wayoverthere

Probably the biggest thing I see to clarify is the tones...think of them as a filter. if you have the right tone, the filter opens. So when you transmit on .625/xxx.x tone, SEATAC hears (right tone to pass the filter), and retransmits. However, since Seattle#4 has no filter (no tone), it ALSO hears and retransmits. And individual entries is how I organized mine, I have separate entries for each repeater (central 1, Sierra 2) with the appropriate tones, saved by name. On my ht, I also programmed an extra set repeater channels again for travel usage.

@Berkinet and others posted some information here on that topic: https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/1837-midland-gmrs-product-updates/page-2?do=findComment&comment=17118

I've mentioned it before, but in some areas, gmrs is a very closed group, utility only mindset, more like "frs-plus", instead of the "ham-lite" hobbyist mindset you might expect looking at the web (and I had hoped for). It's kind of a false image, though, because it's mainly the hobbyists that are the ones likely to be visiting forums like this to expand the interest.

i was wondering that too...i'd been kind of monitoring the post, "best performing" within cost (and maybe size) contraints" would have been my first thought too, but i thought i might be missing something. if height (for performance) is the goal, couldn't that be handled more economically with more mast, rather than trying to get a bigger antenna?

My current programming (primarily for base use) has the normal+repeater channels, plus 2 repeaters on 16 (with 2 different tones), plus 1 on 18, along with the vhf calling frequency (146.520) and the local public safety dispatch (in the 460.xxx range). So it doesn't appear to have the same limitation as the v1. The quad watch is nice as I'll usually have the 3 repeaters and dispatch up, or set it to scan, with dispatch excluded from the scan. I also did similar with the ht, though that one Also has the same 70cm channels, plus another set of the repeater channels, so I can stick another repeater in if I'm out of town but in the same spot for a couple days.

It probably comes down to definition of a "device". You could probably get away with the HR in a holder with a corded mic though. The problem is they aren't even thinking of 2 way radios when they write these laws, just aiming (rather wildly) at talking/texting/internet surfing/etc while driving, and making it as broad as possible to cover future devices.

Did some digging on the situation in CA. Vehicle Code wise, it's not good news, with the kicker in bold: 23123.5 basically left wide open to apply to almost anything. However, i did find some stuff about a memo issued to CHP clarifying the issue here:

I have the mxta9 mag mounted on the truck currently (living outside) paired with a mxt115 radio. Short answer is...it's alright. Won't hit the 60 mile repeater (haven't tried a couple closer...the code to ctcss is a pain...) and I don't have high expectations of itholding up particularly well living outside. The antenna, sans mount, was on clearance for $7...it will be replaced at some point, probably when I change out the radio. Also have the mxta10 3db whip in the attic, paired with a gmrs50x1 as "base"...it does a bit better. Hits repeaters at 30 and 60 miles with decent to good clarity. Also not a permanent solution, but I got it in the bundle with the mxt115. Planning on something better at some point.

the short explanation is midland does everything in code, probably to fit on the small screens. they don't display frequencies, just channel numbers. all the CTCSS (pl) and DCS (dpl) tones are code numbers as well. the linked image below is a screenshot from the manual for the MXT115 (which will illustrate what midland users get to deal with) , but the tone codes match up with the gxt handhelds as well https://imgur.com/a/o8tu0li

Is this it? https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=38844

The wouxun can be set for narrowband as well. On the wattage, I haven't dug into it, so take it with a grain of salt, but I remember seeing something to the effect of someone catching that the newer gxt1000 were approved at lower wattage (as dual gmrs)frs/gmrs devices vs the previous claimed 5. I will note that I can't seem to find a solid number for wattage on Midland's product pages for the gxt's Edit...found this with a little googling, which seems to indicate ~3 watts on high power: https://www.twowayradioforum.com/t/new-gmrsfrs-rules-and-a-question-about-power/6997

The simplex thing was one that stood out to me as well. I think something in the "duplex" column, but I'd need to have it in front of me to have a better idea. On the no sound, going simplex, and programmed alike, they should talk, but if they're right together, there's the possibility that the receiving radio is just overpowered by such a close signal and desensing. You may try sending someone outside and up the block a little with one of the radios and try the transmit test again first, no other changes. If it then works, it was desensing....too much signal too close.

