WRAK968

Lot of information you need there sir, and so far Boxcar, N4GIX, and Zack have covered several parts of your requests. Here is my take on it: 1) GMRS covers your family only. I remember the local CERT wanting to use my GMRS repeater in the event of a major storm. I explained that in order for them to legally do this, each user would need their own license. I also explained that unlike ham radio where an emergency net has priority, GMRS has no stipulations, anyone can use it. For what you wish to use it for, I believe there are "Private" licenses, which are not on the GMRS frequencies, that you can apply for. This allows you to designate any person or group to transmit on your licensed frequency, and you would be responsible for any compliance issues that may come up. Likewise, you can use other radio services such as MURS without a license, however you cannot use a repeater and are restricted to 2 watts. 2) I've never been a fan of the micro mobile series. To me, the functionality does not meet the price. I can order a Kenwood TK880 for about $50 and have 25 watts output, plus I can program and save specific repeater splits into the radio with names and such. For about $25 more you can purchase the "H" model which will give you 45 watts. 880 series is smaller than most car stereos and fits almost anywhere. As for overheating, I am a strong believer in using TOT's or Time Out Timers. This prevents you from transmitting for long periods without giving the radio a chance to "rest and cool down." As for antenna's, I really don't have an opinion on them. Try to get something good from a brand you trust. 1/4 wave antennas if I recall dont need a ground plane and would be best if you plan to carry it around with you. 3) After reviewing the rules, I do not see a ban on store and forward devices, which fall under automatic control and is allowed by the FCC by licensed users. Store and forward MUST be on one of the repeater output channels and must be used in conjunction of a license. Store and forward is also restricted to low power. I may have overlooked something though so make sure to study the rules yourself and make your best judgement call. 4) Your repeater is only as good as your antenna. You should try to get your antenna up high so that you gt the best coverage you can. As for station grounding and lightning protection, a qualified electrician should be called in. I've seen some operators use the ground post for the AC mains power for protection however this isn't recommended as it gives lightning another path into the house. For proper protection, the best way to go would be to talk to an electrician about installing a lightning protected ground rod, which is longer than your mains ground rod. (Lightning protected ground rods can be anywhere from 16-100 feet depending on the soil type.) You would then need to install lightning arresters to your feedline, one near the antenna, one near the entrance to whatever structure you will store the radio in (house or shed.) 5) back to #2, TK880 is small and light weight. 6) See #2 and #5, TK880 is inexpensive but a workhorse. The big things to check are, Is the radio type accepted for GMRS (Part 95) you'll need to put the radios FCC ID into the FCC lookup and see what the FCC has certified it for. If its part 95 then your doing good. The other is the band. for GMRS you need something that covers from 460-470. TK880 has 3 UHF radios, Type 1 I believe covers 400-430, type two covers 450-490 and type three covers 480-520. You would need a type 2 radio 450-490 for GMRS use. Outside of that, its just features that YOU may want. Things like scan or radio ID or channel grouping. 7) GMRS was not exactly developed for emergency operations, though it can be used for such. It was designed to keep family members in touch with one another and to allow like minded licensed individuals to meet up with one another. Don't expect SHTF operations should all comms go down. For that, stick with ham radio where there is training and procedure to emcomms

Scan one, if you dont pick up a code within a few minutes, try the other.

I think what Dean means is that GMRS repeaters are not Required to ID, only the users are. That said, many will ID as a form a courtesy should there be an issue with the repeater itself or if there is interference with another repeater. By having the repeater ID the owners callsign, its easy to notify the owner when there's something wrong, or just to ask for permission to use the repeater. It also cuts down the possibility of someone who doesn't own the repeater trying to charge for access (Had someone do that. When they demanded I pay for my own repeater, I simply disabled the repeater for a few minutes until they got the idea who really ran the system.

Yeah you learn a lot, If you really want to learn more, like radio repair and how they work, become a ham operator Takes a bit of learning but what you learn follows everyday life, from radios to cell phones to wifi. You get an understanding for their strengths and weaknesses and failures.

You can find commercial antennas tuned for 460-470 with so239 connectors (this is the end the antenna should have as your feedline will have PL259 connectors which mate to them) If you do get an antenna with an N connector, simply look up a so239 to N connector. This will allow you to adapt an "N" socket to a PL259 plug.

