MacJack
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Posts posted by MacJack
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You may want to look at a MURS radio... https://www.buytwowayradios.com/catalogsearch/result/index/?q=Wouxun&tw_service=1499 I would call them (888) 569-9499 and ask... I have several Wouxun GMRS and heard that MURS is better point to point. Now for skiing and hiking I like what this radio does. I liked the T800 Talkabout from Motorola BUT GMRS is not a good as MURS point to point or radio to radio... Do call and ask around about GMRS and MURS.. I do not think Motorola has a GMRS or MURS rich radio but the below video what it does to link with iPhone for connecting... Have a good safe trip and enjoy the kids.
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19 hours ago, MichaelLAX said:
For $69, I purchased the Radioddity RD-5R, which is radio UHF, VHF, GMRS, FRS, MURS, DMR and more.
I already have an iPhone, (which yours is not iOS compatible; only Android) and I do not need a hotspot, as I hit 3 DMR repeaters from my easy chair (admittedly connected to my rooftop Comet tribander)!
That leaves much savings to buy another cellphone that is Android (when I figure out a need for it) and a hotspot (when I figure out a need for it)!
Thanks good to know...
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On 3/19/2022 at 6:22 PM, WROZ250 said:
Current version of Chip does not support the 935
Yes after I replied to post I downloaded new Chirp release.
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2 hours ago, WRPT916 said:
I just got my KG-935G today. I have the Programming Cable, so I really want to be able to use my desktop to program the radio. I checked out the link in your post and it loos like a $25.00 download. Is that really what I need? Seems like a lot of $$ right after a major (for me) purchase! Thanks!
YES BUT.. RT System says you have to have their cable. I did not try the old cable I got from B2WR. I like the easy RT System software verse the 935G free download... BUT since you just got your 935G, use what you have and enjoy. Another software option is https://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home BUT make sure you see 935G as a year ago I had to use 916 which could brick your radio... BECAREFUL. In fact, any software you use do a backup of your radio and save it as factory setting in case you have to go back and start over.
Enjoy your 935G, great no best radio... In fact, program some Ham channels in your area as you will only can listen and not talk. Who knows you may get your Ham ticket like my now 13 yo grand daughter and I did as we where study buddies.
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3 hours ago, blastco2 said:
That would be the only way that I could afford an rf finder. Sheesh, $1k each, that's crazy expensive.
But it is a cell phone, radio UHF, VHF, GMRS, FRS, MURS, DMR and more plus I do DMRoIP as it is it's own hotspot. Sweet.
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On 3/18/2022 at 11:53 AM, MichaelLAX said:
RT Systems sells a Mac version.
I talked to them many months back begging them to do Mac OS version since they do have some software for Mac OS. Just so you they order a 935G when backordered and I sent them my 935G for they could write the software in a week and they send radio back with what I needed. They do PC first and Mac OS later... I just checked and the do not have Mac OS on the list of releases.
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Good observation on the KG-935G which I have had some time. It a real radio... I have it to talk on GMRS and can monitor Ham frequency (which I'm a ham). I use the following software and cable to program radio as it much more user friendly... wish it was in Mac OS. https://www.rtsystemsinc.com/KG-935G_c_2138.html
I make up several Scan Group and some have my standard Repeaters and others frequency I use on Simplex etc. So I pick my group and just scan that group. So with the software from RT Systems, well worth getting it as I can cut and paste makes life easy and fast. Easy to fill up the 999 channel slots.
Enjoy your 935G as much as I do as well as my KG-UV8H for Hams who want to monitor GMRS.
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On 3/15/2022 at 10:48 AM, Sshannon said:
The Garmin GMRS radios work very well at transmitting their gps location to another Garmin GMRS radio. The top end radios have topo maps built in or more detailed maps can be added. They are prohibited by FCC regulations from passing their gps locations through a repeater though.
Are you a Ham? I'm using a RFinder B1 which covers GMRS, VHF/UHF Repeaters and DMRoIP for Ham, etc... And it has mapping with off of cellular. https://store10195853.ecwid.com/RFinder-B1-p153523799 Check it out..
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On 11/26/2021 at 10:38 PM, MichaelLAX said:
I never really understood the difference between MARC DMR and Brandmeister DMR (which I use) and if they are interoperational.
I'll just try 27500 and see if I can find you!
