BoxCar

The FCC regulations prohibit the use of a cross-band repeater as it combines two different services.

The UV-9GX is supported under the latest version (0421) of CHIRP.

I'd be wary of the gain claim. A unity gain antenna which means literally no real world gain, can be rated as a 2.5 dBi gain antenna and be correct. DBi gain is measured with an imaginary antenna or isotropic antenna. Unless the manufacturer states how they are measuring the gain the claim is suspect.

Power is always nice, but in the ham world the mantra is to use the least amount of power required. The key piece is always the antenna with the higher the better as height is more important than gain. I will state the 3 things to weigh in deciding the next step is always antenna height, antenna gain and then transmitter power. The antenna points are always affected by SWR and losses in the feed line.

Aye, Aye sir!

Or operate a pirate FM radio station and not keep your public file correctly.

I do not suggest you do this but, many of the amateur handheld radios can be unlocked to operate outside the amateur frequencies. Most of them will operate then in the frequency range you are looking for with 5W or more power.

The primary issue is the word "fixed". Steve is using in the sense it is stationary while the FCC uses the term to define a radio station meant to connect to another radio station where both are located in fixed locations and communicate only with each other. Fixed, in this case, means stations having a fixed or geocoded location that has been identified on their station license and application.

Gentlemen, Uncle Yoda is correct in the definition and use of a fixed station. Fixed stations only communicate to other fixed stations. Fixed stations DO NOT communicate to other mobile, handheld or base stations. The most common examples of fixed stations are SCADA stations used to monitor events and microwave sites. Microwave sites and SCADA stations only talk to another station of the same type, SCADA to SCADA and microwave to microwave. Base stations, operating from a "fixed" locations, communicate with other base stations, portable units and mobile units. A repeater site, even though it is in a stationary location is not a fixed station because of how it is used. It fits the definition of a base station as it passes communications between other base stations, mobiles and portables. Fixed stations use highly directional antennas such as a Yagi or parabolic dish pointed at the ONE station set to receive their transmissions. So, the radio in your house or the repeater you use, even though their locations are fixed - as in stationary - they are not fixed stations.

You can always ask them to repeat their call sign a little slower so you can log it.

Repeater hopping through passing codes across the air isn't possible with the current technology. Linked repeaters are connected through a separate network either through microwave or landline links.

Without being more specific a complete list would span DECADES of approvals and that could be over a 1000 units.

I would follow the ham repeater protocol and just state <call sign> is monitoring, anyone out there?

QRZ and Gigaparts are offering new hams a great 2M 440 handheld for less than $15. QRZ New Ham Jumpstart Program This program is only available to Amateur Radio Operators whose (first) FCC license was issued within the past 6 months. This program is designed to promote amateur radio to the masses, helping to eliminate a possible barrier to entry by providing new hams with everything they'll need to get on the air at a very reasonable price. Jumpstart Packages will be provided to new hams who meet eligibility requirements. New hams who have recently obtained their first license from the FCC may apply for a welcome package. Applicants must apply within 6 months of the license grant date per the FCC records. The eligible ham must have a QRZ user account and be able to log in and apply for the program. Certain types of identification, including a photo ID, will be required. This information is not shared or exchanged with any party and is used only to validate eligibility under this program. Additional shipping charges may apply when shipped outside of the contiguous 48 states. This program is available exclusively to USA licensed amateur radio operators. New Ham Jumpstart Program - QRZ.com

You're in for it now. Constant questions, debate and the pursuit of ever newer and better radios!

As people keep saying, it isn't the power that's key, it's the antennas. All increased power means is you have a stronger signal in the areas you already cover. UHF is line-of-sight so the "fix" is to get the antennas where they can "see" each other. Raising an antenna 6 feet gives you about a 2 mile increase in coverage area and that is much more important than pushing power into the same smaller area you currently have. This isn't CB (or low band VHF) that will somewhat follow the terrain, this is radio waves that reach the horizon and continue on into the ether.

Look for a local radio dealer. Google will be your friend here.

I believe what the note about an external GPS is it means an external antenna connected to the tablet.

The other point in your post - Increased power does not mean increased range with UHF frequencies.

RCA is another option. RCA Mobile Radios (radiodepot.com) BRM300D_Spec-sheet_print-1.pdf

It sounds as if the final power amplifier stage was blown. By any chance could the radio have been keyed up without an antenna or dummy load attached?

Make certain you have no tones set on your receive frequency.

Antennas are radio agnostic. As long as the impedance is right and the connectors match antennas work. So yes, the Midland antenna will work with almost any radio.

Actually, the person requesting to transfer the license only needs to be eligible to hold the license. It does not need to be business to business for 90.35 frequencies. The same is true for Part 90.20 licenses as well. The transferee must be eligible under the rule to hold a public safety class license. The classes of individuals are listed but include veterinarians and disabled persons.

What model/brand of HTs are you trying to program?