WRAX891

I heard some kids playing with FRS, likely bubblepacks, that they received for birthday. I knew it was a birthday gift because they said it was. I just listened until they faded away in a few days. Batteries probably dried out and now their little WT’s are thrown into a drawer where they will be soon forgotten. There are probably millions of these buubepack WT’s sitting in drawers, collecting dust. They are good for car convoying, as long as the cars stay close..

Anyone using a Bridgecom Repeater (and duplexer) for GMRS? I have some resources coming and was considering putting up a repeater. (I have a good location for it. Not where I live, but family on hilltop overlooking the city.). I was thinking about going the amateur 1.25m (220) route at first, but now considering GMRS as it’ll likely get more use and would be open to some of the folks I have in mind (mainly family). I plan on having it completely open for public access. Bridgecom just caught my eye and was curious if anyone is using one of their repeater/duplexer products. I have a BCH-220 (1.25m) HT from Bridgecom and if that’s any indication, then their repeater/duplexer products should be good as well. Their customer support also seems to be very responsive.
 
Thanks...

Anyone using a Bridgecom Repeater (and duplexer) for GMRS? I have some resources coming and was considering putting up a repeater. (I have a good location for it. Not where I live, but family on hilltop overlooking the city.). I was thinking about going the amateur 1.25m (220) route at first, but now considering GMRS as it’ll likely get more use and would be open to some of the folks I have in mind (mainly family). I plan on having it completely open for public access. Bridgecom just caught my eye and was curious if anyone is using one of their repeater/duplexer products. I have a BCH-220 (1.25m) HT from Bridgecom and if that’s any indication, then their repeater/duplexer products should be good as well. Their customer support also seems to be very responsive.
 
Thanks...

Do you have a balcony? I’m in an apartment, but have a balcony. I just ran LMR400 (several) and put my antennas out there, lol. I figured it was better to ask for forgiveness than pernission.
 
Landlord did ask what they were and I explained amateur radio and GMRS. (I used angle telling her it’d still work if power and all else lost, which would as I have backup power.) She thought it was neat and even asked if I could setup some wireless bridges on rooftop (two buildings here) for their IP cameras. Easy peasy! Hoping to get brownie points and maybe sweet talk her into letting me set my antennas up there, lol. I’d put them in center roof, where can’t be seen from ground, so nobody could see, else might be seen as “tenant favoritism”.
 
Even though, my landlord loves me, anyway. Mainly because I’m a veteran and she loves all veterans.
 
I’m not complaining. :-)

Do you have a balcony? I’m in an apartment, but have a balcony. I just ran LMR400 (several) and put my antennas out there, lol. I figured it was better to ask for forgiveness than pernission.
 
Landlord did ask what they were and I explained amateur radio and GMRS. (I used angle telling her it’d still work if power and all else lost, which would as I have backup power.) She thought it was neat and even asked if I could setup some wireless bridges on rooftop (two buildings here) for their IP cameras. Easy peasy! Hoping to get brownie points and maybe sweet talk her into letting me set my antennas up there, lol. I’d put them in center roof, where can’t be seen from ground, so nobody could see, else might be seen as “tenant favoritism”.
 
Even though, my landlord loves me, anyway. Mainly because I’m a veteran and she loves all veterans.
 
I’m not complaining. :-)

Do you have a balcony? I’m in an apartment, but have a balcony. I just ran LMR400 (several) and put my antennas out there, lol. I figured it was better to ask for forgiveness than pernission.
 
Landlord did ask what they were and I explained amateur radio and GMRS. (I used angle telling her it’d still work if power and all else lost, which would as I have backup power.) She thought it was neat and even asked if I could setup some wireless bridges on rooftop (two buildings here) for their IP cameras. Easy peasy! Hoping to get brownie points and maybe sweet talk her into letting me set my antennas up there, lol. I’d put them in center roof, where can’t be seen from ground, so nobody could see, else might be seen as “tenant favoritism”.
 
Even though, my landlord loves me, anyway. Mainly because I’m a veteran and she loves all veterans.
 
I’m not complaining. :-)

Do you have a balcony? I’m in an apartment, but have a balcony. I just ran LMR400 (several) and put my antennas out there, lol. I figured it was better to ask for forgiveness than pernission.
 
