mbrun

Nothing stopping you from giving them another $35, since it is such a good deal. [emoji23] Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

Welcome to the forum and to GMRS. Loads of education awaiting you in the forum. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

This just popped up yesterday on YouTube. Thought I would share. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

To be clear. My question is not at all about what ham radios are certified for use on GMRS. I do not expect to learn any exist. Cutting a jumper, adding a jumper are physical modifications. Installing new “unlocked” firmware is a modification. Pressing button combinations, powering up while some button(s) are pressed and/or adding the frequencies via software are not modifications. My question relates to which ones still being sold today are still infact capable of transmitting on GMRS (without any modifications to the radio). I am just gauge how manufacturers are reacting to and interpreting current FCC certification rules. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

First off, Welcome to GMRS. All of us here hope you have a good experience. All licensees are obligated under the terms of their license to know, understand and follow the rules. In case you have not studied them, here are some links that are immediately relevant. https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-17-57A1.pdf https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/part-95 The first link contains a PDF version of the rules that you can download, keep and reference. As you read through the rules you will learn a lot about GMRS and the other Personal Radio Services. You will also learn that in 2017 the rules evolved to require that only radios that are type certified (95e and earlier 95a grandfathered). The rules clarify that new products will be not be certified for GMRS unless they comply with technical requirements of 95e, they clarify that it is the licensee’s obligation to use only compliant equipment and they clarify by specific example that non-certified equipment (such as amateur radio equipment) cannot and will not be certified for use in GMRS. The UV5R is not a certified radio, thus it can only legally be operated by a licensed amateur radio operator on amateur radio frequencies only. Admittedly, you will eventually learn that some folks on this and other forums do not comply with the rules. They do this at their own risk. But is is also safe to say that the majority of folks here want to be good stewards of the GMRS service and we hope you will too. Once you have read the rules through a couple of times, feel free to ask whatever questions you have. There are a lot of knowledgable folks here. Probably best to start separate thread with you questions so as not to hide them under the current “Local Repeater and Chirp” topic. Once again, Welcome to GMRS. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM

