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Dweebs are dorks that don't have adhesive tape on the bridge of their glasses.

I absolutely agree with you but as I’m sure you realize, tones do not reduce clutter. They simply mask it. If a channel is busy it’s entirely possible that an emergency call will never be heard. This is part of the fallacy of relying on GMRS for an emergency wherever it’s in heavy use. With that said, having a two way radio of any kind and knowing how to use it is infinitely better than having no way to communicate.

DORKS.. The politically correct term is radio-DORKS... "Radio geeks" is offensive and hurtful to geeks.

Saves battery. For fairly close ranges like you describe, you shouldn't *need* 5W. But if the radios aren't working right... "Keep It Simple, Stupid." Eliminate variables if you can until you get down to what's not working right.

The positional problems are likely frequency cancellation. When you have multipath signals coming in like Steve said there are areas in the room that those signal paths cross over each other. And depending on how the frequencies match up with each other they either cancel or reinforce the signal strength. Also know as an interference pattern. This is usually in weaker signal areas but can still happen in stronger areas. In my driveway, my normal parking spot I have a repeater that comes in weak and intermittent. If I back the truck up 4 feet the repeater comes in perfect. When I was transmitting to the repeater it made no difference which spot I was in, came in fine. When I'm in my house on my HT inches make a huge difference. And the funny thing is for the most part it doesn't change. We'll have to see as the leaves drop off the trees.

I guess we all will just have to wait and see what happens.

Before we send them off to spend more money perhaps, as @OffRoaderX said, perhaps just trying to see if one or both radios has an issue first, K I S S, is the route to start at. be aware if your testing too close, there is a possibility of an over-saturation that makes you think one or both are bad. Get at least a good 50 foot away with a clear line of sight and go from there.

First of all, there's nothing gross about Baofengs. There's probably more Baofengs in use than any other handheld radio ever made. Second, transmitting from inside one car to the inside of another car is an exercise in frustration. Radio waves have a hard time penetrating in or out. Get yourself a couple of magnet mount antennas and stick them on the roofs of the cars and I betcha you do a lot better.

Something is very wrong. Those radios, right out of the box should be loud and clear at up to at least 1/2 mile or more, assuming no mountains/hills between the cars. I would try more testing outside to rule out a problem with the radios or something in one/both of the cars causing the problem.

Dude, take a breath. You posted 5 minutes ago, then quoted your own post 3 minutes ago. It’s an Internet forum, so give it time for replies.

As pointed out there won't be much of a difference between 30 watts and 45 watts. If you're a long winded talker the 30 watt radio will generate a lot less heat that has to be radiated by the cooling fins in the radio's chassis. If the radio is going to get mounted in an area with restricted air flow that might be a big deal. Sitting on the dash board it's going to "cook" a bit from sun light exposure. One other thing to look out for is which "band split" you get. These radios come in several ranges, 450-520, for the 30 watt radio, 450-512 for the 45 watt version. The 400-470 range is available for the 30 and 45 watt version. Note only the 450-520, and the 450-512, have FCC type 95 certification if that's a concern for you. Otherwise any of the ranges will work for GMRS. You can double check the FCC grants for which FCC parts the radio is certified for by looking up the FCC ID found in the attached brochure at: https://fccid.io/ You'll need a programming cable. I recommend getting one from this site: https://bluemax49ers.com/ The programming software is attached. Use the "engineering" install serial. That one allows you access to a few more features and the all important read/write password bypass. Some used radios have a read/write password set. Without this feature you'll never reprogram the radio if the write password is set. I've used this software to program some TK-2180's and TK-3180's which are the portable versions of the mobiles. TK-7180_8180.pdf KPG-89D V1.61.zip

As you’re the owner, and allowing people to use it for free, you don’t really need a reason. It would be different if it was paid access.

I'd recomend the 8180 and not the 8180H. You wont see a difference in 30 vs 45 watts and if 90% of your use will be simplex and low channels being able to program 5 watts is better. No need for an LMR license unless you want an LMR frequency.

The best GMRS radio is the one that fits your needs. There are so many decent GMRS radios now. And so many companies are investing R&D into GMRS and Ham radios currently its great so look up specs and watch some reviews and then decide. Also remember if you can stand a little to a lot of nonsense used UHF Part 90 HTs are often an amazing value just ensure if you buy one it comes with a charger and battery and its software is available.

@wqnd300 and @WRXP381 You both are being obnoxious jerks. @Lscott has just as much right to be here and talking about what digital might bring to GMRS as either of you. He brings much more intelligent discussions and less judgmental rhetoric than you also. If you don’t agree with him, that’s no problem. He and I have disagreed about digital modes also, but it’s easy enough to disagree without becoming disagreeable.

It would be better if they listed the tones used as not all radios use the same tone code scheme.

