gortex2

If you look at the main paged he has request disabled. Basically that means its not an open repeater.

You can find them on ebay all day long. The MSF PA is solid and works well for your application - "https://www.ebay.com/itm/154268645235?hash=item23eb20b773:g:no4AAOSw00Vf6~Sj"

The MTX115 and MTX275 is ideal for your off road adventures. People get worked around the axles on 50 watts. The mobile is easier to use and drive and talking to the jeep behind you 5 watts is fine.

It would be cheaper to add a PA to the TKR to be honest and clean way to do it. I run 2 of them for SAR work and its solid as a rock. Especially a 50 watt PA. They are out there.

Thats the reason I have the 275 in both my JT and JK. Overlander in the center. CB is the CMX series all in head. Simple and effective.

Who actually listens to FM radio on a CCR anyway ? Is that a thing ?

You best bet is to use the "Contact Us" on the mygmrs.com main site. That will go to Rich. I dont see a location for clubs on the main page but maybe I missed it.

Well to be honest that isn't a large price. I have installed ones that cost many times more than that in commercial applications. As with all radio services antenna systems can make or break a radio system. 1/2 watt UHF radio on a 5000' Mountain can talk alot further than a 1/2 watt radio in a valley. Antenna systems vary with costs and quality thats what gets the whole repeater debate going all the time. In the end you get what you pay for and if you have expectations of a Ferrari on a Fiero budget you will not be happy.

I agree they may be a bit more, but $150+/- for a 15 watt mobile in either HHCH or not is expensive when folks are looking. Its simple. I had bought a DB-20 for my father and he hated it. He came from CB and just wanted a channel number and easy to change PL. The 115 was the perfect fit for him, then when my mother grabbed a new Jeep she wanted something with just the head. The 275 fit that bill. I run the 115 on all my tractors and utility vehicles. Its simple rugged to some extent and cheap. And anyone can pick up the mic and talk. That's the benefit Midland has. I agree features are lacking but as said a real radio person will grab another devise. Myself its an APX. But as far as simple the Midland is what works. This weekend my Brother in law was here with his side by side. I grabebd a couple midlands from my box of junk and handed him one to use while we rode around. Simple and effective. When we got back he got on Midlands site and ordered the 115 bundle with mount and antenna for his sxs. I guess I am a bit biased to Midland for GMRS being my first GMRS rig was a midland (xstal radio I may add) that I had to wait 3 months for from the radio shop after giving a copy of our license to the vendor before he would order it..... Times have changed....but Midland is still the leader in the market and will continue to be for the simple folks who just want to order a radio and use it. Anyway we are way off the XTS5000 topic so I'll stop here. The XTS is a rock solid performer for UHF. If you can find a Vehicle Adapter and use the antenna, speaker and mic you will have a slick little setup. Ran one like that for years on public safety, ham and GMRS. Never installed an amp on mine because I would swap out handhelds depending on the days function but know many that run VHF or UHF amps with the VA that love them. The little brother per say is the XTS2500 and that is also a great little UHF radio. Bit smaller form factor and no XTVA for it but solid and in use for PS all over the country.

And folks continue to wonder why Midland is so popular in the market.... For the exact reasons you both mentioned above. Simple. Basic.

a commercial splitter will be at least 3db of loss so you may loose what you have now with the 5 mile range. You could get a decent omni antenna most like for the cost of the splitter. Splitting a TX antenna is not as simple as a T in between them. https://www.dbwave.com/pdf/medpowercombinersplitter/PAPD0200700270B.pdf Not knowing the power level you are talking about here is a 50 watt, 3db port loss with N connector that goes for around $330.00. You can get a DB404 for a few dollars more.

Why would you test a VHF frequency with a UHF antenna ?

Yup 1/4 wave antenna would be a better option.

If you listen long enough you will hear digital on GMRS and have over the years. I have listened to P25 as well as DMR (MotoTRBO) for almost 10 years. Back in NY there was a school that put in a DMR repeater on 575. After about a year of complaints about coverage they switched radio shops and then got a real license. To be honest I dont want the FCC to add any designators. There are many services that can use digital out there if one wishes to use digital.

As said a Jackery is a quick way. I run the 300 on my 275 while at camp. It's on the entire weekend. A 1/4 wave VHF mag mount on the roof of the car or a pizza pan would work well. As mentioned above I'd train with your VHF gear but know some SAR folks line the simplicity of GMRS for training.

If anyone has an old one sitting on a shelf looking for another for farm use. Shoot me a PM or what not. Figured if a member has a used one I'd look before ordering a new one.

To be honest a XTS3K is not worth the effort. In the past there was a tool for the XTS1500 and above but never worked on the 3K. Send them back to the seller or toss in box for parts.

As stated on the other forum you posted the question the ION will not do Pre MDC

You have no option other than a bracket. The hood is aluminum and a magnetic mount will not stick to it. You may be able to put one on the roll bar if there is enough room above it and the soft top. Many JL guys do similar.

I use LED Outfitters and have for years. My FD back in NY ordered alot from them. They make quality stuff. We take the JK to UWarrie a couple times a year. Planning JJ2022 in Uwharrie in the fall as well as Greenbrier. Was in TN this weekend with the JT for jeep stuff.

There is no tuning on the LP450NMO antenna. Slap it on and enjoy. I ran mine under the softop for a few years until i wanted a better antenna and went with a 1/4 wave on a mount outside.

Been doing Fire/EMS and Search and Rescue for over 25 years. To be honest I enjoy fire/ems, but I really like Search and Rescue (Wildland). I use radios much more with SAR as well as ICS and other tasks. Been involved in some large scale incidents and at one point was looking to be more involved but work moved me to VA and the area I am in SAR is a joke. Its sad as alot of training in NY came from VA and they were in high regard. Anyway I'm still a life member in NY and go up quarterly for SAR training. Dont have picks right now of my JT, but run the APX 8500, FTM400 and have both a 275 and CMX760 I can swap in when needed. Been meaning to get some lights on it but time has not permitted. Our JK does have dash lights, APX8500 and Kenwood 700 with both the 275 and CMX also. Work truck has multiple APX8500's, 7500's and a CMX and has lighting. PS - Like your setup in the JT on lights. I need to find a decent package for mine.

Spend the money on a good NMO mount. The Larsen HF mount is ideal for a fender bracket. Just slide a piece of heat shrink over the cable to the mount. I have run them on multiple vehicles and they will outlast any basic cheap mount. https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/shop-all/mobile-antenna-mounts/nmo-mobile-antenna-mounts/266-permanent-hole-mounts/289-nmo-3-4-hole-mount-no-connector/larsen-nmokhfcx-detail

I run the 272 in both my JK and JT. I like the size and simplicity. Just pick a channel and go. Great for wife also. If I need other than GMRS I can use my APX.

GMRS and HAM are two different things. Many folks do not get on GMRS to talk. Your better off on amatuer radio if thats what your looking for.