wayoverthere

Good find on midland's page, that gives a better number on current requirements. The transformer you linked may be sufficient current, but the other problem that can come into play is noise. I have something similar to that transformer that came with a mini cooler, and it definitely adds a "buzz" that isn't there when hooked up in the car The car battery was my first route as well, when the weather was nicer and it was tolerable in the garage. The harness I used to build my 12v receptacle would be perfect to use the 115 direct on a battery, would just need clamps. (It was a noco, via Amazon). That said, good power supplies last, and if you're thinking on more radios/more power in the future, having that headroom is helpful down the road, if finances permit (a "buy once, cry once" kind of thing).

(3 tries to reply, but my phone wasn't having it...on the computer now...) that's learning and growth and the versatility of the lighter plug is the beauty of having a lower power radio. i already had my eye on the btech, so i went for this 30 amp Alinco for some reference on power draw, the btech claims 50 watts output on high, with the meter showing just over 13a during transmit, and maybe 1milliamp receiving. haven't tested the draw on the 115, though i have a wiring setup for the lighter plug. havent checked output power of either to see if the claims are accurate, though.

You can go that route as well. Being 15 watts, the 115 doesn't need a whole lot of amperage to run. (I think 12v outlets are generally 10 or 15a max draw). Grab a decent power supply and figure out a temporary antenna placement and have fun with it. i started on a very similar path, but picked up the btech for "base".

so i was poking at some of these tonight, and stumbled onto the Anytone AT-588, which looks to be the same hardware as the luiton, TYT, and retevis. availability seems sparse, though. https://www.amazon.com/AnyTone-400-490-Mobile-Radio-Scrambler/dp/B01CBA136G

Is this it, under the 2nd item on the last page?https://transition.fcc.gov/oet/ea/presentations/files/nov17/54-Part-95-Misc-Eqpt-Filing-r1-TH.pdf

That was my biggest reasoning for the mag mount, as my truck lives outside. I have a convenient gap in the door seal the wire can tuck behind, and with so much less driving this year, the antenna gets tucked behind the seat on the passenger side. Radio itself is tucked behind the seat in the center, and I just pull it over and plug it into the 12v outlet. No noticeable noise from that source, but it is an always on, vs on with ignition. No real mount either, the slide mount fits really well onto an ice scraper I have jammed between the seats, and holds it at a good angle too. (99% of the time in the truck, I'm solo anyway)

so..my use case: I have 2 repeaters in range on channel 16, with different codes...wanted to program them in separate memory slots. i'm still in that frustration zone, having discovered the gmrs 50x1, as i discovered their implementation of locking it down has it hard coded for transmit on the 1-7, 15-22, and 15r-22r only. everything above that (and 8-14) is receive only, even if it's in band for gmrs.i also have the wouxun; it definitely does transmit on 8-14, though i put the meter on it on those channels. i want to say i saw someone tested it to be ~1/3 watt, which makes sense with removable antennas and the limit being ERP, not output; this way you shuld be safely under no matter your antenna.on the repeater side, the wouxun absolutely CAN add transmittable channels beyond the preloaded 30 for frs/gmrs, as i have it added with my 2 repeaters in separate slots with the appropriate codes. along with that, i added another set of 15r-22r as "new15r" thru "new22r" to have two sets of slots available when travelling without having to reprogram any of my local repeaters (that have their own memory slots).

that's correct; by default, midland applies the same code to both RX and TX. This is why midlands generally aren't compatible with "split tones" (when the RX code is different from the TX code), and only the mxt400 has the ability to be reprogrammed to set the codes separately. This can be a convenience to a new user, and a limitation in some scenarios.

on topic, current setup is an mxt-115 in the truck (small size is super convenient; midland limitations, less so) into a mag mounted 1/4 wave. it definitely doesn't have the reach my 'base' does, but it also has less antenna. I would agree with Hans on this, but as i learn more, i'm less enthusiastic about it than i was (and trying not to be overly negative out of frustration). my base is a BTech gmrs 50x1 with a 3db whip. even with the antenna in the attic mag mounted on sheet metal, it's range outdoes the mxt, both rx and tx. that said, i'm finding it has its own limitations too, primarily in how they locked it down for part 95 certification. while my wouxun HT allows me to have my local repeaters programmed in their own memory slots in addition to the regular repeater channels, the 50x1 has the preprogrammed channels 1-30 (1-22, plus 15r-22r) as transmittable, and everything beyond that is rx-only (even if it's within band for gmrs), so those extra entries i had for the local repeaters...can't transmit . I've also seen a few reports of units burning out, even using the antenna they recommend (nagoya ut72, which i've seen many posts saying tends to be around 1.7-1.9:1 swr; the manual mentions no worse than 1.5), and one poster mentioned warrantying 2, and being denied after that. also, my only contact with BTech support resulted in a response with zero pleasantries, and a tone that seemed more scolding. and pretty much NO help. Likewise, the discovery that there IS software out there that can remedy some of the limitations with the MXT400 helps it narrow the gap that i once saw between the two, and midland seems to be better at the support side of things. it also doesn't get much more plug and play, at least to get started, but you do pay for it.

that's similar to what i alluded to with mine (also the wouxun). normal 1-22 with no codes, likewise for 15r-22r. following that i have my 3 local repeaters, by name and with the appropriate codes, and then the repeater channels again as new15r-new22r, to have a couple open repeater slots on each channel for travels.

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.