H8SPVMT
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Posts posted by H8SPVMT
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14 hours ago, Sbsyncro said:
Thanks Michael. I forgot to mention in my previous post that the thing that tipped me off to the nearby CH-22 RPT possibly being a repeater was the periodic morse code. I figure the only time I'm going to be anywhere near a public repeater, I won't know far enough in advance to gain permission and setup details, so unfortunately the likelihood of me ever being able to use one are fairly low...
Sbsyncro you have made a very knowledgeable observation in dealing with travel, and repeaters.
But first off remember the repeaters aren’t “public” but, private property even though they identify themselves ever so often.
Travel planning is a necessity in the probable use of a repeater outside your area of normal travel.
Say, you decide to prepare for getting a signal report while on the road, in the area just to ensure your unit is really working as designed. Contact the owner beforehand and get (and record) the necessary information and permission to program the radio before the trip.
As you get closer to the repeater setup you’ll likely want to PTT and ask for a signal report and listen for the squelch report to ensure you are actually hitting the repeater.
My new radio experience has taught me to:
-Safety First & pull over to a safe place and stop,
-Ensure the radio is set to the correct channel,
-Ensure I have the correct CTCSS or DCS tone selected,
-Think about what you’re going to say then,
-Transmit and evaluate the results even though I think I am close enough to be heard.
You may or may not reach the repeater. Listen for hearing static after letting go of the PTT button. If you hear the static, you’ll know you have not opened the repeater with your transmission. If the release of the PTT produces a clear silence for several seconds (squelch trail), know you have been received and should wait for a response.
I have learned that somedays I can hear a repeater a long way off (30 - 45 miles) but I can't quite hit it depending on my angle of approach or area of reception I am in. Too, somedays the repeater my be down for any number of issues and just available for use at the time you arrive ot use it.
Safe Travels!
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Newbie GRMS user here, just received my Midland MXT275 radio the other day and looked at my local repeaters and noticed the are using offsets. Looking through the manuals and reaching out too Midland for answers, pending their response. I haven't been able to determine if my Midland or any Midland radio is capable of being programmed for offsets. Does anyone know if the Midlands are able to be programmed for offsets for repeaters? Thanks
Just follow these steps from your Owners Manual to get the repeater channels to appear on the display:To Set the Repeater Channel:1. Press and release the Menu button to place the radio in “Menu” mode.2. Use the Volume Up or Volume Down button to scroll through the menuoptions until the LCD display shows rP3. Press the Lock button to confirm your selection.4. Use the Volume Up or Volume Down button to select ON or OFF.5. Press the Lock button to confirm your selection. YOU MUST PRESS THE LOCK BUTTON TO CONFIRM YOUR SELECTIONOR THE REPEATER CHANNEL SELECTION WILL NOT BE CHANGEDWhen activated the repeater channels will be displayed as the channel number (Ex. 15,16,17,ect.) and the rP icon▪▪ Repeater channels will appear immediatly following the standard GMRS channels (ex: 20,21,22,15rP,16rP17rP etc) -
In my newbie use of this radio I am finding I sometimes have more questions than answers. Seems the operational manual is only covering the very basic operations.
My question:
In regards to channels we know there are two different types of, “Privacy Tones/Codes” that can be applied to any of the channels. They are the Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digitally Coded Squelch (DCS).
Right out of the box, any channel (frequency) selection will display on the screen without a CTCSS/DCS code as you cycle through the selection of channels. But did you know there are already two privacy codes attached to each channel (all of them) one CTCSS code of (67.0) and one DCS 001(23). What I found interesting is that they're already assigned (lowest common numerical) codes but they are not in use at that time.
As we scroll through, we just see the channel numbers with NO INDICATION a code has been selected. And that is what you should see at this point. But just above the channel numbers there are/can be “symbols” TS/DCS to indicate a code was actually selected for a specific channel.
All this means little until you start programing your radio to function around Riding Groups or talking to Repeaters as you travel long distances. Many folks find a favorite frequency they like and or a privacy code they like to use in a location, group or repeater.
It is not un-likely during a trip of 300+/- miles you may encounter several repeaters that can be on the same frequency/channel and with privacy codes that require swapping if you want to use that equipment.
