Sbsyncro

After posting to someone else's thread and realizing I hijacked his thread about scanning, I figured I'd start a new thread with cool "tips and tricks" that people have discovered with their new KG-1000G radios.   Perhaps we can also use this thread as a "does anyone know how to..." for the KG-1000G.  It will also be an interesting read for anyone considering this radio, since it will hopefully eventually contain a lot of detailed info about how specific features are implemented.
 
I'll start with this one (cross-posted from the other thread - if someone can tell me how do delete that other post, I will be glad to do so!):
 
Quickly adding a "privacy tone" that others are using on blister pack radios
My Jeep and I were in a parade over the weekend for a couple of WWII vets that were celebrating birthdays (97 and 100!).  The organizers were on GMRS/FRS HTs and I asked what channel they were on.  "Channel 7 with privacy channel 35" he told me.  Not knowing which brand radios they were using nor remembering off the top of my head which frequency corresponds to "privacy code 35" on most radios, I was able to use the Menu [41] "SC-CTC" option (which I've programmed to Key C) to "grab" their PL frequency and then save it to my radio on channel 7 within about 30 seconds.  Super handy if you're needing to inter-operate with people on Motorola, Midland, or Cobra radios and using "privacy channels".  Note: If you want to be able to RX and Tx with the tone, you need to also change the default setting for Menu [40] "SC-QT" from DECODER to ALL.    Pretty neat feature that saved me the stress of having to manually look up possible tones and then program them via FPP while the parade was starting...

OK, I just had my second mic fail on the KG-1000G unit that I've had for about 1 year now, and I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue since I believe it is a "thing".    I use this radio a lot - it is mounted in my Jeep and it is used all day long for a couple of days every third weekend or so.  My first mic failed after about three months of such use.   My replacement mic just failed this past weekend (incredibly frustrating when on a group trip and I lose primary comms!).  Luckily I had a couple of backup HTs, but I digress....]
The "failure" seems to manifest itself in the PTT button losing its tactile feedback (it becomes difficult to tell whether it is being "pushed" just by feel, if that makes any sense).  This physical failure is accompanied by a deeply attenuated transmission - where people report that my voice has suddenly become "washed out" or "drowned out" by static.  This is exactly what happened the first time, and after checking everything about my install (including replacing antenna and cable) I verified it was the mic.   A replacement mic fixed the problem.
I am going to reach out to Buytwowayradios today to hopefully discuss this issue, but since I have had it happen to me twice, I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue?  I LOVE this radio, but this mic problem needs a permanent fix!
Brent

I have not spoken directly with the repeater owner, but have spoken with someone local to it that has his own repeater. We discussed the oddity of being able to make regular contact, and I confirmed with him the location of the repeater.
That being said, I think you might be on to something with the "wave guide" idea.   Check out this enhanced map (enhanced to show slope angles).  It indicates a pretty clear "channel":

YaaY!!!

To someone with no tones set, it may sound like chaos.  LOL
 
So, a couple of things.  One is, Yes, the strongest signal wins.  If someone is talking to you with a tone, your squelch opens and a second or even third station starts transmitting and your radio hears them at about the same receive strength, because your squelch is open you will hear all signals at the same time.  If the person you want to hear is far away and another station is close by, the close station can cause enough interference that your squelch won't open when the person with the same tone transmits.
 
Bottom line, if you felt like you had the airways to yourselves, then the tech worked.  You were having conversations between conversations.

I have not spoken directly with the repeater owner, but have spoken with someone local to it that has his own repeater. We discussed the oddity of being able to make regular contact, and I confirmed with him the location of the repeater.
That being said, I think you might be on to something with the "wave guide" idea.   Check out this enhanced map (enhanced to show slope angles).  It indicates a pretty clear "channel":

No, I asked.  it was the owner of SLO700 - another nearby repeater, who monitors both repeaters.

The reason you’re able to hear people and not able to talk to them may be due to them using “privacy codes” (tones). Some radios can scan and “grab” that tone (I have it assigned to one of my programmable menu buttons) but with other radios you’d need to know what frequency corresponds to the channel displayed on their little radio and then manually program it.

Sometimes they vary by radio brand. For example here is a list published by Midland:

https://www.manualsdir.com/manuals/124284/17/midland-gxt720_775-page17.png


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think "squelch tail" is what you're thinking of.

