gortex2

same way...just select ZA

I have a few sets. Got them on sale a few years back for xmas gifts and never opened them. Let us know how you like them.

Your right not all hams do stupid stuff but many do over and over. Its worse now than ever. I had a HAM last week tell me he doesn't need a GMRS license because he just got him ham license. As of late many getting that license dont even know there own rules. The advent of CCR doesn't help. I have been a ham for 25 years as well as a commercial operator and in Public Safety. You have no idea the amount of folks I have met over the years that had no idea about rules or regulations. In the SAR world the biggest issues we have with radios are the hams who mod there radio to use on SAR frequencies. So yes I guess I've not had the please to deal with alot of smart hams over the years.

Rich correct me if I'm wrong but as long as the user logs in and updated the repeater yearly this wont happen correct ?

MY opinion is they should go harder on him. This happens more than folks realize and many walk away with a warning. Other forums have hundreds of pages about hams thinking they can talk on any channel they want if they feel the need. If more folks got fined maybe these yahoos would think before they do stuff like this. If he had info he could have picked up his cell and called the command post.

Used them alot in PS back when our county was multinet. Solid radio, but PC programmer had to match the version. Once that got sorted out it wasn't bad. I still have a couple in a box.

I run a 1/4 wave on my roof. Have for years. Rarely do I have an issue with GMRS both simplex and repeaters. If your use is repeaters thats the best way to go. I spend alot of time in DC, Baltimore and other areas with no issues talking where I need to.

Larsen makes a good glass mount. Glass mounts are great for repeaters but lack in the simplex range. Worth a try I guess. They do require a bit of tuning but have installed many. Next choice is a true NMO in the roof. https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-categories/shop-all/mobile-antennas/300-512-mhz-uhf/glass-mount-antennas/859-larsen-kg450udpl-detail

Just order a 1/4 wave UHF whip. The lip mount is ok.

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.