Jump to content

garbon2535

Members
  • Posts

    14
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by garbon2535

  1. I am active in WNY. There seems to be a lot of family activity in my area and there are active repeaters, too.

     

    I'm looking at getting a GMRS-V1 radio, and down the road a GMRS 50x1 for my truck. But I feel like I'm one of the very few GMRS operators in my area. I'd like to start a GMRS group for Western NYers in the area. Anyone else on here nearby?

  2. Midland MTX 400 NarrowBand only questions - Can anyone provide some clarification on the how the Midland MTX 400 with only narrowband will affect me and repeater use?  Isnt the unit already programmed with ALL the GRMS repeater pairs? I think it is 8 pairs/channels...Does that mean that every single GRMS repeater in on one of these channels/pairs?  And if the repeater pair/channel is on narrow band and the repeated in on high band, will i not be able to use it? I would like to use repeaters if needed and may at one point put up at repeater to use for extended use with other family members. 

     

    Also did i read write that the FRS channels are not programmed on the Midland GRMS radios?  meaning I cant communicate with FRS radios that my friends or family have. (motorola talk abouts)?

     

    I am seriously considering this base unit in my home and vehicle and since it is widely used in the recreational market it seems pretty easy to use and user friendly. 

     

    Thank you very much

    I use an MXT-400 and the radio does use wideband on the repeater frequencies, out of the box. I have no problem using it on local repeaters.

     

    I do use narrow band handheld units in simplex with the MXT-400. The only thing you need to do is turn up the volume to hear the handhelds. If a wideband radio keys up the volume will be loud. To reduce the number of times that this happens I usually use a PL tone on simplex.

     

    Midland does sell a programming cable that allows you to set up split tones or change the bandwidth. I don't have the cable and have never had a need to change the stock configuration of the radio. There are several good YouTube videos if you want to learn more.

  3. I purchased one for a friend.  I am disappointed that I cant change DCS codes and CTCSS codes from the radios menu.  I have the same issue with sections "canceling".    I purchased the programing cable and after a lot of trail-and-error was able to program the radio the way I wanted.

     

    I have a Wouxun KG-805G that I use daily.  The menus area a lot more simple and straight forward.  Everything in the menus actually functions.  After the price of the Retevis, shipping, and the programing cable, I'd suggest the Wouxun.  It's more but not much more.

  4. Thanks for all the replies. This information is very helpful; however, I have not solved my problem.

     

    The radio seems to receive OK. I can pick up a repeater 35-40 miles away with no problem. I can pick up handhelds 1.5 to 3 miles away around my neighborhood.

     

    I am using LMR-400 cable. I have a 50 foot run from my radio to a PolyPhaser DC block lightning protector and then 25 feet of cable to the antenna. I am using PL-259 connectors because my radio has SO-239 on the back.

     

    With the SWR meter, I use a 3 foot jumper of LMR-400.

     

    Today I tried connected a mobile mag antenna connected to SWR meter the with a 3 foot jumper to the radio, all with RG-8 coax. I had the same results with the exception that my SWR reading was 1.5 instead of nearly 0.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Guidelines.