OffRoaderX

This link has all the info: https://gprivate.com/6b4um

I have never seen nor even heard of a GMRS repeater setup like this.. where can i find the listings for these thousands of other GMRS repeaters set up this way?

It's all nothing more than opinions and guesses until you try it. Based on my actual experience, actually using the RT97, I would GUESS it will probably be fine, depending on the terrain as already mentioned. One of the great things about the RT97 vs a "real" repeater (based on my experience using and comparing both types) is the very low power-draw, meaning if you are running it on emergency batteries, it will last a lot longer than a bigger, "better", more powerful repeater. I would also recommend using a good quality antenna, that is correctly tuned for GMRS, and lightly better quality radios - something simple enough for everyone to use, but at least dust and weatherproof. I would also recommend making sure everyone has extra batteries and keeps them charged - a monthly/semi-monthly test with everyone would be a good reminder for everyone to charge and rotate the batteries. EDIT: I forgot the most important part: good quality coax and connectors.. Not just to reduce loss, but to avoid water intrusion.

If you are inferring that the radio cannot be programmed via the keypad, you would be wrong. You are also wrong about it not being much different from any other radio.. But other than that, you're 100% right.

I heard a rumor that the self-inflicted Queen Of All That Is GMRS has had one for a few months and really likes it, and will be making a video about it on the same day that Midland officially makes it available for purchase. But you know, thats just a rumor.

Me too..

I have a hammer and a butter-knife, I can take anything apart.

It works.

On GMRS repeaters and people using GMRS radios, NO to all. However if you give your callsign, anyone listening can very easily look it up on the FCC website and see your name and address unless you have taken steps to conceal it.

1) the repeater owner set it up wrong 2) the repeater owner doesnt want to transmit his name and address

What, exactly do you mean by "nothing but static" ? YOU hear static, or people are reporting that you sound like static? Or, something else?

No, but most (99.8%) do. Always read the label before buying.

Who would ever do such a thing!?

Mine did not come with a programming-cable.. Scathing video review to follow..

1: Probably, but, for regular use, talking to regular people on the road while driving and not taking scientific measurements with equipment, you will probably never notice 2: The ideal distance is as far as possible, but again, if you are using your radio to talk with people instead of taking readings on scientific instruments, you will never notice the difference The moral of the story is there is "it will not work" and "it may not work perfectly" - beware of "some people" that are incapable of understanding the difference.

Not that transmit data.. C'mon, keep up man.

Not without knowing how YOU define the word "good", and/or what is important to you in an antenna and radio.. My "good" is probably very different from your "good".

"The Queen of GMRS"

I'm not sure what your overly-pedantic point is? are you saying that the FCC IDs and certifications are meaningless and do not matter? Please clarify so we all can understand if we should ignore the FCC IDs and certifications or not.

Wow, that sounds serious! What happens if I disassemble my FRS radio and attach it to a larger, removable antenna?

I have been told that they are a loving and welcome bunch, right before I was called "too stupid to pass the test" for asking a question about resonance on a 2M antenna.

Although on paper the UV-5R is not as sensitive as my XTS5000 and XTS2500's, the UV-5R is far from "deaf". and in my daily, "normal person" usage, I have never noticed the difference in sensitivity between my Motos and my Baofengs. I dont doubt that you may notice a difference, but the average, normal person, doing average, normal things, will not notice any difference 97% of the time.

Just my little $0.02 of an update. According to the man that spec'd the KG-1000G with Wouxun, all of the GMRS rules & restrictions are burned into the firmware, and according to him, the radio cannot be unlocked.

This is actually a VERY good point.. I am The Queen Of GMRS, and even I dont rely on GMRS (or H.A.M.) for emergency communication when out off-roading because 90% of where we go has no Cell,GMRS, or H.A.M. coverage.. I carry a Garmin Inreach, and I too have NEVER had a message not go through.

The firmware updater runs only on Windows.. It *might* run via Parallels on your Mac.. But, it might not.. and I dont recall, but you may also be able to do it via the ODMaster app... But... are you really sure you even need the firmware update? I usually avoid firmware updates unless it fixes something I actually care about.