the simplicity that comes with most manufacturer's software, as many people find CHRIP to be confusing.

Maybe consider a GT-3WP instead. Mine works like a charm.

I got mine in Dayton as well. Charger, used battery, antenna and the radio for $420. One of the guys with the local group had a couple of them and a couple different mission plans to stick in it. I found the Bluetooth programming function to be great as I don't yet have a programming cable. I also need to track down a KVL adapter as some of my personal radio stuff is encrypted. I did have one issue with dropping a mission plan in it that wasn't right. Radio wouldn't boot correctly. The three finger salute reset the radio and restoration of a known good mission plan got the radio running again. Being a Motorola guy, I was on the hunt for an APX for seemingly no good reason other than the desire to own one. I ended up with a 7000 that was VHF/ UHF-R1. Which is the most desirable option to get for frequency bands. I was never a big supporter of NAS on a carried radio and I have a legit system ID and radio for work (radio service tech) with direct access to a full system key so I can build any codeplug I want for 'scanning' and when ask what I am doing with a system radio I have a reason to have it. I mess with the Harris a bit, but I have found the accessories are stupid expensive. And taking into account I have access to second hand accessories at the office, it's sort of a no brainer to prefer the APX. I have one RSM for the Harris. I have at least a dozen RSM's including the 'commander' type with display and channel knob for the APX. Have the green XE RSM's, have a Pelitor headset and interface for the APX that is noise canceling. The noise canceling feature on the Pelitor is good enough I can have a phone conversation on the Bluetooth model I have connected to my phone from the gun range I am a member of while I am shooting. Of course batteries are not at all an issue as I go through the recycle bin and get out of date batteries. Some that have only been charged a few times and are fine, but out of date. Fire service doen't use out of date batteries. This is due to the safety rating for the batteries while in combustible environments and in fires. My radios are not used in life and death situations on a regular basis, so I am not effected by these things. I will say that the 'mission plan' design with the ability for the radio to have multiple 'code plugs' that are user accessible is a really handy feature for building travel configurations when you are out of area but not needing to have endless radio zones in a codeplug. Sure you can have multiple codeplugs saved in a laptop for the APX and program the radio as needed with them. But being able to store them in the radio, and switch them on the fly is much handier in my opinion. I will also say the programming software is a bit hard to navigate if you are accustom to other programming software. And in truth it's just a pain all around. But once you figure it out, it does it's job. Congrats on getting the radio, welcome to the Harris owners family and if you really like it a lot, there is a mobile version called the XG-100M. Basically the same radio in a mobile configuration with some added features. Might be something to look into.

Our 2 meter repeater uses an array of folded dipoles. That allows the pattern to be directed slightly downward. When your repeater and antenna are on a mountaintop there’s little value to upward propagation.

I know someone that has a Kraken I would be happy to do a FOX hunt.

All the people that pre-ordered got theirs shipped and now everyone that didnt pre-order gets to wait again... Pre order one (when the website allows) if you ever want to touch one.

This is apparently a new feature on a few models. I would recommend contacting the seller and tell them to send you one that works as advertised, or give back your money. If you purchased on Amazon, this is very easy to do.

I'll stick with the phonetic alphabet that I learned in the military, which is the same as most amateur radio operators also use. It is not hard to learn.

Welcome to the forum, but, if you are using GMRS to find new friends you have chosen the wrong hobby. GMRS is more for communicating with existing friends while driving, hiking, etc. For finding new friends/talking to strangers, ham radio or the Grindr app might be a better choice.

You can take a look at this one. It’s specifically for GMRS. https://www.arcantenna.com/products/gmrs-mobile-vehicular-antenna-base-loaded-chrome-coil-rugged-no-ground-plane-required-with-spring-rbc-450-5-ns With no ground plane required you can use it just about anywhere. Some of the dual band J-pole like antennas are another possibility for backpacking. Again no ground plane required. These you can hang on a string in a tree or zip tie to a fiberglass pole on your backpack frame. Also being dual band you can use either your GMRS or MURS radio with it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/222236729087