If there are two topics that will generate the most heat on this Forum, they are:
1) A GMRS Travel Channel; and
2) Communications on GMRS beyond "line of sight"
And now we have them both in ONE thread! ?

Great question. So just last weekend I was caravaning with a couple guys with different radios and got to do some real testing. I was able to talk clearly to a buddy who stayed behind for 15 minutes before getting back on the freeway. I was able to maintain contact with him the entire time and we estimated that we were about 20 miles apart on undulating terrain (freeway). Important element: I was on a KG-1000G with roof mounted 6db 5/8 wave antenna and he was on a Midland MXT500 with the included mag mount 1/4 wave antenna on the roof of his Tacoma.

We had a guy in between us on a Baofeng who was not able to talk to either of us at times.

Antenna placement is everything. Most people using HTs inside their car don’t realize how badly it limits their ability to communicate. Same for people running “stealth” antennas mounted on their spare tire or front fender.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't understand what all the commotion is about.  Talking to people is way overrated.  Most of the time I can't stand talking to people I love.  Never mind strangers on the radio.
 
You guys are weird. 

Unfortunately it doesn't look like it.
 

@Sbsyncro  It is not possible to enable and initially program the MXT500 "unused channels" 8 though 14 via FPP.  Those channels can only be initially enabled and setup via the programing software (Windows compatible and free from Midland).
 
Once the channel is enabled and programmed, only very basic things can be programmed via FPP, such as the tone configuration, bandwidth, power, talk-around, etc.
 
So, programming on the fly is not possible.  However, since you know in advance that you are using 15 and 17 as "Club1" and "Club2", there is no reason why you can't accomplish your goal using the programing software to set it up in advance.

Aha. You’re the guy I blame for spending $320 on an “Ocean” radio instead of just being satisfied with my Baofeng BF-F8HP HT and a mag mount antenna. . Seriously your GMRS vids are great.  
 
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The fridge only draws about 45 watts for 2-3 minutes every 30 minutes in "normal" conditions (75º daytime temps/40's at night).  That equates to about 200 to 250 watt hours per 24 hour day, so I can go about 2 days without a charge before its flat dead.  That gives me some cushion if the weather isn't ideal. but under normal operating conditions, the panel will produce 65-75 watts, even in mid winter and not angled at the sun properly, which tops it off from the night before within a couple of hours.  Usually by the time I break camp.

After posting to someone else's thread and realizing I hijacked his thread about scanning, I figured I'd start a new thread with cool "tips and tricks" that people have discovered with their new KG-1000G radios.   Perhaps we can also use this thread as a "does anyone know how to..." for the KG-1000G.  It will also be an interesting read for anyone considering this radio, since it will hopefully eventually contain a lot of detailed info about how specific features are implemented.
 
I'll start with this one (cross-posted from the other thread - if someone can tell me how do delete that other post, I will be glad to do so!):
 
Quickly adding a "privacy tone" that others are using on blister pack radios
My Jeep and I were in a parade over the weekend for a couple of WWII vets that were celebrating birthdays (97 and 100!).  The organizers were on GMRS/FRS HTs and I asked what channel they were on.  "Channel 7 with privacy channel 35" he told me.  Not knowing which brand radios they were using nor remembering off the top of my head which frequency corresponds to "privacy code 35" on most radios, I was able to use the Menu [41] "SC-CTC" option (which I've programmed to Key C) to "grab" their PL frequency and then save it to my radio on channel 7 within about 30 seconds.  Super handy if you're needing to inter-operate with people on Motorola, Midland, or Cobra radios and using "privacy channels".  Note: If you want to be able to RX and Tx with the tone, you need to also change the default setting for Menu [40] "SC-QT" from DECODER to ALL.    Pretty neat feature that saved me the stress of having to manually look up possible tones and then program them via FPP while the parade was starting...

OK I'm jumping in on this bandwagon.   I tend to go overboard when I learn new stuff, so technical aspects don't worry me.  What does worry me, however are things like:
 
1. Requires a windows PC to function properly (I'm a Mac guy).  PITA drivers to install, com ports to configure with USB emulators with poorly written drivers, etc.
2. Requires 10 hours of study to accomplish a task I will perform once or twice a year, and thus I will have to repeat that 10 hours of study every year because I can't remember the details from the last time.
3. Expensive recurring costs of ownership like annual subscriptions or costly maintenance updates.
4. Spending more than I needed to because of some whiz-bang feature I'll rarely or never actually use
5. Requires babying and constant "re-tuning" or calibration before using (spend as much or more time tweaking as using)
 
(and yes, I regularly do all of these things, but I try now to avoid them!)
 
