marcspaz

I went through my logs and only have data on two radios. My FTM-300DR and my MXT500. I know I tested a BTech/Baofeng, but can't find the data and don't have a radio to test right now. I tested using guidance per TIA-603, measuring the 12 dB SINAD reference sensitivity at 60% of the rated system deviation for the test signal. My FTM-300DR, which is a super-het, @ 462.725 MHz was/is -121 dBm or 0.2 uV. My MXT500, which is a direct conversion receiver, was -123.6 dBm or 0.14 uV. This is pretty important for people to be aware of. Just because superheterodyne receivers are known to be better technology than direct conversion receiver technology, that doesn't necessarily mean any given super-het radio will hear better than any other given direct conversion receiver. Brand and build quality matter. Midland is an icon in two-way radio and should not be dismissed as a player. Also, I did not measure my Moto's, but I can 100% tell you that while running both radios in my Jeep at the same time, I lost count of the number of times my Moto could here a signal well enough for a 100% copy, that my Yaesu couldn't hear at all. One of my friend is going to tune my Moto transmitter output power for me. I can ask him to run a 12 dB SINAD for my while its on the analyzer and share that info.

The Quick Shift is selectable from +20 MHz to -20 MHz. I can shoot a quick video a bit later today, if that would help?

The problem we are running into is, not all repeaters in our area are on the standard -1 MHz shift. I have 7 repeaters stored and two of them are 0.5 MHz shift. I can save them in memory, but the shift isn't variable. Every time we change the shift, it changes for every memory in that band. So, I saved 7 6m repeaters on my radio. 5 with standard offset and 2 as simplex, and just use the quick-shift feature to get the right input frequency for the non-standard offsets.

Looks like it's going to have to be saved as a split. So, save the repeater output as a memory, and then program the quick-split button for the offset you want to transmit on (menu 05-13). That way, you can just go to the memory, and then press the Split button and you are good to go. Almost all of the 6m repeaters programed into my radio are -1 MHz ... but there are 2 that are -0.5 MHz and that is how I ended up setting up those two.

I can't find my cable or software, which are probably both I the radio box, which I'm sure has been thrown away by now. I'm going to head to Ham Radio Outlet in a couple hours. I need it to read and program my radio.

I think you have to program it as a split, instead of an offset. But have to check.

Hmm. I haven't tried that, but the RT Systems software should let you program custom splits per memory channel. I'm at a customer site, but can look when I get home.

Exactly. The nature of its use defines its type. A flat head screwdriver is a craftsmans tool when it turns screws, and a burglary tool when used to steal a car.

I must be missing something. Where is that in the rules? I ask because how we use the radio defines what the radio is. For example, by definition a base station is a station at a fixed location that communicates directly with mobile stations and other base stations. However, the exact same radio can be a control station, as defined by use of a station at a fixed location that communicates with mobile stations and other control stations through repeater stations, and may also be used to control the operation of repeater stations.

Mine is primarily for offroading and keeping in touch with my family and friends while local.

Not only is it not allowed (as normal practice), the only way to use the repeater in that configuration would be to use non-type approved hardware or otherwise type approved hardware with a configuration that invalidates its certification and legal use. So, it would be a double no.

That's awesome! You're going to have a blast. I have to run into a meeting, so I will post some more a bit later today. The number one thing for me was to set the scan edges up per band, so I can scan and listen while driving. That way you don't have to watch the radio or manually adjust it. The best part is, while scanning, when you hit the top or bottom edge, it just loops back to the start of the frequencies again.

I'll own that one.

@tweiss3 I have the FT-891 in my Jeep. That radio is an absolute winner. I have worked 103 countries while mobile, including most of Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, and several in Asia and most of South America. 10/10 would recommend.

Funny you should ask... Cricket Ventures worked with Wouxun to develop a GMRS mobile radio that now know as the KG-1000G. I worked with Danny from Cricket Ventures in 2020 to do an unbiased eval of the only prototype in existence at the time. Man, I fell in love with that radio the moment I turned it on. Anyway, per my communications with Danny, the electronics of the KG-1000G are indeed the KG-uv980 with different firmware. While I have never used a radio that was marketed as the KG-uv980, with the success of the KG-1000G, I have to think the KG-uv980 is a rock star, too.

@Lscott it's really just a trash copy of the Yaesu FT-8900r. I think they sold a ton of them after Yaesu stopped making the 8900, based on Yaesu's reputation instead of their own.

It's time for me to switch things up again. Not sure what I'm switching to yet, but I pulled my XTL5000'S out of the Jeep today. I'm thinking of going back to a MXT500 or possibly an MXT575. I love the simplicity. Also, I removed the hi-lift from the hood and removed my light bar in preparation for some new Rigid cubes that are on the way. Of course I had to flex to showoff the clean, new look. LOL

Man, just for giggles, I searched for lifted Camry. This thing is pretty wild. Still not a Jeep, though. Ha

Just a short video from this past weekend. @hfd376 and a few others local to the area joined me for a nice New Year's Eve trail ride.

I found out this is being done to aquire real names, addresses, email accounts, etc. to start the process of targeting people for identity theft.

Typically, the higher you go into the atmosphere, the colder it gets. However, a rapid influx of high pressure can cause a temperature inversion. This pushes a layer of warmer air up into the troposphere. These rapid transitions will typically occur in Spring and Fall when there are very rapid temperature changes during sun rise and sunset. While it occurs in the Spring, it's most prevalent in Fall.

Occasionally a troll in the valleys will pop up when we are on top of the mountains, but even that is rare. Unless there is a big event where we have 600-800 vehicles sharing 3,000 acres, everything is very quiet.

Pretty much everyone I know personally... we all use the exact same methods.

Just a quick heads-up, for those local, a group of us are heading up to Flagpole on New Year's Eve day. If anyone wants to tag along, I'll share the details. Also, phase 1 of the Gladiator is done. Phase 2 should start in mid-February.

Hi everyone. I have had some things come up in my life that have been taking up a lot of my time. I have not had the time nor energy that NOVA GMRS deserves. I am going to take a step back from a leadership role for awhile. I'll still be around the group to chat and will be on the air. However, I have asked Jack Ramberg to take the lead in my absence. He's graciously agreed. Thanks for being a wonderful group and for all the new friends. Talk to you soon. Marc