WRWM519

Thank you Sshannon...just tried the lower channels, and that takes care of my issue...thank you!

I just did some testing, and although the DB-25-G can hear a FRS transmission, it cannot initiate one. I do notice that CHIRP does list the DB-25-G under the Radioddity list, and I have used so far the Baofeng programming cable with my Baofeng UV-5G radios, but the cable is different for the DB-25-G...only one male connector rather than the two connectors for the HT. I will explore the issue of data cable interchangeability further on the internet, and also see if someone has a YouTube or such on the various software options. I further note that in CHIRP, the FRS channels are listed as FM for the GMRS channels and NFM (narrow FM?) for the FRS channels.

I just received my 25 watt Radioddity DB-25-G, and am working with the software. I see that they do not fill the table with the FRS frequencies, and when I insert those, I can broadcast according to my reading of parameters, at either 5 or 25 watts, but when I look at https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart I see that GMRS broadcasting on FMRS frequencies or channels should be limited to 0.5 watts. My family has been using several FRS radios, and I would like to talk FRS with them, but I am questioning whether I am violating rules to be using 5 watt strength (no power setting lower than that is available with this radio). So far, I think I like the radio, but find the software a bit confusing compared to CHIRP. Thanks for your thoughts. WRWM519 - Will

It is dual band, 2 meter and 70 cm, listed as: Dual band MURS / GMRS Slim Jim Antenna with 10' or 16' Cable. In the description: Dual band versions Feature Trapped UHF section for proper band alignment. I cannot say "what it is tuned for" aside from its being listed as GMRS and having the 2m/70cm tuning. Thanks for the question.

Update, after reviewing the above, and taking your helpful suggestions: Well, I have taken the GMRS dual band rated N9TAX slim jim out of the upstairs window (thanks for reminding me of the metal box of aluminum siding issue...I had had to wire an ethernet cable out to a Wifi repeater last year to get signal and photos back from outside battery operated wifi security cameras...same issue, DUH), and now it is strung up by zip ties on a long bamboo pole which is atop about 10 feet of 1/2" galvanized pipe stuck in the ground about 2 feet from the garage, and likely the top at about 16-18 feet estimated. The antenna only makes contact with the bamboo, and the galvanized starts about a foot or so below the bamboo. Using the same RG-8X cable and again my HT 5 watt, which altogether is measuring at 1.8 SWR. I am getting on one local repeater (Channel 30 at 462.725) about a 200 cycles per minute static, which I can squelch out, but is still there, and the repeater is in the direction of the garage shingled roof, which I am not yet above the peak of. In messing around and repositioning the antenna, I think I am getting clearer signal sometimes, but am wondering whether the zip ties I used to attach the slim jim twin lead could be the problem. To get it up more quickly for testing purposes, I zipped alternating sides of the wire leads to the bamboo at about 4 locations, whereas N9TAX seems to recommend punching holes in the plastic ladder rungs and zipping away from the wire leads and just on the rungs. Do you think that makes a difference? I went ahead and ordered the 25 watt Radioddity DB25-G today, and considered ordering LMR or KMR 400 cable, but at this point, I will be repositioning antenna, adding the 25 watt as a base station, and seeing what happens. Will likely keep you posted, and thanks for the wonderful advice, and yes, the video, which I had seen before, was a great review and reminder, Thanks Steve!!

Please excuse my ignorance at this point, but I am requesting some clarification of several issues: 1.) I have placed an N9TAX GMRS roll up slim jim in our upstairs attic at a window and have 28 feet of RG-8X out the window and down the side of an aluminum sided home to the basement, where at this time I am using a Baofeng UV-5G to primarily listen to a Ham repeater, and to key up two GMRS repeaters within 3-6 miles of me, where I can listen, but am told that I have weak reception of my signal. I am giving consideration to whether to buy a 25 watt mobile unit, Radioddity DB25-G, to use with the current antenna setup to boost power to the antenna, or go for a higher antenna on a mast, either the N9TAX or an alternative, which would require additional cable loss due to distance. I recognize I could use something like LMR-400, but would rather stick with RG-8X or equivalent if possible. Do you think that the additional wattage would get me the ability to be heard on the repeaters, with current setup, or should I look for a better antenna with mast, etc? I certainly agree that height = might in GMRS, but perhaps a higher gain antenna in my attic or more power at the transceiver might make the difference I am seeking. 2.) One reason I am considering a mobile unit is the ability to move it between vehicles as well as the basement... I do have the Nagoya 771g as well as a Nagoya UT-72G in one vehicle...and my second question has to do with whether the additional wattage compared to an HT receiver gets me more or more fars reception, as well as transmit fars, or do most mobiles fall back to the wattage of an HT in scanning or reception mode? Much appreciate the support of the forum, and its various brains, in my quest. Thanks!

I have just ordered the N9TAX twin lead slim jim, and intend to place it high in a plum tree, which at this point is bare and "unfoliaged". In reading a prep piece for HAM yesterday, they pointed out that UHF is attenuated by foliage. I am wondering what effect the leafing out of the tree may have on my reception/transmission under GMRS frequencies...any comments or experience out there to share? Thanx in advance!

I am new to GMRS, and recently acquired Nagoya antennas (771g and UT-72g) for improving reception on my HT. My question has to do with potential interference using the rooftop 72g on my station wagon which has a roof rack I use for kayaks and such. Should I anticipate that having the metal rack surrounding the antenna would absorb RF and attenuate reception? Thanks in advance.