Oi, your really new here lol Repeater frequencies will require you to transmit on 467.#### and receive on 462.####. Open repeaters may still use a PL code. (This is used to filter out other conversations as there are only 8 channels for repeaters) Those codes are generally posted on the MyGMRS site as long as the repeater is listed there. Private repeaters require you to get permission to use the machine. Some require membership dues to help fund the repeater. To access those repeaters you will need to contact the repeaters owner or administrator for permission. when permission is given they will typically then tell you the codes to access the system. To use the repeater you will always need to use duplex mode (Transmit on one frequency, receive on another)

fldigi can, itll use the computers mic to listen. just set it for cw

Is there a universal practice in how people name their channels? Example if FCC chart calls channel 18 - 462.6250 and channel 21- 462.7000 should I be naming frequencies based on assigned FCC channel numbers? Completely a matter of preference. I label my channels by the number, (Simplex 20, Repeater 20, exc) Others label their channels with the last 4 digits of the frequency. (6750, RPT 6750) Whichever method is easier for you (and your family members) is fine. Another question is when I’m scanning channels, will radio be scanning only the PL tones saved in OST or it will scan all frequencies regardless set PL tones? You can only scan the channels. I believe it scans with the PL tones you set. It will not scan the PL codes to find what code another user is on. Also, yes, tk880's will only display the group number and channel name. It cannot display both as it does not have a screen large enough.

hhmmm, Ok, Check "Optional Features" Check that "Sub LCD Display" is set to Group number and "Display Character" is set to Channel Name. Then, Confirm that each channel has a name for it (Could be 462.7000 or Home or whatever you wish)Write to the radio and you should see the name on the screen.

hhmmm your radio still has the trunking program flashed into the radio it seems. When you turn the radio on what does it say? (If you have Ver1.5#### you have trunking firmware and will need to reflash the radio for some features) As for showing frequency, Im guessing you mean like VFO mode. You can assign the frequency as the channel name to get that feel, but the 880's do not have VFO mode (And VFO is not allowed on part 95 equipment anyways) It cannot display the PL and I dont really know to many radios that show the PL code being used.

"I don’t have a mic hanger. Is the radio smart and changes functions when mic is on or off a hanger?" In a way yes. When the mic clip is removed from the back of the mic, the radio can disable scanning and disable any PL/DPL. "So basically OST PL tone control is a shortcut to having to manually program each frequency to all available DCS numbers, one by one? So instead of having 16 channels of same frequency, I can have 1 channel with a frequency and OST will change its PL tones to however many I set? And to program PL Tones to OST control how do I do that?" OST allows up to 16 preset PL/DPL tones to be readily available. you do that from the "Operator Select-able Tone" menu. Just like the channel menu, Dec for receive, Enc for transmit. Be sure to assign "OST" to a button on the radio. "What is the key assignment called to set a High/Low power control function? I keep reading it’s important to try talking on low power settings as curtesy so not to interfere with others so I want to have that on front panel." Good question, I recall setting power in the 49D software, but after checking it, I think I only set it for the 380 series portables and NOT on the mobile. I don't even see an option. strange.

Well, for the first post, I think if you remove the accessory cable from the radio (it just plugs in) I think that removes the Ignition sense, though Im not 100% sure as I have never used the cable myself. You can try that, just make a note as to where the cable is plugged in-case it doesn't work. Q1: The OST button makes it so you can program 1 channel but select from a list of codes you set up. By selecting "no tone" under the OST menu on the radio sets the channel for the programmed code. I think you can have up to 16 different code pairs stored in the OST. the OST code list is the same no-matter what channel you are on. Because of this, you can have up to 17 different codes per channel, (One pre-programmed, the rest under OST) Q2:Selecting Wide and High power is fine. OST has nothing to do with bandwidth (Wide/Narrow) or power output (High/Low), OST only changes the tones being used on a particular channel. To control power level, you will need to assign a key to let you switch between high and low power. **Side note; When you power cycle the radio all information is reset to the programmed settings. Q3: check off "Off Hook Scan" this way when the mic is off the hanger the radio will still scan.

Oh, and if you don't want to use the "ignition sense" wire, I recommend direct splicing the wire rather than using a paperclip prior to installing. Normally those leads are powered "hot" and you don't want to cause a short that could damage your radio or worse, your entire car. If you have any questions feel free to post here or send me a message