UPDATE: Maybe not:
Sorry I missed your comment to me. I'm glad you explain the above... my comments asked me was just DMR RF thus CG 1 TG 27500 for the four regional repeater in our area. I do BrandMeister which my mode on my radio is DMRoIP. I do hang around BrandMeister as I have a HT that does not need Cold Plug as it uses the RFinder Database for Ham repeaters near you. Very cool no hot spot needed. It also is a cell phone and does VoIP and at this stage of development has BrandMeister and will soon have TGIF as in development now. I have a B1 and a new model B1+ is out... https://store10195853.ecwid.com/RFinder-B1-p153523799
As for where I hang out on BrandMeister, I like to monitor the TG 91 just to make sure radio working, 3100 USA, 3137 NC and a TG 31770 for B1 owners. O another new feature is I can see all RFinder radio and tablets on air and want to share their location and if open for contact... I can do from the radio click tune radio and call them up.. The spec sheet on the website is not up to date with all the features.
Again sorry for delay in my response.
MacJack
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On 11/27/2021 at 8:20 PM, SUPERG900 said:
DMR-MARC and BrandMeister are two completely separate DMR networks. DMR-MARC is the older of the two and is generally based on MOTOTRBO equipment. BrandMeister is a newer and a bit more open network.
In general, DMR-MARC repeaters are more locked down and don't permit private calls. BrandMeister repeaters don't usually restrict private calls, they allow SMS messages and also support digital APRS.
Their are only a few talkgroups that are shared between these networks. Most folks program their codeplugs for one network or the other - BrandMeister being the most popular.
TGIF is an interesting network. There's not a lot of repeaters on that network - but many program TGIF into their personal hotspots.
Sorry I missed your comment to me. I'm glad you explain the above... my comments asked me was just DMR which I took as DMRoIP. I do hang around BrandMeister as I have a HT that does not need Cold Plug as it uses the RFinder Database for Ham repeaters near you. Very cool no hot spot needed. It also is a cell phone and does VoIP and at this stage of development has BrandMeister and will soon have TGIF as in development now. I have a B1 and a new model B1+ is out... https://store10195853.ecwid.com/RFinder-B1-p153523799
As for where I hang out on BrandMeister, I like to monitor the TG 91 just to make sure radio working, 3100 USA, 3137 NC and a TG 31770 for B1 owners. O another new feature is I can see all RFinder radio and tablets on air and want to share their location and if open for contact... I can do from the radio click tune radio and call them up.. The spec sheet on the website is not up to date with all the features.
Again sorry for delay in my response.
MacJack
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9 hours ago, Guest david1 said:
My 17 year old son just got his Ham Technician license. He is studying for the General.
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So in short, how similar are the systems ONLY inregards to operational functionality (buttons, controls, etc.) IF he learns how to use GMRS functionally, how close is he to being able to use HAM functionally?
Thanks in advance.First let me say you are asking the basic question but go deep for your family needs and goals. My 12 yo grand daughter and I got GMRS as one license for whole family and local professional repeater that covers 30 miles. We even put up our own $450 repeater for the neighborhood. Then the GMRS owner encouraged us to go Ham... We would go to the Ham club lunch and again encourage to go Ham a all the things we can do over GMRS... To me IMHO is next step up from CB and more so FRS. So my little 12 yo homeschool on her summer break we studied together for 1.5 month, got our Tech ticket end of May 2021 and have had a blast. Because we have some many Ham repeaters as well, we are having a ball. In fact we only do HT and the main units are RFinder B1 radio/cell phone/DMR (which is so much more fun/Brandmeister talk groups via WiFi and or cellular/ We have no codeplugs and now a map to see other B1 owners and see what channels they are on and can talk to them. As a Ham we also do FRS/GMRS/MURS/VHF/UHF/DMR/plus others we are not license for yet being only a Tech ticket.
We have had great bonding time for the 1.5 learning. You can ask your son to be your coach/Elmer while he studies for his General. You will be investing more the $ into your son... I'm 75 yo and did it as my way to bring back Ham to the missing generations.
Hope this encourages you and other to get Ham ticket. O what sold me was when I was 12 my dad was in the signal core and he want me to learn Morse Code, but I was 12 yo boy playing ball... BUT my GMRS owner who is a Ham and has 6 radio repeater sites told me no more Morse Code, closed the deal and Kaylee like the old folks at the local Ham Club. Her favor thing is Fox Hunts and we have been the fox several times as well as the hunter...
