wayoverthere

great info! when i got the BB4303 (tuned for 430-450), the cutting chart implied i should have trimmed it a little for most of my usage being in the 440-450 range, but the SWR meter (didn't have a VNA yet) showed 1.2 or less everywhere, so i left it as is.

They seem to be harder to find now, but I had good results with a Browning br-1713-bs. It's a little less gain than the Midland, still 2x5/8 wave, but trading the gain for wider bandwidth, I want to say it's rated for 410-490mhz, and a great option to combine 70cm and gmrs (dual certified LMR radio, perhaps).

There's a few threads on the topic if you search for 'username', the gist is the 'contact us' link at the bottom of the page, or a pm to @rdunajewskiare effective ways to get it done. Here is one thread https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/4406-user-name/

Other than some complaints of possible used items received from Amazon, I've seen nothing but good reviews for the mxta26. On the actual downside is the size, at close to 3 ft. If you need to go smaller for clearance, antenna farm has a good selection for gmrs (tuned for 450-470mhz), and Laird are usually a good bet, either the 12" 5/8 wave (I've had great results with the ham version of this) or the 15" no ground plane versions (whole category).

How about a quick sweep under the couch for the screw? https://www.amazon.com/Telescopic-magnetic-pick-up-lanyard-suction/dp/B081H92J68/

This page seems to have a pretty good description of the mechanics of each, analog (tone, ctcss) vs digital (code/dcs) https://www.twowayradiocommunity.com/differences-ctcss-dcs/ PL (or in this case, TPL) is ctcss, while DPL is DCS; either on the receive settings for your radio acts as a filter, only opening squelch for signals with a matching tone/code. CSQ is carrier squelch, and means squelch opens for any signal above a preset threshold (the squelch level setting).

Tagging this to remind me I need to try reregistering. I have a non commercial account. After trying to go the legit route to get software tomprogram a couple xpr6500's (that I suspect were upgraded to 2.0), was told they needed to convert my account to a business account...sent them the needed info, and nothing since (months ago, now), and no change to my account ?

That looks like the same radio that's sold as the btech 50x2, and a cousin (different firmware) to the gmrs 50x1 and 50v2...I know my 50x1 didn't hold up well (currently stabilizes at 25 watts or so on high) and another member had worse luck with the x1 and multiple x2's. Since the Kenwood's are A, a solid brand with a good reputation, and b, designed for that range for LMR sector (which uses that frequency range natively), I'd expect them to run pretty close to the advertised power if you get a solid example (risks of used gear and all).

With neither 246 or 523 being on the list... I'd be tempted to take a shot in the dark and try 245 and 532 inverted, just to see if there may be a typo in the repeater info. (Kind of a long shot, I know)

Does the list have DPL 523? This thread suggests 523 with the "invert" option checked can take the place of normal DPL 246. https://forums.radioreference.com/threads/inverted-cdcss-dpl-conversion-chart.8261/

That's absolutely possible/probable that the nearby signal from one radio is causing the other to desense enough not to receive audio. I've seen it with as little as 1/2 a watt from a Midland gxt causing the baofeng uv5r go completely "deaf" to incoming audio on simplex. It lit up like it was receiving, but no audio. If this is the case, some distance between them will help

Gotcha...was worth a shot. I might go looking for the previous posts when I get on a computer.

Was that now-former-member the same one that was warned previously about adding repeaters that weren't his?

Are there any of those vxr-1000 that work into the amateur bands? I've looked, and everything I've seen on eBay was listed as 148-175mhz.

The manual generally will state a current requirement, but 25 watts usually works out to around 5 amps draw. Picking a power supply that can comfortably handle a little more leaves some headroom for other things you might want to connect, or for upgrading to a more powerful radio later. I have one similar to this that I got on discount, seems solid so far, and reasonably priced. My primary is a 20a continuous rated Alinco, which cost a bit more. Others will have a variety of suggestions as well. https://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PS9KX-Universal-Regulated-Converter/dp/B07KML5SCJ

You aren't missing much, i think. I do have one, and i can't see anything on their FB page without joining the group. Maybe one of the group members will chime in here with some firsthand info.

They have a group page on the site: Also associated Facebook group, linked from the group page

My first one was full glow in the dark, so I wasn't sure when they spread those tips across the range

Theyve moved over to an injection molded base on the signal sticks within the last couple of batches (bought a sma male one in black around black Friday last year), it's a nicer finish now. They also appear to be using glow in the dark tips on all of them, irrespective of color, which is a nice touch.

I would agree with this take, honestly. Midland is solid for being about as plug and play as it gets; they're sometimes feature limited, but they're making progress there. Wouxun is the killer for features. "Best" is really subjective, a lot is what's best for your use and expectations. In both the kg1000g (and plus variant) and the mxt575, the remote heads are killer for squeezing a radio (or another radio) into limited space. I'd be hesitant toward the btech gmrs50x1 and 50v2. My 50x1 didn't hold up well, another member went through a few of the 50x1 and the ham version with poor results. They say the 50v2 has been redesigned. The 50x1 was no additional tx channels, though it appears they've opened that up some for the 50v2. For small size, mid power, and 12v plug compatibility, the anytone at779uv/radioddity db20g/retevis ra25 triplets are a solid value. Sensitive receiver, 20 watts, and small size (similar to the mxt115/mxt275 body). Often available not much over $100, with programming cable, perfect for the price conscious. (I have 2; 1 in my truck for gmrs, and a 2nd opened up for ham in the beater car). With some radio background, some of the dual certified commercial gear is hard to beat, very flexible in programming, but more limited in others (not much for front panel programmability, if any, like changing tones on the fly). Programming can be kind of a steep learning curve if you're new to radio. On the other hand, they can shine on durability and dependability.

The network hubs definitely are. Hit the main page for the network, and hit the 3 lines near the top left to open up the sidebar. Toward the bottom of that is a drop down list box for the different hubs that will allow listening. https://mygmrs.network/

Agreed. I wouldn't be opposed to having something that gave users an opt-in basis though.

Repeaterbook shows one IN Hopkinsville, and a couple others in the vicinity, if that helps.

If it's the metal box that's the decider, the mygmrs shop has the rt97s in the metal case, rather than the 97 in plastic. https://shop.mygmrs.com/collections/repeaters-and-accessories/products/retevis-rt97s-portable-gmrs-repeater

The CARLA system has had to make changes in some locations as well, including reducing power and switching some repeaters to directional antennas. (I want to say I saw one location only running 1 or 2 watts)