WRAK968

Fair bit of questions here.
 
Tuning is done through the KPG software for the radio, HOWEVER, I would not attempt to retune a radio without the proper meters and equipment and a surecom 102 isn't the best to meter for perfection. One thing I do question is, have you tested the meter against a known source? I do use a surecom meter myself for quick checks, and I recall that I had to tune the meter before I could use it. It took a few trys however I did get it to be close enough for what I do. IF you choose to do this yourself with cheap equipment, I am not to be responsible for damage or rule violations.
 
You will need a length of coax about 1.5 times the frequency wavelength, (9 or 18 inches should work) the meter, a 50 ohm 100W dummy load able to support the frequency you are tuning for, radio, power supply, programming cable and computer with KPG49D software.

Set up the radio and power supply, connect the coax from the radios antenna port to the "Input" side of the meter, and connect the dummy load to the "Output" side. Connect the programming cable, and turn the radio and computer on.

Open the 49D software and do a read from the radio.

Click "Edit>Test frequency"
 
Enter in several frequency sets, You should have the lowest frequency you plan to transmit on, the highest frequency, and a frequency somewhere close to middle between your high and low frequencys.
 
Save the file, and write to the radio. Once written, click "Program>Test Mode"
 
Select the center frequency (likely to give you the best results for your usage "band")
 
Double click "RF High Power"
 
Take a note of the current value, Just in case you make a mistake, you're able to return to this number and start again.
 
Use the left and right arrow to adjust the value in the new window. Make small adjustments and click "TX" Get a reading and click "TX" again to stop transmitting. Keep making adjustments until you reach about 40W (This unit is rated at 40W output to my knowledge) You can run slightly low, however to protect the radio, I wouldn't tune above 40W.

Once complete click "OK" to exit to the test mode window.

Select the lower frequency and go back into RF High Power, DO NOT MAKE CHANGES, Simple click TX and take a reading, and do the same for the High frequency. Note, Both frequencies will be BELOW the 40W output. This is NORMAL as long as they aren't super low.
 
When complete, click "Close" in the test mode window, and your radio should reboot.
 
For low power, I don't believe that radio can go much further than 20W low power without causing damage to the radio, and for frequency alignment and getting into the 70CM band you would likely do better taking the radio to a shop and having a pro do it for $50. This will void the part 95 certification, however at least there is less risk of transmitting way off frequency by accident. I would also advise against any physical adjustments on the radios boards as a 1/4 turn on the wrong pot will fry your radio, your station, or worse, could cause a fire. Again, most shops can preform this service at a reasonable price for you.

I owner two mixed code repeaters. There were two reasons for doing this. A ) Security. For a bit I had an unknown user keying the repeater for minutes at a time. After asking the user not to do this they chose to key the repeater for nearly 30 minutes. Of course the repeaters TOT tripped after 2 minutes, however the user continued to key either until they were bored, or until their radio finally killed itself, nearly 30 minutes and long enough for me to figure out where they were. So I changed only the input tone so the user couldn't trip the repeater (or its twin) again. B ) We kept the original output tone to make it seem like we never changed tones at all. Trying to "scan" the repeaters output would only give the 223 code for output. I figured this would frustrate anyone who is trying to get access without checking with me first.

I owner two mixed code repeaters. There were two reasons for doing this. A ) Security. For a bit I had an unknown user keying the repeater for minutes at a time. After asking the user not to do this they chose to key the repeater for nearly 30 minutes. Of course the repeaters TOT tripped after 2 minutes, however the user continued to key either until they were bored, or until their radio finally killed itself, nearly 30 minutes and long enough for me to figure out where they were. So I changed only the input tone so the user couldn't trip the repeater (or its twin) again. B ) We kept the original output tone to make it seem like we never changed tones at all. Trying to "scan" the repeaters output would only give the 223 code for output. I figured this would frustrate anyone who is trying to get access without checking with me first.

"OK now I'm getting educated.  So where do I find repeater in my area that are on Zello?  I have Channels for gmrs 24 connected and for mygmrs discounted.  Where do I go from here to find others...."
You need to look at the map and see what repeaters are in the area. If they are networked they will usually say so in the notes, same with Zello connections.
 
