Lscott
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Posts posted by Lscott
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12 hours ago, tweiss3 said:
Let me know. RT Systems software greys out transmit frequency and wants you to set via offset direction and frequency, but if you change the offset frequency, it changes all the memories.
That's a bummer with my TH-D74A HT. A memory channel can only be programmed for a split frequency in the SAME band, no split band. My 20 plus year old TH-G71A lets me program in different bands for TX and RX. I wonder if Kenwood fixed that on the new TH-D75A.
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1 minute ago, BoxCar said:
Several in the ham clubs I belong to have the Cotre 001D and the 004D we use on our local DMR net. They aren't the best on the market with a very low power output (around 2W) but they can access the local repeaters most of the time. They don't replace a good DMR radio, but they are fun to play with.
One on-line recommendation was to get the 4D model with display.
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16 hours ago, fe2o3 said:
I've had one for a year or two. Wouldn't be my primary DMR radio, being without a display or keyboard, but i use it for testing. It works and the audio is fine. It's only a couple of watts output which is good for use with a hotspot. I'd print the memory contents onto a business card (or the like) and keep it affixed to the radio.
What kind of programming cable did you use for the radio? I ran across some info where people had to buy a special one or made their own.
I have a cheat-sheet, Excel, for my TK-D340's too, no display. That's why I primarily look just for radios with a alpha-numeric display. Various commercial radios come in the non-display and display models. The non-display models of those seem to be commonly available used, likely due to the cheaper price and most users don't need more than a few channels anyway.
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6 minutes ago, tweiss3 said:
I get redundancy, but I would rather have a car charger for my portable than another radio in the glove box that I need to maintain the battery on. The portable I carry is the redundant, the mobile is primary.
I've found that a Lithium Ion battery will hold a useful charge for a really long time. So an occasional battery pack swap wouldn't be a big deal. Of course one can buy a battery holder to use disposable cells. A few of my HT's I have battery pack eliminators, plug in to the accessory socket in the car. But you do have a point.
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1 hour ago, markskjerve said:
TYT DP-290 DPMR HT perhaps?
I'll have to look into it more. Chinese manufacture are known for playing loose with the specifications and terminology. It wouldn't surprise me to find out it's really a DMR radio.
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40 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:
There are a few Icom radios that can have the MARS Mod done which will allow them to transmit on GMRS.
The old IC706MKIIG is one, but the power output is low due to the filters.
IC-706MKIIG Freqequency Mod Power Output.pdf IC-706MKIIG Transmit Power Mod.pdf IC-706MKIIG Frequency Expansion.pdf
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45 minutes ago, WRYS709 said:
Are you looking for the European license free DMR radios?
Actually I was looking into dPMR radios, at one time. I still am occasionally. There are "license free" dPMR446 ones, for use on 446.0 to 446.2 band in the EU, but they are limited to 0.5 watts. dPMR isn't used, or so minimally it doesn't exist as a practical mode here as far as I can tell. I was looking into it as a novelty. I have the radio programming software for Kenwood's TK-3701D dPMR446 radio, but no radio.
There is also a DMR 446 license free version too. So in effect they have two different digital modes and analog FM available in a license free service. The cheap Chinese DMR radio could be used with the correct programming. I'm not going into the topic if that's really legal. That's their problem over there.
Kenwood sold, now discontinued, a NX-220/320 radio with a firmware update could be converted over to a dPMR radio. I believe I have the firmware, radio programming and license file writer software someplace archived on my FTP server at home. The problem is I need an "E", European, version of the above radios along with a license file to write to it so the feature is activated. I have an NX-320K, North American model which likely won't work.
NX-220E-320E.pdf The-effect-on-dPMR-446-of-the-new-digital-license-v3-2019.pdf Upgrading Kenwood NX-x20E to dPMR.pdf TK-3701D.pdf
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16 minutes ago, back4more70 said:
I think you would be better off with a UV-5R that has front panel programming.
I have one already. But it's not a digital enabled radio.
The only thing I have that comes close to the cheap Chinese DMR radio are my Kenwood TK-D340's.
https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/291-tk-d340u-front-and-back-2jpg/?context=new
That's if I can find them where the seller isn't asking well over $100 each for one. I managed to score a few for around $50 each, but I have to check the auction site frequently to catch somebody selling one and doesn't know what he has for sure. My buddy just got one the same way for about $50. He should get it in the next several days. I wouldn't consider these glove-box beater radios.
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Has anyone had any experience with these super cheap Chinese DMR radios? A buddy alerted me to them. For a glove-box beater radio at the price point it might be worth it.
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12 hours ago, kirk5056 said:
The fact that un-licensed people can legally communicate in each group is a good thing. At my cottage I have the channel NFM on my KG1000, KG905 and KG UV=9GX for the times that I dont use on of my FRS (very old Motorolas), I just have to remember to TX my FCC call sign.
