Extreme
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Posts posted by Extreme
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Nice! I just ordered one myself along with the extended battery. I wonder if that case will fit with the extended battery on?? Also, the extended battery has to be removed from the radio for charging from what I’ve read.
Guess I'll find out about the fit. Might should have gotten the AA Battery case instead. Either way, minor details.
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Going to install a Kenwood mobile GMRS in my '18 F350 (aluminum) and 1/4 wave antenna. I have a back-rack/headache rack on the truck that has a slot for accessories and I have a mounting plate to go with it (also aluminum). The mounting plate is 8" square. I would drill the plate for an NMO mount. It would make a clean installation but I'm wondering if that's a good enough ground plane or will performance be a lot better if I mount the antenna directly to the roof?
Obviously, a magnetic mount won't work on an aluminum roof so would have to drill into the roof, which is not a big deal, but prefer not.
Is the ground plane only the surface the antenna is grounded to and not surfaces around it (like the roof)? Would the width of the backrack (same as truck bed width) contribute to the ground plane?
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"Now for the scan issue. I've never used the 863, but doing a little research, the only scan mode that doesn't "Autoscan" is "List type system scan" It would seem the other mode/s will force the radio into scan. Kenwood redesigned the scan feature on this particular radio and it seems like a lot of people didn't really like it. (Also someone says the 863 is purely a trunking radio and stuck like that, which is why conventional users have such a hard time with it)"
Weeks of deciding whether to go 880 or 863 (recommended by used-radios). Reading the above quote sends me right to the 880 as my choice. I'm a "conventional" user, not interested in snags in programming, etc. Thanks for posting this information. Amazing how much I overlook on first read of threads.
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Elementary question: Other than announcing my License # when I go on-air, is there a code or comment I throw out looking for ANY response from anyone (ala: "Radio Check")? Still need the FAQ list on acronyms..lol. Did I read something about "CQ".
Found what might be helpful:
https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/1081-etiquette-for-communication-using-gmrs/
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From BTWR description of the 805:
"Some features can be customized using the optional programming software (free download) such as adding or removing channels or customizing the channel name, bandwidth, transmit power, or CTCSS/DCS codes. Support for up to 128 channels is provided, and receive-only channels can be added for any frequency in the 400-470 MHz range."
The 16 Channel thing I keep going back to is the "free" programming that used-radios.com offers on their stuff. They'll do 16 Ch. included. I have to remind myself that there are more available that I should be able to program in myself.
So, could I program channels for repeaters with tones and other channels for simplex, no repeater tones, with same TX/RX frequencies?
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Nice! I think you will like the 805. I was going to try a case for it. Did you get the case that buytwowayradios.com offers?
Let us know how it works for you at your locations and how your repeater access is.
Yup, case from buytwoway.
You can be sure I'll be posting how it works for me. I have 2 repeaters line-of-sight from my house (5 miles or so) so should be able to hit them. There are 2 more some 40 miles away and the owner says he can hit my local repeater from his house at that distance, and I think he meant without using his repeater.. interesting.
So I'll have lots to play with.. once past programming and the learning curve.
Elementary question: Other than announcing my License # when I go on-air, is there a code or comment I throw out looking for ANY response from anyone (ala: "Radio Check")? Still need the FAQ list on acronyms..lol. Did I read something about "CQ".
Did I screw up ordering from buytwoway? Meant to order from myGMRS but thought it linked me to BTWR??
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Just read the Owner's Manual .pdf for the Wouxun KG-805G Series.
Looking for a TA option. Found nothing. Maybe when I get the actual radio and software it will show up in there.
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Thank you sir. Good stuff and good to know all those channels are still usable.
I've been thinking since I got on myGMRS forum that there should be a sticky or FAQ list of acronyms pertaining to radio in general and GMRS in particular. Appreciate you explaining TA, I'd have been searching..lol. Took me weeks to find out what CCR is, for crying out loud!
