tweiss3
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Posts posted by tweiss3
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I submitted comments because I don't want to loose 902 for amateur radio.
- edisondotme, Lscott and SteveShannon
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Squelch tones weren't always a thing.
Also, the use of non-standard tones have been used as an effort to manufacturer lock systems without writing it specs as single source. A practice that is still going strong even as pubic agencies all drift to trunked digital systems.
It should also be noted that most manufacturers don't care at all if their packs of radios are compatible with another manufacturer, they would rather you buy another pack of their radios due to "incompatibility".
I haven't spent any time testing with nonstadard tones, but I know Harris will allow any time typed in. I'm sure there may be a problem with selectivity between 141.8 and 141.6. it would be an interesting bench test.
It's easier to either:
1) Make sure every one in your party knows their own radio and service a standard for your group, or
2) Carry enough radios you can hand one out (pre programmed) to everyone.
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That's what I was missing. I forgot the setup/install manual was part of the service manual for this radio.
@Skunkworks Go through that manual starting at page 16, go through every item for your setup and install. Then go through the programming and make sure all the options match your hardware setup (speakers, remote head, etc.)
- WRUU653 and SteveShannon
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KCRK-5 or KCRK-6DH? Where is the speaker connected to? The DB25 or the 9 pin square connector?
For GMRS, this should work just fine, but they are super inefficient for amateur radio, and do burn out the PA about every 8 months unless you build and install a massive heatsink.
These are a bit difficult due to their age and software changing from DOS to windows. I haven't personally messed with one in a long time. I would think that there is something inside that RF deck that isn't right, especially with the busy light.
- WRUU653 and SteveShannon
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If you are just listening, the Motorola XPR7550e has one the most sensitive receivers, the can be had for around $300 if you look for the right deal.
- WRUU653 and SteveShannon
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I did help setup. When I left, all the antennas were up, and all but 1 had the final run of coax connected to their radio. I did make a time lapse of the antenna erection, but I haven't had a chance to review it yet, I did get uploaded/backed up to the gopro server, just waiting on me I guess......
Boy was it a hot weekend.
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How far out does your wife hike in the mountains? As much as I would love to say "radio is exactly what you need", if she goes over the peak or out too far, radio isn't going to help without some infrastructure beyond what you setup. If you really are in a place where there is no cell service at camp and hiking, you will probably be better off using something like Garmin Inreach (you can message between devices and track each other). There is a subscription cost, but it's the only way to guarantee you two can communicate.
If it's not very mountainous, or you are ok with large deadspots, I agree with the above. Get the largest push up mast you are comfortable with and stick an antenna on top. 25-40 feet will get plenty of range. You can also use a trailer hitch mast mount, then the only trick is some guy lines to keep it stable.
- SteveShannon, WRXB215 and WRUU653
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Just now, GreggInFL said:
How small is too small? Is there a height/diameter ratio that is optimal, or minimal? What size pizza do I need for my 20" Nagoya?
1/4 wave in all directions from the antenna. For UHF that is approximately 12" diameter, for VHF that is approximately 36" diameter.
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3 minutes ago, Lscott said:
I wasn't aware of the specific emission designation for CW ID on NXDN. Thanks.
I think its the only way to stay legal on the few very-narrow frequencies that require 6.25kHz spacing.
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3 minutes ago, Lscott said:
I was wondering the exact same thing. My NX-1300's allow CW ID function in NXDN mode but not in DMR mode.
Just a wild guess on my part but I'm thinking it has to do with the TDMA nature of DMR. The radio has to kill the time slot selection, i.e. no time slots, and use straight FM to send the ID. If that was done on a repeater what happens to the other conversation on the other time slot? It gets hosed too?
With NXDN I suspect it's rather trivial to switch to FM to send the ID since there is no time slot to muck things up. You only have one conversation to worry about on a repeater channel.
The issue with P25 is with the newer Phase-2 mode which uses TDMA, just like DMR. And the same comments about DMR I think would apply.
