berkinet

VirtualBox

Something else you might consider is asking why there are no repeaters in your area? It’s quite possible that there are not enough, or even any, GMRS users other than yourself. So, I would suggest that unless you have your own needs for a repeater you might want to reconsider your project. On the other hand, if you do have a need, and then would also welcome other local users, should there be any, then that well seem to be a reasonable validation of the plan.

You need to check, and then re-check ALL the wiring, both ground and hot. Look at every connection, even the fuse holder, and especially the ground.

Define inexpensive. In all honesty, you should expect to pay a minimum of $500 to get things up and running. It is not just the radio. You need all of the following: Repeater (receiver + transmitter and power supply)duplexerduplexer tuningantenna, mast or support, and coaxlocationThe Retevis RT97 sells for $400 (plus tax if applicable). But, you'd still need an antenna, coax, etc. They have a package deal: repeater, coax and antenna, for $475 (plus tax).

While looking up something else today, I came across some information about the Midland MXT-275 that indicates it can be reprogrammed to change some the the default settings. Bad news first. This is only theoretically possible. The required software is not readily available. The good news. The radio can be programmed with OEM software and a special programming cable that plugs into the Microphone. This was discussed in a thread on reddit The thread was initially about the MXT-400, and includes a nice video showing the programming of that radio. However, 3 days ago a user named looks_good_on_paper posted some notes about his experience with the MXT-275 and an email exchange with Midland. He also included a link to an Australian video about programming the MXT-275. Unfortunately, his conversation with Midland hit a dead end. The challenge. The MXT-275 is, like everything else Midland sells, almost certainly manufactured by another company for Midland. So, like the MXT-400, software might be available for other versions of that hardware. It is also possible that the Midland software might be available somewhere out there on the web. The reddit article gives some information about other similar Midland models sold in Europe and Australia. So, perhaps that info might help track down other versions of the radio. In any case, it looks like the radio can be "fixed," and good luck to those who wish to pursue the challenge of getting the tools together.

There are loads of flat pack UHF mobile duplexers on ebay for under $100. These are often of, at best, fair quality. But, they will do the job, especially if you keep the power down. Honestly, there is very little need for a high powered repeater on UHF. If you do set the xmit power high, you are likely to have an alligator, big loud mouth, and little tiny ears. I.e. users will hear the repeater, but the repeater will not hear the users.

GR1225s are available all the time on eBay. Often with a duplexer and tuning included. However, be aware of one thing. That radio has a very common problem of blown finals. While it is rated at 40 watts output, it cannot do that at a 100% duty cycle. 10 watts is safe and I wouldn't suggest going over that for anything but the most minor, infrequent use, application. So, make sure that whatever you buy is guaranteed.

If you mean in the repeater ID, that would probably be useful. But it is strictly up to you, there is no legal requirement to do so.

Since UHF is essentially line-of-sight, you will often find you run into obstacles well before power becomes an issue. BTW, if you really want a 50 watt transmitter be prepared to pay for it.. There is a huge difference between a 50 watt mobile and a repeater with the same power rating. The difference is duty cycle. Your mobile will probably run around 0% much of the time, and then maybe 50% if you are in a conversation with one other station. However, the repeater can run at 100% duty cycle for long periods. Try that with your mobile and you will fry/melt the finals.

There are grandfathered GMRS business licenses. Listen for an ID.

You might using the Forum’s search feature to look for emergency channel.

There is no stated limit. You need just one license.

For exactly the reasons/problems (plus more) you note in this thread, virtually every organization that makes serious use of two-way radio specifically instructs their members/users to not use any form of tone/code squelch. BTW, I will not say it can't happen... But, I have never heard of a radio in which PL/DPL could not be completely disabled. The problem is usually the operator and not the equipment.

As a practical matter, most repeaters identify whether they need to or not. If someone is not following the rules, I'd say that is their problem and I'll let them worry about the potential penalty. But, since you were concerned... Under 47 U.S.C. § 502, any person who willfully and knowingly violates a regulation of the Federal Communications Commission is subject to a maximum fine of $500 for each day on which a violation occurs. BTW, note that many repeater controllers are programmed to only ID when the repeater is actually in use. There is no requirement to ID when the repeater is otherwise idle. So, you may hear nothing for hours or days at a time.

Ok, let's try to keep this in scale. If one were to renew for $70 the day before the new price went into effect. The total extent of the "damage" would be $3.50 per year over the 10 year life of the license. That is $ 0.0095 per day, $0.067 per week, or a whopping $0.29 a month.

See: https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/2007-list-of-acronyms/

Repeaters are not actually part of the service. That is, they are allowed, but not provided. Many people use GMRS for simplex operations and for that purpose t he bundle of a mobile ne 2 portables makes sense.

As long as you do not transmit, just about anything at 12 to 13.8 volts dc will work. Maybe even 8 C cells in series.

Hopefully this is not a dumb question, but, how is it that you have determined your radio is not transmitting?

Check the Wikipedia page re: GMRS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mobile_Radio_Service#Frequency_Table

Based on very recent news reports, this action by the FCC seems to be in response to an assumption that people who have recently lost some Internet based communications channels used to coordinate possibly illegal mass actions, will now turn to radio. I do not know if that is true or not. But, even if it is, I don’t see people using GMRS to coordinate illegal activities bothering to get a license first.

Note the term Type Accepted is no longer used in GMRS. Rather, radios must be Certified for GMRS.

Exactly my point. The local Police are unlikely to bother forwarding misaddressed letters. Instead, they probably have good supply of “Return to Sender” stickers for that eventuality. And, since the FCC may well send a letter to your “new” address confirming the change, you would pretty much have ensured a worst case scenario. Simple lesson here... if you don’t want your address listed, get a P.O. box from the post office or mail forwarding service. But, don’t try to fool “Uncle Charlie.” The joke may end up being on you.

That may not be such a good idea. I would imagine use of a fraudulent address is against the rules and, if discovered, could result in the loss of license.

Do you realize your address as listed on your license application is a public record and freely available to anyone online from the FCC? https://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/searchLicense.jsp