[Portable Radio Shack Walk-thru]

Great setup you have there!

[GMRS-50X1 Features Review]

Well, I'll put my GMRS-V1 to the side and continue using my XTS3000 and TK-372G.

[450~512 MHz or 400~470 MHz - Which one do I want ???]

I recommend 400-470 if you think you'll eventually get your Ham license or would like to monitor Ham.

 

If not then 450-512 is fine, but I've never had a need to go past 467.

 

They both work the same for GMRS since GMRS is just 462-467.

 

I second this comment!

[Btech Gmrs-v1]

I just used CHIRP this afternoon to add the weather channels. It took a minute, but I finally figured it out.

 

I right clicked on the channel I wanted, clicked on properties, then entered the frequency that I wanted.

 

That's what I had to do when I programmed mine last night.

[WRCN926's GMRS Collection]

I guess I should add will we see your opinion/comparision on the quality, reception and usage of you fleet?

 

I recently looked at the FCC part notes for the GMRS-V1.  At the time of this post, I was unable to access the FCC OET Authorization Search page.  But, I was able to access another page with information on this radio (https://fccid.io/2AGND-GMRS-V1).  

 

I see that this radio uses the 15K5F3E emission rather than the traditional 16K0F3E or legacy 20K0F3E on the 462 MHz frequencies.  This radio also uses the same 15K5F3E emission on the 467 MHz frequencies rather than the 11K0F3E emission.

 

And, take note of the power output on these frequencies.

[WRCN926's GMRS Collection]

Is the Motorola your go to radio or does the size kinda put it the number 2 spot?

 

Pretty much finished programming the 2x GMRS-v1 I have.

Even with a 6.5" counterpoise antennas (and without) on them they aren't as clear or loud as the QuanSheng UV-R50 ( Baofeng UV5R clone). I've swapped the Nagoya Na-771 and Nagoya NA-701c between the two radios and the QuanSheng sounds better. No range test on them either. Not a Ham yet so the UV-R50 is pretty much receive mode only radio for me. The build on the GMRS-v1 feels sturdier then the Quansheng, not like it matters they are all cheap radios and the UV-R50 won't see action for a while.

 

Should be interesting to see whom performs the best. An expensive American radio, expensive Japanese radio or a cheap Chinese radio. Obviously, all three could of have been made in China.

 

The Motorola is my "go-to" radio.  Due to its transmitting power (max. 4 w) and the tuned antenna, I use this radio the most.  The GMRS-V1 comes next as it is repeater compatible and has extra features.  The Kenwood TK372G comes last.

[WRCN926's GMRS Collection]

I guess I should add will we see your opinion/comparision on the quality, reception and usage of you fleet?

 

I've had the XTS3000 for a while.  I purchased a tuned GMRS antenna for it a couple of weeks; I am very impressed with the combination of the antenna and the radio.  I purchased the Kenwood TK372G from a GMRS group on Facebook (one of the users had a flash sale).  It's smaller than the XTS3000; it is a solid radio.  The GMRS-V1 is a feature-packed radio; it has a built-in conventional scanner (I monitor the local ham repeaters).  It also has a built-in FM radio and flashlight.  I think it transmits at .5w low power and 2 w high power; it has all 22 GMRS channels.  

 

I did a quick audio test; the XTS3000 has great audio, but so does the Kenwood TK372G and the GMRS-V1.  I'll do another audio test and report my findings this evening.

[WRCN926's GMRS Collection]

These are the radios that I have in use for GMRS, from left to right:

From left to right:

BTECH GMRS-V1 (just got it today)

Kenwood TK-372G (Bought this at a flash sale)

Motorola XTS3000 (bought this a week before Christmas; has a tuned GMRS antenna which is shorter than the stock antenna; I do realize that this is a Part 90 radio)

[GMRS Channels 8-14 Power Question]

Thank you all for clarifying this for me! I'll leave those frequencies out of my radio since the lowest it can transmit is 1 W. You all are appreciated!

[GMRS Channels 8-14 Power Question]

Hello, everyone!  Hope that all is well.  I have a question in reference to GMRS channels 8-14.  I do understand that, in terms of wattage, one can transmit at ½ watt; however, I’ve read (on two other sites) that one can transmit at much more power (at least 5 W), if you’re using a programmable part 95 (or part 90) radio.  Is that so?

 

I do own a part 95 radio that can transmit at 1 W low power and 4 W high power.

 

Thanks for your time!