I had just ordered a Surecom SW-33 Mark II and then came across this thread, so I cancelled the order while I ruminate a bit.  I like information, and love data.  I love to optimize stuff.  But I don't see myself getting to the point where I'm going to have a bench with a bunch of oscilloscopes and soldering irons. (that was my Dad, who built Heathkit radios and TV sets when I was a kid back in the 70's)
 
Given all that, I feel like spending $50 on the Surecom SW-102  or $60-$70 NanoVNA seems like a reasonable step up in price from the $45 Sw-33 given the extra functionality.  Though looking at the video tutorials for the NanoVNA, it seems like overkill for me (violates rules 1, 2, 4, & 5 for me)
 
​I guess the real question is which of those options is most compliant for what I need (which I think is similar to the OP's original question).  "Which one is "good enough" in terms of accuracy, usability, and features?  There definitely seem to be some strong opinions, and if you spend time on forums, this sort of thing isn't uncommon (nor is it anything but well-meaning usually).  It's sorta like the following exchange:
 
 
​OP:  "Whats the best way to get from LA to NYC on a budget?"
 
Reply 1:  "Citation X  - it's faster than a Gulfstream G-650 and less than half the cost"
 
​Then a debate rages about the differences between the Gulfstream and the Citation, with the inevitable person saying "Hey, you guys don't know what you're talking about.  The Falcon 7x is a much better aircraft..  blah blah blah"
 
Then the original poster comes back and says
 
"I was wondering if Greyhound was cheaper and faster than taking the train..."
 
Its all about relative perspective...  :-)
 
Oh, PS - after some thought and a bit more reading, I went ahead and purchased one of the Surecom 120 units.  I'll bet it will do everything I'm likely to need for the couple of VHF/UHF radios I have. 

OK I'm jumping in on this bandwagon.   I tend to go overboard when I learn new stuff, so technical aspects don't worry me.  What does worry me, however are things like:
 
1. Requires a windows PC to function properly (I'm a Mac guy).  PITA drivers to install, com ports to configure with USB emulators with poorly written drivers, etc.
2. Requires 10 hours of study to accomplish a task I will perform once or twice a year, and thus I will have to repeat that 10 hours of study every year because I can't remember the details from the last time.
3. Expensive recurring costs of ownership like annual subscriptions or costly maintenance updates.
4. Spending more than I needed to because of some whiz-bang feature I'll rarely or never actually use
5. Requires babying and constant "re-tuning" or calibration before using (spend as much or more time tweaking as using)
 
(and yes, I regularly do all of these things, but I try now to avoid them!)
 
I had just ordered a Surecom SW-33 Mark II and then came across this thread, so I cancelled the order while I ruminate a bit.  I like information, and love data.  I love to optimize stuff.  But I don't see myself getting to the point where I'm going to have a bench with a bunch of oscilloscopes and soldering irons. (that was my Dad, who built Heathkit radios and TV sets when I was a kid back in the 70's)
 
Given all that, I feel like spending $50 on the Surecom SW-102  or $60-$70 NanoVNA seems like a reasonable step up in price from the $45 Sw-33 given the extra functionality.  Though looking at the video tutorials for the NanoVNA, it seems like overkill for me (violates rules 1, 2, 4, & 5 for me)
 
​I guess the real question is which of those options is most compliant for what I need (which I think is similar to the OP's original question).  "Which one is "good enough" in terms of accuracy, usability, and features?  There definitely seem to be some strong opinions, and if you spend time on forums, this sort of thing isn't uncommon (nor is it anything but well-meaning usually).  It's sorta like the following exchange:
 
 
​OP:  "Whats the best way to get from LA to NYC on a budget?"
 
Reply 1:  "Citation X  - it's faster than a Gulfstream G-650 and less than half the cost"
 
​Then a debate rages about the differences between the Gulfstream and the Citation, with the inevitable person saying "Hey, you guys don't know what you're talking about.  The Falcon 7x is a much better aircraft..  blah blah blah"
 
Then the original poster comes back and says
 
"I was wondering if Greyhound was cheaper and faster than taking the train..."
 
