chiefeis

Except, of course, the GMRS V1.

Part 95 has specific standards? Wow, who knew? I've got a box full of 888s that are setup to provide comms to a local neighborhood in the event of an emergency. They are what we call "good enough". Yes, the signal is not as clean as an ICOM etc. But they meet Part 90 (I mention this because there was another thread about how no BF in the history of forever was certified for anything ever, or something). Here's a video with a comparison between an 888S and an ICOM. You'll see there is a noticeable difference in signal quality. But you'll also notice that it's nowhere near as bad as some have claimed. https://youtu.be/-DGXyaDSv9I?t=4m23s

This is getting off topic and should probably be moved to the Ham area - however I have to call BS (sort of) on this. The BaoFengs and other brands work just fine. I've watched them on a spectrum analyzer, and while a little sloppy compared to a high end radio, they were certainly not as bad as YouTube would have you believe. There are always those who look down on inexpensive radios, most of them have no actual experience using them. IOW they are "experts by proxy", passing along information they heard or saw on the Interwebs. If you don't like cheap radios, fine. But they work, they are a great entry point for new Hams, and don't deserve the reputation they get. IMHO, YMMV, HAND. 73's.

If I'm reading the FCC certification correctly, the UV-5R is Part 90 approved and has been since 2012. I'm basing this on the FCC OET's Equipment Authorization Search website, grantee ID ZP5. Of course, Part 90 isn't Part 95. Since the GMRS-V1 is so cheap I don't know why folks don't just get that and avoid the worry.

Edit #2: He's baaack. New link provided below. Edit: Well the video is temporarily (I guess) off line. I've removed the link for now rather than delete this post. I've seen this discussed on many forums, and there are dozens (at least) of videos on YouTube regarding tiger tails for HT radios. A good friend of mine just posted a video on the subject. He did extensive testing using actual, you know, engineering and science. I was surprised with the results. Anywho, here's the link: https://youtu.be/oCzo7VuQt90 Merry Christmas! Chief E

Not the same at all as an open wifi hotspot. And there's a school of thought in the cybersecuritu world that recommends keeping your wifi open. This is said to provide an affirmative defense against illegal activities on your connection.

Actually I think all you need for a counterpoise is around 6". I have one hooked on my, uh, "X brand radio", and it seemed to produce better results.

So I went ahead and bought one. Setup was super simple. After reading a number of reviews I went with SDRConsole for the software. I was already using it to connect to Internet connected SDRs, and so far it has worked great with the RSP1. I received a old but new-in-the-box Radio Shack discone antenna from a fellow Ham who just had it laying around. Picked up some RG8 cable from the Ham Outlet and am now happily catching some [radio] waves.

Bulk? It added no bulk at all. And It is much easier to break down for packing up in my EDC. Not sure how to add a photo, but here's a link to my BaoFeng http://imgur.com/qc29tAc

I've had that happen as well. Which why I got a SMA female to BNC female adapter. Tighten that bad boy onto the HT and you're in business.

Has anyone here tried the SDRPlay RSP1? I see it's on sale through the end of the month.

So I'm sort of involved in an Emergency Preparedness (i.e. prepping) group. We get lots of invites to online seminars, and today I was actually listening to one (vice ignoring the invite). The topic was Emergency Communications. The presenter was the author of several preparedness books, including one on communications. I tell you, I was digging what he was laying down - right up to the point when he talked about two-way radios that you can get at Walmart. And how they are great because you "Don't need a license". *sigh*

Well there is the fact that Amateur radio is Part 97...

Uh, I think we already hashed this out.

Good point. But I was thinking just in general use, similar to a Ham log. Would be interesting to keep track of who you've talked to - assuming you can find someone to talk to ;-)

Just curious - does anyone here log their GMRS usage?

What about an Ed Fong style dual band antenna? I'm planning on building one for Ham use, and I think it should work for GMRS as well.

I think that the person to talk to is the local (or even state) interoperability coordinator.

Naw, EMP/CME is just tin foil hat stuff.

If I remember to turn on my HT the Alexandria repeater (462.675) is the one I monitor on my commute. At home I seem to be in a slight hole, but usually monitor the Woodbridge (462.625). If I find the time (I'm taking care of a slight remodel at home) I plan on building an Ed Fong dual band antenna for the house. That should help some.

Ok, I got that FRS is narrowband and I think I see what you're getting at. I'm not sure why the FCC approved the manuals (which is part of the approval package) without language stating that the interstitial channels also require a license. That's setting the users up for failure.

Note: for some reason this computer will not allow me to quote or copy/paste. As I noted above, if the *user* is using a bubble pack radio that only allows .5W and a non-replaceable antenna then ALL FRS channels, including the interstitial channels, are available for use.

Thanks. I shall do so.

If you operate on the shared frequencies above .5W you are a GMRS user. If you operate at .5W with the integral antenna you are an FRS user. The FCC clearly states that on their website. The bubble pack radios, therefore, are approved, authorized, allowed, etc on the shared channels.

Checked earlier and they've already granted it. I printed it out and saved it locally. Updated my profile with the new callsign