berkinet

One potential issue with thé GMRS-V1 is that it does not operate on the FRS only channels: 8 467.5625 9 467.5875 10 467.6125 11 467.6375 12 467.6625 13 467.6875 14 467.7125 I believe this is an unavoidable consequence of allowing a detachable antenna. While not a major issue for many users, this limitation might impact people who would like to use these radios to interoperate with users on the FRS only channels. It looks like if you want full FRS/GMRS coverage you are still limited to "ham" (I.e. uncertified) radios like the UV-82, PX-777, etc., and be sure to observe the 500mw power limitation on the FRS only channels.

While not strictly an operating requirement, most repeaters (GMRS and other services) use some type of access control. The repeater receiver listens for a particular sub-audible tone or digital code and will only operate the transmitter (I.e. repeat) when that tone is present. In the MyGMRS repeater listings some records contain the access information. But, most don't. Based on your report, it sounds like you do not have the right access settings for the repeaters you are trying to reach. Try looking through the repeater listings on this site, identify the owner and ask about access permission. If they want you on their repeater, they will provide the access information you need. You can usually tell if you activated the repeater if you hear a short, 1 or 2 second, open carrier (no audio) after you unkey. BTW, some may beep at the end of a transmission (called a "roger" beep), but most don't. The most reliable way to know if you are talking through a repeater is to listen for your transmission on the repeater's output (462.xxx) using another radio. Just to be sure, you wrote "I want to install a radio and antenna and possibly a repeater." Did you mean you wanted to have repeater access capability, or an actual repeater in your truck. Having an actual mobile repeater is certainly possible. But, such installations are usually designed to provide temporary services while the vehicle is parked in some location. For example, emergency situations, work parties, hunting groups, etc. As to SHTF replacement of a mobile phone. If your communications needs can be met by only being to contact other's with GMRS repeater capable radios, then yes, that will work. But, that is it. Those millions of blister-pack walkie-talkies are not able to access a repeater.

Really, it's unlikely it is broken. They data is not downloaded daily as the registration messaging would indicate.

@Dahwg, Exactly. That is why I specified non-programmable from the radio itself. The idea is to program each channel for a power level appropriate for the service (GMRS or FRS). @mdomsch, In our area (San Francisco Bay area)most CERT planning is for only one type of emergency, an earthquake. As such, CERT teams tend to be very localized (1 to 4 blocks). FRS radios work in this scenario, as bourne out by many exercises. Individual Fire, Rescue and Medical teams are able to effectively remain in contact with a local neighborhood command post. The problem occurs when neighborhoods try to contact each other, for example to offer or ask for spare resources. As to the legality of non-compliant radios on Part 95(a) frequencies. The radios I am looking for would only be used for monthly exercises and in the event of a real emergency. So, while there is certainly legal liability, I feel that as long as we comply with all other Part 95(a) requirements, the benefits exceed the risk. And, regarding the repeater. We have a Motorola GR1225 we are in the process of deploying. @SteveC7010, Great suggestion. I had found the Poxun PX-2R and the TYT-th-2R (which appear to be the same radio). But, the CP200XLS looks like it meets our needs exactly. In particular, because of the requirement for Motorola software, there would pretty much be no user access to the programming. I think I will pick one up.

Thanks for the comment, that's why I excluded Part 95(a) certification in my requirements. FRS support is specifically a requirement for CERT/emcomm applications - this is the type of radio most families/CERT volunteers will have. The radios I am looking for would be for people in command posts so they could talk to both field volunteers and other command posts - most likely through a repeater. I would be glad to provide the reasoning for the requirements I posted if anyone is interested.

I am looking for an emcomm handheld with the following attributes: GMRS Repeater capable (I.e. supports rx/tx offset).minimum 30 channels (22 FRS/GMRS + 8 GMRS repeaters).Single line display (I.e. no watch or similar capability).Allows "named" channels (I.e. group-1, group-2, etc.Simple to switch between channels.Only programmable from a computer (e.g., CHIRP) (I.e. not easily programmable from the radio).PL/DPL - but that is pretty much universal anyway. Part 95(a) certification is not required. VHF support is nice, but also not required. Something like the Baofeng UV-5R is close, but without the dual line channel/frequency capability. Any/all ideas appreciated. TIA

Well, avoiding questions of application and legality... I suspect you are going to have a real problem finding something meeting the description you provided. However, given the difference in frequency, why not just use two antennas? It will still be hard to find much below 1 or 2gHz that would meet your needs for directionality. But it would be easier than finding a dual-band directional antenna. However, I think you'll quickly run into the issue of diminishing returns. If you can actually find 2 antennas meeting your needs and also providing any useful gain, you will probably be in the $200+ range, per antenna and the difference in gain from a high-quality vertical antenna would probably be around 3db. My guess is you'd be better off by spending your money improving your feed line and connectors and removing any adapters and then buying a high quality dual-band vertical which should get you gain of 8+dm VHF and 11+ UHF. (Eg. http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/comet-gp-9nc-1087.html ) You might play with placement of a reflector behind a dual-band vertical omni. But, that would really be hit or miss and you'd have to have the proper test equipment, time and interest. anyway, just my 2 cents worth

Thanks for getting this fixed so quickly.

Me too!

Welcome to GMRS. To answer your questions... Technically, rather than having a repeater, the MS350R (like other repeater capable radios) has the ability to automatically transmit and receive on separate frequencies. In the case of GMRS, and most other UHF services, the transmit frequency from the radio to the repeater is 5mHz higher than the receive frequency. (Though, there are cases where the offset is - 5mHz). So, you transmit to the repeater on one frequency, it receives that signal, converts it to audio and then simultaneously re-broadcasts that audio on another frequency. It is that second frequency to which you would listen to hear other broadcasts passed through the repeater. On your Cobra you may have the case where you are hearing the output from a repeater but it can't hear you because you are transmitting on the same frequency you are listening to (and not 5 mHz higher). Of course, the stations you hear might not be going through a repeater and just have more power so you hear them, but not the reverse. And now to your first question: No and Yes. No, your "transmit" range, the distance over which your signal can be received, will not change. But, since your transmission will be re-broadcast by another transmitter (the repeater) with presumably a better location, more power, better antenna, more sensitive receiver or all of the preceding, you will be able to "talk" to people further away than you could without the repeater. Does that help?

This topic has somewhat intrigued me so I went a bit further and searched the FCC Equipment Authorization Database for repeater capable Part 95a (GMRS) radios. To do the search I first downloaded the entire part 95a list and then loaded it into a spreadsheet. I then filtered for only radios with an upper frequency of 467.7250, GMRS ch 8 repeater input. Regular, non-repeater, GMRS radios only transmit up to 467.1250, FRS ch 14. Here is a list of those radio's FCC IDs. With a little googling you can usually find the actual product matching the ID. BTW, the list is sorted by the Final Action Date, and you can see there is not exactly a lot of activity in this field. gmrs-rptr-radios.pdf

After checking, it appears than NO Baofeng branded radios are type accepted under part 95a. However, the BTECH GMRS V1 is type accepted, and it's made by Baofeng,

You might check out https://hamfiles.co.uk I have heard they have some Motorola software there, though you probably have to register first.

Thanks. Look like good quality, especially if you need the GPS features. But, otherwise the price is OUCH

@SteveC7010, Thanks for the addition. Note to others reading this thread. The P1225 was discontinued around 10 years ago. But, is still readily available used from $15 to $150 - although, the batteries would also likely need to be replaced for another ~$30. The part number for the 16channel UHF version of the P1225 is P94ZRC90C2AA.

I am compiling a list of GMRS repeater capable handhelds for a local group. Right now I have the following: Olympia R500Olympia P342Motorola TalkAbout MS350R/MS355R (Camo)Motorola TalkAbout MR350RBTECH GMRS-V1BAOFENG BF-888STERA TR-505 GMRSI have attempted to verity these radios by searching online. But, on some of these it is difficult to find exact information. So, can anyone confirm the following: Are these all type-accepted on gmrs? Are there other type-accepted handhelds that are not on the list? Another ideas or comments would be appreciated. Thanks.