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djxs

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Posts posted by djxs

  1. MXT-275 Programming??

    in Technical Discussion

    Posted

    On 1/29/2021 at 10:11 AM, berkinet said:

    While looking up something else today, I came across some information about the Midland MXT-275 that indicates it can be reprogrammed to change some the the default settings.

     

    Bad news first. This is only theoretically possible. The required software is not readily available.

     

    The good news. The radio can be programmed with OEM software and a special programming cable that plugs into the Microphone.  This was discussed in a thread on reddit   The thread was initially about the MXT-400, and includes a nice video showing the programming of that radio. However, 3 days ago a user named looks_good_on_paper posted some notes about his experience with the MXT-275 and an email exchange with Midland. He also included a link to an Australian video about programming the MXT-275. Unfortunately, his conversation with Midland hit a dead end.

     

    The challenge.  The MXT-275 is, like everything else Midland sells, almost certainly manufactured by another company for Midland. So, like the MXT-400, software might be available for other versions of that hardware. It is also possible that the Midland software might be available somewhere out there on the web.  The reddit article gives some information about other similar Midland models sold in Europe and Australia. So, perhaps that info might help track down other versions of the radio.

     

    In any case, it looks like the radio can be "fixed," and good luck to those who wish to pursue the challenge of getting the tools together.

    Has anyone been able to program an MXT275 using the Midland DBR1 cable? I don't want to know if it is possible, I want to know if someone has done it. Thanks. 

  2. To Split or not to Split… Tones? That is the question.

    in Technical Discussion

    Posted

    On 7/27/2021 at 5:36 PM, WRNA710AZ said:

    Split tones are just as described above. Unless it is DCS, which is really not a tone, it's a digital code. Those codes can run normal polarity (N) or, reverse polarity (R) on either transmit or, receive. We have a repeater in Phoenix that runs split DCS,  (programing = CROSS, 071N, 225N, CROSS -> CROSS) as well as travel tone. The DCS (or DTCS as it may be referred to when programing) is used for normal everyday traffic and, as a means of keeping the repeater private for members only. The travel tone is programed into a separate channel (same repeater frequencies) in the radio and used for weekly nets, another set of tones is for tactical (emergency services), and so on. This way, members that don't want to listen to the net can stay on their "home" channel with the DCS, and not hear the net traffic.

    Radios that are capable of using distinct, different, DCS codes are not that easy to find. Most times you have to ask the manufacturer the specific question. That said, most commercial radios (part 90), should be able to handle it. The Baofeng UV82C is one such handheld.

    Hope this helps!

    Clear as mud @WRNA710AZ I clearly have a lot of brushing up to do. It seems evident that the Bachelors degree I hold is not serving me well at the moment. I have so much learning to do. I'll keep at it. I appreciate your assistance. 

  3. Best option(s) to link repeaters?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    All I am trying to do is the best that I can do with the budge that works for me. I will take all of the information I receive and make the best decision. I am trying to get my neighbors involved as well. I am trying to be "A pillar of my community" as @OffRoaderX states in his videos. Any other pictures people can share of their home base antenna setups is much appreciated. 

     

    Also, I need help with what is the best ID-Omatic to have my call sign via Morse Code automatically repeated. Any suggestions?

  4. Best option(s) to link repeaters?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    Thank you @mbrunfor the great picture. That is exactly what I need to see, different ways that people have put up their antenna mast! Do you know... if lets say...I wanted to make along run of LRM400 (knowing full well that it is pricy) how long is too long before it causes signal degradation? Lets say the ideal location for my antenna is so far away from the ideal location of where I wanted to place the repeater?

    The two locations that I have in mind could not be further away from each other! In fact, they are exactly as far away as they can be! The ideal antenna mast that I am thinking (tilt over) at 40 ft would be in the corner of my backyard and the ideal location for the equipment is in my garage (exactly in the opposite side of my property). If I had to guess, it is more than 300 ft!

     

    Has any body done this before? Is it too long of a run? I do have an outdoor storage shed that would be the ideal location for all of the equipment and it is a whopping 3 ft away from where the ideal antenna location would be. However, the Tuff Shed is not insulated, does not have power and I live in super hot weather (Texas) that I am afraid that even if I did have power running into it, it would simply be too hot. By the way, my garage is insulated.

     

    Your thoughts and comments are much appreciated. 

     

    P.S. I don't really like the antenna to be mounted to my roof in case anybody is asking. That would work perfectly and I could mount it on the side of my garage. Maybe if I could see more pictures of how people have mounted their antennas to the side of their houses, but to be quite honest, I am just not sure if it would pass the wife test and pesky neighbors. I have an HOA that simply wants front yard aesthetics, but does not really mind anything going in in the backyard, including antennas as there are not regulations against it. Albeit, if I were to put the antenna mast in the backyard, they may come knocking. But you cant impose a rule on someone if it has not be written. They may change up the rules, but they would have nothing on me. Bad thing is future people in the area would not be able to put one up also.

  5. Best option(s) to link repeaters?

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    On 8/18/2021 at 12:03 PM, BoxCar said:

    It depends on where the repeater is installed. Remember, height equals coverage area.