Not to derail this topic too far, but as far as Part 90 is concerned, under repeater use the mobile units will never need to identify. But under simplex use, which is actually not a small part of the Part 90 users (especially with itinerant use), atleast 1 unit is required to identify (instead of the repeater) for the user base, in the clear. It seems like its easy to pull off, but in asking around, other then Kenwood (in NXDN personalities only), its not possible, and usually ignored. FYI, the NXDN CW ID has it's own emissions, 4K00F2D.
Back the the question from the OP, yes it would be legal, both from a recording (since GMRS is not encrypted/scrambled) and from radio generated CW.
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On 6/6/2024 at 8:12 AM, Lscott said:
While the CW ID transmit isn't done on a timer, the function has to be assigned to a front panel key, it has to be manually selected each time to send. The one FM digital radio I have has the CW TX function built into the radio. The radio is also Part 95 certified too in case someone wants to know.
https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/251-nx-300jpg/?context=new
I'm still not sure why Kenwood only allows this on it's NXDN "personalities". I wish the offered it on analog, P25 and DMR personalities as well. To use it for GMRS, you have to make the personality NXDN, but input the channel as analog, but it does work.
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I can see this both ways. Both as a "does it matter if I spend the least possible" and "does it matter if I spend hundreds". The real answer is spend what you are comfortable spending, as long as it has all the features for your situation. And remember, GMRS is BYOC (bring your own contacts), so you pretty much have to be ok with buying at least 2 of everything to talk to your wife/kids/granchildren/etc.
That being said, ignition sense in the commercial radios is a huge advantage. My wife's car, it just comes on when it's started, and turns off 10 minutes after the car turns off. With the right settings, she hears nothing but me when needed. I don't have to instruct her or get her to remember anything. Grab the mic and respond is it. Worth spending the few extra bucks for the setup in her car.
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If you have a ground plane (radials, through hole mount on roof of a car, cookie sheet, etc.), then you can use almost any antenna design, 1/4 wave, 1/2 wave, 3/4 wave, 5/8 wave.
If you do not have a ground plane, or your ground plane is too small, you must use a no-ground plane antenna, such as a 1/2 wave or 5/8 wave. Of course, both of those work better with a ground plane.
This is a good article to describe the radiation/gain patterns for the common types: https://practicalantennas.com/designs/verticals/5eights/
Of course, the benefit of 1/4 wave is its the smallest of the designs, and is very wideband, but the 1/2 wave is only 12" for UHF and can cover the entire UHF band (380-512) acceptably as well. 3/4 wave is 16-18" and is more narrow band (but can cover UHF ham and GMRS), and 5/8 or 5/8 over 5/8 is the largest.
The ultimate decision depends on which compromises you are willing to take. Since I already have a 1/4" wave VHF antenna (at 18" tall), placing a 1/2 wave UHF (12" tall) 20" from it wasn't much of a compromise, I got gain, a better horizon radiation pattern, and didn't increase my clearance requirements. I do only use antennas with a base spring because he 18" VHF hits on parking garages I regularly have to park in.
- VETCOMMS and SteveShannon
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3/4 gain have like a 30 degree up tilt, and negative gain at the horizon. It's why I have a 1/2 wave installed for UHF instead of using a diplexer to put both decks on the NMO 2/70sh
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No, RF ground and voltage ground are two different things.
You can still use the mount, but use a 1/2 wave antenna, it will be about 12" in length. I am currently using this antenna on my car https://www.arcantenna.com/products/bmwu4002s
- SteveShannon and WRXB215
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Just now, WSBB368 said:
So I’m getting ready for a setup similar to this on my Toyota Avalon but mine will be attached to bike rack rail across the roof. The antenna will be over my roof “not attached” so technically I won’t need a ground plane since I have the roof correct ?