Like my GMRS for local coverage and help family/neighbors who are not Hams. So they both have a place, you just have to ask yourself with a Ham ticket you can do so many cool things, GMRS is for local farm/home/Jeeping which I need as well.
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11 hours ago, Citizen said:
I too loved XP. Vista was a total disappointment. But you know what was worse than Vista? Yep, you guessed it....Windows 8. I still have 1 machine with XP, and I hated to stop using it (it was a real work-horse), but after many years of use, the plastic shell began cracking with age, so the screen hinge failed, and also the battery tray clips broke and so wouldn't hold a battery in place.
Windows 7 was pretty good. It was the last MS OS before MS tried to look like Apple. I started using W7 because of a forced upgrade, as my company upgraded all their PCs (later, they skipped W8, thankfully, and went strait to W10).
I got use to W10, but now am worried about being forced to go to W11 someday. I used to be a Microsoft fan, but lately every time they "upgrade" something, other things begin to not work right. Still, won't touch Apple products, but that's another story.
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Citizen like your Windows comments... I make my money in MS OS as it so bad.... I gave all my girls in college Mac's so they would have all software work with the OS... plus they could call Apple and not me... I can do so much with my Mac OS and make $$$$ on Windows OS... I have the best of both worlds... O I still have a XP PC off the grid to do my radio programing.... I use a USB Flash Drive to load download programs from my Mac to XP pc as well as other files... Thanks for affirming my OS for radio programing.
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31 minutes ago, mbrun said:
Welcome to myGMRS.
Sorry to hear of your disappointment. Been there, done that. The misleading advertising of cheap radio brands is IMHO mostly to blame for the public’s unrealistic expectations of simplex radio range. In the real-world, range is a very tiny fraction of what the manufacturers assert. In my 20 years of experience with UHF, 1/2 mile HT-HT simplex range outdoors has become my only realistic expectation of coverage. Why? Because I have not yet experience less than that outdoors. It has always been that distance or more. I always hope for more depending local conditions.
I live about 20 miles SE of Cincinnati in an area where the RF noise floor is very low. When I tested range (reported on this forum) between Wouxun (KG-805G) radios and Part 90 radios (motorola and vertex ) there was no notable difference in usable range. .6 miles is all I could achieve reliably in my around-home test. Beyond that it was rapidly downhill, with hit and mis communications out to about 1-1/2 miles. Radios ranged in MSRP price from $30 each to $750. Terrain was mostly flat to slightly rolling, 60% trees, houses every 1-5 acres and some small fields.
Those same 805G radios have achieved HT-HT simplex coverage out to 2-1/2 +/- miles under more open outdoor terrain (fewer obstacles) conditions. Also, when connected to the base antenna above my home, the 805G has on a number of occasions communicated successfully through a repeater 50 miles to my north and whose antenna is many 100s of feet higher in elevation than mine. They have achieved 34 miles through select repeaters while using a mobile antenna on my vehicle, but can’t open a low-profile home-owner repeater beyond 1 mile.
So, my first takeaway from all this is that the more the obstacles between the radio antennas the less the usable distance. The higher the antenna, the fewer the obstacles, the greater the range.
My second take away is this. There is little to no difference in usable range between the inexpensive radios and the more expensive radios when both are used in a low RF noise environment. In my case, purchasing more expensive radios for use where I live would not yield me any more usable range. If I purchased them it would be for other reasons.
My third takeaway. If I were to move closer to the city or into an area with notably higher RF background noise, like perhaps where you live, I would expect my range to be reduced, perhaps even dramatically, and that to improve on that I would likely need to purchase radios with substantially more selective receivers. But even then, I would not be able to better the range I can achieve in a low noise environment. Only fewer obstacles and higher antenna elevation would help with this.
Some things for you to consider.
1) Put a base radio in your home complete with an external antenna as high as you practically can afford to. Rely on that station for communication between home and your HTs while on foot in the neighborhood.
2) Purchase higher-quality radios if you are able to conclude that your range is truly being limited by off-channel RF noise and not obstacles. Some well seasoned local hams who own spectrum analyzers or other technical radio professionals could help you with this. Contact a local ham club for recommendations.
