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Extreme

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Posts posted by Extreme

  1. I'm hoping the cost does get lowered for the same reason.  Our local off-road/Jeep group (I'm a newish member) looks to be moving to GMRS. I'd like to encourage that with these folks but don't really want to be the one to pressure them to get licensed.  I plan to bring up the topic Saturday during our run. Might be more attractive at $35 but these guys can afford $70.   I'll bring my 3 HT and talk to them about the 25w mobiles I'm installing in the XJ and the X4 Wolverine.  There are a few lightly used repeaters in the area and I think it would be a hoot to take advantage of them while offroading different areas. 

    Another group is a free, no charge, just for fun, 'off-road' rescue group with a helluva bunch of guys with very capable rigs.  They just hang out and gang up for a rescue when requested, and have done some amazing stuff.

     

    Hell's bells, maybe we could find a good spot for a repeater of our own.  

  2. In my case it's NOT listed repeaters that ARE on the air.

     

    Sounds like a good time to try and hit some area repeaters while out and about in the hills and possibly report whether they function.  None of the 4 repeaters in this area are Updated on the map but I know 3 of them are working.  I've spoken with all the owners for tones and permission even if not requested, then powered them up.

    Some substantial elevation changes around here so expect to hit them from a long way.  Just have to get a 2nd party to play with.

  3. No problem.  So 6 or 15 inch?  Which one did you get?  I have the 15 so where mounted goes above the dash.  Plus live in the mountains and my mentor said "it is all in the antenna"

     

    I ordered the 15" since that seems to be the one folks are impressed with.  I'll keep the shorter version to fit in my 2-way radio dry bag for kayak fishing.  I also use the dry bag as a dust bag when hunting in the SxS.

     

    https://www.nrs.com/search/?q=uhf+radio

  4. Lots of different NMO mounts available for various mounting thickness: 

     

    https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/mobile-antenna-mounts-264/permanent-hole-mounts-266/3-8-nmo-hole-mounts-1291/

     

    I'll be installing a 1/4 wave on my Cherokee XJ that has a super thin roof so will probably back it up with something.

     

    Here's the antenna I use (and I carry and have used spares on my SxS).  It has worked A1 for me and is only 6" long.  If you look you'll find experts here saying 1/4 is still best bang for buck for ground comms unless you're trying to hammer elevated repeaters.

     

    https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-ab450-4476

     

    ADD:  I think Antenna Farm will build custom length coax.

  5. I live in Central Oregon south and would be interested in joining in on the myGMRS network but I don't see any repeater's in this area. Do I have options via cell or computer link? I'm not a techie so ideas welcome. 

     

    Thanks much all,

    Rob 

     

    Looks like Sweet Home, OR and Klamath Falls have repeaters.  If you select Outdated Repeaters on the Map they'll pop.  Whether they're in your area.. ?

    As to your linking question, I can't answer that with any expertise.

  6. Yeah, I too would be very interested in RV/TT mobile/base setups.  Good stuff when camping or especially hunting I would expect.  Will have mobile TK-8180 in my SxS (replacing fried 880) and will be installing another Kenwood 8180 in the dash of my Cherokee XJ in place of the stereo (simple Bluetooth speaker and my phone will get me all the music or radio I'll ever need).  I think a nice setup in the 5'er might be the ticket.  Again, thinking of replacing the stereo head in the trailer with a mobile unit and using both the OEM inside and outside speakers for the GMRS.

     

    Pretty sure someone here has posted some details on an RV setup so I'll have to go search.

     

    For the OP and to stay on topic.. I have 2 Wouxun 805G HT with no issues, easy to use and like them better than the Kenwood 3170 so far.  My experience is the battery lasts longer, but yours may vary.  I got amazing 20 mile distance HT to Mobile, simplex, last summer, even with a treed hill obstructing LOS.  Factory 805 antenna and simple 1/4 wave on the mobile.  And it was a solid connection, 5 x 5 both directions and an extended conversation.  Whether that's repeatable remains to be seen but it was borderline shocking at the time.