    On that note: I really need help in creating/developing an idea...Need pictures, sketches, links to pictures etc for how I can place a home base antenna so that I can then attach a Retevis RT97 repeater. I would later do something like @OffRoaderX did with his dual KG1000G setup, but I just don't have that budget yet. I figure that as long as I have the home base antenna, I can always switch repeater systems. 

    I don't have a big budget, I just want an antenna system that I can put up on my own and is not obtrusively ugly looking (aesthetics) is a big topic for the neighbors. 

    I will take any tips, ideas that you all can provide. Thank you!

  7. 230 mile contact

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    @WRNA236 Thank you so much for the detailed information. It really does make a lot of sense. I think this is the best bet for the particular needs that I have. I want to setup a base station at my parents house for emergencies. Do you have a link to an antenna I can purchase it from?

  8. 230 mile contact

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    @BoxCar Great. Thank you. I understand the description. Now, what I do not understand is that (from what I searched last night) there are some Yagi antennas or just antennas in general that accept both GMRS frequencies (462 MHz to 467 MHz) and also work for other frequencies. ***I just wished they were all to be labeled "GMRS" compatible. I have had a big learning curve on this. 

    I would like to setup to base station (Simplex) with directional antennas in hopes of being able to communicate at least 8.32 miles apart with not mountainous blockage, just a lot of homes. Can anyone send me a link to the type of antennas that would work for me? I do not have the base station yet, but I think I would probably get 2 KG 1000G's. 

     

    Your thoughts?

  11. Midland MXT500

    in Equipment Reviews

    Posted

    3 hours ago, martydoane said:

      I contacted Midland support, and was told to buy the DBR1 cable for the MXT400, and that they were working on a similar functionality for the MXT115.  I bought the cable, and have requested a link to the software twice in order to update the firmware (hopefully addressing the Narrow vs. Wide), and then to program the required tones to reach the Repeaters.

     

     

    Can you let us know how your experience was with the DBR1 and the software? Let us know if your case programmed Narrow or Wide.

     

  12. 50 watts simplex. I'm confused.

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    13 hours ago, jbarr said:

    2. Is it legal to transmit simplex on channels 15-22? (These are repeater input channels, correct?

    My understanding is that repeater channels are to be used only as a repeater and not for simplex. However, I am not positive. Is there not an option on some GMRS radios that allow (by push of a button) to enable some kind of talk around feature or something to the like? 

  16. Midland MXT500

    in Equipment Reviews

    Posted

    It will be interesting to note the possible advantaged over the KG-1000. I know there will be many reviews out there comparing them in a head on comparison. I am eager to find out. I will go with one or the other once its all said and done. 

  17. K1000G - How Hot Does it Get?

    in Technical Discussion

    Posted

    On 7/25/2021 at 7:51 PM, TOM47 said:

    Wouxun KG-1000G Specifications

    • Dimensions: 5.51 in. x 1.73in. x 8.14 in. (140mm × 44mm × 207mm)
    • Weight (Including Microphone): 3.16 lbs. (1437.8g)
    • Power Requirement: 13.8VDC+/- 15% (Negative Grounded)
    • Antenna ConnectRor Type: SO-239 (UHF Female)
    • REMBER THE Front Panel Bracket COMES OFF THE BODY AND CAN BE MOUNTED SEPARATELY 
    • Remote Front Panel Bracket
    • Remote Front Panel Bracket Display HAS 15 ft. Extension / Repeater Mode Cable (SMO-002)

    Thank you @TOM47

  24. MXT400 scan always stops on channel 5

    in Technical Discussion

    Posted

    22 minutes ago, tkruppa said:

    So upon further investigation interference is absolutely the issue. With the vehicle completely off (radio running on my auxiliary battery, no power to the truck itself) no noise at all on channel 5. As soon as the vehicle gets power (not engine on, just power on) I get blasted with noise. I've narrowed it down so far to both my head unit and dash cam. Turning the dash cam off will reduce the noise, and turning my head unit to FM radio instead of bluetooth eliminates it. Unfortunately I dont think this is an issue I'll be able to solve, I need my dash cam and radio. So I might just have to deal with it.

    I do not presume to know much about where this noise might be coming from on your vehicle, but I do know that I had a similar situation (without a GMRS radio) when I installed a car amp and new radio head unit. It turns out that despite the perfect installation (grounding was perfect), I still exhibited noise. I was told to try installing a ferrite noise isolator. It worked for me. 

  25. Wouxun KG-905G Now Available

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    1 hour ago, TOM47 said:

    I HAVE TWO KG-905G'S AND BOTH ARE VERY LOW WITH THE VOLUME UP ALL THE WAY UP COMPARED TO MY FOUR KG-805'S.  THE KG-905G VOLUME IS QUIET BUT THE DISPLAY AND OTHER FEATURES OUTWEIGH THAT.  JUST ORDERED ANOTHER THIS MORNING AND UPS HAS IT AS SHIPPING TO TODAY.  I'LL JUST HAVE TO TURN UP MY HEARING AIDS IF THE THIRD IS AS LOW VOLUME.

    I see a pattern going on. I do not own the KG-905, but is it a commonality that the 905's volume in comparison with the 805 is less?

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