"OK to PM if we need to talk about it.  Afterwards I will then tell all what I'm missing in understanding for their good"
 
Theres no need to PM, I rather get this out in the open to avoid "accusations."
 
 
"Thanks, you took the bait to help us folks who only know a fraction of what you know."
 
When I joined, I had to learn quite a bit myself. This includes doing my own research when a question is repeatedly asked, for instance searching "networked repeaters" on the forums. When you give smart-ass comments like this, you end up discouraging those of us who do have information available. The question originally asked was "how to connect to the national network." This has been discussed several times and even I have discussed how to find such repeaters using the MyGMRS page several times. It takes up server space and time to have to repeat myself.

As for helping, I gave the same answer, DO THE RESEARCH. This isn't difficult. You've found your way to this forum and site which is a great resource. We know your not some dumb guy who can't use a simple search function, and honestly if you are that guy, you likely shouldn't be on the radio at all as you likely do not know or care enough to use these resources properly.

Simply put, when I say do the research, the information is readily available to find. Then if there is a technical question, for instance the node is not hearing your command codes, then we can try and help troubleshoot. Its not rocket science to simply read.

"OK now I'm getting educated.  So where do I find repeater in my area that are on Zello?  I have Channels for gmrs 24 connected and for mygmrs discounted.  Where do I go from here to find others...."
You need to look at the map and see what repeaters are in the area. If they are networked they will usually say so in the notes, same with Zello connections.
 
"OK to PM if we need to talk about it.  Afterwards I will then tell all what I'm missing in understanding for their good"
 
Theres no need to PM, I rather get this out in the open to avoid "accusations."
 
 
"Thanks, you took the bait to help us folks who only know a fraction of what you know."
 
When I joined, I had to learn quite a bit myself. This includes doing my own research when a question is repeatedly asked, for instance searching "networked repeaters" on the forums. When you give smart-ass comments like this, you end up discouraging those of us who do have information available. The question originally asked was "how to connect to the national network." This has been discussed several times and even I have discussed how to find such repeaters using the MyGMRS page several times. It takes up server space and time to have to repeat myself.

As for helping, I gave the same answer, DO THE RESEARCH. This isn't difficult. You've found your way to this forum and site which is a great resource. We know your not some dumb guy who can't use a simple search function, and honestly if you are that guy, you likely shouldn't be on the radio at all as you likely do not know or care enough to use these resources properly.

Simply put, when I say do the research, the information is readily available to find. Then if there is a technical question, for instance the node is not hearing your command codes, then we can try and help troubleshoot. Its not rocket science to simply read.

I'm guessing this is an unauthorized re-transmission of the sheriffs radio comms. I see they use 155mHz by you.
 
I would contact the sheriffs dept and just give them the heads up. Their radio unit will likely foxhunt the signal and begin the process of charging the individual. Notifying them ASAP also allows them to prevent transmitting personal info which may be heard via the unauthorized repeater.

Listening to the soundbite included in the post I can say for sure this is not the case. You can hear it is coming from the repeater as the static at times mixes with the audible beep.

I owner two mixed code repeaters. There were two reasons for doing this. A ) Security. For a bit I had an unknown user keying the repeater for minutes at a time. After asking the user not to do this they chose to key the repeater for nearly 30 minutes. Of course the repeaters TOT tripped after 2 minutes, however the user continued to key either until they were bored, or until their radio finally killed itself, nearly 30 minutes and long enough for me to figure out where they were. So I changed only the input tone so the user couldn't trip the repeater (or its twin) again. B ) We kept the original output tone to make it seem like we never changed tones at all. Trying to "scan" the repeaters output would only give the 223 code for output. I figured this would frustrate anyone who is trying to get access without checking with me first.

Being a ham, I had limited experience with fox hunting. Fox hunting is the hobby's name of locating a transmitter. I took the information I had and moved forward. I could hear the signal in my house with an antenna on a portable in one direction so that burned off about 85% of the area needing checking. I removed the antenna and began driving around until a signal returned on the radio. This further reduces the area as a portable without an antenna will only pick up stronger signals. Holding the radio to my body blocks signals from one direction, and I turn until the signal sounds strongest. Doing that a few times and I ended up driving past the guys house while he was outside. Seeing a vehicle with warning lights and 3 antennas freaked him out cause he and his buddys ran inside and the transmission stopped soon after. I also noticed a few minutes later when I drove past again that the antenna on his car was gone.
 
