WRWE456

Updating the firmware is not the same as programing the radio for channels etc.

Are you asking about a firmware update or programing the radio? Chirp is for programing.

My furthest is 91 miles from my hill top location to a large repeater in Seattle with 935G+ and a rooftop Arrow Antenna's Yagi directional. almost full quieting.

Just to clear up the Warranty question: Wouxun Q10G Owner’s Manual, Page 132 - Limited Warranty: This warranty is limited to the repair and replacement of the defective components and is not valid if the radio has been tampered with, misused, abused, used with unapproved accessories, subjected to unauthorized disassembly, unauthorized repair, replacement of unauthorized parts, unavoidable conditions, human destruction, water damage or environmental damage. This warranty is void if the serial number is defaced or altered.

The green circles on the map are just a very rough estimate. I live 20 miles outside the circle for a large repeater in my region and can use it just fine.

My first thought is how close to the repeater are you? Do you know for sure that you are in range and that no hills or mountains or large buildings are in between you and the repeater? GMRS is line of sight and if anything substantial is in the way you will not get through. Can you drive close to the repeater so you can test it?

Regarding the usb battery pack chargers. They are not really designed to be used as power supplies. They are for charging small batteries. They can power small devices but it is likely they just don't put out the current needed to run radio equipment. You would be better off using a larger 12 volt battery.

Same here.

I wonder if you understand what the intended use of GMRS/FRS is? It's not social media. You come here for that. LOL! The reason the license covers your family is so families and friends can stay in touch for things like camping, hiking, off roading, use on the property, farm etc. Amateur radio (ham) is better for reaching out to strangers to make contacts if that is your interest. Sure there is some of that with GMRS but that's not really what it's for.

Wouldn't it be nice if the "real" radio manufacturer's would make dedicated GMRS radios? But they don't! So just what is the dividing line between good and junk anyway? It seems some of you think all dedicated GMRS radios on the market are junk because they are not made by Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, Yaesu, etc. Maybe some day they will step up until then I am happy with the performance, reliability and features of my Wouxun radios. Been using a pair of 935G+'s daily for over a year and not a single problem has come up. What else do you need?

Hello and welcome! Have you contacted the seller or Retevis? That's the first thing I do when I have an issue with a product I just purchased.

Ya its almost like being under water. You have to get the antenna's above the surface so to speak. Both party's need a tower. That works for base to base but your out of luck with HT's and mobiles.

Interesting!

I always go direct to the Battery. Less chance of noise.

Of course I realize that. Probably more that most people. Its just why keep making it even easier for those who want to find the info.

I would be pissed if you put me on that list! Why would you do that? Most people that use GMRS are not interested in being contacted by random strangers. They use it to stay in touch with friends and family and that's all they want it for. Then to add it to google and Farce book who harvest and sell everyone's data already. Many things are easily done, doesn't mean you should. Not cool in my opinion.

I use DX Engineering 400 Max. Good stuff. They will make whatever length you want. https://www.dxengineering.com/cableconfigurator/cabletype They also have assembled cables in 75 foot length's with either UHF or type N connectors. Type N is better for UHF frequencies. https://www.dxengineering.com/search/department/cable-and-connectors/part-type/coaxial-cable-assemblies?N=brand%3Adx-engineering%2Bcoaxial-cable-type%3A400max%2Bcoaxial-cable-length%3A75-ft

This forum is a great resource. Use the search function as this is a common topic.

Out of curiosity what distance did the map indicate? Is the repeater on the left side of the graph? The higher one? You do have some terrain in between. The line will turn green when the path is in the clear. It may still work somewhat but that is likely part or most of the problem. And yes better cable is very important as well.

Hello and welcome! What is the terrain like between your antenna and the repeater? GMRS is UHF and is mostly line of sight. It can penetrate some amount of vegetation and homes etc but not hills or mountains. Use this Line of Sight mapping tool to check your path: https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/ In the pop up graph you can input the height of the antennas for more accuracy. Start there.

Twenty acres is not much for GMRS. You are not likely to need a repeater for that small an area. I would start with good hand helds and see how that works. The Midlands also do not have removable antennas as well as not being repeater capable.

Yes elevation above obstructions is your friend. If you and your contact can safely climb onto the roof of your houses with the radios as a test to see if that helps then you will know that it is possible and that a roof top or high window location for a remote antenna should work. Don't forget to hold the radios/antennas vertical for best performance.

I see on RR forum you asked for a GMRS mobile radio recommendation. You should ask that here. For GMRS specific certified radios (which your B-Tech is not). Wouxun is the current leader. The KG-1000G+ and the KG-XS20G+ are the top radios as far as many are concerned. They are however very feature rich and are geared toward what you might call "power users"(or radio dorks) who want all those features. They are well built and perform very well. They are not rebranded or sold under other names (that I have ever seen) unlike most other China brands. Buy Two Way Radios is the place to get them. They are a sponsor of this site. They are the importers and work with Wouxun to design the radios for the American market. Midland is geared toward and popular with folks that just want a more basic radio that is very easy to use and simple to operate. All GMRS radios are made in China including Midland. Some will recommend buying a used commercial radio but there is a lot to learn to use them. Maybe after you become a more seasoned radio operator you could look into that option. Just my 2 cents.

I have the 2x4 on my wife's rig on a mag mount. She likes how it looks. Works fine on GMRS as far as I can tell. We talked 30 miles from base to it with the KG-935G+ hand held no problem. She uses a scanner with it as well and it works great for both uses.

Alright great! Glad we could help. The quality control on inexpensive gear can be hit or miss. Good luck!