BoxCar

The majority of Part 97 mobile units are not capable (on their spec sheets) of accessing GMRS frequencies but are modified for operation in Part 95 frequencies. It is also true that almost all Part 97 radios are not certified for GMRS operation but many do reach those frequencies and are used by licensees throughout the areas covered by FCC regulations. We all recognize that a radio must carry an FCC certification for the service it is used in however, many of us holding GMRS licenses knowingly use, and champion the use, of Part 97 radios on Part 95 frequencies. Is the Commission aware of this issue? You can be certain they are. The question that remains is if the use of a radio certified for use in the amateur UHF band causing issues affecting users in the GMRS frequencies problems. As it appears this is not an issue affecting other licensed users it may not be seen as an issue requiring action by any division within the Commission. Bottom line, yes it is against the FCC regulations to use an uncertified unit but as the unit is certified to operate in a companion service on adjacent frequencies the radio would probably continue to operate within the limits specified for the uncertified service. Thank you for your insights as to the use of the radio as a same band repeater. I may have to rework the configuration to add an external duplexer and second radio.

Has anyone looked at this offering by Baofeng? The manufacturer's literature states it is a self-contained cross-band and same band repeater due to the independent receiver and transmitter. With its low price it would make a great single unit repeater. My understanding i the radio would also require an internal duplexer for operation as a repeater. The literature isn't real clear on that point.

I have a pair of BF-888S HH and can't seem to get them to scan. They've been programmed in CHIRP with channel 16 blank but when I turn the radios to 16 all I hear is a tone. Suggestions?

The claim Moto is shutting down Vertex goes back to the acquisition date. It's more like some product lines have been shut down and other products migrated to the Moto brand more than the brand going away. That doesn't mean it isn't in the works, just not in the near future from discussions I have had with reps from Moto corporate.

One of the key points about programming the radio is no modification was performed on the transmitting or receiving components. Accessing the frequency table through an external cable or keyboard is allowed and does not constitute a change required by a licensed operator.