mbrun

Good Day IronArcher. I will let those that no better than I to do the explanation. Here is a link that provides a reasonably concise explanation. https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/antennas-propagation/vertical-antennas/five-eighths-wavelength-vertical.php Now, as far a 1/2 dB goes that is absolutely insignificant. In real-world practical distance testing you will never, I say never, be able to tell the detect the difference, all else remaining equal. BTW, I own and use the Midland. I have zero complaints about it. and I was fortunate I did not need to tune it. It was perfectly tuned from the factory. I would buy it again. Hope that helps. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I currently think the sweet spot for memories on a GMRS-specific radio is somewhere between 64-128 for the power user; one that travels regularly to different cities and uses the radio in each. Perhaps 32-48 is probably more than sufficient for the average GMRS user. 30 is too few. Michael WHRS965 KE8PLM

I sense Bow has a new project now. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am unclear about your statement so I am looking to be clarified. There are 30 Tx frequencies involved in GMRS so that make sense that a GMRS radio would be limited to transmitting on those. Each frequency has a power limit as well so 30-channels of power limits that makes sense too. Please help me understand what I am missing? Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

A couple of things for you. If you have a new radio that is rated for 40 watts but measures 55 or 60 that is an indication of one of a couple of things. Either the radio is defective and has short life ahead or the manner in which the power was measured is in question. If power is measured using an inline meter with an attached antenna as the load then the SWR of the antenna system will cause the meter to read artificially high. When measuring power you must use a purely resistive load to have any chance of getting an accurate transmitter power output measurement. Case by example. If I measure the power out of my 5w HT into a poor rubber duck, the meter may read upwards of 8.5w because the antenna has a very high SWR value. If I replace the antenna with a proper resistive load that same meter suddenly reflects power nearly as specified by the manufacturer. If I replace the dummy load again now with a premium antenna the meter will show an slightly elevated power reading and closer to the manufactures number, but it will still be high because the SWR is not a true 1:1. As a new ham these are some things you will learn along your journey. Welcome to amateur radio BTW. Now, with regards to your comment about being a new ham, selling your GMRS equipment and (here I am assuming) presumably using your new amateur rig for GMRS also. If that is not your intent, I apologize in advance. If that is your intent, let me be the first to say that I know of no amateur rig that is legal for transmit on GMRS (except in life and death emergency) and no GMRS rig that is legal for transmit on amateur frequencies. While we all know there is a ton of equipment out there that does it, I interpret doing so as a violation of amateur and GMRS license I have. I am like many responsible individuals that wish we could legally operate in both services using the same physical radio. Having recently read a 2017 FCC document cover to cover I appreciate more why many FCC decisions have been made and will respect them. I don’t know about you, but I appreciate and respect my licenses. I aim to keep them. I wish you the best on your radio journey. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The KG-805G is certified for transmit on GMRS only. It is receive capable on a notable chunk of 400MHz band. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The gist of his many posts was that he saw the light (so to speak) when he discovered that the premium brands of radios (e.g. Motorola and others) truly do substantially outperform all of the CCR he ever purchased and tested. He was trying to help all of us see the light also. It seems a logical decision to hold on to the high performing radios he found and sell the rest that don’t live up to expectations. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Wouxun’s new 1000G radio I believe uses same electronics and chassis as one of their KG-UV900 series amateur radios. Explore BuyTwoWayRadios.com and you should be able to confirm. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Good evening Fremont. With the ghost style wide-band antennas I do not believe there is any adjustment involved. They are plug and play. In looking at the Laird site, it looks like the antennas have a gain of 3dBi or less. Only through use of the antenna will you be able to determine for certain if it satisfies your needs. An antenna that sits higher above the vehicle and one with higher gain value will most certainly increase your range, that may or may not be important to you in your area of use. An antenna that features an SWR of 2.5:1 (as some of the low profile Lairds have) will also certainly result in more signal loss in your cable which in turn will affect range. I am not using any low-profile antennas on my vehicle. Everything I am using is a whip antenna in the 40” tall 6dBi +/- range. I have been able to hit some GMRS and VHF amateur repeaters in the Cincinnati area out to max of about 35 miles using just 5 watts. My SWR on both my dual band Amateur and GMRS mobile antennas is 1.2:1 and loss across the bands I use. I am sure you will receive some additional opinions from others as well. Good luck. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am using the Midland MXTA12. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

To be clear, can you confirm that this only affects those that have an account on ‘mods.dk’ and does not represent a security breach of ‘MyGMRS.com’? Thanks in advance. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