3) Consider putting up a repeater that is much closer to your home if you or a group of friends have access to a very high antenna location and could afford the capital and operating expense. If the closest repeater is truly to far away for your local use, having one that is within range could be an asset for you and the community. Height is everything.
Good luck on your journey.
Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLMI like Michael #3 as putting a repeater at your home with HOA may not work as much as having another location for a repeater. I purchased for $450 a VRX-7000 as a repeater set for half and full power at my house for the neighborhood. No HOA here.
If I can add #4 to Michael list, we both became Hams after GMRS. I live in the mountains of Western NC and we have access to a great GMRS repeater for 30 miles. The owner is a Ham and coached me and my 12 year old grand daughter to become Hams as of last May. It is a hold new world in the art of radio communication being a Ham.
Hope this helps as you see that there is a bigger picture to what is ahead.
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On 11/27/2021 at 1:36 PM, Lscott said:
I’m trying to get a buddy at work to just try for his Tech Class license, he already has his GMRS license. Was also into scanning. He’s interested but seems to get hung up with other commitments to go for a VE test session. I did get him to switch from the CCR he had, UV-5R, to a better radio, a used Kenwood TK-3170. That’s just about all he uses now.
My boss said something a while ago about “maybe” getting a couple of radios to stay in contact with his 12 yo son at school. Hasn’t brought up the topic in a while however. I emailed him some info and radio brochures. At the time he said he was looking at a couple of the CCR’s you see on Amazon. He said if his kid wrecks the radio or looses it he’s not out of a lot of money. I guess that’s one point in favor of CCR’s. I think the best option for him is GMRS at the moment.
I have another buddy who I got interested in Ham Radio, he was already into scanners and CB. He got his Tech Class license and now is really getting into digital radio. He also just for fun got his GMRS license recently too. He still uses 11m CB with his “export” radio.
I’m trying to do my part. All of the people above are younger than I am.
Great... on a personal note the Ham who own/operate not only a great GMRS repeater as well as regional DMR repeaters linked, said to me Kaylee and I show look into getting Ham ticket an more morse code needed. I told him let us think about it and went to the local Ham lunch meeting and we like the folks and got a coach which was the repeater owner and asked him 3 or 4 question and we selfstudy for one half months.
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10 hours ago, PACNWComms said:
Very nice. Was an Army brat myself, but was also the only person in my family to retire from the Air Force.....in Air Force Space Command before the whole Space Force part. Worked in nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, then satellite control, then ground stations and last Land Mobile radio and radio networks. Starting young helps and it will be a constant growth area for employment for a very long time. Radio and wireless technology is ever present in command and control, to include utilities, critical infrastructure and other areas of our technological society. Thank you for sharing the PDF.
Thanks for sharing your path, that what I'm looking for with Kaylee.
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10 hours ago, MichaelLAX said:
I never really understood the difference between MARC DMR and Brandmeister DMR (which I use) and if they are interoperational.
I'll just try 27500 and see if I can find you!
UPDATE: Maybe not:
DMR is using a radio BM is VOIP. I was not on 27500 via BM. Plus our DMR regional repeaters are only tied to 4 repeaters and ops have to flip the switch to connect on the NPR network.
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3 minutes ago, PACNWComms said:
I currently use Aeroflex 3920 Radio Communications Service monitors for many types of digital radios. I also hear at work how some radios are junk because of cost, name or function. Some say the Kenwood 5300's are junk, others Motorola Trbo series radios, and many Icom, Yaesu, Wouxun, Baofeng, etc. Then there is the buy American crowd, where I pull out my personal Harris Unity XG-100P.....that I use for both FRS/GMRS. Recently, I bought both a Radioddity GM-30 and DB20-G. Virtually everything made in China is "sloppy" specification wise, because it is made to a cheaper price point. If everyone had to use a Harris XG-100P/Motorola APX8000, or something high dollar a lot less people would be in this hobby, and possibly profession.
PACNWComms, I have not heard of some of the radios you listed so looked them up... I agree with you to a point... I told my wife I will not be radio poor with so many radios.... I have the best radio that does everything, FM U/V, MURS, GMRS, DMR and most of all not code plugs and cellular as well... It is a RFinder B1 and in the last few months the software updates make it so I can talk around the world using BM over VOIP... off my cell or wifi... Does not do multi channel scanning but not a problem with a very good regional DMR network and NPR network that covers 5 states... This is the radio of the future.
