jgillaspy

So, everything is ordered. Hope to see it early next week. I did have UR program in those 15 channels, so I should be able to get started quickly. At this point I'm not seeing any real GMRS traffic in my area and the closest repeater is just out of range. Unfortunately I have an HOA, so no repeater tower for me although I do have space in my 1/2 rack my computer lab is in. . . JG

Thanks! Neither of those address the low power output, but I found elsewhere on this site that channels 9-15 (I think) are not useable for this device since it can't go that low on power. So channels 1-8 and the repeater channels. That should be just fine. I also found a TK-880H on Used-Radios.com with Mic, Mount and Power cable for $110 - better than ebay. This Thursday it is mine. . . I'm still ordering the recommended cable from ebay. JG

Hey folks, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I think I've got the pieces I need together on ebay now. Going to be around $150 for radio, keypad mic, mount kit, programming cable, software and power cable. I already have a mag-mount antenna and cable. I'll look around here for a programming guide. My understanding is that I can't Tx on the low-power channels with this unit. Is that correct? I have found the Service Manual and Instruction Manual, but no Tech Specs. JG

I'm also a tight wad. . . Currently, on ebay, I can get a TK-840 for around $25 or a TK-8180 for $90. I'm looking to get 2. Is the 8180 worth the price increase? I'll be setting one up as a base and the other as a mobile. Of note, the 840s do look a little worse-for-wear. . . JG

Great info folks, thanks. I'll keep on searching for them. JG

So, I'm just getting started in GMRS and prepping for Technician license in ham. Is the advise in this thread still valid for radio choices? I much prefer the idea of using commercial/industrial radios to the one-chip-wonders from China. The TK-880H isn't very available on ebay, but there are several 880 options. I'm guessing I should limit my choice to the "-1" radios for GMRS and 70cm (seem to be more "-2"s)? Are the 3170s still the handheld of choice as well? Thanks, JG