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The Kenwoods can be programmed for high or low power per channel. The standard low power setting on the 25 watt radios is 5 watts, which makes them legal on channels 1-7. Channels 8-15 are 0.5 watts max, as you pointed out. The Kenwoods and most other mobiles won't go that low.
As for narrow band on 1-7, not only are most blister pack radios narrowband; the Midland Micromobiles that are so popular are also narrowband. Going narrowband on those channels also makes you fully compatible with those.
For the 16th channel, I have an idea: if you look at Crescent Valley on the MyGMRS Map, there is an open repeater that uses a different tone than the standard travel tone I suggested earlier. You might consider adding that one as your 16th channel.
Lots of sellers on ebay have the Kenwood power cable for less than $10 each. Sometimes much less. That's what I use, because they work well and the radios are already set up for it. In fact I might start converting some of my ham radios to that system.
Ya, I can go low and narrow 1 - 7 and still play with the grandkids in camp. It's not like all channels are congested out here so will rely on the 15 - 22 High/Wide that are not repeater designated in my system when with a group or family on the trails or fishing. Looks like I'll have 3 vacant after adding all the repeaters I might potentially use. And even the repeater channels should work HT-HT or HT-Mobile if not in repeater range, correct?
Good idea on Ch.16 for that off the travel tone repeater.
Coincidentally, the closest repeater to me locally is the same setup as one in Montana I plan to try when there.
Looking forward to playing with programming and keying up.
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Ok, so regarding Ch. 8 - 14.
The Wouxun 805G is pre-programmed at low power for these channels. So all I need to do is put in repeater data and roll. I can still talk to the grandkids in camp on FRS without getting arrested.
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Yes, absolutely.
This is ALL you guys need, me asking HAM programming questions.
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Ok, I just ordered the 805G, high cap battery, programming cable w/free software, a HT belt case. Got frequencies sorted out so I can program this thing right away and cleared the way for repeater use. My new obsession.. hope it's fun.
Good news is, I've never owned anything but the blister pack radios so I have nothing of comparable quality to compare it to (other than the Motorola HT we used at work) so it should be just fine.
Thanks for all the help.
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Here we go, looks like I'm stirring it up and I don't want to pit one against another, especially as the NOOB:
I ran my proposed frequency setup by a local repeater operator. Told him it was recommended here that I program 1 - 7 GMRS Low Power, Narrow Band, simplex.
His comment:
"I’ve never used GMRS Freq’s in narrow band. you’d limit your quality and ability to talk at distance with handhelds long range. GMRS is wide band, FRS is Narrow banded. I'd leave all GMRS in wide band".
I replied with the rationale quoted from this thread:
"I would recommend getting 1-7 and 15-22 programmed. I would ask for 1-7 as low power, narrow bandwidth, simplex. I use 67 Hz PL TX and RX. This is to make it compatible with the widest range of handheld radios, including cheap, old FRS-only radios."
..and the reply:
"Okay so yes he’s saying narrow band for the FRS freqs, but keep in mind that if someone wants to pitch a bitch about you using a GMRS rig on FRS Freq’s they can now after the new FCC rulings. I personally don’t care either way and unless you’re blasting power on an FRS freq on a GMRS rig talking 50 miles away lol no ones going to know. But you can do that for sure, it’s a non issue in reality if you are using the freq’s of 1-7 and they’re already the FRS freq’s. then yes they’d normally be narrow band anyway."
I get the feeling we might be talking apples/oranges?
My take on the 2017 chart is that with a 4 - 5w HT I can use 1 - 7 and 15 - 22.
With a 25/40w mobile I'm legally limited to only Ch. 15 - 22 (50W).
https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart#2017_FRS.2FGMRS_Channels
I will not have 8 - 14 @ 0.5w, Narrow (12.5k FRS & GMRS) programmed into the radio(s).
Looking for compliance first and foremost. Max performance out of my equipment second.
Am I the only one who makes it this complicated: am I conflating data? Waiting for the bulb to come on..
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Just learned about the 5Mhz offset for repeater use from a local owner. Aha moment.