Just realized today while trying to list those I come into contact with; that we can ease the problem if you know in advance and that both a CTCSS & DCS is being used you can incorporate that on the same channel for some convenience.
Example:
You have a repeater channel (rp 17) that might be using a CTCSS freq. 141.3 in one location and a DCS code of 41 (306) at another location. Both codes can be loaded before the trip. Once you are in reach you can simply swap the signal from one code to the other by pressing the Tone Squelch TS/DCS button one to three times to switch codeDCSs.
Press once: Turns CTCSS code on (to the one) previously selected,
Press twice: Turns DCS code on (to the one) previously selected,
Press three times: Cycles back to NO selected CODEs in use.
I think you'll still have to press the "SELECT" button for eact to take but I haven't had the oppuntitunty to try this out, yet.
Clear as mud? Just remember too that if the TS/DCS isn’t on the screen about the channel number, no code has been selected. Owner’s Manual Page 11 indicates what you’ll see if a code is selected with the #5 & #6 symbols.
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The bigger issue I find with the MXT275 is it can't be set to turn on and off with the ignition. Seems like a pretty basic thing to me. I already have my second KG-1000 sitting here and plan to unload my Midland when I get it installed.
It would depend on the specific circuit you wire into for the power. Going straight to the battery for ground and power you'll always to watch the radio when you shut down the engine or it will drain the battery. Page 8 explains how to hook it up.
From the Owners Manual:
NOTE:The fuse block is usually the most convenient connection point. The power cord positive lead can also be connected to the accessory terminal on the fuse block or ignition switch, so the radio automatically turns off when the ignition is turned off. -
I purchased a MXT-275 and noticed that the volume only goes down to 1. Not sure if its a Midland thing, but it seems that the radio should be able to mute. Anyone else notice this?
As if the volume were turned off? Humm... The only option I see is to select a speaker location w/o a speaker maybe?
Because the Volume button is a selector for many functions of the radio I guess they don't want you to be able to mute the sound and forget the unit is actually ON?
PWR switch will be your friend then...
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I have a new setup here in north central Illinois. A 50W radio with a J-Pole antenna. I can receive several repeaters very well and listen to conversations all day long on the one based in Janesville WI. I have applied for access to the Janesville repeater several times over the past two weeks but have yet to get a response, negative or positive. I have also applied for access to two other repeaters in my area, Rockford IL and Monroe WI. also with no reply. Any idea how long the process usually takes? I have no way of knowing if my transmit even works as I have yet to get any response from anyone on any of the "regular" frequencies.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dennis
While you can hear them, It doesn't mean they can hear you. If you are hearing them offer to allow others permission when asked, I would doubt they can hear you.
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Cobra 75WXST for the 2015 Hard Rock for the last 6 years. It worked better than I thought it would.
Midland 400 MXT with a 6DB antenna for a year now. Was really worried it wasn't working at all until I finally heard and spoke to a repeater 30 miles away.
Mounted it over the tray on the center of the dash next to my handheld GPSr on a small piece of oak. Antenna is mounted just forward of the A frame on the driver side fender/hood.
Trail rides and friends around town.
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I use mine. I agreed with the regulations and said I would follow them....
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Morning Michael, I have a Retevis RT76P hand held I bought for my spotter when on the 4x4 trails, & can communicate easily on like configured channels. I cannot remove the factory CTCSS/DCS codes on the RT76P w/o a cable & software which I do not have. So the Midland will transmit & receive when channels are complimentary.
My frustration comes from not reaching anyone else, receiving others, not getting replies...unclear how useful this commo method is without prior coordination of stations
Gary J.
Did Midland finally get you squared away with a new MXT275? I understand Midland may never divulge the issue but, did the new radio solve the problem?
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Ah Ha! I was looking for that info.
ORI: Open Repeater Initiative.
Now what does it mean exactly? I haven't even installed my GMRS in the Jeep yet (waiting for warmer weather cuz I am a woos now days) so I have been searching the forums
Usually open to all with a callsign and proper use. CTCSS code 141.3
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Unless you have a group of friends or people that have licenses and radios GMRS is pretty much useless compared to the CB.
FRS/GMRS isn't the Chatty crowd of people I have found.
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Chatting with just anyone isn't what GMRS is for. I too have the MXT 400 for a mobile and am only using it on trail rides with the Jeep. I have befriended a person that owns two repeaters 30 mile from me and I can chat with him and help him when justing his gear.
