WRFP399

Here is a screen shot of the software for the RT97. It sounds like you have it all correct.

GXT650 way back when, replaced with a Vertex VX-231s. Used them when paintballing 10 years ago. About 3 years ago I got a Baofeng UV5R and replaced that with used Motorola PR400s and Vertex VX-231s again. Updated: Moved to Vertex EVX-534s as my personal.

This is your answer honestly. 1/4 wave performs very well as a general purpose antenna in GMRS. It is only about 6 inches tall and if you need a ground plane you only need to put a small area of metal under it to give it one. Heck you could go get a cheap chunk of thin alum sheet from Home Depot and done. I have been very impressed with my Tram 1126-B

I too am curious about that RT97 version. Anyone know the duty cycle on one of them?

Yeah. They are commercial radios. They are fairly customizable.

I have one of these operating up on a remote mountain side here in Alaska. It uses a SLA battery that is solar re-charged. I get a range of around 25 miles or so when coupled with handhelds such as Vertex VX-231s and/or Motorola PR400s. It probably can go further but I run into the inlet and can't test it further. Out at 25 miles it starts to get a bit noisy in the signal but the message is readable. I attached a photo of looking in out from where it's located at.

I know this is older but I just wanted to 2nd this. I picked up a lot of used Vertex Standard VX231 radios on eBay for about 20 bucks each. A programming cable was 20 bucks and I downloaded CE99 programming software for them. I was able to download the International Version of the software which removes any forced narrowbanding. I set up the radios to GMRS frequencies, including my repeater and sold them off at $35 each to family and friends in the area. Instant GMRS network for emergency use (Think Earthquakes as we are in Alaska). These radios are FAR better than the UV5R that most, including myself had. The RX sensitivity of the VX231 vs the UV5R nearly doubles the range the radios can hear. I found that the VX231 will run for 26 hours with the standard battery on RX only. I also found that parts for it are readily available still, both OEM and chinese knockoff parts such as PTT buttons, antennas, batteries, chargers and cases.

Google N9TAX. It's small, well built, and cheap. If you are sticking to GMRS frequencies have him make you a single band version tuned to 465mhz. You can get the one with a 16 foot lead. They are only 30 dollars and usually arrive in a week. The work very well to help get the antenna clear of ground clutter. I found that it will help you get through when you are nearing the edge of reception.

Lets see if this work???

I have one and have had it up and running for several weeks. It is posted up on a mountain near me putting it around 1800 feet up. It is powered by a 14 amp hour SLA battery that is solar recharged. I have a simple N9TAX roll up SlimJim for an antenna. It's all just strapped to a tree right now; exposed to the weather. The solar controller draws .01 amps. The RT97 draws .08 amps during standby. The RT97 draws 2.05 amps during 10 watt transmission. It reaches out 20-25 miles easy but again, it is at 1800 feet so my line of sight is great. I have been super impressed with it. It is a great option for off-grid repeater operations. I would include a few images but I don't know where to host the images anymore.