jnr0104

Don't tell that to your kids! ?

This was the original question, so with this linking bundle on each of 2 of the rt97 repeaters, Will it link those repeaters to each other, OR just link each to the Mygmrs network?  If it links individual repeaters to each other(not the network)Some friends andI with repeaters may be upgradingto the new retevis models and buying some bundles!

Have 2 operating now, very impressed with coverage. Using  Comet CA-712EFC antennas, short runs of lmr 400.   These are listed on mygmrs.com, Ranch 650, and Copano Bay 675.   The Ranch 650 runs off batteries and solar. located on a hill, antenna at 65 ft.  Copano antenna only at 25 ft.
 

I will also agree with mbrun's take, speaking a 50x1 owner with a couple different repeaters in range on the the same frequency. It's kind of a pain not being able to save more tx entries, even if within bounds for gmrs.
 
Midland are very plug and play, and generally well supported, but have their own limitations;if repeater access is desired, the xtalkers are likely out.
 
The wouxun handheld is solid, and easy to set up. I have high hopes for their mobile to be similar, and the remote head is a bonus, but it's slightly pricy, and still a bit of an unknown.
 
Among the 3 options, I think wouxun is the best. If you're willing to mix, you could do a Midland base and wouxun ht. Axorlov also raises a good point about the commercial options being good alternatives.

Where I came from on my decision making was wanted more then some cheap plastic wrap after getting my license.  Took the advise of BTWR the Handheld Wouxun KG805-G and Purchased two and happy as the sound quality is so clear....   I have been looking at the Base Wouxun KG-1000G GMRS (50watt) they had some nice feature... awaiting review from others who know more then me.  I also made sure I did not have buyer remorse and said for $160 for two 805G and if I did a base KG-1000G for $319 plus antenna and other accessories $200?, I have learned a lot.  (read below as going for repeater)
 
So pick what you like now because in 6 to 8 months they add new features and or products which makes you say O I should have gotten this or that.  So I do have issues with the 805G and so go look at all the posts for all the radios and ask yourself can I live with this or that.  Because I'm a newbie, I wanted to make my current pick to be a learning tool for me and my 12 yo G daughter to learn and enjoy radios...  We are learning a lot about programing plus repeaters and just having fun hearing FRS trash talk and being legit on GMRS.  Makes her feel good in seeing the difference.  
 
As I said twice, buy something you will not have buyers remorse...  because your first radios will be your throw away in a year or so.  Now for me that is why I did not get the Wouxun KG-1000G as a base to install in my Jeep, I like the remote head.  But now I'm looking at getting a repeater to put in Jeep and/or my RV via sharing the unit.  I like the portability of 5 watt handhelds with a 5 watt repeater with good antennas.  So looking at Retevis RT97  https://shop.mygmrs.com/collections/featured-products/products/retevis-rt97-gmrs-repeater-5w
 
My GMRS mentor "he knows who he is" says it is all in the antenna and the $200 of accessories was all antennas so since the 805G allows to upgrade different antennas which is a lot better than rubber ducky.  Also the 805G are 5 watts and I think Midland X-Talker handhelds are only 2 watts and fixed rubber ducky antennas (do check this as I may be wrong).  Midland looks like good pricing...  Just pick a budget amount to start with the features you like knowing you can go crazy like me on your next round of radios purchases... 
 
How old are your kids, any looking to go deeper into GMRS.  I vision cast my G daughter into the Space Force and we did the Huntsville, AL space museum so she see all the communication gear and is ready to go...  Go Guardians..
 
Hope this helps, not techie like my mentor, just some personal meat.  Do let us know what and why you purchase what you came up with.  Just know it will be the right choice for your needs. 
 
Jack
 
Edit after thought:
 
I like that I can program the 805G and I have a Mac and use Chirp software and cable.  I can not speak at about the other units.
 
I noticed that Midland and maybe others are China made...  I only say this for the Made in USA folks as I'm an X Law Enforcement guy with Motorola radios I like.  I have openly stated that I do not like the CCP and have two adapted twin Chinese daughters in their 50's with adult America kids.  I have said I not a lover of CCP actions and feel the pain for the people and companies who have to do what they do to live until CCP is history.
 
I also need to add I was educated on Part 95 certified radios from BTWR.  I wanted a radio that was certified radios for the future, NOT the hybrids that only a Ham can use.  In short a certified radios per Part 95 just for GMRS.  So whatever you pick make sure it is Part 95 certified radios.  

If you want simple and easy to use Id go with the midland. If you plan to use alot of repeaters and into it more it may not be right but for simplex its a solid basic unit.

Lets see if this work???






 

https://www.retevis.com/shop/Mobile-GMRS-repeater-RT97-Handheld-GMR-Radio-RT76/
 
Two handhelds and a repeater for $457.  Be still my heart!
 
I think I could use like four of these things, including one for the truck.

Have 2 operating now, very impressed with coverage. Using  Comet CA-712EFC antennas, short runs of lmr 400.   These are listed on mygmrs.com, Ranch 650, and Copano Bay 675.   The Ranch 650 runs off batteries and solar. located on a hill, antenna at 65 ft.  Copano antenna only at 25 ft.
 

I have one and have had it up and running for several weeks. It is posted up on a mountain near me putting it around 1800 feet up. It is powered by a 14 amp hour SLA battery that is solar recharged. I have a simple N9TAX roll up SlimJim for an antenna. It's all just strapped to a tree right now; exposed to the weather.
 
The solar controller draws .01 amps. The RT97 draws .08 amps during standby. The RT97 draws 2.05 amps during 10 watt transmission. It reaches out 20-25 miles easy but again, it is at 1800 feet so my line of sight is great. 
 
I have been super impressed with it. It is a great option for off-grid repeater operations. I would include a few images but I don't know where to host the images anymore.

About darn time. I didn't believe what I read on another site, but these radios seem to be branded as portable scanners too...  who knew.
 
G.