Other than that I turn mine on when driving and set it to, SCAN.
These were meant for family and business comms pretty much. Overlanders and folks off road use them too but it seems, not like CB radios .
I forgot to add that you can get on this site and listen to the chatter on the linked towers but for the most part I find it boring...
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RMPOA 550 Transylvania County, NC
Is nearby but Mr. Poole has the mountains behind him so most of his signal goes to Cashiers and Horse Pasture area. Check him out friendly fellow I thought.
It certainly would have been a pleasure having a repeater in the area for wheeling in the woods about and around there. We frequent Brevard, Cashiers, Gorges State Park etc. Mr. Poole was attempting to get stabilized with his repeater while we were there last year. I could hear his unit by was never able to hit it.
My sincere apologies !
I saw Brevard an thought North Carolina. You are in Florida and I was too quick to reply...
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RMPOA 550 Transylvania County, NC
Is nearby but Mr. Poole has the mountains behind him so most of his signal goes to Cashiers and Horse Pasture area. Check him out friendly fellow I thought.
It certainly would have been a pleasure having a repeater in the area for wheeling in the woods about and around there. We frequent Brevard, Cashiers, Gorges State Park etc. Mr. Poole was attempting to get stabilized with his repeater while we were there last year. I could hear his unit by was never able to hit it.
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WELCOME and there might be something you can help with too as a former Army radioman and HAM operator.
Thank you for standing the watch as well!
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The plug/connector for for my 400 has a very stiff rubber seal that I have to ensure I push it into the radio harder than I care to.I suppose that helps to form a seal (some what). Might want to check that the connector is all the way into port.
After completing the reset ensure you have reset the PL code (if being used) for the channel you are using.
- Press and release the Menu button to a place the radio in “Menu” mode.- Use the Volume Up or Volume Down button to scroll through the menu options until the LCD display shows Pt, then press the Lock button.- Use the Volume Up or Volume Down button to select the privacy tone type you would like to use: oF, Ct, or dC- Press the Lock button to confirm your selection. The (for CTCSS) or (for DCS) icon will show on the LCDdisplay, according to your selectionNote: The (for CTCSS) or (for DCS) icon will show on the LCD display, according to your selection- Use the Volume Up or Volume Down button to scroll forward or backward through the available Privacy Codes until the desired Privacy Code is shown on the LCD display.NOTE: DCS Privacy Codes 100-104 are shown on the LCD display as A0-A4.NOTE: Selecting a Privacy Code of “oF” will disable the Privacy feature.edited -
Look in the Owners Manual.
Try resetting the unit back to its original setting.
- Be sure the radio is turned off (see Power On/Off).
- Press and hold the PTT and the Weather button simultaneously..
- With the buttons still held, turn on the radio.
▪ All user settings will be cleared, returning the radio to all default settings
Just a hunch - if you are using an external speaker ensure it is plugged in all the way.
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Why doesn't cell phones fall under the same scheme?
People using FRS aren't required to be licensed so it is a crap shoot if anyone sees the notice. Legalize by FCC I say.
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Hi
I have a couple mobile and some handheld that have dual watch on it no problem with them just The mxt115 you can stop on the channel you wanna listen to but there’s no Duel watch on it I only use two channels 575 and 600 repeter I would love to skip all the rest but I don’t think you can like on the MXt 400 I can skip channels (base station)I just have the last eight repeater channels customize with the name of the towns per ch
Please, if you don't mind, how do you skip channels on the MXT400?
I only understand that I can set a channel to monitor, then scan all the others. I have very a limited use of FRS/GMRS in my area at all.
My radio is mounted in the Jeep so it is mobile and not a base station.
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I'm new here too.
Trying to learn what I can. I own a Midland MXT400 but don't understand the term you're using in, "Skip channels."
I'm thinkings you want to just listen to two/scan two or more, channels and not cycle thru all the avaliable channels?
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Well I'm a newbie too and really don't know the true full answer to that but:
for the repeater usage I think you'll need more than 5 watts of power that a Handheld might put out.
I don't know of any stores per say that sell the mobile units with 15 or more watts so I purchased mine online from Midway.
How Do Repeaters Work
in General Discussion
Posted
You're a Jeeper, you'll find a way!