Great. Be sure to report your success. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sorry, but someone has to say it. The UV5R is not legal for use in the GMRS except in a life and death emergency. Regards, Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Its after Christmas. Have you ordered your antenna yet. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Good day. BoxCar covered a couple of points nicely. In addition to the fact that some repeaters may transmit a different code than it needs to open it up, there are some repeaters that may not transmit any code. So having a radio that has the ability for you to use a Tx code by no Rx code can be an asset. I have already experienced that in GMRS and in amateur radio alike. Regarding FRS Frequencies. Since all frequencies used by FRS are also shared with GMRS, radios designed for the two services can interoperate; this is a nice feature for family comms. There are however FCC power restrictions. (7) of the shared frequencies are limited 1/2 (0.5) watt (GMRS and FRS), (7) of the shared frequencies are limited to 5 watts (GMRS) and 2 watts (FRS). For this reason, if a radio is not capable of transmitting at such low power, the radio cannot and will not be FCC approved to transmit on those frequencies. None of the Part 95e certified radios designed for mobile or base use that I have found to date have met the FCC criteria to comply with such low power limit requirements on GMRS channels 8-15. So, no current Midland micro-mobile radio (or any of its current competitors in the same class) will be legally capable of transmitting on those channels, despite the somewhat misleading marketing information. If someone has found one I am sure they will let me know. Since handheld portable devices are low power in practice, it is in-fact possible to use such a radio in a vehicle with an external antenna and operate on the channels 8-15, provided that you do not use a high-gain antenna and do not exceed the FCC specified 1/2 watt ERP limit. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Allow controlled, organized, authenticated information for all FCC type-certified transceivers legal for use on GMRS. Embed product data-sheets from manufacturer, and links to official FCC ID information for each product; provide a managed post with key product info for each model. Then, provide links from this official product information post to the following: A) an official Pros-Cons thread for each model where the public can post their comments and to an official thread where third party member test data can be posted. Open to further private discussions on how to make this happen. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Just for the record, I have observed on multiple occasions that location of the repeater is grossly wrong, wrong as in the database says the repeater is in one city (where I know for certain it is) but when shown on the MyGMRS map it appears in a different city 75+ miles away. Also, a more accurate location of the repeater would need to exist too for the map to be beneficial. In addition to the errors reference above, I have observed that the location of the repeater may appear to be at or near the home of the repeater’s owner when in reality the repeater is many, many miles away in a much better physical location. I agree a view like that would be nice if it could be trusted to provide useful information. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Amen! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am going to have to agree with berkinet on this one. Yes, I can see you’re disappointed. It seems you are living an an area where folks are not using the services available to them and consequently there are not others around to rag-chew with. I figure if you want to chew the fat with others on GMRS you may need to make some friends the old fashion way and then convince them do get GMRS license and associated equipment to kick start things. Activity will breed new activity. If it truly is all about just talking, amateur radio is where you want to go. But even then, you may find little VHF/UHF activity near you outside of crisis time. You may need to get your intermediate level amateur license (General class) so that you can use HF frequencies to work the globe. Those around me that have HF radios say the band is always full of activity. Previously, if I recall correctly, you said you were studying for your technicians license. Go bold and study for both technician and general class. That is what I did. I also received the study guide for Extra class license as a gift for Christmas. Time permitting I will take that exam in 2021. Best wishes, Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am with others here on a number of fronts. UV-5R is not a good radio choose for use in a busy RF environment. You will invariably want a radio with a much better receiver, perhaps even a high-end commercial one. While you own your UV-5R, learn what it can and cannot do so when you finally upgrade to a top end radio you can appreciate it. The UV-5R is not legal for use on GMRS. If it were legal, and you used it with an external amplifier, you would only be allowed to transmit on the 8 main GMRS frequencies as berkinet has already indicated. 14 frequencies would be off limits due to the .5w and 5w limits. GMRS frequencies will travel great distances when you have line of sight. Every obstacle between you and your intended receiver will reduce effective distance. In the city where you have miles and miles of tall buildings you have massive volumes of obstacles. Repeater antennas generally find their home on some of the tallest grounds available (buildings, towers, etc...) so they achieve the greatest coverage (footprint) possible. Finding a repeater in the area that has acceptable coverage in your area and you friends would be a huge win for you. Without an antenna on top of your property and on top of your friends property, and without limited obstacles between these two antenna, no I do not believe that extra power will give you the results you seek. If you can, but just barely, get into a repeater with 8 watts, perhaps an increase from 8 to 50 would in-fact improve your signal strength into the repeater, but I would not expect it lead to simplex capability with your friend at that range. If I new I needed 50 watts, I would use an all-in-one radio with 50 watts, not a HT with external amp. If you can get into repeater with 8 watts, but just barely, you could also consider a Yagi antenna that is pointed permanently and optimally to reach the repeater, the Yagi may make it possible to get in without an external amp. Case and point. There is a local operator that lives about 45 miles from a repeater we both use. He can get into the repeater strong enough to carry on a conversation with his HT set only to 1/2 watt. Signal is a noisy but I can still understand every word. When he kicks his power up to 25 watts, he sounds as good as operators 5-10 miles from the repeater. Hope this helps. MIchael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Good citizenship and giving back to the community for the common good are valid justifications why a