I have one zone on my commercial radios programed for narrow band specifically to communicate with FRS users too.
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1 hour ago, gortex2 said:
As other said the software is pretty easy to find.
Depends on the radio model and manufacture.
For example the new KENWOOD radio series, NX-1000's, NX-3000's and NX-5000's they now require you to purchase a license key. The software communicates over the internet to valid the install before working. The keys are $100+ each and you can only have ONE install version of the software active at a time. If you have the software on more than one PC you have to deactivate the license on the one PC and activate the license on the one you want to use. Of course you can spend a wad of money buying more license keys. I have two desktop computers at work, one at home and a laptop. Buying a license key for each or trying to juggle the key between the various computers just isn't worth the hassle and cost.
So far I've only found a cracked version of the software for the NX-1000 series that has bypassed the license key check. That's why I'm an owner of several NX-1300DUK5 FM/DMR radios now, one I purchased new from a dealer. I've also purchased the DMR encryption license for each radio, which gets permanently written to it. If it wasn't for the cracked version of the software I NEVER would have purchased them. I would like to own one of the NX-3000's or better yet an NX-5000, but I can't justify the cost of the software license key to program one radio that i might use a few times.
IMHO if Kenwood is that worried about the software just roll the cost of the programming software into the cost structure of the radio and just give the programming software away. That's what they do for their amateur gear. The radio programming software is free.
If I spot a radio that looks interesting I'll check for documentation for it on line. But most important I'll look for the programming software. If I can't get it I just forget about the the radio I was looking at. Just about all commercial radios are just paper weights without the programming software.
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25 minutes ago, Sshannon said:
I’m sure that settles it once and for all.
It’s fair game to discuss. Eventually I suspect GMRS will go digital; I plan to resist until there’s a clear path.
By some reports it's already happening, unofficially. I guess FCC will have to deal with this sooner or later. One can either get on the bus, get run over by the bus, or just get the heck out of the way.
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2 minutes ago, Sshannon said:
That’s pretty common. Some repeaters use phased antennas that direct the pattern downward.
You can see that in the antenna specifications referred to as "Down Tilt" angle. The purpose is to direct a bit more power closer in to the base area of the antenna. Otherwise the signal strength can be a bit poor close in but much better once you get some distance out from the repeater site.
Both of the antennas in the attached datasheets have no down tilt. However look at the beam width specification. The higher gain antenna has a VERY narrow one, 14 degrees, compared to the lower gain one at 27 degrees. Something to consider before buying.
DB408-B Product specifications.pdf DB404-B Product Specifications.pdf
- VETCOMMS, SteveShannon and gortex2
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4 hours ago, gortex2 said:
Sorry but if a guy doesn't want someone on his repeater then he doesn't need to allow them on it. Granted profanity on it isn't correct but he has no requirement to allow users on his repeater. This isn't ham radio. Many forget about this.
There are some "closed" amateur repeaters. You have to be a "club member" to use them. Granted they are rare but not unheard of.
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9 hours ago, Sshannon said:
My wife gets around with Pride Elite GoGo scooter. As far as I can tell I never see any RFI and even when my 100 watt radio is transmitting it doesn’t appear to interfere with it.
That's good news.
I have stumbled across a story where a guy was running 1KW in their mobile. When he keyed up it would kill the engine of the vehicle next to them. Yes it's a very rare occurrence but does happen.
I'm surprised this topic doesn't get discussed more often. As the electronics contents of vehicles goes up the "potential" of interference to or from the vehicle's electronics increases. And with EV's that get even more concerning. I'm sure manufactures are doing a good job of EMC testing and shielding, but nothing is perfect.
- SteveShannon and WRXB215
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10 minutes ago, Adamdaj said:
Thank you for giving me an answer! I was just trying figure out you typical Power Wheelchair or Mobility Scooter would issues with the use of Two-Way Radios.
The majority of Airports or Railroad Terminals use Terminal Carts, which are Electric Vehicles. Of course, the operator uses their 2-way radio. However, I'm not sure if I have facts right when it comes to a two-way radio while moving. Does it effect, all electric vehicles or only wheelchairs and mobility scooters??
Like I said in my question, I know that don't have any issues with talking and moving at the same time. I wouldn't use an old AM CB, because AM would definitely pick up motor RF and add hum.
If I'm rambling on, please shut me up. I apologize for sounding like why I asked this question in the first place. I
I would suspect that the use of an FM radio would be less of an issue from a receiver stand point. However the RF generated could, in theory, could even jam an FM radio. I guess the real way to find out is get a radio and just try it. Basically any kind of motor controller can cause RF trash to be generated. The higher the voltage the controller uses the more likely the noise will be greater in amplitude. Also the closer the radio is to the motor controller, motor or interconnecting cables the more likely you might experience a noise problem.
