WRPL700

As I remember it, I was originally an O5B-A4, but then they changed us to 31V??? And then to 18E. We used a lot of wired half-wave dipoles. I still remember using the 468/frequency to get the ball park length. We used metal audio tape reels to roll up the extra wire and parachute cord thrown over a tree limb to lift up each side. The radio was a AN/PRC-74B 15 watt. Good memories.

Hey, thanks. This was a long time in coming....... 40 years ago I was an Army radio operator (18E) so I was pretty good with morse code back then. The guys were always after me to get my Ham license, but I never did. So fast forward: a few years back I got my GMRS license and played with that and then last fall convinced my wife to allow me to try for the Ham license. I still need to work on dusting off my CW skills again. My hand isn't as steady with a straight key as it once was. But this is a lot of fun.

Oops.

Thanks for the HamStudy.org heads-up. I will check it out.

I also bought the General book about a week ago and I think I will take that test next month. I don't think I need the Extra.

Nope. Just bought an ARRL book on the Tech test and studied it for about two months, then scheduled an in-person test. Having the GMRS license for several years actually helped learned some things that are in common with both.

Yes, I finally did it. I got my Tech (KD3AKT). Had a lot of fun on 10M on Sunday. Got 2 contacts from TX, one from OK, one from ND, one from OR and one from CA. All on 20 watts. What a fun hobby.

I did not see this covered in previous posts: I remember seeing in the 5RM manual (toward the back of the manual-page 36) that there are two versions. M version and L version. Could this be the problem?

I have one of my two DB-20Gs in a go box with 12ah battery. Mine puts out about 18 watts. It is a great little radio for the price.

Anybody seen or ordered the new Retevis NR30S GMRS HT? https://www.retevis.com/retevis-nr30s-long-range-noise-reduction-gmrs-two-way-radio-with-display-us Looks kind of like the HA1G. Some of the features: High / Middle/Low Power Adjustable Two-way Noise Reduction VOX Hands-free Group Call Monitor Scan Roger Emergency Alarm Low Battery Alert 30 Channels (GMRS) Power Save/Low Power Alarm Squelch Weather Weather warn TOT（Time Out Timer） Talk Around Also says it has a 2800mah battery and IP67 waterproof.

That is a great use of GMRS radios. That is one of the main reasons I have the radios that I have, for when SHTF. I am glad they were useful to you.

I just downloaded the manual and did a quick scan of it. I cannot say what it does. The manual is pretty skimpy on details. I am thinking that maybe it has to do with allowing channels 15-22 to be enabled to use a repeater (+5Mhz)??? That would be very non-typical. Just not sure though.

Probably not likely. What repeater capable means is that if there is a repeater near you and if you set your radio up correctly, you can use your radio to talk through the repeater to another radio. What radio do you have?

I kind of did the same thing with buying a pair of Midlands. I then bought better units, but kept the Midlands for when I am out working in the garden so the wife can call me and tell me it's time for supper................

Nice review. Thank you.

Looks like OffRoaderX will be doing a review of it:

Have you guys seen the new repeater available from BTECH? https://baofengtech.com/product/gmrs-rpt50/ This looks pretty cool. Too steep of a price for me, but still looks pretty cool. General Specifications Feature Specification Product Analog Repeater Model GMRS-RPT50 Frequency UHF Zone capacity 16 Channel capacity per zone 16 Typical RF output 50W Frequency range GMRS Dimensions (HWD) 88 x 483 x 366mm 3.46 x 19.02 x 14.41 inches Voltage demand 100-240 VAC (13.6 VDC) Weight 11kg (w/o antenna) 24.25lb (w/o antenna) Current consumption: – Standby 1.0A (100 VAC), 0.5A (240 VAC) – Transmitting 4.0A (100 VAC), 1.8A (240 VAC) Working temperature -30 to +60 °C -22 to +140 °F Max work cycle 100%

That is very interesting. I wonder how far down the road that one is to being marketed on their website....

I did find a link to download programming software for it (SUPPORT PAGE), but there is no manual to download yet. Also, it does say it includes a programming cable. What’s in the box? 1 x DB40-G GMRS Mobile Radio 1 x Handheld Microphone 1 x Power Cable with Fuse Tube 1 x Mounting Bracket 1 x Spare Fuse Tube 1 x Microphone Bracket 1 x Programming Cable 1 x User Manual

I just saw this last night, Radioddity has a new 40 watt mobile coming out: https://www.radioddity.com/collections/consumer-radios-frs-gmrs-radios/products/radioddity-db40-g I wonder who really makes this radio, Anytone or maybe TYT? Specifications Frequency Range: Transmitter: GMRS frequency; Receiver: 400.000-480.000MHz; Channel Spacing: 5KHz, 6.25KHz, 12.5KHz, 25KHz Supply Voltage: 13.8V±15% Transmitter Output Power: HI: ≥40W, M: ≈20W, LO: ≈5W Receiver Reference Sensitivity: 400-420: ≤0.30uV; 420-470: ≤0.25uV Microphone Gain: 16dB Carrier Frequency Tolerance: ≤2.5PPM Threshold Squelch on Sensitivity (ASQ2): ≤0.20uV Modulation Limiting: ≤5KHz Audio Harmonic Distortion: ≤7% Dissipation Current: ≤10A Modulated Receive Bandwidth: ≥2KHz (Narr)/5KHz(Wide)

That sounds great.... interested in seeing your results!

Looks like Radioddity has the DB-20G on sale today for $84.99. That is a great deal.

I have two DB-20G radios and love them (approx. 18 watts max). I don't have any experience with the DB-25G but have heard that it really does not put out 25 watts. I am in the process of using one of the DB-20G radios and an ammo can like storage container and 12v 12ah battery to make a go-box.

And it was not a dumb question for a noob to ask. Please don't be afraid to ask anything. Somebody will help....

I have and do use software, because I have to. Not so handy if I am out away from the computer. This discussion was aimed at what seemingly simple things could be added to make it better. So we don't have to use software when it isn't handy.