repeater owner might open their repeater up for others individuals to use. I for one know that if I put one up I would most likely share it. I get the sense however from some that they feel I should be obligated to give them use of my equipment if I happened to have the means and choose to acquire it. It is that sense of entitlement that really troubles me. If I owned a chainsaw I would likely loan it out to a family member or neighbor when I learned they were in need and/or they otherwise asked. However, I would not look to kindly on a random person entering my property and using of my possessions without my consent merely because they learned from a friend of a friend that I owned what they wanted. Perhaps I grew up in an old school and time when being polite and asking permission were cherished and respected traits of a polite society. Perhaps now I need to learn things have changed and it is perfectly appropriate to borrow things from others without their consent. Under this mindset it would seem I should be able to borrow that lawnmower sitting outside in someone’s yard without their consent, or perhaps even their car which is sitting on a public street, as long as I return it when I am done with it. I will restate again (see my earlier post in this thread) that the FCC itself clearly showed its intent with regards to repeater access. They indicate (and I paraphrase) that the repeater owner “may” grant access to the use of the repeater to others and “may” revoke permission. In this regard, its is legally their decision. Don’t give the repeater owners a bad rap for not giving you permission to use their equipment. Instead, be thankful, friendly and polite to those that do give you permission. Perhaps befriend them with an offer to contribute towards ongoing operating expenses as a sign of your ongoing appreciation. If someone does not give you permission, respect their decision, don’t just steal it. If you really need a repeater find a legal way to get one of you own on the air. BTW, I am am both an amateur and GMRS licensee. I feel the same about both. Being respectful and polite goes a long way. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM P.S. If you are one that truly feels that all GMRS repeaters should be open to all, then perhaps the FCC needs to be lobbied and the Part 95 rules need to be changed. Be prepared however for higher taxes and or many current repeater owners taking them off the air as no one likes to be told what to do. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have recently got to wondering whether there has been any reduction in the number of amateur transceiver models coming into the US that allow Tx on GMRS frequencies. The reason I ask this is because of the blog post and associated phone call recording with the FCC (asserted) that I stumbled upon here: https://medium.com/@lucky225/fcc-back-peddles-all-transceivers-capable-of-transmitting-on-frequencies-that-require-40377a3722c5 At present I am interpreting the recording to suggest that licensed amateurs are not permitted to use a transceiver that is not type accepted if the transceiver itself is capable of operating on frequencies that require type acceptance. This includes not being allowed to transmit on the amateur frequencies. I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the recording, only the authenticity of my curiosity. If you have purchased a new amateur transceiver since June of 2020 (arbitrary date) and it does in fact have the ability to transmit on GMRS frequencies, what brand and model of radio is it? Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Note 1: I was originally going to just ask about the UV5 family of radios, but decided to broaden my question. Note 2: My amateur transceiver (purchased August 2020) does not allow Tx on GMRS, it allows Rx-only on GMRS frequencies. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Welcome to the Forum. Welcome to GRMS. Enjoy. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Just thought I would post a link and some text from the FCC which is relevant to this topic. https://www.fcc.gov/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs As of 2020-12-25 the last paragraph in the linked page reads/read: “In transient use, a mobile station from one GMRS system may communicate through a mobile relay station (repeater) in another GMRS system with the permission of its licensee. The communications may also be with mobile stations from other GMRS systems also with permission from the licensee to communicate through the mobile relay station” The relevant phase is, used twice, “with permission from the licensee”. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Merry Christmas to All, and to all a good night. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I agree with attaching vs links. I hate imagine links in posts. Requires an extra step to view, and links always get broken so the thread gets hosed for future readers. Personally I do all my forum work using my iPad and the TapaTalk app. To insert a picture I merely hit the image button, a browser opens where I then navigate to the image, accept and voila. I hope someone that does that successfully with a standard browser will chime in for you. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am going to limit my answer to the choices you gave me. If repeater access is not required or desired from you HT’s you can go Midland route. They are the simplest of all radios to use and are cheapest to replace when damaged. If you want repeater access, then I recommend the Wouxun combination. The reason being is that I have had good first hand experience with the KG-805G, but also because neither the 805G or 1000G suffer from the programming deficiencies of the BF and Midland. The Wouxun radios will allow you to pre-program up to 128 different simplex and/or repeater frequency PL combinations. While 128 is most certainly more than you will ever need, the BF and Midland radio suffer from a limit of 1 memory channel per frequency, which means you cannot create multiple memory presets (channels) that use the same frequency but different PL codes. A no-go in my book if the area where they will be used has multiple repeaters available that operate on the same frequency. Good Luck. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It is wonderful what some folks are capable to finding and doing. I love the fact the the owner is generously giving to the amateur radio community of his time and resources. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So how did you come upon this property? Are you now the site owner? What, if any, physical maintainance/rehab of the tower that was required? Thanks in advance. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am so sorry you had that rude experience. Don’t give up. I hope you find an alternate repeater to use or a more friendly group of folks to converse with. I just don’t get the negative attitude some people push on others. Whenever you do find yourself on the air practice courtesy and friendliness yourself and hopefully others will follow your lead. Giving up is easy. Leading is hard work. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk