Extreme

Are you saying the "Prolific" serial to USP chips are fake? Or that there are "fake Prolific" cables labeled as Prolific but not genuine? I have one (ebay) for the Wouxun 805G (serial - USB is where my laptop put it). It's from the recommended ebay cable seller. His reply to my question on why it wouldn't work for me was, "I cannot find any software for that radio.". I also have the Wouxun cable and CD from the dealer but the software won't work with either the Wouxun cable or the ebay cable. It tries to read from the radio then gives the dreaded "Connection Fail". Thankfully, I got the 805'G' so it's programmable with the keys, the 805 is not. I was under the impression the ebay cable was plug 'n play, no software required. First off, the drivers didn't load automatically so had to go online for them. .zip files, and that confuses me at the git-go but I did my best until successfully loaded drivers. Same "Connection Failure". Verified COM Port, etc. But it is in there as serial - USB. Again, I can take this up on another thread later on. I did comment to my wife that folks tend to write instructions for people who 'know stuff'.. poor assumption in my case.. lol. But for now all my radios should be programmed to my needs. Thanks again gang!

Similar description of OST in the 3170 manual that I read before posting above. I guess my question is: will OST allow me to modify PL tones? Not real clear for this layman. Actually it's moot now, since I had the dealer program a button for OST (free programming with purchase) along with the PL tones for repeaters in 3 states that I expect to at least try (8 total, a few 'redundant', and a few with unique PL/CTTSS, as in not 141.3). I have a handy spreadsheet for reference if necessary. A few repeaters in the wide area are identical but hundreds of miles apart so all I need to do is pull up the myGMRS App on my phone to confirm them and fire away. I've already obtained permission for them, regardless of whether that was required - all have been very accommodating and a few very encouraging. Whether OST does what I hope with PL tones is not a big deal but would be nice. Thanks for the software/cable links. I've had zero luck with programming another radio so suspect it's the operator.. that's a topic for another thread. Thanks to all. Kenwood TK-3170 OPERATOR SELECTABLE TONE You can change the preset encode and decode tones for the selected channel. Your dealer can program up to 40 tones on your transceiver. To turn OST ON or OFF, press the key programmed as OST. • The OST indicator ( this function is activated. To change the preset encode/decode tones: 1 Press and hold the key programmed as OST for approximately 1 second. • The OST name appears on the display this function 2 Press the <B and C> keys, rotate the selector, or enter an appropriate number using the DTMF keypad to select your desired encode/decode pair. 3 Press the Side 1, S, or and return to normal operation.

Yes, that's been discussed. Seems the 1/4 wave will work best as far as RF goes and has the added benefit of it's 6" length. The NGP antennas are much longer and would be a pain for overhead clearance on a UTV, would require spring loaded base, etc. I'll probably run the 6" on the kayak rack with an extension bracket for starters to see how it works then move to the ground plane listed above if I think it will help. The antenna will be on a 2" flat of angle aluminum that is tied to a 1" wide piece of steel, in turn tied to 1.5" steel roll bar.. all above the UTV plastic roof. Not as complicated as it sounds. Expecting my Kenwood 880 (and a 3170) Friday so will probably get the install done over the weekend. I'll post pictures if allowed and we can tear into it then. Nothing will be done that can't be undone or modified (bolts, not welds), and done with stuff I had laying around.

Although in Nevada I travel your area a couple times a year and have the .550 repeater in your area programmed into my radios. Will be interesting to see how far out I can hit it (Howe, maybe?). Will try from Dubois and the top of Monida (doubtful)

Searching that page: both Montana and Idaho have laws 'pending' in their legislatures but cities in both states have their own hands-free laws. And, as Downs said, "Y'all are assuming the cops even know the ins and outs of these laws.", there's a chance you'd have to argue with an officer even if you were on a two-way radio that's exempt from the law... the officer might not know. Arguing with a cop can turn a good day bad in a hurry.

To clarify for me please.. on the 3170 can a button be programmed to enable PL/CTCSS tones to be selected and assigned from the buttons. OST (Operator Selectable Tone) is in the 3170 manual and the description sounds like a description of PL. "call with different tone will not open squelch". Just ordered a 3170 and having it programmed. Called them quick to change up a key assignment to include OST. So thanks for the info here, even if I'm late finding it.

Looking at this to resolve my concerns for a ground plane on UTV side x side. https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/laird-technologies-mbc-1649. The one with SO-239 Instructions say cut radials to 8" for 406 - 512Mhz but using this calculator it comes out to 6.25" or so. Either way has to be better than little to no GP. I have a good visual on how to install on the kayak rack above the double plastic roof. And I expect to get some grief on the trail from the non-believers.. beam me up.. but it should hopefully maximize GMRS performance. Critique away please.

https://handsfreeinfo.com/index-cell-phone-laws-legislation-by-state/ Nevada: The term does not include a device used for two-way radio communications if: (1) The person using the device has a license to operate the device, if required; and (2) All the controls for operating the device, other than the microphone and a control to speak into the microphone, are located on a unit which is used to transmit and receive communications and which is separate from the microphone and is not intended to be held.

Ready... GO!

