OffRoaderX

He is correct though, it would be easier to help if we knew what radio the guy was using.. And I prefer his direct and to-the-point replies to the 5-10 paragraph uncecessarily-complicated answers that always include a full resume of the person leaving the reply as well as a list of all the radios they own. I guess we all have different want/needs in forum replies..

I used that setup for 6-8 months, off-roading every weekend and it worked fine for me - but I am hydro-adverse and we are usually in the desert so I cant speak to the IP rating, however dust did not seem to be a problem.

Basically yes, but there are also DTC/DCS tones in addition to CTCSS tones.

By design, there are numbered channels on GMRS & FRS for a reason - so that normal people can more easily use the radios and communicate amongst themselves. Anyone pushing frequencies over channels clearly has no understanding of GMRS, its intended use or its target audience.

On all Post 2017 GMRS & FRS radios GMRS channels 1-22 and FRS channels 1-22 are the same frequencies. No idea why your software does not know this.

Even setting up a ham radio for use with GMRS repeaters can be challenging for us simpletons. But a GMRS radio like the KG1000G or XS20G is very easy to setup. You dont even need the software, you can do it directly on the radio (but, it is easier with the software). If simplicity is your goal for GMRS, then do not get a CDM1250, XTL5000 or a ham radio - get a GMRS radio.

My Surecom SW-102 gives the same SWR readings as my RigExpert AA-650 antenna analyzier.. But the rest of your post was very impressive - You must be very smart!

I often get 1.1:1 - 1:2:1 on my MXTA26 and when I put it on a good groundplane I have seen 1.0:1 more than once.

Is yours one of the MXT400 units that can switch between wideband and narrowband? If so, make sure its on wideband.. If not, ask one of your friends to switch their radio (temporarily) to narrowband and ask them if it sounds better. if it sounds ok when you're both on narrowband, then, thats just the way it is.. If its not a narrowband issue, make sure you're not eating the mic.. IIRC, the MXT400 does not have an adjustable Mic gain, so your arm is the only way to adjust it. If neither of those help, call Midland and tell them you send you a new radio that works.

How close are the radios? Try it with the radios at least 50 feet apart.

Imagine living a life where you get so angry and butthurt over videos that nobody forces you to watch, that you then go around complaining and making up stories every chance you can.. We should all pray for sad people like this.

Also beware of "some people" that will chastise you for even thinking about using an XTL5000 on GMRS and watch out for the "experts" telling you that you will go to jail if you get a copy of the XTL5000 software..

You have to use the Motorola CPS specifically made for the XTL5000.

The hardest part about programming the XTL5000 is getting the software.. As for programming the radio: I learned everything about how to program it by watching youtube videos - I have a friend that I could call for things that really confused me and he also learned everything from Youtube and various websites. For most/many things, the programming is the same/very similar to the XTS5000 - seems there is more info out there for the XTS, which also helped me a lot.

According to the FCC Enforcement Database, since 2012, there are no ramifications. Unintended consequences include more "pure" spectrum-use since virtually every LMR radio is better designed and has far less spurious output than pretty-much any consumer GMRS radio on the market.

Just remember, smoke signals are line-of sight!

I'm using the Midland MXTA26 on my JKU and a Tram UHF (dont remember the model) trimmed/tuned for GMRS on the wife's LJ... My 20+ and 98 miles is in good conditions with good/decent line-of-site, which we have in many areas in southern california.. Put a forest, hills, or houses full of fat-people between me and the other radio, and the fars will drop significantly. Many/most radios are designed to operate at full power at 13.8V because thats what your car should be pumping out with the engine running - the MXT575 is one of those radios that craves 13.8V. Also bear in mind that some radios will just transmit on the low side (luck of the draw) and it is also possible that your (inexpensive?) meter is not 100% accurate.

Jeezus... "Some people" .....

Minor correction: There is still much in California that is not trunked and not encrypted. Non believers can watch this video to see what I get on my UV-5R (and other analog radios): --> https://youtu.be/z9FM0nQW4lw

Try putting them on scan to scan through all the channels.. But, also remember, that GMRS is primarily for point-to-point communications, for example talking to your group while off-roading, or staying in contact with your buddies while hiking, so it is entirely possible that you're not going to hear anything - and nobody here can help you with that.

Turn off the VPN and give it a try.

The answer to your question is "NO" .. Weird that after so many words, the question still had not been answered.

I use the Samlex SEC-1235M for my multiple KG-1000G radios, my other 50W radios and even my 110W radio.

You (and everyone) is welcome to join our National Net via Zello, every Thursday night at 7PM (Pacific).. No Facebook, no dues, no fees, no mandatory meetings. See how here: https://www.notarubicon.com/zello-gmrs-repeater/