WSHB443

I have one H3 GMRS and one H3 HAM. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong. I agree, the keypads are a little on the small side, but you can set the radio up using software, which helps some. I plan on getting another GMRS version so I have a pair.

Received my radio a couple weeks ago and have set it up using the PC programming software offered by Radioddity. I have been able to test it with a couple of the repeaters local to me in the DFW area and according to the folks I was talking to, the radio came across nice and clear. I have it in a portable configuration, keeping the lighter adapter and mounting the radio on the cupholder radio mount from Radioddity. For anyone that orders the bundle from Radioddity, be aware that the magnetic mount is not NMO antenna compatible, but actually is designed for a PL-259 type antenna. Overall, I'm happy with the radio so far, and just have to use it more. I hear conversations in the local area, but when I try to connect with them, no reply. My guess is either they are using PL codes for a "neighborhood" network, or they are on base stations and are not able to hear me call out on my handheld or on this radio.

WSEN940 thank you for the post about your experience with this radio. I'm hawking the mailbox for the day mine arrives. Also, thank you for your experience with the DB25-G. Reading through multiple on-line reviews (mostly on the jungle website), I noted how many people had the DB25 completely fail within the first few months of use. Pretty surprising, considering that most of the complaints about the DB20-G were related to output power not being exactly 20 Watts when measured, but much fewer issues with the robustness of the radio itself. The bad comments about the DB25 were enough for me to steer clear, just to potentially get 5 more Watts of power for less reliability. Question for the group: Does everyone isolate their power, much like you would for a CB radio, and connect directly to the battery and ground point, in order to avoid any electronic interference noise? Does everyone just use their cigarette plug as is? I'm comfortable wiring direct in my pickup, as I've already done so for my CB radio setup. For now, this radio would roam between vehicles as required, and I might not want to do a direct wire setup for every vehicle. I'm sure there are trade-offs, but unless the radio is completely unusable, I will probably use the cigarette lighter in my car and wife's car for the time being.

There are about four or five repeaters that I venture near to add to the radio. I also figure if there is ever a firmware update (and I "need" to install it), being familiar with the native software is probably a good idea.

Thank you Steve and WRYS709 for your replies. That helps. I will probably try the free software first, just to see how the radio is programmed from the factory. I will check out the RT website anyway, just to learn more. I took the plunge and purchased a DB-20G "kit" directly from the Radioddity website (free shipping). When you figure in the extras (mag mount for antenna + cup holder radio mount) it was a pretty good deal for me to have a portable mobile system that can move between vehicles/house/shack until I decide to get another.

Steve, I apologize for my ignorance here: What is/are RT Systems? I'm guessing that's a radio programming software suite? Thanks...just lurking/figuring out what mobile radio I want to buy. I'm leaning towards the DB-20G as a less expensive alternative to get started with. Thanks. Cheeers, Bill