  7. Happy to report that BTWR has the Authentic Nagoya NA-771G Handheld GMRS Antenna (15.3 Inch / SMA Female)  in stock, I just ordered one and returning my Amazon NA-771 (no G).  I did a side by side check and two 805G with the NA-771G worked the best.  Yes a double blind study with third radio.

     

    https://www.buytwowayradios.com/nagoya-na-771g.html

     

    What's the difference between 701G & 771G?  They have both in stock.

  8. Nice review of the KG-805G... I learned a lot from your post and I do have two as a newbie to GMRS.  BTWR suggested them and later to read they played a part in designing them and getting them through the certification process.  No regrets.  

     

    I did add the Authentic Nagoya NA-771G Handheld GMRS Antenna (15.3 Inch / SMA Female) https://www.buytwowayradios.com/nagoya-na-771g.html which is out of stock...  Made a big different to reach repeater as the rubber ducky antenna could not do it.  Wait it was one of your post saying it is all in the antenna.  So I'm still waiting to install my Midland MicroMobile MXTA12 Antenna Mag Mount and Midland MicroMobile MXTA26 6db Gain Whip Antenna as awaiting shipment of the cable ends you suggested to complete installation in my Jeep Wrangler JLR.  

     

    Because I have a Mac, I use CHIRP software and can not do some of the things you like.. e.g. select scan channel.  So tell me more about firmware... I do not know how to find what release I have and how do you get and update firmware... I checked Wouxon website for firmware info.  Guess I must use Wouxon software on a pc.

     

    I do like this CCP product, like you will not drop test it yet.  I have said in other posts, I have two adopted Chinese twins girls now in their 50's now, who are so thankful to be here in America and have adult children here as well.  They have felt the loved of so many of Americans... They where victims in China and like American freedom.  They are great girls, my other 4 kids should learn from them.  

     

    So as it comes to products, I look for value, character of the mfg, and who will service the radio...  I'm not pro CCP but people have to do what they have to do in China...  NO spy girlfriends either... political joke.  

     

    In close over 30+ years, I spent 15 years in law enforcement and have used and respect Motorola equipment... and will add them to my select list if I do my own repeater.        

     

    Found the Nagoya NA-771 online but it does not have the 'G' in the model number.  Does it matter and what is the G representing?

     

    Thanks.

  9. I'm not familiar with code plugs.  I only have the one GMRS radio.  Can you suggest the software that I need?

    Really liked my 880 until I toasted it by ripping the antenna off and trying to transmit.. sizzle.  Have replaced with 8180.  Below is info on all you should need for the 880.

     

    Software

    KPG-49D 

    https://hamfiles.co.uk/index.php?page=downloads&type=entry&id=radio-programming%2Fkenwood-programming%2Fkenwood-kpg-49d-rss_2

     

    Programming cable:

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTDI-USB-Kenwood-Programming-Cable-TK-780H-TK-880H-TK-980-TK-981-KPG-46/163486194020?hash=item2610895964:g:lfAAAOSwARxfZCD5

     

    Manual:

    https://www.manualslib.com/k/kenwood+tk-880.html

  10. So far I use my KG-805G the most, even trying it in the car with a AMP.

    Out of the 3 different HTs that's i've tried out.

    Best receive signal of all. Cleaner and louder thanks to the SuperHet reciever.

     

    I am also waiting for the new KG-UV9G to be certified and released.

    That might end up being a very powerful HT.

    I've seen the KG-UV9P, and its really nice.

    https://bettersaferadio.com/bsr-wouxun-kg-uv9g-gmrs-two-way-radio-scanner/

     

     

    Just my .02 cents, but haven't gotten into the Icom or Kenwood,,, yet.  lol

    I appears that the only band usable in 2-way mode (TX) is GMRS.  Is the "No Transmit" on down the list, including ham, hardware restricted or could ham frequencies be used for coms with the proper ham ticket? 