Given that the description mentions it being linked to the GMRS Live network, it's absolutely possible that there's another repeater you're within range of that's also linked to the network, but is using the other frequency you're hearing.

I can neither confirm or deny that as there is an ongoing investigation on that subject..... Now where have I heard that before

Knowing how to use it is important. There are actually minor things that can reduce range that are simple to learn how to overcome, but people in general, think you can buy accuracy, range, performance and strength; just like those 1940's Jeeps outdoing the tricked out V-8's. Knowledge often outflanks strength and money.

I would support @OffRoaderX's statement of testing the radios outside. Make sure the radios work and it's not some interference from one or both vehicles taking place. Also try different channels (frequencies) and see if that makes a difference. As an example my fathers Subaru Forester hates 444.100 (local ham repeater) for some reason, but just that frequency. One of these days I may see if I can figure out what causes it, maybe.

No worries. I know I wasn't born knowing how any of this worked. So, GMRS radios will have certain rules for certain channel sets. But even then, on a "high" power channel (for a hand held, let's say, 6) it can be set to lower than the allowed limit. Some channels will obviously force the low power setting.

There is no real difference between the radio brands. Yes, commercial and public safety models generally have better specifications but that is reflected in the price. System on a Chip (SOC) radios work perfectly for general hobby/personal use. Personally, I think the Motorola, Kenwood and other "top-tier" radios are all way overpriced and for personal use. I recommend some of the Tytera, TYT, Wouxon and other brands as being perfectly usable for general use. 5 W output is 5 W whether it comes from a Moto or BaoFeng.

In response to the comment made about losing radio coverage when changing from wideband operation to narrowband operation, I was unable to identify any loss of radio coverage or poor audio quality for the public safety radio system that I was responsible for. Maybe that was because we were using quality radio equipment.

If it's an "open repeater" there wouldn't necessary be an explicit "sharing arrangement", much less a written one, between the users and the repeater owner(s). Another case, as an example, a formerly closed repeater, by me, one would request access and receive verbal permission from the owner after supplying a valid call sign, all over the air. Again there would be no written agreement. So, would the above imply that a repeater owner must have have a record of who is using their repeater, open or closed? Maybe this is why the FCC requested a list of repeater users?

I am not completely following what happened - but if its not in the rules or provided in writing, then its not not official and considered hearsay. Although it might be smart to work with the FCC and start a conversation. I hope they did not ask who else uses the repeater; this would be a bit agressive and would warrant a call to your elected represenative (hopefully republican) to have them suggest the FCC back off. But everyone seems to forget this rule: "§ 95.1705 Individual licenses required; eligibility; who may operate; cooperative use. (f) Cooperative use of GMRS stations. (4) All sharing arrangements must be conducted in accordance with a written agreement to be kept as part of the station records." Normally, the best policy in any organization is to keep a limited number (or no) records....but this rule requires something. This is why I have always said that open repeaters may not be permissible unless they meet this requirement.

I just sat back to let somebody who has one to answer. Most of my experience is with the Kenwood hand held radios. I have a lot of the Kenwood radio programming software. I'm not sure if I have that one on file.

I think having a non-cluttered distress channel is even more important for NON-radio geeks. IMHO most people dont want to listen to constant clutter, rag-chew, etc. Without listeners any distress channel is worthless.

Agreed. As mentioned, I’m at about 44’ above street level which is as high as I’ll be able to go. We’ll see if I can get through the treetops. BTW, LMR400 is bad ass. I had no idea. Replaced my 50’ run yesterday. Will be testing longer distance than the driveway to my wife in the house very soon

KCRK-5 or KCRK-6DH? Where is the speaker connected to? The DB25 or the 9 pin square connector? For GMRS, this should work just fine, but they are super inefficient for amateur radio, and do burn out the PA about every 8 months unless you build and install a massive heatsink. These are a bit difficult due to their age and software changing from DOS to windows. I haven't personally messed with one in a long time. I would think that there is something inside that RF deck that isn't right, especially with the busy light.

Did you do a search first? There are several threads which mention the TK-890H. One mentioned that they burn out quickly. Another mentioned that because it’s a 100 watt radio it would be a poor choice for GMRS. The people here with the most Kenwood experience and who post prolifically are @Lscott and @tweiss3. Maybe they have some insight. And here’s the results of a search: https://forums.mygmrs.com/search/?&q=TK-890&quick=1&search_and_or=or&sortby=relevancy

Exactly

Geezus.. You should go outside.. and leave the radio in the basement.

I already have an Extra Class license. Business radio went narrow band, in some cases that was digital. TV went from analog to digital. Many people, like me, gave up on analog commercial radio and went with satellite radio etc. Sooner or later GMRS is going to end up partially, or fully, digital. Either that or the FCC will refarm out the spectrum for business radio that will make more efficient use of it. Don’t think that won’t happen? Well the FCC did that with part of the Ham 1.25 meter band when UPS wanted it. They, UPS, never ended up using that spectrum and Hams never got it back either.

