widnerkj

I hear you. So I'll keep them in the hunting pack for simplex stuff. Thanks.

I picked up two of these at the local bin store. $7 for the pair seemed like a good deal. Learned I can't use chirp to program it, no big deal. Tried to use the Radioddity software. And that was an lesson in frustration. Got the RT software. and I think I'm now even more irritated with these things. Channel 1-22 then repeater 1-8, followed by 24 DIY channels that can't be altered from the TX RX freq. You can add channels to monitor only.

so lots of figure 8's? like terminating fiber optics.... I'll give it a try.

Been using it on low power to talk with the various repeaters here in the Tucson area. At first was using medium power, but tried low, and it's clear and nice. So why not give the electrons less of a workout. I'm very satisfied with the radio and antenna.

I’m hoping someone has one, and can weigh in. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yup. I’ve read the same. $200 seems like a big experiment. We use DMR at work, but I’d be irritated to no end if I bought a work radio. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Yea, I fear it’s DMR only, which would be weird, because the cheaper 3550 is both. But here is so much conflicting information, I was wondering if anyone had one, and programmed it to hit the GMRS repeaters for a try. I might buy it and try. But I’ll be angry if I end up buying a DMR only radio. See this here says analog. https://www.radiotwoway.com/motorola-sl7550?filter=139 Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Since I carry that xpr7550e everyday, at work, and at play. I did drop it the other day. And was rewarded with a scratch on the screen. Still works fantastically, and I just got the wide and entitlement from Motorola. So I’m actually liking this radio more every day. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I’m away at training this week, so I sadly have just my phone. No laptop. But I found a Motorola SL7550e for a theft of a price. And I can’t get a straight answer on if this radio is DMR only. I keep seeing conflicting information. But if this radio is analog capable, I may need to buy one or two. I carry my XPR7550e with me everywhere, but that tiny thing looks amazing.

KB2ZTX, If you were going full crazy in a waterproofing attempt. I'd imagine you could go wild like on an aircraft fuel tank, and apply sealant to the screws from under, like rivets in a plane's fuel tank. Though, even being a former Navy wire biter, this might be going too far. https://shop.vansaircraft.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?browse=misc&product=proseal

Sort of reminds me of "rubber splicing tape" we use in motor connections. Seriously stretchy, only sticks to itself, is overall pretty fantastic to have in the toolbox. Also called "mastic tape". Here is a link of the good stuff. https://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Moisture-Sealing-Electrical/dp/B001B1AP3O/ref=psdc_256161011_t3_B0000CBJ5W

The KG1000g with the 1/4 wave antenna is working much better than the HT I've been using. But that goes without saying. While driving to and from work, I have had no issues with conversations through the Lemmon 650 repeater. But I'm only 25 miles due south of Tucson, and Lemmon is on top of the mountain. Also a really powerful machine. However now, I can use the Tucson 550 machine with little noise for my whole commute. I've also been able to reach out to the Sierra Vista, and Benson machines while driving up box canyon. Dual channel monitoring is a huge plus, with monsoon season starting soon, I'll be able to have the county flash flood alerts on channel 2 while working the repeaters or direct comms on channel 1. I did follow the advice on the KG1000 tips thread, and made button C scan tones. Makes it really easy to listen in to the pecan orchards and other local chatter.

That could be another thread all together. I did a lot of research into the native android head units, and on the xda developers forums, the ATOTO A6 pro got the best reviews and recommendations. I’ve only used this in several installs now. And I’ll keep with the recommendation on it. There are front, rear, and subwoofer amplifier outputs, so if you need it loud, it’s very easy to get carried away. The internal amp is 30 watts RMS, so it’s more than enough to add volume and clarity to a factory speaker system. Sound quality specifically is absolutely improved over factory sound. The dual Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS antennas make it seriously capable. Typically, I turn on my phones WiFi hotspot, and run pandora, Waze, google maps, etc... right on my dash. But having access to the google play store, I run an app called Torque pro ($5) that talks to a $12 Bluetooth OBDII adapter, and allows me to generate custom gauges on things the vehicles computer sees. Also scan, and clear check engine lights. I’ve got a dash cam, and a backup camera connected directly to it, and still have 3 available USB ports. I’m a little tempted to try a SWR app and usb dongle on it. But it has given my 1999 Chevrolet more modernization than anything else I could have done. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Ok, short update. Got the radio mounted nicely. Pulled headliner down a little, so I could knock a 3/4” hole, and got everything installed. And I’ve got to admit. This radio is fantastic! I have no trouble hitting the local, and kind of distant repeaters. Radio checks come back loud and clear. The more I use this thing, the more I enjoy it. The 1/4 wave antenna is perfect. No clearance issues on the lifted truck. I mounted the radio where the useless cupholder used to be.