People have had issues with electric fuel pumps over the years. Usually a capacitor and or ferrite installed on the wires by it works in some cases to cure the noise problem.
Somebody else was asking about fuel injector noise. Fuel injectors use a moderate high frequency AC signal on the main signal that activates the fuel injector. The injectors use a solenoid to force fuel into the cylinder. The solenoid shaft has a habit of sticking. The moderate high frequency signal, manufactures call it a "dither current" I believe, that very slightly vibrates the solenoid shaft to keep it from sticking and could be a source for RF noise.
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20 minutes ago, Adamdaj said:
Specking from someone who uses a Mobility Scooter and has a bit of knowledge of RF and RFI, but I tend to ask how my experience is different than the manufactures.
I been using Hand Held Transceivers while driving my scooter for years without RFI to the motors. Of course, Manufactures warn owners don't 2 - way radios, because the RF from the radio can effect. Individuals use their Cell Phones while driving, Of course, they're not driving on streets and interstates like regular vehicles. then while crossing heavy traffic streets, I guess no one should holding anything, but the Tiller. I never had any issues that caused malfunction to the motors on any scooter that I drove.
That's a very good question.
Lately the auto manufactures want to eliminate AM radios from their vehicles. I strongly suspect there is much more to it than a simple cost cutting measure. I'm even more suspicious when an EV is involved.
My professional work experience involves designing high power switching inverters for metal heating at high frequency. I know first hand just how much electrical RF trash these things generate. I also consult with a buddy who does work over the years on EV motor drives, very similar in design principle to what I do. In his case they have to do extensive EMC, electromagnetic compatibility, testing.
The AM radios are amplitude modulated receivers in the frequency range of 550KHz to 1600KHz. Some of the EV motor drives operate up to 150KHz in some cases. The harmonics from the switching waveforms can easily end up in the AM radio broadcast band. I think the manufactures just want to eliminate the AM radio option rather than spending gobs of money trying to shield the motor drive inverter electronics so it doesn't trash the radio in the dash. If it's not there then there is no complaints they have to deal with fixing.
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1 hour ago, wqrh320 said:
I know this is an old topic, however I just purchased a TK-3173-K off fleaBay and its locked where I can't read it or write to it with a blank data archive allowing me to change frequencies. I have the Kenwood Version 2.40 of KPG-101D software but need details on the "dealer/engineer serial install key" mentioned at the start of this thread. Any input on how to make this radio programmable would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
See your private messages. I sent you the info on how to do it. I've had other password locked radios off or eBay. It sucks when you get one unless you have a way to remove them.-
Oh, the TK-3173 is a very nice radio for GMRS. Its basically the same, uses the same software as the TK-3170, but it also includes trunking. If you have a Ham license you can program out of band frequencies in the radio, the software with generate a warning but will accept the entry, allowing you to put in some Ham 70cm repeaters.
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After doing some reading I would not recommend a TYT TH-9800 radio for Ham or GMRS. While they are a neat radio they apparently suffer from various issues. One seems to be failure of the audio amp chips from an over voltage condition. I have a buddy and his just had the audio die on one side the other week. See the linked YouTube video for one such failure and how the tech fixed it and added the parts that TYT left out to save money.
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1 hour ago, Sshannon said:
Are there any digital voice protocols that don’t require a proprietary codec at least? (If I’m saying that right…)
Here’s one example of an open source codec.
https://www.rowetel.com/wordpress/?page_id=452
Note that the open source mode dPMR has bits that tell the RX radio what codec is in use. The mode allows up to 4. One could be an open source version like the above. See attached file.
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1 hour ago, NavyBOFH said:
I will check in as I can but look forward to seeing what everyone says about this.
I’ve posted this before. You might want to download it for a good read if you haven’t seen it before.
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9 hours ago, WRKC935 said:
I know that someone brought up using a trunking controller that would look at radio ID's
I'm on another forum where somebody asked about getting the frequencies used on an NXDN trunking system from just the radio handset. They wanted the frequencies used just to scan. One poster said that's impossible without access to the system key file, available only from the trunking system admin. It just so happened one used radio I purchased came programed from a trunking system. The normal radio software won't read it without the key file. Well, I had a hacked version of the software that allows me to read the radio and save the info as a service file. I posted screen shots of the frequency lists etc. just to make a point that nothing is hack proof or secure as you would assume as far as the trunking info goes.
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9 hours ago, Sshannon said:
2. If you don’t know what that screw is there’s absolutely no reason to think that it is related to your picket fencing problem.
Yup. Many radios have been wrecked by application of the "Golden Screwdriver".
- WRWE456, SteveShannon and WRUU653
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An interesting proposal for GMRS+
in FCC Rules Discussion
Posted
There are 12 year olds with an Extra Class license. You would be in good company.