As a fellow TK880 (and 380) user I can help you out I think. Key assignments all depend on the level of experience the user has in operating radios and programing them. For example, someone who is new may wish to have Vol up/down, Channel up/down, OST (Or Operator select-able tone, this allows the radio operator to change the PL/DPL tones to one pre-chosen by the programmer,) and power level. For my radio system, I've added in scan, group up/down (to help organize frequencies), radio paging, and text messaging(preset using fleetsync.) If you are new, I recommend you stick to basic functions as using improper fleetsync codes can cause disruption to other kenwood users. For optional features, Always select "off hook decode" (second screencap) This forces the radio to decode the PL/DPL codes when the mic is removed from the holder and cuts out clutter traffic. I normally set my TOT for 120, 90 is fine, but 120 gives me a few seconds on those rare long transmissions and shouldn't hurt the radio. QT/DQT are your PL/DPL codes, also known as CTCSS and DCS. Encode means when you transmit that code, Decode is for when you receive radio traffic. Usually these codes will be the same, however there are some repeaters that use "split" codes which means those values will be different. The numbers are CTCSS codes, the letter/number/number/number/letter codes are DCS and there are two types. Make sure you use the D###N codes. The "I" codes are inverted and are rarely used in the US. For simplex operation, you should have the same frequency for RX and TX. This means you will transmit and receive on the same frequency. Remember, the last 8 channels in the GMRS allocation are repeater outputs. It is completely legal to talk simplex on these frequencies. For repeater operation, you will need to use two different frequencies. RX will be the 462.#### frequency, TX will be 467.####. The last four numbers of both frequencies should be the same. Optional signaling should only be set up by users who understand what those options are. An easy way to explain it is: 2-tone: A paging system commonly used by fire and ems to alert crews to a pending emergency. TK880 is decode only so useless for GMRS. DTMF, or Duel Tone Multi Frequency: Think back to the time of landlines and you had to dial a phone number. This is DTMF in action. DTMF in radios allow you to direct page another radio. Some use DTMF as identifiers. I find DTMF to take to much time and is lacking in features when fleetsync is available. Fleetsync is a Kenwood codec for transmitting data. This data can simply be the radio's ID, or can contain text messages, or even signals to enable or disable a radio. Fleetsync offers a fair bit to users, however is a pain to program, and if done wrong can cause interference to other kenwood users by disabling their radios, or sending an emergency signal. It's best to get familiar with using the radio first, and if you think Fleetsync could work for you, ask for some assistance with programing the codes.

thats about all you can do, unlike ham radio which is self policing, FRS/GMRS is only enforced by the FCC.

I don't know if having a GMRS license gives me priority over a FRS user on a frequency. I simply returned a letter with a copy of FCC rules explaining that FRS/GMRS channels cannot be claimed by or restricted to any one user or group. They simply moved channels and I haven't heard from them again.

FRS was originally designed for "Family" use, and if I recall up till the last rules change, business operations weren't allowed on FRS/GMRS frequencies. However since this rule, as well as the licensing rules, were ignored, the FCC removed the rules. This is why it is now legal to TX simplex on the repeater output frequencies as long as you don't TX over 2 watts and your radios antenna isn't removable. Businesses can also use the frequencies, which unfortunately leads to the "Hey your bothering my business with your GMRS crap, get off the channel or I'll _____" conversation. I've had it a few times in NJ, mostly with flaggers who think I am on their frequency when I'm not. I even received a letter from a boat repairs place claiming my repeater was causing disruption to their operations channel of 462.6750 and if I refuse to use a different channel they would seek legal action. I just told them to go screw themselves because no sole user has that type of control over the frequency. So while it isn't illegal as per fcc rules, it does become a headache and for the unknowing user, they may think that businesses have priority over all other users on the channel.

Welcome to MyGMRS. You won't hear call signs being used unless you are active on a repeater. Many users just don't use their call signs on single channel (Also known as simplex) operations because so many unlicensed users are on those channels. This is due to the legalization of "Combo" bubble pack radios. The biggest issue with this is that nobody reads the manual, which is why you end up hearing businesses using the "Family radio service" frequencies. They find it cheaper and easier to use such radios than it is to pay the FCC for a license and then purchasing proper part 90 radio equipment. After running a search of your callsign I only found two repeaters close to your city of residence, Lakeshore and Rock. Lakeshore is open to all users, while asking for permission is always a good idea, the first paragraph of the repeaters listing reads "Repeater is 100% Duty cycle...free to use it as you need it. 45 watt Machine located 12 miles south of Bandera in a neighborhood called Whartons Dock/ Lake Medina Shores, open repeater for all Licensed GMRS users and their Family, Please feel free to throw a call out to see if anyone is around, I'm always looking for radio checks from different locations to see what coverage I can get." I take this as you do not need permission and may call on the system anytime. The Rock on the other paw does require permission to use and the repeater owner should be in contact with more information about permissible uses. Please keep an eye on your spam folder as I have found that sometimes e-mails through MyGMRS have gone there. If you have not heard back from the owner after a month, you can try reaching out to them a second time for permission (Sometimes e-mails are overlooked when we are busy, or perhaps the owner was away on vacation and has not checked their e-mail.) On a last note I would like to point out that both repeaters are a distance from you. The Lakeshore repeater is the closer of the two, is about 20 miles away with a range listed as 13 miles. Rock is much further away and only has a range of 20 miles. You may have difficulty reaching either of those repeaters when mobile.