I did not confront the person, that is not what self policing (which is what HAM and GMRS is) is about. You do the leg work, gather enough evidence, and forward it to the FCC who may do something if the interference can/has caused property damage, or if the incident presents a public safety hazard. Confronting someone this day in age is a good way to get your head blown off, or be posted on the news as racist, or some other crazy negative like that.

Being a ham, I had limited experience with fox hunting. Fox hunting is the hobby's name of locating a transmitter. I took the information I had and moved forward. I could hear the signal in my house with an antenna on a portable in one direction so that burned off about 85% of the area needing checking. I removed the antenna and began driving around until a signal returned on the radio. This further reduces the area as a portable without an antenna will only pick up stronger signals. Holding the radio to my body blocks signals from one direction, and I turn until the signal sounds strongest. Doing that a few times and I ended up driving past the guys house while he was outside. Seeing a vehicle with warning lights and 3 antennas freaked him out cause he and his buddys ran inside and the transmission stopped soon after. I also noticed a few minutes later when I drove past again that the antenna on his car was gone.
 
I did not confront the person, that is not what self policing (which is what HAM and GMRS is) is about. You do the leg work, gather enough evidence, and forward it to the FCC who may do something if the interference can/has caused property damage, or if the incident presents a public safety hazard. Confronting someone this day in age is a good way to get your head blown off, or be posted on the news as racist, or some other crazy negative like that.

If you are using this in repeater mode you need a tuned duplexer for the repeater pair you are using. DO NOT TRUST CHINA'S DUPLEXERS as they seem to fail time and time again, not to mention they are never tuned properly from the factory. I would say this is likely where your issue lies.

I owner two mixed code repeaters. There were two reasons for doing this. A ) Security. For a bit I had an unknown user keying the repeater for minutes at a time. After asking the user not to do this they chose to key the repeater for nearly 30 minutes. Of course the repeaters TOT tripped after 2 minutes, however the user continued to key either until they were bored, or until their radio finally killed itself, nearly 30 minutes and long enough for me to figure out where they were. So I changed only the input tone so the user couldn't trip the repeater (or its twin) again. B ) We kept the original output tone to make it seem like we never changed tones at all. Trying to "scan" the repeaters output would only give the 223 code for output. I figured this would frustrate anyone who is trying to get access without checking with me first.

As far as rules go, the license holder is responsible for how the radios are used. Lets say the family in NY program a part 90 radio to receive the local FD, however due to an error they transmit on the FD channel and give your callsign, you could be on the hook. Now this is a bit exaggerated but has happened from time to time. Another example is the family in NY using a radio that is not certified by the FCC and causes interference on another channel. Or, because they are in NY, using channels 19 and 21 north of line A (I think those were the channels) which is also an easy violation for someone to make if they haven't read or understood the rules.
 
How I manage everything is, I program the radios under my callsign myself. By doing that I can assume all responsibility should something go wrong. My family knows and understands the rules of GMRS, and everyone has a 3 digit ID code, (First digit identifies the location and last 2 are unit numbers) So if a complaint comes in about WRAK968-103, I know its my brother, 202 is my step mother and so on. Some people use one digit ID, (WRAK968-1). The three digit system may work for you so that should there be a problem you will know where the problem is, and possibly who the problem was caused by.
 
 

Welcome to MyGMRS. Repeater input frequencies cannot be used for simplex communications by rule. They are reserved for repeater inputs only as to keep those frequencies clear for such use.

Welcome to MyGMRS. Repeater input frequencies cannot be used for simplex communications by rule. They are reserved for repeater inputs only as to keep those frequencies clear for such use.

If you have access to a linked repeater through stone mountain, wait for open check-ins near the end of the net. New users are given a chance to check in after roll call for active users. When you check in, give net control the following information:
 
Call sign, slowly and clearly so net control can write it down. For me, it would be "Whiskey Roger Alpha Kilo 9 6 8"
First name,
Where you are, (City/state or just state, up to you)
and whether or not you have traffic for the national net.
 
You must check into the regional net at 7PM, or check in through MyGMRS under Nets. Net Control does request that if you say you'll participate in the national round table that you be there. Lotta people say they have traffic then dont show up.
 
After all that, your call will be put on the roll call, adding the state of VA to be called out. Your call will remain on the list as long as you are active. If you miss 5 meetings in a row (Correct me if I have that number wrong) your call will be removed.

The Bronx Zoo repeater has a Zello node that connects to the net (if you wish to go that route)

Otherwise, as KB2ZTX said, you would need to use a repeater that has access to the internet and the MyGMRS server. Also note, Node 169 is not a real repeater. It is a hub that is used for the regional nets, then is connected to the national hub later. There are 6 of these hubs, 169 Midwest, 172 Northeast, 174 Southeast, 175 Southern Plains, 176 Southwest, and 177 Mountain. Then there is the national hub (100) and AZ has their own network, 20400.

Repeaters can also connect to one another as well, normally I run 23407 (my house) and 23409 (dads house)as a perm link. The system allows you to do that with ease.

Unfortunately many of these devices are likely to be chinese made and the companies won't respond or react to any FCC violations but rather change marketing names as to continue selling in the US. E-bay doesn't help the situation much either.

I have seen several devices from chinese manufacturers ranging from monitors to two-way intercoms which look to operate in the 462/467 range and as you mentioned above, they all operate on a DCS code. Some even advertise that they will work with two way radios, giving the frequency and DCS code in the ad.

In the end, the end user is the one responsible for use and operation of non-certified transmitters. Most times simple education and assistance is all that is needed to get companies in the right direction (Many don't wish to receive a fine, but many more do not want to face the legal ramifications should private personal info be released into unsecured airwaves)

Doing a run on your license I see your in Pinellas County. Seems their FD and EMS pagers are telemetry based and are licensed between 460 and 463. Neighboring Hillsborough has several telemetry systems in 460's as well, including DMR repeaters in the 462/467 range very close to GMRS. That doesn't include all of the DMR repeaters in BOTH county's which could also be UHF band. Any of these could be the cause of your interference.

I'll PM you I have experience with these radios so I can take a look and see if I can find something.

Try putting 031N on the TX side. I believe Icom the <- should indicate it is using the same as the RX code. I see an option for Talkaround, check to see if you can select "Off" and see if that helps. Outside of all that, it would seem you have all of the information entered in correctly.

I would try going 4-5' below the transmitter antenna. If that doesn't resolve the issue, use a stock antenna on the scanner and see if the whine goes away. If it doesnt it could be any number of things with the electrical system and likely would be resolved by bonding and grounding.

My understanding is that there is a MyGMRS app, (I have it on my phone) however it is basic as Rich is the only one working on it, not to mention he is maintaining the site, a linked server, weekly nets, as well as a full time job and his family. Rich is doing a lot and so some projects will take some time.

couple things to check. First check the coax, it is possible there is a small break in the core which would cause signal issues. If the coax seems to be ok, check the programming and ensure the proper frequency and tones are entered (This is a common mistake, guys swapping the 462/467 frequencies, or entering the wrong tones). Check that you have "wide band" selected as this could also cause signal issues. Last would be optional signaling, which I believe can be 2 tone, fleetsync, MDC, or none. Make sure to select "none" unless you know how to program any of those options.

If after all that you find you still have signal issues, move the radio inside (if installed on a vehicle) and begin further testing. Try different coax & antenna to see what you get. If after all of that you still find you have signal issues, I would recommend contacting a radio repair shop or a ham friend who has the tools and know how to adjust the receiver sensitivity. Trying to do this without the proper equipment or know how can deafen the radio, or cause it to never shut up.

My understanding is that there is a MyGMRS app, (I have it on my phone) however it is basic as Rich is the only one working on it, not to mention he is maintaining the site, a linked server, weekly nets, as well as a full time job and his family. Rich is doing a lot and so some projects will take some time.