  11. Thanks .

    Yup, first thing I did when I received the radios was download brochure and Service Manuals.

     

    Appreciate the link for the kit.  Didn't expect to see that on Amazon.  I'm not sure I'll need it if I replace the factory radio in the Jeep where I'd expect there's room and hopefully a good support option.  I'll have to ponder where else I might put the head unit if not in the factory slot.

     

    First thing I do is look for the radio brochure, its got all the add-ons that are available for that radio. https://manualzz.com/doc/8325970/kenwood-tk-7180_tk-8180-brochure

    Personally, I'd go with the remote head mount for the dash, unless you don't mind the full radio mounted up there.  The remote head just gives you  more location options. https://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-KRK-10-remote-control-NX-700/dp/B00R8M3ZWI

    I've removed my rash radio in my '98 Ram, replaced it with a  BCT15X scanner..I listen to local FD/PD more than I do the radio.

     

  12. PIcked up 2 TK-8180K mobiles, one to replace the burned up 880 in my SxS, the other to install in my Cherokee XJ.  With the front mounted speaker on these I'm thinking of a dash mount in both vehicles so wondering if someone has done this and might have a hint on the how-to?

    On the Jeep I'm considering replacing the Kenwood stereo head unit with the GMRS since I rarely do music and have my phone and bluetooth speaker for my radio listening.  Again, anyone done something similar?  I'll figure it out but maybe someone has insight.

     

    Will use 1/4 wave NMO antenna mounted in the roof of the Cherokee.  

     

    Thanks.

  13. Ya'll got me thinking..  I have 400w solar, 4 6v RV batteries and a 2000w pure sine wave inverter in my 5th wheel camp trailer parked near the house.  I've left the batteries in going on 5 winters and just let the quality charge controller handle the maintenance.  I do check water twice per year but so far have been able to leave them through the winter with no issues.

    What I do not have is a base, mobile, or repeater installed in the 5'er but I was already considering installing one in the place where the AM/FM Stereo is from the factory, or I can find another spot easy enough.

    I had not thought of that for any kind of emergency use but more for our couple months per year camping.  However, with 2 repeaters within HT range from the house (and one of them that hit me with ID from 50 miles while hunting at altitude) I guess it could be a decent base station if I want to play with it.  From what I'm reading I already have everything needed except the mobile and antenna.  ??

  14. That would be an advantage of a radio-on-a-chip and any modern radio over an old brick 3170. They are much more power-efficient when receiving. What helps is a new Li-Ion battery off ebay. My 3170 is usually good for the whole day (12-14 hours) with moderate talking.

    I did not know the AA pack exists, even if it does it is not really an option. The current when transmit is significant, that alkaline batteries cannot sustain for long. That probably is a reason for strange display effects and malfunction.

    My 3170 has new Li-ion.. Wouxun still lasts longer..  Not a big deal.  Interesting info on the AA.  Neither AA packs work with Kenwood or Wouxun but they still offer them.. hmm.

  15. Did you fill your elk tag?

    I didn't kill an elk but I helped two others get theirs, one at 3pm on the last day - both 17yr. olds and their first elk.  One of the father's is "terminal" so it was a very special day for them.  Also, rolled my SxS getting one of the elk off the mountain.  I survived w/o injury and damage to the Wolverine was minimal - lay on it's side for 48 hours, let it sit for half an hour when uprighted and it fired and ran first try.  Long story but the dead radio, topic of this thread, is a minor detail of the full adventure, along with a busted Stihl chainsaw and RotoPac mount.  I'm a very thankful old guy right now.. might make yet one more birthday.. 

     

    Wouxun HTs were flawless (battery life longer than TK-3170) and the 880 was great 'til I torched it.  Earbuds are a must for hunting.

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