WRDJ205

Until you do…:-)

I don’t think there is a requirement to get Gmrs. If you don’t want it then don’t get it. It does prove useful in those areas without cell coverage and is fairly easy and cheap insurance.

Definitely. There are several informative videos out there explaining GMRS. From the Retevis website: How to get Your GMRS License? To use these powerful radios and be able to use any of the long-range repeaters across the US (with permission of the owners), you’ll need an FCC license. See our post about How to Get a GMRS License for full details. The FCC recently lowered the cost from $70 to $35 for a ten year license which covers the whole family. The primary license holder must be 18 years old and minors may operate under their authorization, with the adult license holder ultimately being responsible for compliance with the rules of operation. A GMRS license may be issued in as little as 24 hours or less.

I agree that they are not very useful. We did find one benefit when setting different calls for different radios. My kids sound a lot alike so, on one radio there is a wolf (he calls it an elephant) and the other one is a turkey (very fitting). To be fair, they chose mine to be an "old crow" and mom's is a "cougar".

I have the same radios and using the Radioodity software, i was able to program additional nearby repeaters in the DIY area (up to channel 30). Those frequencies are fixed. But after that, you should be able to change the RX frequency. Separately, I also added monitor frequencies above channel 100 to keep them separated. Then, you can set the scan Y/N to skip the channels without any programming. What are you trying to do? Program repeaters in the DIY area on a channel other than the "fixed" ones?

I was looking for a low priced radio option to take to the beach and came across the MP31 radios. For ~$10 ea they have an IP54 rating and can be programmed using a Baofeng specific software. They are only narrow band but we’re pushing right at 2w. I programmed them to my local repeaters and everything seems good to go. If they make it back from the beach they will become my “hand out” radios next hurricane/cell phone outage. I’ll give a better AAR after we use them more.

I also should add that the GM-5RH punching above its weight in power output per the Surecom meter.

You might be able to do something with a long painter’s pole. I’m using a 24’ one with a j-pole antenna (putting that basketball base to good use). This was only a proof of concept test but it definitely helped me get better distance.

I’m frequently in the Marion County but looking at the repeater maps, it appears that MS is a desert for repeaters. if I was there full time, it might be interesting to set one up.

I started the same way. It was supposed to be temporary but it’s just so convenient to tuck away the HT out of sight when not using it. I’m still using that set up (GM-5RH with a midland mag base; I swap from the ghost to whip styles). It certainly made it easy to have a radio in the rental I was using. <thinking: I need to figure out the best way to run a coax from the roof into the cab of an F150>.

How did you “find” them?

I’ve been getting notifications that someone registered using my referral link. What does that mean? It doesn’t seem to be a bad thing but it’s made me curious. I did a search in the forums and didn’t see any info but that doesn’t mean I may have missed it. Thanks, Geauxfish

Much better job of explaining than I could do last night.

Are you using the same antenna with the Midlands as you are with the Retevis? It’s getting warm in La and I’ve noticed a significant squeal when the mic is sitting in the hot truck all day and I turn it on. Might be temp driven?

John Fogerty approved…?

There are other intermediate options as suggested, the BTech, or the 20W Wouxun (direction that I took since the 1000 was sold out at the time).

It’s surprising how often I need an adapter of some kind. Mobile antenna or power meter to HT comes to mind.

Interesting…I would think that you could take out the offset though. But I guess if you do that you’re just making another simplex on the same frequency.

Yup but I would hate to spend $120 for a low loss cable only to lose it all at a cheap connector. Thinking more along the lines of $5 vs $2 type of comparison. edit: Clarification $2 vs $20 comparison

If your radio has programmable DIY channels you should be able to have them both programmed.

I have seen many discussions about the importance of low loss cables like LMR400. Is there a similar rating for coaxial cable adapters? Are all adapters/connectors equal? Do I need to order from a specialty company like DX Engineering or would ones from Amazon be suitable? Thanks! Geauxfish

Wanted specifics, maybe a model which has worked well or did not. That’s the reason many people are on this site. That’s why many people go to your YouTube for valuable information. That response was not.

I’m all in!! Can you give us an example?

Not sure what that graphic means but possibly seeing an aurora in La (as reported by the local “news”) almost seems like it’s a big deal. Guess I’ll see what’s left in the morning.

I’m running the Midland mag mount (MXTA12) and haven’t had any issues. I’m in a rental so similar situation. Using the Midland ghost (MXTA25) but likely going to give the MXTA26 a try pretty soon.