20kHz per 95.1773.a Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It occurs to me that this forum could be even more helpful to new and existing members if we provided a central place to record existing and new radios that are FCC certified for use in the GMRS. A place where prospective purchasers can view all their options. I am thinking more of pinned (sticky) post, where the first post in the message is a living, breathing post that gets edited periodically to include the latest models, perhaps even with a living breathing attachment. Then, what follows in subsequent posts (if it is even open for posts at all) is not a discussion as much as it is a series of posts by owners of a listed models to give their opinion on the pros and cons of a model. One post per model per user. I figure I would start the discussion about this with the members here. If if the discussion is constructive and fruitful, perhaps with the assistance of the moderators we could make it happen. I have a few other ideas as well, but I don’t want to derail this topic. So let’s begin the discussion. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The answer to your question has everything to do we how you attempting to configure the radio. My original answer to your question is predicated on you using the front panel of the radio and that the radio is still loaded with the stock channel configuration that BuyTwoWayRadio ships loaded in every radio. Can you please clarify for me how you are attempting to configure the radio? Front Panel or external software. If you are attempting to use external software, what software? Michael WHRS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Out of the box, the KG-805G is pre-programmed with 22 simplex channels and 8 repeater channels. The simplex channels are programmed into memories 1-22. The repeater channels are programmed into memories 23-30. All you must do to make a repeater channel work with a given repeater is to program in CTCSS or DCS code(s) that the specific repeater requires you to use. This can be done through the front panel controls of your radio. Yes, the correct frequencies are already programmed in for repeater memories. Tx is on the main 467 frequencies, Rx is on the main 462 frequencies. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Your comment caused me to go back and re-read the rules to see if I could reach your conclusion. Instead I ended up again concluding that a part 95e radio cannot, under any circumstances, feature the ability to transmit on any frequency that is not a GMRS frequency and that said responsibility for this lies with the internals of the radio transmitter. In simple terms, nothing that the user can do from the exterior of the radio (via its control panel or via external software) shall enable to radio to transmit on any frequency that is not a GMRS frequency. I did not conclude that a VFO could not exist, but I do conclude the absence of a VFO in combination with the complete absence of external programming capability is a means to achieve compliance. Now, the reason that I do not conclude that the presence of a VFO button alone makes the radio ineligible for part 95e compliance is basically this. In order for a multi-channel GMRS radio to be useful there needs to be a means to switch between authorized frequencies. Channels are one means of doing this. A channel is however, at its essence, a radio preset that maps one or more big numbers (frequencies and settings) to a short, more-easy-to-remember, number. This equates to a radio memory. A VFO at its essence can do the same thing, but instead it enables the user to choose the frequency and other settings through direct entry. The VFO violates FCC intent if (in my opinion), by means of using the VFO, the radio suddenly has the ability to transmit on frequencies that are not allowed. But, this is where the radio internals come in. While the user may be able to tune to and receive signals from many different frequencies, it is the internals of the radio that are responsible ensuring transmissions occur only on authorized frequencies (frequencies for which it is certified). By case and point. I own a particular amateur HT. The radio is only permitted to transmit on amateur frequencies, yet is is capable of receive on 10s of thousands of frequencies. The radio features both VFO and channel selectors. However, any attempt to Tx on a frequency outside the amateur radio allocations, whether by VFO or by channel selector, is blocked and both a tone and message are presented to the user. My conclusion therefore is that VFO can exist on a part 95e radio, but the radio shall not have the ability to transmit on any frequency that is not a GMRS frequency. For those that wish to read more, refer to Part 95.1761. And here is an excerpt from paragraph 2 with is speaks to “GMRS transmitters”: “...All frequency determining circuitry (including crystals) and programming controls in each GMRS transmitter must be internal to the transmitter and must not be accessible from the exterior of the transmitter operating panel or from the exterior of the transmitter enclosure...” Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Edited to resolve text errors. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I see 3 more renewals in your future....[emoji3]. How’s that for positive attitude? Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Retevis is well known for manufacturing and selling some of the most inexpensive radios around. I have no experience them. I have seen some of there products talked about periodically on some YouTube channels. If considering a product of theirs, perhaps consider an equivalent product from Midland, at least if you purchase it from them there is some chance you will be able to obtain product support should it ever be needed. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have an excellent SWR using the MXTA-26 centered on the roof of a 2013 Ford Escape. The roof is the same size as a Ford Focus. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

While that has been the case, the recent post on this forum regarding FCC action against Rugged Radios for selling and programming radios with non-compliant capabilities may be a hint of what is to come. I am amazed at how lax the FCC has been on this subject. It should be noted that despite what your hardware is capable of doing (whether thru manufacture oversight or intent) the use of any frequency is legally allowed only when you personally operate in compliance with the FCC rules. If the FCC requires you have hold a license, you must hold a license. If rules say you must use equipment with certain certifications then you are responsible for making sure you are using equipment so certified. I am well aware that many do not abide by the rules. It is hard to feel sorry for the person that intentionally disregards them and gets caught. I would hate to be the guy the FCC makes an example of. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