iAdams, Not true at all, and if you or others would read the directions, there is always a chart with a list of what number goes to which code. 99% of the bubble pack radios I have used all used the same number and codes, from motorola to cobra to midland, even older radioshack radios use the same frequency's and code lists. Older radios may not have all of the codes available, thus there are times discrepancies exist. This may have changed but I do believe channel 20 with no code/pl is the emergency hailing channel, much like CB channel 9, however this was mostly a courtesy than a rule and should not be relied on. Point is, you should be prepared for the trip. Ensure you have a cell phone, bring your radio (and a way to charge it or spare batteries,) but most of all do research. If you know you are going to hike in a particular area, look up the emergency contact information as 911 may not be able to help locate you and could take longer to deploy SAR. While doing research, look to see if there are any GMRS repeaters in the area, or if people use a particular frequency and code on simplex. Lastly always have a fallback plan with family or friends should they not hear from you by a particular date and time. Be sure they know where you were headed and what your goals were. This helps should you find yourself unable to call for help and unable to make your way to safety. In the end, it works off of common sense. Part of that is understanding that GMRS was not designed with the primary goal of emergency communications, it was designed to keep family members in communication with one another.

I have little experience with directional antennas, however I do know that one drawback is that they are directional. Another words, you can have great signal 20 miles away lets say, North of your location, and crappy signal 1 mile away West of your location. Directional or "Beam" antennas are just that, one direction or beam.

I use one for a portable repeater when its not running on battery power good little units

Welcome to MyGMRS To start out with, The Amps rating on the radio should always be lower than that of the power supply. The Kenwood 880H (nice choice as this is the only radio I run BTW) uses 12.8Amps when transmitting on high power. Using a 15 amp or higher power supply that delivers 12.5-13.5 volts should be fine. I use https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EWG6YT8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this power supply for the house "base" radio. I do get a slight hum when the fan turns on, but for the most part it works without an issue. The whine should go away if I use a choke on the power wires but I was too lazy to order them. I do not know much about Ed Fong antennas to really give you much advice on them. They seem to be custom home built antennas, which could be hit or miss. There are commercially available antennas for the 460-470 mhz range that may work better. I originally used a diamond 200U with good results, Now I use a comet 712EFC which has higher gain and is working great. One thing to note about mounting however. Keep in mind the primary use of a fire escape. You will need to run your feedline and mount the antenna in a way that would not interfere with an emergency evacuation should it ever occur. You would not believe how many times I've seen ham radio operators and CB'rs just throw the feedline across the fire escape completely blocking it should people need to evacuate. Or they mount Yagi antennas (a directional antenna) that block the escape. When I talk to some of them it seems their concern was that they could escape and the hell with the rest. They just don't realize they could be charged if someone is hurt or killed should a fire break out. So be sure to take great care with that for everyones safety!

An easier solution would be to just ask the neighbor what tones are being used. They could tell you if they are using the same tone for RX/TX, or if its a split tone for a repeater (Ex, 141.3 RX 67.5 TX) Some people use a split tone to prevent unauthorized access to the repeater itself.

We do the same, except because we have family in two different zones, we use 1xx and 2xx. On my repeater, when someone asks to use the system, I typically assign them a set of numbers as well, which allows everyone to have different numbers. Basically, it ends up (Callsign) 101 to 103 (for family) or (callsign) 101 to 241 (someone in zone 2 outside family) So far the system works. Remember the callsign is just to identify your license to transmit on that particular frequency. Unit designation codes just identify who you are looking for

For less than 50' RG8X is ok (I've used it for ham radio for years without an issue) anything over 50' and I seem to get signal issues. As for your antenna, you may wish to look for something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Browning-450MHz-470MHz-Mobile-Fiberglass-Antenna/dp/B00IDTJ3AS/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=GMRS+base+antenna&qid=1561855637&s=gateway&sr=8-5 The antenna is about 2 feet tall and does not require a ground plane to operate. When I had mine I had no SWR issues, (Typically 1.0-1.1:1) I mounted it on the vent pipe for the sewer with a short 1.5" pole and some straps. There is two reasons why I would stay out of the gutter. A) the magnetic bases arn't small, even a 3" gutter may have a hard time fitting the smaller of reliable antenna bases in it. This leads to clogging of the gutter which can back up into the fascia causing mold and rot issues. Add to it that most mag mounts are merely water resistant and not completely waterproof and you have the makings for a disaster for your radio and house. B ) The gutter isn't wide enough to give you an effective ground plane which is needed for mag mount antennas. Normally, you want your ground plane to be opposite the radiating element (Like a di-pole) or spread evenly around the element. Using the gutter, you would have two directions with good ground plane and the rest where ground plane is non existent. This affects the signal pattern of the radiating element during TX and can throw SWR off. It also can cause issues with RX as the ground plane tends to reflect signals into the element (much like a satellite dish.) Don't get me wrong, it could work and is a better solution to running a 5 watt portable from inside of the house, but if your looking for longer distances your best bet is to go with a true base antenna.