Landlord did ask what they were and I explained amateur radio and GMRS. (I used angle telling her it’d still work if power and all else lost, which would as I have backup power.) She thought it was neat and even asked if I could setup some wireless bridges on rooftop (two buildings here) for their IP cameras. Easy peasy! Hoping to get brownie points and maybe sweet talk her into letting me set my antennas up there, lol. I’d put them in center roof, where can’t be seen from ground, so nobody could see, else might be seen as “tenant favoritism”.
 
Even though, my landlord loves me, anyway. Mainly because I’m a veteran and she loves all veterans.
 
I’m not complaining. :-)

Do you have a balcony? I’m in an apartment, but have a balcony. I just ran LMR400 (several) and put my antennas out there, lol. I figured it was better to ask for forgiveness than pernission.
 
Landlord did ask what they were and I explained amateur radio and GMRS. (I used angle telling her it’d still work if power and all else lost, which would as I have backup power.) She thought it was neat and even asked if I could setup some wireless bridges on rooftop (two buildings here) for their IP cameras. Easy peasy! Hoping to get brownie points and maybe sweet talk her into letting me set my antennas up there, lol. I’d put them in center roof, where can’t be seen from ground, so nobody could see, else might be seen as “tenant favoritism”.
 
Even though, my landlord loves me, anyway. Mainly because I’m a veteran and she loves all veterans.
 
I’m not complaining. :-)

Ok

Thinking about setting up a GMRS repeater.
 
Seems to be many paths, but any opinions on the following:
 
Seems one relatively simple “off the shelf” parts could be:
 
RT-FDR1 Controller
RT-CWID1 Identifier
 
(Or ID-O-Matic? Or Even a Raspberry Pi approach?)
 
I’ll be getting a six cavity Duplexer and tuning it for 462.725/467.725.
 
Radios: Likeky will get a TK-8180 for TX, but for RX, have a couple TH-9800’s that could be used.
 
Antenna: Already have a GMRS 1/4 wave antenna masted at 45’.
 
Cables: Seen that connection cables are available for the RT-FDR1 for both the TH-9800 and TK-8180.
 
Thought about this for a little while and even consider getting a Bridgecom repeater system and Duplexer, but of course looking at less cost. TH-9800/TK-8180 obviously isn’t as nice as a Bridgecom repeater System, but also at least isn’t just a couple of cheap HT’s thrown up in a tree either. TH-9800 isn’t the best RX radios, but figured since have a spare could try it out.
 
Opinions on the RT-FDR1+RT-CWID1 combo?
 
Also, may be linking this with Asterisk_rpt (HamVoIP) to a GMRS network, so a RPi will be in play. Perhaps just use that for ID’ing?
 
Total cost for this project, I’m thinking will be just around $500 to $600, I’m thinking. That’s do-able...
 
 
Thanks

Thinking about setting up a GMRS repeater.
 
Seems to be many paths, but any opinions on the following:
 
Seems one relatively simple “off the shelf” parts could be:
 
RT-FDR1 Controller
RT-CWID1 Identifier
 
(Or ID-O-Matic? Or Even a Raspberry Pi approach?)
 
I’ll be getting a six cavity Duplexer and tuning it for 462.725/467.725.
 
Radios: Likeky will get a TK-8180 for TX, but for RX, have a couple TH-9800’s that could be used.
 
Antenna: Already have a GMRS 1/4 wave antenna masted at 45’.
 
Cables: Seen that connection cables are available for the RT-FDR1 for both the TH-9800 and TK-8180.
 
Thought about this for a little while and even consider getting a Bridgecom repeater system and Duplexer, but of course looking at less cost. TH-9800/TK-8180 obviously isn’t as nice as a Bridgecom repeater System, but also at least isn’t just a couple of cheap HT’s thrown up in a tree either. TH-9800 isn’t the best RX radios, but figured since have a spare could try it out.
 
Opinions on the RT-FDR1+RT-CWID1 combo?
 
Also, may be linking this with Asterisk_rpt (HamVoIP) to a GMRS network, so a RPi will be in play. Perhaps just use that for ID’ing?
 
Total cost for this project, I’m thinking will be just around $500 to $600, I’m thinking. That’s do-able...
 
 
Thanks

Now that the FCC has allowed GMRS to have the ability for the “transmission of limited data applications such as text messaging and GPS location information”, is anyone using such features?
 
Is there a protocol that has been standardized, similar to APRS, or is it left to each manufacturer to have their own protocol? (Hopefully there is a standardized protocol.)
 
Anyone actually even using these features? Are there any GMRS transceivers on the market yet taking advantage of this?
 
Hmm. Wondering if this could be used over linked GMRS networks as well?
 
Just curious...
 
Thanks.

Now that the FCC has allowed GMRS to have the ability for the “transmission of limited data applications such as text messaging and GPS location information”, is anyone using such features?
 
Is there a protocol that has been standardized, similar to APRS, or is it left to each manufacturer to have their own protocol? (Hopefully there is a standardized protocol.)
 
Anyone actually even using these features? Are there any GMRS transceivers on the market yet taking advantage of this?
 
Hmm. Wondering if this could be used over linked GMRS networks as well?
 
Just curious...
 
Thanks.

Hello,
 
This will likely, unintentionally, open a can of worms, but what is the general concencous of using one of BTech’s new UHF amplifiers for use with a Part 95 Type Accepted HT such as the BTech GMRS-V1 (which I’m purchasing next week). I do have their BTech 1.25m (220) amp that I use with my Bridgecom BCH-220 1.25m HT, in addition to a SignaLink USB, and a copper J-Pole. I’m running this as an 1.25m (220) EchoLink node (actually I plan converting it to AllStar eventually). I’m also planning to pick up a BTech Digital UHF amp as well for my DMR radios. I do have a few MMDVM hotspots, but sometimes like to go on the nearest actual DMR repeater, which is going to need this amp. Now. Taking off my “amateur hat” and putting on my “GMRS hat”, I’m left wondering if this BTech UHF would work with the BTech GMRS-V1. Technically, it would as the specifications state that GMRS frequencies will be amplified. Legally, however, is the can of worms. The BTech GMRS-V1 is Part 95 Type Accepted for GMRS, but I don’t believe the amp is. (?). Thoughts?

Now that the FCC has allowed GMRS to have the ability for the “transmission of limited data applications such as text messaging and GPS location information”, is anyone using such features?
 
Is there a protocol that has been standardized, similar to APRS, or is it left to each manufacturer to have their own protocol? (Hopefully there is a standardized protocol.)
 
Anyone actually even using these features? Are there any GMRS transceivers on the market yet taking advantage of this?
 
Hmm. Wondering if this could be used over linked GMRS networks as well?
 
Just curious...
 
Thanks.

This is my (only) GMRS HT as well. Likewise, would’ve liked to had seen full 5W on the GMRS channels, but overall it’s a decent GMRS HT. I’ve been receiving good audio reports with it. It’s incredibly simple to use. Speaker sounds loud to me and I’m hearing impaired to the point of wearing HA’s. I like the 82 for factor over the 5R form factor. Basically, it’s a crippled UV-82 in order to get Part 95 Type Acceptance. Works for me. I use my Otto V2-10030 speaker/mic not only with my amateur HT’s (ones with K2 port, anyway), but also this GMRS-V1. Is like to see a GMRS-V2 that puts out full allowed power...

This is an old thread, so I don’t know if you did get the 50X2, but just wanted to throw out that it’s known to blow its finals. Apparently, the finals used are for portables, not mobiles. There were quite a few threads about this from folks who blew their finals. I’m not saying not that purchase it, but just be aware. Look at the “BTech UV-5X3 and UV-50X2” group on FB. I’ve been there a while, mainly for the 5X3. I don’t know your limit, but a Mobile radio that has a Big Bang for the buck is the Kenwood TM-V71A. $380, however has very nice receive and receives many bands, other than just amateur. Take a look at the specs. It even has EchoLink (including sysop mode) onboard. If money is limited, maybe a TYT TH-9800. It’s a clone of the Yaesu 8900. It’s a gamble because you don’t get support like you would from Yaesu, so if something drastic should go wrong, you’d have to RMA to China. I’ve had two of these 9800’s for two years, however, and they remained fine. I use one in the car, one inside. I’ve worked 6m on it nicely, along with 2m/70cm, obviously. My inside one is also capable of APRS, using a SignaLink USB and appropriate cables. (Could move it to the car easily to give it APRS if wanted to.) Anyway, just throwing that out. My next Mobile is going to be an Alinco DR-235, which I plan on using for my AllStar node. (I’m a 220, 1.25m, “fan”, having a Bridgecom BCH-220, two UV-5X3’s, 220 amp, and a 220 coppper j-pole outside.) 
Good luck..

