Logan5

I also have a Bridgecom, but for a trailer with 12v power, a repeater made of two mobile is a better choice. Yes the bridgecom can be run from 12v but it is made to run on AC power and 12v as a backup. You should be able to find a nice repeater made of two Motorola's on E-bay, that can be run full power from your trailers house batteries. Also depending on the length of your trailer, you may be able to forgo the duplexor and run two antennas. Not to mention a new Bridgecom is expensive.

do lots of testing with what you have on hand as well as some well thought out purchases. It is true that each potential radio site is different and you may be surprised at the results. Things to consider for testing, a push up pole, they make them 20 to 90 feet or so, buy what you think is best for you. a yagi antenna, can give you a huge advantage when testing and setting things up, even if you end up with an omni in the end. I have used LMR400 and 600 only, both pretty flexible and easy to keep from damaging. good first timer cable. If money is no object, I also have a list. lol

I read the part about the spectrum analyzer picture and he did not think the TX was at all foul? did not even mention the side peak. I should also mention mine is an all together different radio.

This is the best picture I cold take of the output

Thanks Berkinet, This analyzer output looks similar, only the second peak is about 1/2 to 2/3rds the height of the main peak under my test. Also I noticed more low power scatter. I imagine it is different from radio to radio of the same model. lack or absence of quality control is likely to blame.

I would say highly likely. so I plan to try to replicate the results. should I have an exact measure from antenna to antenna? How can I prove it's not user error? I only have one spectrum analyzer. used same RX antenna on the analyzer. I will try again.

I should also mention, I am not well versed on the analyzer I am using. I am still learning to use it.

Ok this time I used my spectrum analyzer for a quick test, and know why the mini walkie shows such high power. unlike all other radios in my quick check, the mini walkie has two peaks and additional low power splatter. Since this test was quick, I did not measure the frequency for the peaks or low power splatter, but it looks to be centered within 3 wide band channels. I have not repeated this test so these are first readings. but looks very messy so far. Even the BF-T1 had a clean single peak. Will update when I run more test.

doing power testing with the mini walkies, since the mini's have non detachable antennas. I connected a UHF antenna to the input of my meter, and hold the radio next to that antenna. I have noticed the tiny radio similar to the one in OP "mine has a simple display" has the highest reading of ALL of my HT's. not sure if this clean power or a splatter puss, but it sure is noticeable on a simple meter. I have a spectrum analyzer that I plan to run and view the output to learn more. Will update here.

Yes, but if you speak for more than 15min's someone in the party would need to cwid or voice ID. Our repeater CWID's on the hour 9am to 9pm. That ID is only applicable to 3 of us, the rest must ID, with each TX and every 15min's.

So nice of you. Thanks...

I stopped getting request about a month ago, the last two request I received, I was unable to reply through the MyGmrs system and had to send a text to the number listed in the request. There may be an error in the latest SW update. I believe I have already e-mailed Rich about this, but will contact him again later today.

Welcome to the forum MikeRod, The UV5r is not a good radio for a beginner. It is capable of TX'ing on frequencies that you are not licensed for and could easily interfere with Public service and Emergency services. Not to mention it is not Part95 certified for use on GMRS. Consider the Baofeng GMRS V-1 or the Tera GMRS radio.

Indeed, contact each seller and let them know their listing is misleading. Contact the FCC and and E-bay and give them all the info you collect on each seller.

Misleading, yes. illegal to sell, no.

It is not illegal to sell these radios, It may be illegal, after you buy one to actually key it up. I have not seen a listing that claims part95 type acceptance. There is nothing e-bay can/should do. These radios are sought after by a particular type of radio user and therefore listings for said radios are not spam.

It's not part95, they also make one with a display, and baofeng makes a BF-T1 that is much nicer. also not part95. both TX is actually about 1w, the mini has horrible tiny sound, but unnoticeable on RX end. the T1 has good sound TX/RX

since your mobile is set to open it can hear anything on that channel, even a radio transmitting a PL/DPL, Your HT does not hear your mobile since you have the PL set to 141.3. PL/DPL tones do not provide privacy they only reduce interference from other radio transmissions.,

Agreed, I also have no experience with said model of Browning antenna, but I love their Yagi's, All aluminum, simple single active element design, solid mast mount and wind survival in excess of 110mph. I though it was called stainless steel, because it would be stainless? lol

You should be on Linux, I use with Libre office, chirp, and it's a happier place than anything MS, only windows machine I keep is an old laptop, only way to program the bridgecom

I always though it was common courtesy to use low power and only use High power when it is actually needed. I was several miles out yesterday and still managed a 5 out of 5 with only 500mw, and the battery last longer.

For what it's worth. It will unlikely TX at 5w most I have tested TX 3.2 to 3.7w, I have only used the cheap MFJ analog meter. I have also used to text TX of repeater after the Duplexor and get about 36w of 40 stated. I would like to hear others TX readings, of course those not using a CB meter. lol

Welcome to the site. Buyer be aware. those are not simple radios, but UHF/VHF radios, they are very complicated for family, and very easy to accidentally or even intentionally cause interference to other services as well as Emergency comms for local police, EMS and so fourth. That is why they are not certified for use on GMRS.

Two yagi antennas pointed at each other one 25 feet and the other 35 feet @ 5 watts really only 3.7 a lil over 11 miles, with the limited height it was only 4 out of 5 but usable, now that I have 55 feet on my end is 5 out of 5, but we use the repeater, as a dedicated link takes up too much tower space. I truly wish I had access to the roof of a 12 to 20 story building, then I could do other UHF stuff with my tower. I shut down from time to time to scan the other GMRS channels, has been a wile. got a Mag NMO on the truck, use a cheap window clip in the new SUV, around the house, I use low power 500mw and a unity nub BNC antenna. Out and about I use the typical soft rod 12 inch antenna in the BNC version

You are hearing a repeater output. they can not hear you unless you activate the repeater input on 467 with proper PL.DPL tone.