I'm incorporating your comments here into my spreadsheet for channel and radio programming an 880-1 from used-radios.com. I'm assuming they'll know what I'm talking about. I plan to get cable and software but if I can have all this done off the shelf, that's just fewer 'details' I'll need to worry about - much appreciated. So thanks!

Keith, ..and the GMRS works well with this setup? Thank you.

Oh sure, now you'll get me going looking at antennas. Let me know how that goes. I don't know how far away the guy was I was talking with on simplex.

Yeah, had it on non-repeater channels. Guy I talked with from the store parking lot told me I was hitting him on simplex, not repeaters. Nothing I saw in the book to clarify 23 - 30. Once I moved over to there, after finding the +- on the screen for those channels it was rock 'n roll. Hit both local repeaters from about 6 miles and talked with the owner of one. As usual, something simple..d'oh.

I'm in...

And that tone should answer when I key up the repeater? I hear Morse code on both local repeaters every hour or so. Asked the owner but all the told me is standard offset and TX tone settings on the HT. Add: Owner tells me he has not CW on his equipment yet but I might here squelch tail (I did but only once). Just dead air out here I guess.

I might have it.. Ch. 15 - 22 are repeater channels so find those, display the frequency (462.xxx) then program the CTTSS frequency for each repeater freq. I want to use (TX or RX or both?). If I use 141.3 for both TX/RX and the repeater only asks for Tone In is it incorrect to have both inserted? Any affect? The radio already has the correct +5Mhz built in? I thought I had my local repeater programmed in but nothing happened to tell me it was active or hearing me. I might have heard a delayed 'kerchunk'. Is the CW an audible tone to signal contact? Maybe the admins will run us off to PM. Or, maybe this will help the next noobie. But yes, I've gone through the manual again and will start fresh tomorrow. Thanks a bunch!

Even when running 462.xxx TX and 467.xxx receive for repeaters? I'll have to play but the instructions seem lacking.. or I need to read more thoroughly.

Really no idea yet. Too busy on the laptop. Wanted to get the local repeater setup to try. I would say the buttons will be cumbersome with gloves (NOT) But I have nothing to compare to either.

Windows 7. 64 bit.

Aaarrghh! LOL! I just ordered from Ebay and will return the Wouxun unit with software, CD and all - AFTER I receive the new one and it works, of course. Have to wait 'til Tuesday now..

This cable from BTWR: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-pco-001.html And this case: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/xlt-cs200g.html Didn't see the leather one until I'd ordered this one. And just to be sure, that linked ebay cable was for your 805, right? You're kidding? No software to install, no disc, no driver install.. just plug 'n play. Ah, man! Thanks.

Yup, the radio fits the case with big battery. Also fit the charger.. wahoo! Both batteries had full charge on arrival. Bad new is (yes, I searched before making this post ): I've been unable to get a good Connection from laptop - transceiver. Have installed/uninstalled Drivers and Programming software a couple times.. always same result. And first thing I did is print the instructions from the CD, followed to the letter. Windows 7 - 64 bit. Yup installing the correct Driver and SW. Com Port changes with every install. Started showing COM4 and COM6 available and in the Devices it shows as on COM6 so that's what I select in the Program. Last attempt was COM7. When I select Read Radio it only moves the progress bar a couple lines, although a couple times it made it 1/4 of the way across the screen, I was all excited, (so it is trying and is seeing the driver in Devices) but always comes up with Failed Connection. Guess I'll be on the phone with the vendor in the morning and hope they can point out something simple/stupid I'm doing or not. Ah, like, there are 3 USB ports on my laptop, same result from all. Could it be as simple as the wrong USB? Black on black print, can't read the dang thing. Maybe one of you brainiacs can point to something obvious to all except me. Definitely don't spend any time on me; like I said, I'll call BTWR in the morning.. nice that they're EST and I'm PST - I can get after it early. From what I can see there is not a way to input Duplex frequencies from the display. Written instructions could be better, not much detail.. But that's a secondary issue; if I get the software working I'll do that all from there. The 805 did talk to my old Midland X-511 in the house so there's hope. Thanks for listening to the rant.

Actually, it's "Key Top" for the buttons. And you're correct 880 is Black w/white letters. 863 is white buttons w/black letters. I would never have noticed. Good price IMO as well. Ordered key top and extra mounting bracket (2-vehicle install). https://www.pacparts.com/part.cfm?sku=881N96%2D6817%2D79 Don't find TK-863 in Search but 880 shows up and lists all models the parts fit. There is a lot of overlap, a good thing.

Thanks for going the extra mile! I like the faceplate replacement option (pet peeve: black on black for electronics). Looks like "Control Panel" in service manual but not finding replacement p/n there or online. No biggie.

Ah yes. Should have read closer. And I was thinking the snip might be the deal as well. PL change is all I should need once it's programmed. Thinking of changing PL codes to match non 141.3 repeaters when travelling (I'm finding several). Or, I suppose I could just add channels with corresponding PL codes when I program via software and name them for the repeater. I'd actually already found the position of the resistor in the Service Manual. I'll pop the top and find it then. Also, just found this thread on the topic https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/1369-programming-your-own-radios-and-front-panel-programming/ Regular brew-ha-ha. Just kidding. Thanks all!