haneysa

Remember people....GMRS operates in FM mode (F*@king Magic); therefore you may have comms in areas where propagation software predicts that it is impossible and that the inverse is also true. I think that snow/ice covered terrain may enhance the reflection effect that granite and other minerals create. BLUF...get out there and experiment!

I started on GMRS, then went "hammy". My main interest in both services is Emergency Communications, but I see no problem with G's ragchewing as H's do at certain times on certain frequencies. Ragchewing violates neither the letter not the spirit of Part 95 rules. As with anything, manners, respect, and moderation should prevent heartburn on the air. Most H's (on 2 meters) and most G's that I talk to and/or monitor try to leave breaks for other stations during a ragchew, and some of us actively invite lurkers or anyone wanting to use the air to jump in. 

I started on GMRS, then went "hammy". My main interest in both services is Emergency Communications, but I see no problem with G's ragchewing as H's do at certain times on certain frequencies. Ragchewing violates neither the letter not the spirit of Part 95 rules. As with anything, manners, respect, and moderation should prevent heartburn on the air. Most H's (on 2 meters) and most G's that I talk to and/or monitor try to leave breaks for other stations during a ragchew, and some of us actively invite lurkers or anyone wanting to use the air to jump in. 

I have a theory that they wait until I purchase a certain radio and then wait a short time to release the new and improved "plus" model. It has happened too many times to be coincidence.

2017 F150. I bought a (used) dash mount bracket made by Builtright Industries. This lets you use RAM mounts and compatible arms/balls etc. Instead of RAM mounts, I bought a piece of perforated "L" metal stock, steel spacers, and nuts/bolts/washers that attach to the builtright bracket. The control heads for the KG1000G and Wouxun KG-920PA are bolt to the L stock. I bought LIDO mic mounts that are adhesive mounted to the dash

You're probably experiencing scatter, diffraction and refraction.  Think of it like sunlight. Where an object blocks the sun, there is not pure darkness. In fact, it can still be fairly bright and as you get further away from the object, the more sunlight is seen. Well, due to radio waves bouncing off of dust, moisture and debris in the atmosphere, combined with other elements redirecting the signal, it's very possible and common.  If the weather and geomagnetic conditions are fairly stable, it can be very repeatable, too.

L-Com HG459U  $150 from L-com website. 9 dBi gain.  Regardless of which brand/style/model that you buy, remember that the 465mhz is the "center" of the GMRS band. An antenna that is specifically designed and tuned for 465mhz will provide maximum efficiency. If you go with a very wide-ranging design, make sure that it is tunable.

I downloaded programming software, and used my RT Systems cable (for the TYT TH-9000D) and was able to enable WIDEBAND, and add extra repeaters to CH 8-14 slots that are empty on the MXT400. 
 

I have what may be a similar issue, but I have intermittent drop outs of audio and RF output. I have tried wiggling the mic plug in the jack, and then I wedged it into place, and that may help...it is had to tell since the problem is intermittent, BTWR said they were sending a replacement mic incase a loose wire/contact is causing the problem. That was about one month ago, and I am still waiting for the mic. I really like the radio otherwise.

I have what may be a similar issue, but I have intermittent drop outs of audio and RF output. I have tried wiggling the mic plug in the jack, and then I wedged it into place, and that may help...it is had to tell since the problem is intermittent, BTWR said they were sending a replacement mic incase a loose wire/contact is causing the problem. That was about one month ago, and I am still waiting for the mic. I really like the radio otherwise.

MBrun stated that immediate family members not living with the  license holder and using  their own  equipment  need to get their own license.  I see no such requirement in the FCC rules for GMRS. Common Sense says that the immediate family member must get the license holder's permission to operate under his/her license. The license holder is responsible for those persons using his/her license. 

Google Earth elevation profile does show the straight-line terrain between two points, but do not automatically accept that the intervening terrain depicted prevents usable comms. I live in NE WA where we have mountains and canyons. I routinely make comms using GMRS in places that it should be impossible to do so. I guess that some of this is due to signals bouncing off of the rocky terrain, going around corners and down into canyons. The only way to know for sure is to do your own signal survey in the field.

Google Earth elevation profile does show the straight-line terrain between two points, but do not automatically accept that the intervening terrain depicted prevents usable comms. I live in NE WA where we have mountains and canyons. I routinely make comms using GMRS in places that it should be impossible to do so. I guess that some of this is due to signals bouncing off of the rocky terrain, going around corners and down into canyons. The only way to know for sure is to do your own signal survey in the field.

I have some Part 90 HTs, and many models of the "bubble-pack" radios, including some legacy Motorolas with repeater capability, as well as the  KG-805g, and the GMRS-V1. The 805g is well worth the extra cost over any of the bubble-pack radios. The 805g beats the GMRS-V1 as well. The 805G is repeater compatible, and you can program many custom channels. The 805g can utilize better HT antennas, or external antennas. I do not have a service monitor, but field-testing leads to to believe that the 805g has a much better front end than most CCR and the bubblepacks. For those who are stickler's for FCC rule compliance, the 805g is type certified for GMRS. I do have some part 90/95A radios from Kenwood and Icom, but many of the Part 90 radios being used by GMRS operators are not part 95, and some may object to their use. I don't have a problem with anyone using them. The way I see it, the purpose of the FCC rules is to prevent harmful interference and to let as many people as possible use the spectrum. It makes no logical sense to limit someone's choices, as long as the operator does not misuse their equipment to the detriment of someone else (No Harm, No Foul).  I really appreciate the efforts of the tester. More info is always good.