MacJack
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7 minutes ago, PACNWComms said:
Always nice to see the younger generation join in. Radio is not going away, as many in my profession have said numerous times over the years. There is actually an ebb and flow of shortages, with another one coming in the next 5 years or so as the current generation retires. When possible, I always recommend amateur, and General Radio-telephone Operator Licenses as that opens more doors to employment. Great job and good luck in your club.
Thanks PACNWComms. I wrote the attached story of how my now 35 and 37 kids got into cell phone before having emails and browser and texts... great days for teens back then... nightmare for todays kids.
Enjoy the read attacked.
MacJack
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On 11/24/2021 at 10:06 PM, Lscott said:
Not all CCR’s are complete junk. The original model D878UV I have is an alright radio. Is it the equivalent of a higher end Motorola, Kenwood, ICOM etc., no but it gets the job done I wanted it for and didn’t break the bank. The later models I question if the performance and features justify the significantly higher prices, which I don’t think they do.
People use to laugh at Japanese electronics, like the current Chinese stuff, but they got better and higher quality. The Chinese radios will likely do the same sooner or later. If you start looking at test equipment designed and manufactured in China you quickly find out it isn’t junk and the higher end stuff is really causing manufacturers like Techtronics and Keysight (spin-off of of the old HP) headaches in the low to mid-tier equipment range.
I agree... pick your poison... and live with it...
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On 11/24/2021 at 11:32 PM, MichaelLAX said:
What Talkgrouos do you use on DMR?
MichaelLAX, The local/regional DMR repeaters uses 27500 for Local Jackson... BUT know that each DMR repeater owner/operator does their own thing AND they do not tell you that the color code or TimeSlot or TalkGroup. So I just made friends with the owner/operator via email/text then on the DMR...
Hope that helps.
MacJack
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On 11/24/2021 at 10:15 PM, Lscott said:
That’s great. I’m encouraged when I see young people at Ham swaps and hear them on the air. It’s NOT just an old farts hobby. We need young people with new ideas.
Well Lscott, go get two or third study buddies from the Middle School and have one of the parents come as well and see that they can get a radio when they get their Ham Ticket.. Read details here t http://www.jbewing.com/FoxHunt.pdf
Anyone who reads this and is a GMRS wanting to get Ham Ticket... go get a kid study buddy with the kids parent.
MacJack
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On 11/25/2021 at 6:48 AM, mbrun said:
Here in Cincinnati there have been two new young people that I know of that have joined the ham ranks recently. Ages 10 and 11. Both appear to have been mentored by their grandfathers. On 2m they operate like pros. Listening and talking to them is a joy. I can imagine the joy you feel watching and listening to your GD on the radio.
Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLMYes Michael, what a joy... Thanks for reading into my joy... hope other get it as well. I connected with Kaylee 12 yo and on Sunday Net she has a following like everyone comes to talk to her... She has done another Fox Hunt http://www.jbewing.com/FoxHunt.pdf and got two more girls to study with their EXTRA dad... Kaylee is the girl on the right by the Jeep. In the last photo Kaylee in middle and I'm the old guy with gray hair... NOT BULD.
So Michael, good look for your kids to mentor/coach/study buddy... Know your kids will be able to take advantage of the fund a person to get more kids and parent into getting Ham ticket.t http://www.jbewing.com/FoxHunt.pdf
Thanks for the encouragement...
MacJack...
P.S. we been doing DMR as we have the best regional DMR repeater linked.
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One ham to another soon to be Technician and General... I was a study buddy with my 12 yo grand daughter at age 74... So get a study buddy to show to lead them to he a Ham... My 12 yo grand daughter is so good on Sunday Net as she has several coaches and has a great radio present... She have been the Fox twice and won several Fox Hunts. Sorry I'm so proud of her and she knows she is special having a Ham ticket. Her radio of choice is a RFinder B1. and is into DMR which I like as well.
MacJack
Recommend sub $60 radio
in Guest Forum
Posted
Keep an eye out for deals coming up at this site... Great firm to do business with and they stand behind what they sell. FYI some new products are coming out and some great GMRS radios will be reduced....
https://www.buytwowayradios.com/consumer/gmrs-radios.html?tw_radio_type=734