The radio vendor will pre-program 16 channels free. GMRS 1 - 7 and GMRS 15 - 22 is what I'm asking for. That's 15. Any suggestions for the 16th? I can mod this stuff once received but if they'll do it before it goes out the door, what the heck.
.. and on the Kenwood, any capability to add weather?
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Kenwood has it's own quick connect on the radio, however many of us in GMRS, and almost everyone in ham is using the 15/30/45 Powerpole connectors from Anderson.
Perfect.
I'll mount the radio overhead on a rollbar and it will be under the roof so water tight is probably not critical.
What gauge wire is usual for mobile? I'm guessing 12ga? Of course I can look at it when the radio arrives or ask the seller. Might just have them toss in a 2nd power pigtail and modify it with the Anderson connectors.
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I am not really going to defend this radio, I was just explaining what the seller wrote. If anyone wants information it is all there in black-and-white on the seller’s website. If anyone takes argument what the seller has written, they can take it up with the seller on the Reddit discussion.
Just FYI, here is the comment about power and certification from Danny at buytwowayradios.com
The hardware for this radio is the Wouxun KG-703E, which was previously type accepted by Wouxun for Part 95.
When we started this we had to select which base Wouxun radio we wanted to start from. The requirements were a single band model with a display, so we selected their KG-703E. We chose this one because it is similar to the popular dual band KG-UVD1P. We've been selling the KG-UVD1P for years and know it's a high quality radio, plus it was nice that all of the accessories are compatible between the models.
Turns out, the KG-703E had already been Part 95 type accepted. We worked with Wouxun to customize the radio's firmware and programming software, but the hardware is unchanged. Wouxun said that since the hardware was unchanged it wasn't necessary to recertify, and this is consistent with what I've seen previously. As far as the wattage, we tested it to be right at 4 watts. Since the power can be adjusted without a hardware change I suppose a new FCC ID wasn't necessary.
And before anyone comments. I have no idea if Danny or Wouxun is right about their assertion that recertification is not required or as to why the original certification was at 741mW.
Hopefully, someone will get one of these and put it on a spectrum analyzer so we can see what it actually transmits.
Hmmm..
I found the FCC ID from the 805G Operators Manual, copy/pasted into FCC ID Search and came up with this:
The Grant was approved 7/20/2012 which leads me to believe the new 805 is piggybacked on a previous radio (as stated in the quote), just a 'confirmation'.
Whether completely above board, who knows? I hear the FCC isn't ultra-strict on GMRS and out here in the wild West (low density population) I don't know that it would ever come up. It might be scare to find someone to talk with let alone cause interference enough to get reported, admonished, or hunted down and fined.
The optimist in me says the above document is cover for the consumer and it should be the responsibility of the manufacturer and the FCC to ensure things are compliant, not the end-user.
Or.. am I just over-thinking all this.
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RCM is seeing my posts all over the place.. trying to keep topics separate if only for future 'searchers'.
Please advise on DC power quick connect for a Kenwood TK-880 or 863G mobile so I can move it from my pickup to my UTV easily. I'd just leave power and antenna cables in place on both rigs. I can leave the mounting bracket in the pickup and already have another method to mount the mobile on my rollbar figured out.
I'm thinking something similar to the 2-pin connector used on Battery Minder/Tender, etc. but guessing there might be a more weatherproof solution for the UTV.
Yeah, I can do an online search but thought someone here might have already implemented something slick.
Thanks!
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Wondering also about the weight difference from Kenwood and Wouxun? I'm sure the Kenwood is heavy.
Would it be practical to have an antenna adapter for the Wouxun and plug it into a rooftop (kayak rack) 1/4 wave antenna for mobile use? Or would I gain nothing over hand-held?
..now I'll wander off to the Kenwood mobile thread I started and ask about getting quick connect power for a TK880 or 863G so I can move it from my pickup to my UTV easily. I'd just leave power and antenna cables in place on both rigs. I can leave the mounting bracket in the pickup and have another method to mount the mobile on my rollbar.