My area, Detroit Mi, has several linked repeaters spanning a wide area of the state. When the system is busy there doesn’t seem to be a problem with people jumping in for a quick contact. As far as people trying up a repeater for hours, well that’s not mode specific. If somebody is going to yack on a repeater for several hours they are going to do it even on FM.

I’m using a Wouxun KG 905G. It’s basic HT with no bells & whistles, but suits my needs and works great. If I was to buy another one, I’d get the 935G.

Thanks, I guess I goofed that. Went back and fixed it. I guess I entered the wrong linking code to the electronic device… thank goodness it wasn’t an emergency depending on that

Similar experience here with my KG-905Gs compared to my old Fengs. The fengs would pick up all kinds of noise, the Wouxuns seem to work exactly as I want (no noise except for when someone's actually talking). Pretty important for me since I often have them going to molded ear-buds in a race car, to where a burst of static right to the ear drums friggin HURTS. Might want to reach out to the seller and see what they say because that doesn't match what I'd expect from Wouxun's stuff

Also yes.

….because that’s what we need, more government regulations. [emoji849]

The statewide area code for Wyoming is 307. So, this agency thought 'let's advertise channel 3 with "privacy" code 07 to make it easy to remember.' Agree, if I was screwed, I would start with 50 watts, and then dial down lol Here's another link: https://hls.wyo.gov/307

You might even find a plug in adapter from the D104 to Ethernet, so some web searching might be helpful.

This cannot be stressed enough. People routinely talk to the space station using 5 watt radios and it’s more than 200 miles away, but there’s nothing in the way. I agree. It would be nice if I could get that kind of line-of-sight. But I can't. Some of us just can't get an antenna up above the 100'+ trees around us.

Yes, very easy to do. I've done them for Icom and Kenwood. You will be changing all electronics, including the cord and mic element. I totally restore to new condition, but modernized.

It can be done. I haven’t done it but about a year ago someone asked about it and I googled it.

If you know the frequency of the repeaters you're interested in gaining access to, you might try keeping your radio tuned to one or two of them (if it's dual-watch) in the evenings. Popular "net" times in my area seem to be evenings between 7pm and 9:30pm, and Sundays around 4-8pm. I know that's a lot of time to cover, but if you can just leave the radio on as you go about your day, you might hear a net start up. It's common during weekly nets for the net control operator to ask if there are any visitors wanting to check in. That's your invitation to state your call sign and introduce yourself, even if you haven't officially been granted access. And at that point you can ask what is needed to gain permission to use the repeater. If there are no nets, and the owner never responds to your request on mygmrs.com, but you DO know the CTCSS or DCS tone for the repeater, you can listen for traffic, and if you find someone having an idle conversation, wait your turn, and then state your call sign and ask how you might gain approval to use the repeater. If they tell you you're not welcome, you just apologize and go on with life. If someone announces their call sign and states "monitoring", that's also a way that people say they're looking for conversation. You can say "<your call sign> here, my name is <first name> from <city name>. I wanted to inquire about how to get approved to use this repeater.", and just see what happens. If you are polite, they may get you hooked up. Or they may tell you to not use the repeater, but it's worth a try.

Howdy Folks! The family does a lot of mountain off-roading in SXSs and FRS just doesn't cut it anymore. So we have moved to GMRS for greater range and repeater use. I've been in Comms/IT for 30+ years. I was a green suit Tropo/SkeeterLOS microwave radio repair guy for Uncle Sam for 6 years back in the day. But it's been a minute so I'm back into learning mode with GMRS. Also, as a private pilot, I'm on the air bands while flying PIC. Note: If anyone needs help with a Home Internet/IT issue? Let me know. IT is my daily gig. Perhaps I can help. I'm also an avid VR pilot in DCS (its way cheaper than flying the real thing). I have a full motionless VR simpit setup. I can answer questions and help with that as well. V/R Del (WSDN287) Now.. How do I land this thing?

Thank you all again! I appreciate all the feedback and yes, I will probably hang onto the GXT1050s and if I see a need, pick up additional radios with repeater capability. I did check the repeater info and it does have a "Request Access" button, which I may pursue. If everyone on this forum are as helpful as you good folks, that's a wonderful thing! Thanks again!

Yah.. Sorry.. I'm just learning all this socially ree-tarhd-ed stuff.

My take is that you cannot get an accurate SWR reading on an HT antenna without specialized equipment. I also think you should stop overthinking how imperfect you low-cost/mass-produced radio is and just use/enjoy it. If you want a high-quality 'performance' radio, you're going to have to pay a lot more for it.