mbrun

Very interested in hearing your results. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I would be thrilled to get a consistent 5-miles HT to base (home). But more would be nice too. BTW, my GXT are the early FCCID version that were rated 5 watt, same as the Wouxun. I understand current versions have different FCCID and over power. What is the FCCID on your units? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So far I like the radio and its feature set. Usable range around my home is still only about 1-1/2 mile HT to HT. My wife and I did some tests this past weekend and just could not push it past that. I think the density of trees in most directions away from our house is really limiting us. One thing we did discover this weekend was the audio quality difference between the KG-805G and GXT1000 is definitely notable. During our tests I switched between between the two models to compare range and she commented just how much better the 805 sounded. Louder, clearer. And I always thought the GXT sounded good. I think we can attribute that to the fact (at least in part) that the KG-805G is operating in wide-band mode. We are doing some experiments to see what improvements we can achieve if we use an external antenna on the radio at the house. We may take the radios to a local park and lake to see what additional range we can get. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yes, there is signaling feature you can take advantage of while in group mode (a useless implementation IMO). Coincidentally, the number of group codes available on the radio is One more than the total number of DCS and CTCSS codes available on the radio. Valid codes range from 00-142. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So I am wondering if Midland is actually using non-standard CTCSS and DCS Codes for Group Mode functionality. I don’t currently have a way to scan for the codes that are actually being broadcast, but I would I suppose that is a possibility. What other times of continuous data transmission does the FCC allow to be broadcast via GMRS? I know Text Messages, Location Data and PL codes are all permitted. Anything else? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The GXT1000 does feature programming software. It is only front panel controllable. Currently this is still Midland’s top-of-the-line GMRS radio. I have searched the web to no avail. I suppose if it were targeted for the advanced user there might be technical information widely available. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Nice write-up Marc. Should probably be pinned for all newcomers to read. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I own a collection of Midland GXT1000 Radios FCC ID #MMAGXT50. These radios have a proprietary ‘Group Mode’ feature that allows two way communications between radios with the same Group Mode setting. In general, radios in Group Mode behave similar to radios that merely use CTCSS or DCS codes. I have assumed for some time that this Group Mode is really nothing more than a different way of assigning the various CTS an DCS already built into the radio. However, when I attempted to confirm this I had no success. I tested this by enabling group mode on a transmitting unit and then trying all the different CTCSS and DCS codes on a receiving radio. The receiving radio never broke squelch when any CTSSS or DCS was active. So what I am trying to figure out is, technically speaking, what specifically is Midland doing to achieve Group Mode behavior? Anyone out there know? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Ordered and received a pair this past weekend. So far it seems like a good radio. No repeater action just yet. The one nearest me is down for maintenance. In simplex I have been able to reach about 1-1/2 miles HT to HT on most level ground with mixture of trees, houses and fields in between. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Wow! No one? Don’t tell me I am the first to buy these radios Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Good point on local ordinances. I will need to look into that. I image it would take 60 foot +/- to clear the trees. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

My ultimate reason for asking the question has to do with my surroundings. My home is surrounded by acres of trees on three sides. I am considering an antenna on the home and originally figured 20’ above the home. But then I thought, I wonder if I could attach to house but put up high enough to peek out above the trees. Not sure if I will do that or not, but its sounds like that is legal if I decided to go that way. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

So are you concluding that the limit is 200 feet, the same as I am? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Rodro123, I believe 95.51 was removed as part of the 2017 FCC update. My current understanding is that 95.1741 took its place. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Last week I ordered a pair of these radios and received them over the weekend. I wanted some HT that could work with repeaters and that could accept an external antenna. The local repeater I had hoped to use is down for maintenance so I will have to wait to try that. In the mean time, I have tried simplex on mostly level ground HT-HT and was able to reach about 1-1/2 miles with a mixture of woods, houses and fields in between. So far I like the radios. Physical build quality seems good. My 6-10 year old and going strong GXT-1050 are my point of reference. Range seems to be somewhat better under the same conditions, but admittedly I had hoped to be shocked with much more range given the better antenna on the radio. I am thinking of putting a base in the home with an external antenna, perhaps 40’ in the air so I can do simplex HT to base, out to perhaps 6-8 miles. Curious to know, if you have this radio, what your experience has been. Michael Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

About 10-years ago when I obtained my original GMRS license the FCC had a limit on GMRS antenna height. It was 20 foot above the tree or building to which it was mounted (roughly speaking). In the current regulations that 20 foot limit seems to have been complete removed. Instead, 95.1741 (regarding height) merely redirects to 95.317 that seems to indicate antennae structure over 200 foot may need to be registered with FAA. So, I am curious, has the 20 foot limit truly been removed? Is it now 200 feet? If restriction is specified somewhere else if the CFR, where would I find it? Michael Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk