COBrien

Antennas get tuned for transmit frequencies. SWR can only be measured while transmitting. Personally, I trimmed and tuned the 1486 on my repeater to 465 MHz. The ultimate plan is to relocate the repeater to a better (read: higher) site, with a DB420 that was donated to my project. If/when that happens, the 1486 will serve as my base station antenna. Since a base station will transmit between 462 and 468 MHz, 465 MHz seemed like a good middle ground.

The only time I've ever legitimately used a call button was when I was trying to get my kids' attention via their handhelds. They were at home, watching TV, and were ignoring the radio sitting right next to them. So I hit the call button on my MXT575, called for them again, and got a response. Every other time that button has been pressed has been by accident.

Everything I see is CPS 2.0. That's what Used-Radios provided me via e-mail, and what I downloaded from Motorola directly. I had intended to read the original codeplug, save it, and not mess with it. I do this with all my handhelds and mobile radios, as well. After more research last night, I was fairly certain a "courtesy tone" was a no-go, without an external controller. As mentioned in response to gortex2, my plan was to read the codeplug, save it, and store it somewhere it won't be lost. The "upgrade" to CPS 2.0 was done before I purchased the radio. According to Used-Radios, they had updated it to the latest firmware, etc. prior to listing it for sale. That is what it is, and I'm just trying to move forward with it. I thought I had done all the research I needed to before pulling the trigger on this machine, but it seems the more I learn the less I understand. Frankly, part of me wishes I'd saved up for another couple of months and purchased a BridgeCom, like I had originally planned to do. Having said all that, if ALL I want to do is shorten the hangtime and make minor changes to the CWID, and make no further changes to the existing codeplug, is there still a risk of "bricking" this radio?

Hello all -- I don't post here often, but I do my best to read and absorb information. Back in February I set up a local GMRS repeater with an XPR8300 I purchased from Used-Radios(dot)com. The unit came pre-programmed to my frequencies, with the DCS tones I requested, and with a Celwave mobile duplexer properly (I assume...) tuned. Like a good radio head, I promptly signed up for a business account with Motorola so I could download CPS, and also paid my money for my wideband EID. Based on conversations with Used-Radios, if I were to connect my repeater to my laptop without the 25 kHz EID, it would revert to narrowband. Last night I finally figured out how to register my wideband EID in CPS. I have a USB cable for the repeater from BlueMax49ers, so I think I'm all set. Right? There are a couple of things I'd like to change about how my repeater operates. Specifically, 1. I'd like to change the tone and WPM of the CWID. 2. I'd also like to reduce the hangtime -- it's currently set to about 3 seconds. 3. Lastly, I'd like to add a courtesy beep if possible. My question to the repeater experts (before I just go fiddling around with this thing) is this: Are there any tips or tricks you'd care to share with a FNG like me when it comes to CPS and/or Motorola repeaters in general? I know #1 and #2 are possible (I saw them in the CPS user guide), but is #3 possible? Is there anything else you wish you'd known before you started fooling with programming a repeater? Thanks in advance, and I apologize for the long-winded post.

I ended up installing the main body of my KG-1000G+ under the steering column of my Ram 1500. As it turns out, there are two holes in the cast housing that are perfect for tapping to 1/4-20 (IIRC, could've been #10). I mounted the radio there, then ran a short piece of flat CAT5 cable through the dash and up above the stereo. There's a little depression/"cubby" there that's completely useless. I installed a Bulletpoint mounting base that I forgot I'd bought, then bought an AMPS plate to connect the faceplate mounting bracket to. I think it turned out pretty slick. One quick note: You can use any CAT5 cable you'd like, but BE SURE to get a female/female coupler and use the short, flat cable that came with the radio. I ran the Wouxun cable from the main radio unit to the coupler, then my aftermarket cable to the head unit on the dash. As far as your issues with not hearing anyone on the repeater(s), try turning off your RX-CTCSS for those repeaters. Yes, this will allow you to hear all traffic on the simplex channel, but it can sometimes affect whether or not you hear the repeater, as well. IMG_4514.HEIC IMG_4205.HEIC IMG_4206.HEIC

Have you checked your SWR on GMRS repeater channels (467.xxx MHz)? I recently tuned a 1486 and used the cutting sheet to tune to/near 465 MHz (split the difference between 464 and 466). I ended up with an SWR right near 1.4:1, which was good enough for me.

I'm going to strongly encourage you to check out @OffRoaderX's YouTube channel (NotARubicon). From the basics of GMRS operation to real-world repeater information, he explains it in such a way that anyone can understand. The bottom line is that you *can* connect a pair of KG-1000G radios to make a repeater, but from what I read the duty cycle (Tx time vs. cool-down time) is going to be relatively low. If you want to set up a repeater, I second the recommendation to purchase a dedicated repeater. You can purchase a Motorola GR-1225 setup -- with duplexer -- programmed and tuned to your chosen frequency pair for ~$700. That's less than you'd have in the pair of KG-1000Gs, and you'd still need a duplexer and power supply for the Wouxun setup. I've recently put a Motorola XPR8300 repeater on the air, with a Tram 1486 antenna about 30 feet above ground level. The usable range of this setup with the topography in my area is ~20 miles with a mobile radio (25-50W), and 10-15 with a handheld (5ishW).

I cannot wrap my head around Wouxun offering the KG-1000M. $400 for a radio with 5 frequencies, and the ability to monitor hundreds of others. It's essentially a slowed-down scanner, at that point. I love my KG-1000G Plus, and would like to be able to "open it up" to transmit on MURS frequencies. I know this will invalidate the Type 95 acceptance, though I can't fathom the justification -- MURS is a license-free service -- aside from "because we (the FCC) say so."