Extreme

FWIW: I just select display as Name, name the repeaters with abbreviated location + last 3 of frequency (550, 625, etc.) then populate the name slot of the other channels with "CH 16, 17" etc. Or you might get the frequencies in the Name slot. So, when I scroll the channels via knob or keys it runs CH 1 - 7, CH 15 - 23, and then ELK 625, SPRK 675 for the repeaters programmed. Not an intimidating radio once you play with it. Instructions come with and if you are patient it will become intuitive with practice. I much prefer the simplicity of the 805G over nearly any others I've played with: Baofeng, Retivis, etc. And as an aside, I posted 25 mi. LOS simplex conversation from the 805 to Kenwood 3170 HTs.

https://www.nrs.com/product/28572/aquapac-small-vhf-classic-228

Any preferences? https://www.gigaparts.com/mfj-261.html

Stirring up the stinky pot: Is a dummy load recommended for checking SWR on HT? I love dummy questions. Next: Anyone care to share a list of recommended tools to build/modify cable? Looks like I'll be doing a few installs of my own plus some other folks rigs. Thanks.

It is! What the graph doesn't show is that I was down in a muddy creek bottom, behind a hill when she heard the conversation between rigs. She's too radio shy to chime in and inform me she's listening. All good tho'. My part of the country is ideal for elevation changes and long distances.

Yeah, I didn't pursue the topic. Sounds kinda bass-ackwards.

Did a 25mi hit with 805G to Kenwood 3170 on simplex Saturday. Brought up the repeater, spoke with the wife on that then had her switch to 16 simplex. She listened to the offroad conversation details when we were down in a gully and told me all about it after I got home. Scadacore RF LOS attached.

Local radio tech commented to me the other day when I suggested cutting my cable to length for my XJ to 36". "These antennas/radios like some resistance". Just his remark FWIW. I'll probably loop mine around above the headliner when I get around to how/where to mount the radio.

Since there's sparse usage of GMRS in my area, I run w/o any PL tones, except repeaters, of course.

Are your CTCSS codes matched up between radios (TX/RX)? I just tried my 76 with an 805G on Ch. 9 and it worked fine both directions.

Download old Retevis v1.45 software in Post #35 of this link. That's what I had to do to get the W/N bandwidth to hold the settings. Can't remember but it might solve other settings issues as well. https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/2305-retevis-rt76p-programming/page-2

https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/2305-retevis-rt76p-programming/page-2 Download the older version of the software in post #35 in the link above and you should be able to change and keep bandwidth settings.

Thanks. Doing a trail run with a gang of off-roaders tomorrow and will be checking range to the repeater via HTs. 25 mi. LOS from where we're headed to the repeater and the same to my house to try simplex with the wife. Haven't installed the mobile just yet. Gonna have a 'garage day' and hopefully get mobiles in more Jeeps & others. Pushing for licensing. Will push harder if/when it goes to $35.

Tap-a-Talk works best for me to post from my phone. This pic is from the laptop and I'm not sure how it worked. Should be able to choose file size.

Try this: https://metalcloak.com/ I have the same problem since the CJ series went away.

In the process of installing 1/4 wave NMO mount in the roof of my '99 XJ, connected to a Kenwood TK-8180 either above the mirror or inside the DIN by replacing the stereo I don't use. Have the Kenwood DIN bracket made for this. Trail rides with a group and hunting.

Usually don't think of ebay. There's this: https://magneticmic.com/ at $35 or $40 on Amazon Yeah, need the mic to magnetically connect to clip, not the clip magnetic to mounting surface. Old fashioned will work at $35 per, especially since I have 3 or 4 vehicles to outfit. Thanks..

Do any of you know where to find a magnetic mic mount? Searched online but zip. Thanks.

Next question: A buddy has an old CJ-6 with fiberglass roof. Wondering if an 8 x 8" or larger metal plate on the inside, under where we mount an NMO would provide a ground-plane or would it have to be on the outside.. probably same answer as before. We would ground it to the chassis.

Wow.. my own post. CRS with age I guess. Thanks.

Not finding if I posted this earlier. Will Raptor Liner on the roof of a vehicle change propagation characteristics of a 1/4 wave NMO Ground Plane antenna? Raptor is not rubber based like many but is poly. It's posted here somewhere that a molded plastic kayak over the top of said antenna will not cause any problems.

Thanks to you and Steve. Looks like a great resource. Logged right in so obviously signed up for it some time ago then promptly forgot about RR.

Not clear on what you're hanging on the plywood.. the radio base? Pictures?

Has anyone installed a mobile unit in the newest body F-Series CC Ford? Looking for installation hints. Planning for Kenwood TK-8180 under/behind rear seat with head on remote mount on the dash, 1/4 wave antenna center of roof. I'll visit YouTube as well but hoping someone here might have a write-up of sorts. Thanks.