Flathead valley has a ham club, but the only gmrs repeaters I see (on another club site) are south a bit near the one you see.

Ive been happy with the 50x1. I'm also impressed (at the moment) with the 3db gain whip I ordered at the same time as the mxt115. Some haven't had the greatest experiences with them, but on a mag mount/pizza pan in the attic I was able to reach a repeater a little over 60 miles away. Also have a tram browning double 5/8 wave that I haven't tested yet...need to get some longer coax to move the antenna to somewhere with more headroom, or go test it from the truck.

2 so far. finally quit lagging on email someone about access to a 3rd "permission required" one closer to home, and already received approval.

I know the first time I keyed up the 50x1 with the mag mount antenna on top of the mini fridge by my desk, my printer (on the desk next to the fridge) woke up and printed a couple pages of gibberish

glad to help! and interesting difference between the two. i was very torn between the 115 and the 275, the tiebreaker ended up coming down to i could get the 115 in the bundle (with a better antenna and mount) and use one of their running discount codes.

Using Repeater 17, the handles the offset automatically, transmitting on 467.xxx when you key up, and receiving on 462.xxx, no channel changes, scanning or monitor mode required. My mxt115 skips the repeater channels in scan mode, by the way.

i have one of those as well, Miklor has a good manual for the BF-F8HP (here) The two frequencies are definitely a&b, and can be dual watch if you want it to; it's only displaying the receive frequency for both, and the up/down arrow will indicate which of the two is active (page 25 in the link). Chapter 6 (page 44) talks more about the dual watch. If you have memory channels saved, it defaults to transmitting on the same frequency (simplex), though you can program a different transmit frequency for repeater usage (page 58). Finally, i'll be the one to say it (if i don't, someone else will)...As the manual mentions (page 68), the BF-F8HP is neither part 95 or part 90 certified (UV82C is the only one i've seen with part 90 certification), so it's not technically legal for GMRS use. Besides the UV82C, there's the GMRS V1 that is part 95 certified, and some options from other manufacturers, though i think the uv82C/gmrs v1 is the least expensive option with a display...the mygmrs shop has a repeater capable 5 watt retevis for $38.99, but no lcd display on that one.

As wrak mentioned, it sounds like a dual watch feature, though it might help to know what model of radio you're using. Most baofeng handhelds will do two frequencies, with an ab button that switches between the two;Dual watch lets it switch automatically, or you can change manually. The gmrs 50x1 lets me watch up to 4 (I generally have a and b sync'd, showing name and freq, with c and d as the vhf calling and the local public safety) Not sure what distance you are from the repeater, between what's on the map for that repeater and the location you gave looks like a bit of a reach, but I don't know how accurate the location is or what range is like on the plains, I'm mostly between valley and foothills over here. I do see a couple in Rockford and Aledo that seem like they'd be closer in

You're at least the second. I just don't have a lot of usage on mine so far to report on, as the only time I needed it, I didn't have the wouxun yet, and my area doesn't have the "ham lite" type of community some areas have. Here it's more seen as "frs plus", and people stick to their group. The other uses I had in mind have kind of been on hold with all the covid shutdowns.

I agree that the family aspect is a good one to showmaybe the family camping, talking back to dad Manning the BBQ at camp, or kids with a flat tired calling back to dad.

To be honest, I just ordered the harnesses pre-made from DXengineering at the same time I ordered the power supply. Only thing I needed to crimp was the male spades on the 12v socket to mate to the female spades on the other end of the power pole harness.

Here's one of the back side and one of the banana plugs. Kind of a pain getting it down to something the forum will accept without a computer. Same one, plus one more in bigger views are here: https://imgur.com/a/pJgBnVO

The Alinco power supply I have had screw on terminals on the back, with 2x powerpole connectors on the front. Since the 50x1 is primarily a base, it got banana plugs (4mm, apparently) to plug inside the screw ons, which keeps the front clutter free. I also got a couple of powerpole harnesses, and spliced one together with a 12v receptacle, which covers the mxt115 (which has a 12v plug already) if I decide to b5eing it in. Also covers a myriad of other uses.