Incorrect. The NMO mount takes the shield of the coax cable and creates the ground plane with the roof of the car. When you have it above the the roof on a roof rack, the shield doesn't get to roof to make the ground plane. You can use a 1/2" wave on a roof rack mount https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/cma-rs-660u. You can also use a ground plane disc if you wanted better performance, or to use a 1/4 wave whip https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/antennas-mounts/antenna-accessories/misc-antenna-parts/11713-taf-disc346-detail
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On 5/26/2024 at 4:19 PM, VETCOMMS said:
Thx for the education. I ask these questions because I have another supplication. It's an aluminum roof rack on an Outback.
I took this picture for several reasons.
1. The rack is 5.5 inches above the vehicle roof.
2. You can see the low clearance under the garage door.
3. I've put a mag mount antenna just in front of the stock shark fin radio antenna with ok results but thought a rack mount antenna would work more effectively.
So does one use a ground plane antenna on the rack because it's close enough to the roof of the vehicle?
This is an old photo, as I now have the 1/2 wave UHF 19" to the passenger side from this antenna, but I have my VHF antenna (Larsen NMO2/70SH) about 12" in front of the aluminum roof rack cross brace. I haven't noticed any issues since it's been there for 4 years.
16 minutes ago, Lscott said:I was at my typical Thursday night radio coffee group get together last night. One of the guys had a good setup for a ground plane for a mobile antenna mounted on the rack behind the truck cab. I took a couple of photos to share on the group here. Might give a few people some ideas to try out.
This is a great alternative. I've even seen a 56" x 36" rectangular plate, closer to the roof level, that could hold 2 antennas and a light. As long as it's 18-19" in all directions for VHF and 6-8" for UHF, it should be a sufficient ground plane.
Antennas noted as no ground plane will work without one (such as 1/2 wave), but with a ground plane the work better. My UHF 1/2 wave is noted as omnidirectional without a ground plane but with a ground plane it adds 4db gain.
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As stated above, the NEC is minimum, the R56 manual is significantly above the minimum, but is a industry standard designed to protect the millions of dollars of equipment in the RF shack at the base of towers as well as prevent damage to other infrastructure connected from outside. Note, in the event of a lightning strike to a site built to R56, the antenna will be destroyed, and likely the coax on the tower will need replacement, but the remainder of the equipment should survive.
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2 hours ago, WRQI663 said:
I read the pdf.
Nothing about mobile GMRS only amateur radio? Can GMRS be considered "amateur" since it is not job related and still covered by having an FCC license?
No. However, it only indicates that the operator has an amateur radio license, not that they are operating within amateur radio service. If one were to get pulled over the following apply:
1) There isn't any way for them to know what frequency/service you are using. Show them your amateur license from the FCC, that's the end of discussion as written.
2) It's probably going to take some overzealous cop 3 amateur radio licenses submitted during stops before they ignore radio usage all together.
3) It's pretty clear they are targeting cell phone/tablet/computer usages.
They very clearly allow cell phones used for GPS navigation only, allow cell phones for calls/texts when integrated through apple play/android auto on the dash, as well as they recognize that e-logs are a thing for CDL drivers and they can't say a thing because the federal DOT is requiring their use.
Don't be stupid, it will be fine. It also is a good call to just get your amateur tech license to maintain your exception status.
- IronWire, WRXB215 and SteveShannon
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25 minutes ago, WRKC935 said:
Honestly both. But I am of the opinion that was part of the reason the ham repeaters went quiet.
Not being able to have a 3 or more person conversation becomes frustrating because of repeater hogs that can't seem to wait their turn, or will come in and derail a conversation. When that happens others will sign out and turn their radio off.
The problem comes when it's consistent and the person who gets frustrated with that just doesn't turn their radio on it the morning. They become another silent license holder that doesn't bother.
For this reason, echolink is the devil. It's a nice occasional alternative, but some people should be barred from it.
Ham UHF vs GMRS
in Amateur Radio (Ham)
Posted
Get the little tarheel ii and autotuner, works better and can tune while in motion