I now have the Retevis RA25and the Anytone At-779UV. As far as I can tell, they are pretty much the exact same radio. I have a programming cable that works for both, although I could not open the download  for programming the Anytone. As has been said, without using a PC, you cannot change the factory settings, not even the PL tones, because you cannot get to those menu items. I assume that they locked the radio to narrowband on all channels because it was easier than tweaking the hardware to set the "new" GMRS "wide" setting of 20khz, vs the standard wideband of 25khz. I have let both companies know about these problems that make these radios useless. The engineers certainly dropped the ball on this radio. Perhaps they should consider reaching out to the largest GMRS users site in the USA for input:)

I now have the Retevis RA25and the Anytone At-779UV. As far as I can tell, they are pretty much the exact same radio. I have a programming cable that works for both, although I could not open the download  for programming the Anytone. As has been said, without using a PC, you cannot change the factory settings, not even the PL tones, because you cannot get to those menu items. I assume that they locked the radio to narrowband on all channels because it was easier than tweaking the hardware to set the "new" GMRS "wide" setting of 20khz, vs the standard wideband of 25khz. I have let both companies know about these problems that make these radios useless. The engineers certainly dropped the ball on this radio. Perhaps they should consider reaching out to the largest GMRS users site in the USA for input:)

Where did you find the Firmware download? The only thing I see at Reteivs is the programming software, or is the firmware part of that?

I have had my radio for about 6 months. I believe that it is a better radio than the BTECH GMRS V-1, but a few days ago, the  display screen quit displaying characters. The screen is illuminated, and the radio works...the female voice lets me know what channel I am on.  I contacted BuyTwoWayRadios via email, and within 24 hours, I got the return authorization code. I am sending it off tomorrow for replacement.  I hope this is just a fluke, as the radio was never dropped or exposed to water. 

The Luiton LT-590 is also available from TYT as the TYT TH-9000d, a Part 90 UHF radio. The TH-9000d has a DTMF mic. Like many chicom radios, they are apparently made by the same factory,and branded under multiple names.My TH-9000d works well.

Hello from Spokanistan!

What is the purpose/intent of the FCC Part 95 rules? It appears that the FCC aims to create a uniform standard for transmitter emissions. Following the "spirit" of the rules regarding frequencies, power output, bandwith, deviations, etc. seems to be the important aspect that allows GMRS users to have a reasonably functional band. Why does it matter how you configure or construct your transmitter if it comports with the emission standards? To a reasonable person, the "letter" of the rule would seem less important than the "spirit". Obviously, the FCC missed the common sense boat during their last rule-making session. Since I am new to GMRS, does anyone know how often they consider making changes?

What is the purpose/intent of the FCC Part 95 rules? It appears that the FCC aims to create a uniform standard for transmitter emissions. Following the "spirit" of the rules regarding frequencies, power output, bandwith, deviations, etc. seems to be the important aspect that allows GMRS users to have a reasonably functional band. Why does it matter how you configure or construct your transmitter if it comports with the emission standards? To a reasonable person, the "letter" of the rule would seem less important than the "spirit". Obviously, the FCC missed the common sense boat during their last rule-making session. Since I am new to GMRS, does anyone know how often they consider making changes?

What is the purpose/intent of the FCC Part 95 rules? It appears that the FCC aims to create a uniform standard for transmitter emissions. Following the "spirit" of the rules regarding frequencies, power output, bandwith, deviations, etc. seems to be the important aspect that allows GMRS users to have a reasonably functional band. Why does it matter how you configure or construct your transmitter if it comports with the emission standards? To a reasonable person, the "letter" of the rule would seem less important than the "spirit". Obviously, the FCC missed the common sense boat during their last rule-making session. Since I am new to GMRS, does anyone know how often they consider making changes?

I have the BTECH  GMRS-V1. It is FCC Part 95 compliant. Mine do not put out the 5 watt limit for handheld radios. The put out around 3 watts on high (on my MFJ cross-needle SWR meter). They can be "programmed" from the front panel or with a  special USB interface cord (same one as for the Baofeng UV-5R and BF-888S). 
 
Motorola, Kenwood,Vertex, ICOM ( and a few others) make radios that can be programmed to operate on GMRS,and that are also Part 95 certified, however, programming can be tricky, and might be best left to a radio shop. I am sure some others  on the forum will let you know if they have done this. I know that these "name brand"radios are going to be more rugged than the GMRS-V1, and they will probably put out 4-5 watts.
 
I am very satisfied with the GMRS-V1,especially  with the price.

If we are being picky on Part 95 rules...then no part 90 radios are type-certified for GMRS (unless they are certified for 90 AND 95). Nothing in the CFR authorizes 90 on 95, even though it seems to be a "generally accepted practice".  If you have gone into that area of a generally accepted practice, then user-programming and FPP would certainly fall under the same line of reasoning.
 
Personally, I believe that the most important thing, and the main purpose of the regulation is to ensure that your emissions match the limits for the band you are operating on. What if you built your own radio from a kit or from scratch (as Hams have done)? Programming your radio to operate in the same manner as a part 95 one would be complying with the spirit of the law, if not the letter.