I heard some kids playing with FRS, likely bubblepacks, that they received for birthday. I knew it was a birthday gift because they said it was. I just listened until they faded away in a few days. Batteries probably dried out and now their little WT’s are thrown into a drawer where they will be soon forgotten. There are probably millions of these buubepack WT’s sitting in drawers, collecting dust. They are good for car convoying, as long as the cars stay close..

Blah, I’ve seen those before - but pass. (I wasn’t looking at it for GMRS.) As already said above, it’s not Part 95, so it can only be used for amateur (in the US, anyway). The reason I passed, however, is because the price and it looks like junk. Plus, being that small, how long can the battery really last? Baofeng has the mini one noted above. I do have one of those KD-C1 mini HT’s that I got from Amazon for $18. It doesn’t have a screen (I didn’t want a screen anyway). Fits fine in a shirt pocket. I mainly just use it with my TH-9800’s when I have one of them in crossband repeat (rarely). I used 2m fine with it, crossbanding from 70cm. I haven’t got on a 70cm repeater with it, but don’t see why it wouldn’t work. I had to Google for the (Windows) OEM software to program it. (I use Macs, but run a Win7 VM under VMWare for all the Win radio software.) Battery life was better than expected. There are several “branders” of those KD-C1 mini’s and also the Zastone X6 which appears to be the same exact radio with just a different name... You can get two of those KD-C1 or X6 mini’s for just a few bucks more than that little mini in the eBay listing...
 
Yeah, it’s one of the thousands of misleading eBay listings. eBay isn’t going to do anything. At the end of the day, it’s our (GMRS) responsibility not to transmit on non-Accepted transmitters. It can be deduced by just looking at the specs that it isn’t Part 95...

Blah, I’ve seen those before - but pass. (I wasn’t looking at it for GMRS.) As already said above, it’s not Part 95, so it can only be used for amateur (in the US, anyway). The reason I passed, however, is because the price and it looks like junk. Plus, being that small, how long can the battery really last? Baofeng has the mini one noted above. I do have one of those KD-C1 mini HT’s that I got from Amazon for $18. It doesn’t have a screen (I didn’t want a screen anyway). Fits fine in a shirt pocket. I mainly just use it with my TH-9800’s when I have one of them in crossband repeat (rarely). I used 2m fine with it, crossbanding from 70cm. I haven’t got on a 70cm repeater with it, but don’t see why it wouldn’t work. I had to Google for the (Windows) OEM software to program it. (I use Macs, but run a Win7 VM under VMWare for all the Win radio software.) Battery life was better than expected. There are several “branders” of those KD-C1 mini’s and also the Zastone X6 which appears to be the same exact radio with just a different name... You can get two of those KD-C1 or X6 mini’s for just a few bucks more than that little mini in the eBay listing...
 
Yeah, it’s one of the thousands of misleading eBay listings. eBay isn’t going to do anything. At the end of the day, it’s our (GMRS) responsibility not to transmit on non-Accepted transmitters. It can be deduced by just looking at the specs that it isn’t Part 95...

The amplifiers are Part 90 certified, but not Part 95; it wouldn't be legal to operate, but it does operate in the GMRS band with GMRS emissions. The FCC has been rather unclear with the use of Part 90 certified equipment by referencing a non-existent section 95.1735, but they are more clear about wanting to keep amplifiers off of Part 95 equipment. It falls under the type-certification gray area, but can generally be considered a "no, don't do this" type of setup. Since it sounds like you have a fixed station instead of a mobile station, that's a few more points towards "no, don't do this."