makes sense. I contemplated the uv5r plus ones but i cant find anything reliable that says they come unlocked. im not trying to "use them in an unauthorized manner," and i am smart enough to use chirp to code out tx on emergency bands and such to prevent accidental transmitting, but i want the freedon to tinker how i see fit with gmrs simplex and such while using my uv5g plus's for actual communication. yes I picked the lowest possible barrier to entry in case I get bored with the entire thing and throw them in a drawer... I can always upgrade as I grow more if i keep with it. I plan on studying for HAM as well and if I stick with it, getting that license as well.