Its all about relative perspective...  :-)
 
Oh, PS - after some thought and a bit more reading, I went ahead and purchased one of the Surecom 120 units.  I'll bet it will do everything I'm likely to need for the couple of VHF/UHF radios I have. 

Hmm..  just to be a contrarian, I will posit that the whole appeal of FRS/GMRS is its simplicity and "open the box and get started" ease of use.   Thus, having designated channel numbers helps the vast majority of FRS/GMRS users.   I'll bet that if you polled 1,000 frequent users of FRS/GMRS radios what frequency their favorite channel was on, 950 of them wouldn't have a clue.  The other 50 are participating in this forum.  ? 

Hmm..  just to be a contrarian, I will posit that the whole appeal of FRS/GMRS is its simplicity and "open the box and get started" ease of use.   Thus, having designated channel numbers helps the vast majority of FRS/GMRS users.   I'll bet that if you polled 1,000 frequent users of FRS/GMRS radios what frequency their favorite channel was on, 950 of them wouldn't have a clue.  The other 50 are participating in this forum.  ? 

Following back up on this thread.   I thought the replacement mic had made things better, but alas, a weekend trip with my local Jeep club proved that this radio has a lot of problems.  The most persistent issue is the static and popping that I mentioned earlier.  Another issue is that it sometimes doesn't start transmitting for 3 to 5 seconds after I key the mic!   Other times it begins transmitting very quietly, then goes to full gain.   
When I got home I tested some scenarios with HTs:  
•    I tried changing the power lead, re-routing directly to the battery.  No improvement
•    Tried two different antennas but same coax.  Same problem with both.
•    I used a mag mount antenna with different coax – no improvement.
My last and final test was to install a spare radio (A Radioddity DB20-G) using the same power and antenna connections as the ones giving me problems with the Wouxun.   The radio operates without static, pops, or noise on the transmissions, confirming that the problem follows the Wouxun KG1000G and not another variable.
 
Luckily BTWR has EXCELLENT customer service (I mean really, really good!) and they responded to my email within an hour or two and sent me a return shipping label so that they can test the radio.  I'm sending it back to them this week.

After posting to someone else's thread and realizing I hijacked his thread about scanning, I figured I'd start a new thread with cool "tips and tricks" that people have discovered with their new KG-1000G radios.   Perhaps we can also use this thread as a "does anyone know how to..." for the KG-1000G.  It will also be an interesting read for anyone considering this radio, since it will hopefully eventually contain a lot of detailed info about how specific features are implemented.
 
I'll start with this one (cross-posted from the other thread - if someone can tell me how do delete that other post, I will be glad to do so!):
 
Quickly adding a "privacy tone" that others are using on blister pack radios
My Jeep and I were in a parade over the weekend for a couple of WWII vets that were celebrating birthdays (97 and 100!).  The organizers were on GMRS/FRS HTs and I asked what channel they were on.  "Channel 7 with privacy channel 35" he told me.  Not knowing which brand radios they were using nor remembering off the top of my head which frequency corresponds to "privacy code 35" on most radios, I was able to use the Menu [41] "SC-CTC" option (which I've programmed to Key C) to "grab" their PL frequency and then save it to my radio on channel 7 within about 30 seconds.  Super handy if you're needing to inter-operate with people on Motorola, Midland, or Cobra radios and using "privacy channels".  Note: If you want to be able to RX and Tx with the tone, you need to also change the default setting for Menu [40] "SC-QT" from DECODER to ALL.    Pretty neat feature that saved me the stress of having to manually look up possible tones and then program them via FPP while the parade was starting...

On a club run today others started telling me my transmissions were very crackly with a lot of static and cutting in and out.  After a bit of fiddling, I realized that it is the key switch on the mic.  If I key the mic and wiggled it with my thumb, it introduces a bunch of crackling and static, as if there is a poor connection.  I'm 95% confident that this is the issue.  Has anyone else had problems with their transmissions being static-y or with their mic?
I'm doing a bit club road trip in two weeks and I really want to have this radio working!
 
Edit:  After a bit more fiddling I am now less certain the issue is the key switch in the mic.  It just seems to be producing a lot of static when the mic is keyed, but without a different mic to test, I can't be sure that it is related to the key switch. 

LOL to Sbsyncro’s “state your call sign first”. Made me literally LOL so I thank you for that. ??