djxs

I'll take a shot at this. Given that you are new to the hobby, I would go with turn key antenna. I am sure that the same place you bought the radio from has the appropriate antenna required. From my understanding, you need an SWR meter in addition to some other items to tune the antenna. Why not just buy it already made if you are new as you say. Just my thoughts. I am new also, perhaps later, I can get into those kind of modifications if needed.

I just find it strange that you said that the issue started after running the software through to make repeater channel updates. If it was me, I would troubleshoot by resetting the radio to stock. Further information can be found on the attached .pdf If after running the reset procedure and it still open squelch on channel 5 and channel 5 only, then well...I don't know! I am learning. Since my background is in technology, I jumped to the conclusion that it could possibly be software based at some level due what you mentioned. MXT400-Owners-Manual.pdf

You @wayoverthereare the man! What a great experiment you performed there. In your mind, before you ran the test, were your predicting the outcome to be as the results showed?

Thank you @BoxCarfor the very detailed information.

Since I am so new to this, I had never heard of an SWR meter, let alone a dummy load device. With that said, before anything is purchased by me, can anyone answer...does a coiled up (not kinked) antenna cable deteriorate signal in any way? When I installed my antenna, I had so much excess cable left (5 - 7 ft). I was unsure of cutting it, so I just left it. I coiled it up (used two plastic cable ties, not tight) and is tucked away neatly by the center console behind the carpet. I was careful as not to create any kinks in the cable whatsoever. Since I do not have an SWR meter or ways to check, I just thought I reach out to others that have some background on this. Thank you.

That is a good install @Doctnj

I'm not sure what to say about this since I am relatively new to the community. I am having a great time learning from so many knowledgeable people. This is definitely the place to come to learn all about GMRS.

I am glad you are enjoying your radio. I also have that same model on my Impala with the same antenna. It is my wife's primary vehicle and I have shown her how to use it. It is a great radio for a small setup that is easy to use.

I think in order to help, we need to know what kind of mounting system you are planning to use? The MICROMOBILE® MXTA27 UNIVERSAL LIP MOUNT is what I am using on my hood and trunk of both my vehicles and allows enough clearance for when both the hood and trunk close. I hope this helps.

Wait a minute? You said your "license doesn't show GMRS 20?" Perhaps you are referring to your radio? That leads me to another question, what is a true GMRS radio? Are you talking about the Part 90 vs Part 95 situation...which is something that I am still wrapping my head around.

This information helps alot! Thank you @mbrun. However with that said, if you do not have a tone scanning radio option and you know you are within the vicinity of a repeater (because one is able to hear traffic), and the repeater is not registered... short of knocking on the door of the repeaters location, there would be no other way to ask for permission.

So is this a way of "hacking" into someones repeater without permission?

Something like this @WyoJoe GMRS Road Ch. 20.mp4

Thanks for the responses. More than likely, if I do put one up, it will be a free standing structure. Perhaps a telescoping pole in the corner of my property. I know my wife would not allow me to mount it on the house.

How does one know high high of an antenna can be put up? Do local municipalities dictate these parameters?

I understand this feature, however, I was wondering. If the radio has this kind of scanning feature to be able to pull a CTCSS code and/or DTS code, can the same be said for repeater channels to find out what they are on? Is that even allowed?

Agreed.

@OffRoaderX: I successfully joined the Zello Channel. Thank you for the access.

@streetracer621: I know you went with the Browning BR-176 S, however, for reference for you and others that are considering a "ghost" style antenna, this is how I mounted in on my vehicle.

Those are great results @streetracer621

@Hasaf: Those are great installation pics!

I am sure the reasoning for this is to have people choose wisely what they like.

As @OffRoaderXsuggested, the KG1000 has a removable face place. Your best option is to detach it. Mount the unit underneath and the faceplate up on the dash somewhere. If anything, the installation will look much cleaner. I have the MXT275 MICROMOBILE® TWO-WAY RADIO mounted in the bucket console of the Impala and it gets a bit hot. Granted, it only puts 15 watts!

Channel 16 for GMRS road channel is gaining traction!

@mbrun: Sir, your answer does in fact help me out. Thank you a million times over. What a clear explanation. I appreciate your knowledge, time and help.