Reaching out to repeater owners via email in the areas I'll travel (and locally) for permission, even tho' all but 1 repeater is 'open'. One guy requests a copy of FCC License - can't criticize for that. I guess he'll send me the Freq for access.
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141.3 Hz PL for repeater.
Is this PL synonymous with CTCSS for repeater access?
If a local area repeater on the map shows "Tone In 141.3, Tone Out 141.3. (PL/DPL/CSQ) that 141.3 programmed into my radio will get me onto the repeater by simply transmitting a signal on the repeater channel posted? Another repeater says Tone Out No CSQ/No tone and Tone In 141.3.
Just wondering the simplest, elementary method to get onto and use a repeater (after permission).
Also, I found both repeaters on the myGMRS app. Neither show up on the Map until I select "Show Outdated" at the top. Is that meaningful?
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"..the performance of this unit makes you deal with the shortcomings of the radios form."
First time GMRS user and waffling between the 805-G at $80 and a used Kenwood TK380 for $95.. my brain's becoming a rattle-trap..lol.
Is the 805 an EZ program via cable?
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Hijacking:
https://used-radios.com/products/kenwood-tk-380-ltr-trunking-portable-radio
Right track for 1st HT? Version 1 firmware so no Windows programming (DOS - yuk) but can have it programmed by seller. Looked on ebay but usually radio only, no charger, etc. Figure I can pickup a spare battery online.
Might jump into Kenwood mobile unit after messing with this..
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RCM, If you need, I do have firmware (Cant remember which one off the top of my head but it does update the radio options for version 2 units) for the 880, I can also explain how to enable FPP, but in all honesty its a bit difficult (I could never figure out how to do it.) All I use are 880/380's so if you need anything give me a shout.
"All I use are 880/380's so if you need anything give me a shout."
Wide open offer.. I'm just the kind of pest who'd take you up on that.. lol.
I guess it's safe to assume you like both these units.
Looking at that same combo for my first venture into GMRS (880/830 or possibly the 863G). Forgive my ignorance on the topic (evident by other posts I've made - RCM has already been a big help BTW ). Have considered the Wouxun KG-805 Pro GMRS posted here but thinking maybe the Kenwood HT might be a better choice - maybe you can give me the reasons. It's $15 more but I want to try and get it right 1st time, last time, with something reliable and durable. Figure I can have them both programmed identically from the vendor in the used market and/or get a cable and software.
Questions: I read in this thread that you're programming HAM frequencies into these radios. I do not have a HAM license but know how and where to get it and am considering. Question is can I LEGALLY program in the HAM freq for Monitor only (no TX)? Not a big deal, just thought it would be interesting and possibly prompt me to get my license once I get a taste of HAM. Of course, I could be another interloper that lasts a few months and drops the 'hobby' completely.
Found a couple local GMRS repeaters yesterday (via the myGMRS Android App) within 10 miles and in line of sight from my house so I'm kind of itching to get started on this (as in, learn how to access a repeater) and see what's out there.
Thanks for the time.
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I just received mine and have had it a couple of days. Have compared it to the BTech GMRS-v1. This radio blows it away. RF performance is amazing and I can hit all of my local repeaters from inside my house. One of them almost 30 miles away. The circuitry is way superior to the radio on a chip unit. Wish the buttons were rubber instead of hard plastic. Screen viewing angle isn’t that great either. But the little cosmetic flaws aside it’s RF performance justify the cost completely.
Any updates on this HT? Looking for a decent (non CCR/Bubble pack) HH radio. BTech V1 on Amazon says 2W high power?? What happened to 5w?
Options and opinions encouraged.
Thanks
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you can get no ground plane antennas wouldn't that be easier https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/antennas-191/mobile-antennas-192/380-512-mhz-uhf-196/no-ground-uhf-antennas-215/ haven't ever used one myself maybe some of the members here have and could give some advice as to there performance
Pretty much covered earlier in this thread.
Thanks.
Right under our own nose...
in Equipment Reviews
Posted
Point taken but after many keystrokes I found nothing like that.
Thanks.