According the US importer (BuyTwoWayRadios), they have confirmed that this radio will enforce FCC compliance by way of the firmware. This is a good liability reducing move on their part. This should mean that regardless of the means used by the owner to configure the radio (VFO, front panel, factory software or Chirp) the radio should function per the FCC technical requirements. https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2020/11/wouxun-kg-1000g-mobile-gmrs-radio.html Prospective owners should also know immediately that the radio IS NOT (I say IS NOT) capable of transmitting and receiving on all GMRS frequencies like its hand held sibling the Wouxun KG-805G. Whereas the handheld can legally transmit on all 30 allotted GMRS frequencies this mobile radio can transmit only on only 23 of them. In this regard, this puts it in the same camp as the Midland GMRS mobile radios. This seems logical due to the fact that minimum power of this radio exceeds the allowed power for the GMRS/FRS interstitial channels 8-14 (those in the 467 MHz range). This is a non-issue for those that already understand the FCC rules but for the neophyte this may be met with anger and surprise should this be their first GMRS mobile rodeo (pun intended). The use of the term “30 Channel” in the ads is sadly misleading in this context. In some radio circles a channel refers to a specific frequency and the number of channels refers to the number of frequencies you can operate on. In other circles a channel merely refers to a memory location (preset) for storing a Rx and Tx frequency, squelch codes and other associated values which the user can conveniently recall. So, in summary, this radio can only Tx on 23 GMRS frequencies but can receive on 30 GMRS frequencies according to current public information. Edit 1: I re-reviewed the language in the FCC Regulations and found 95.1763 (d) “467 MHz interstitial channels. Only hand-held portable units may transmit on these 7 channels.” So here there is no gray area. Mobile, base and repeaters are not permitted to transmit on the 467 interstitial channels. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Happy Thanksgiving back atcha! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have to admit I am surprised that the FCC does not seem to clearly mandate as part of its certifications that the radio firmware not allow Tx operation on frequencies and power outside the radio’s certification. When I read the rules I personally conclude that if the radio is not limited to specific frequencies and power by the nature of its hardware design then it becomes the responsibility of the radio’s firmware to keep the radio in compliance. I was recently surprised to discover that an otherwise legal FCC 95e “certified” radio was still fully capable of Tx operation on all amateur UHF frequencies (plus more) without hacking it, but also that it could transmit higher power on those GMRS frequencies where such power is not permitted. While the average person may not stumble on this it does shed light on the shortcuts the manufacturers are taking perhaps due to unclear language in FCC regs. While I am also a license amateur and permitted to use non-certified radios on amateur frequencies this may not be an issue, but the fact that this is possible on a GMRS radio that is not supposed to have said capability clearly shows a gap in the certification process. It would seem that based on the assertions in the FCC document that Rugged Radios has been exploiting this exact type of shortcoming. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If you watch the following YouTube video you start to get a clearer picture of what line of sight without obstructions can do for your UHF range. Here the users are demonstrating 27km range using a handheld .5 watt radio over in Europe. Their elevation comes from being high on two opposing hillsides. One thing I have come to realize much better is that it is not just sufficient to get the antenna above nearby obstructions but you must also get it above a good percentage of all obstructions between the transmitting and receiving antennas. While the signal might be fully blocked by a hill abruptly, it does pass through and around foliage and many other obstacles but indeed it is attenuated by them. Place a good stand of trees between those same set of radios used in the video demo above and you suddenly you find yourself at .5 miles while the radio horizon might actually be 6 miles. In some recent modeling that I did (and already shared) using an online coverage calculator I was able to see first hand that modest increases in height can be met with insignificant range improvements, even over mostly level terrain. Whereas when I modeled a doubling or quadrupling of antenna height I observed more appreciable increase in coverage. When there are no obstructions, radio range is mostly affected by the radio (antenna) horizon. When you are above the horizon, the rest of the real-world’s obstacles placed in your way are your enemy. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks for posting. I knew this radio was coming but did not know it was going to be ready to ship this soon. Just in time for the holidays. Sure is a shame that Midland was not the company introducing a radio with such a feature set. I just downloaded and perused the manual. This one appears to be written (or at least well edited) by a person that speaks english natively. Reads like one might expect a manual to read. I wonder if it perhaps was written by the BTW staff. Looks like it includes the same plug-n-play repeater support that exists for some of their KG-UV900 series radios. That I imagine is going to be quite popular with the MyGMRS group. One thing I think may be an issues is the frequency stability. It seems low compared to current FCC regs. That will need to be verified. Michael WRHS965 KE8PLM Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk