widnerkj

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.

That very antenna is on order. And I don't live near any of the flat spots in AZ.

[mention]Lscott [/mention] I’d imagine a motorized mount wouldn’t be too difficult. We had a Komatsu technician at the mine who rigged up his safety flag and strobe on a linear actuator. So they’d raise up as he entered he property. It’d be pretty simple to make the mount that rotates 90 degrees to the rear. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Well, everything is here except the antenna from antenna farm. And I'm going to wait for that to show up before I go hog a hole out in the roof of the truck. Impatience leads to sloppy installs. That said, I seriously can't say enough good things about the antenna farm. I ordered while working overnight using my work computer, so the companies IP address (which shows as somewhere in VA). And while driving home after getting off shift at 7:30am, I received a phone call from them. He was concerned about the IP being from VA, but the shipping being out to AZ, and wanted to make sure there wasn't fraud. I explained that's work's IP, and everything is good. What a pleasant surprise. I'll be ordering everything from him from now on to be sure.

I purchased the full $270 package that took forever to get approved to buy. It gave me CPS2 and CPS16. For my current radios... The first XPR7550e came from ebay seller dosbro. And it's a model AAH56RDN9RA1AN which is the "enabled" 7550. He doesn't seem to have any more though. The second HT came from sellerhatten6062. However it's a model AAH56RDN9KA1AN which is the "capable" 7550. He does seem to have more. https://www.ebay.com/itm/254875001382 My local bizarre electrical supply had a pile of new in the box XPR2500 mobile units for $250, so I felt I needed to grab one for the vehicles. As far as I know about wideband, I had to do an online class with Motorola, and now am waiting for permission to get the wideband EID. Should be good, just as with all things motorola software, I'm waiting to be given permission for them to take my money. I'll update when I know more.

Liquid electrical tape would be what I would use. Gardner Bender 07315001126 LTB-400 Liquid Electrical Tape, Easy-on, Waterproof, Indoor/Outdoor Use, 4 Oz. Jar, Black, Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FPAN2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_X3G6JWQ2174DCBF19FZB

Not in Texas. I'm about 25-30 miles due south of Tucson, AZ. I believe the repeater for Lemmon 650 is around 9'000 ASL.

I had been looking at the wrong antenna's I guess. Most were like this one. https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-ano-050g.html which is 31". And I wouldn't care if it was going on the trunk of the Kia. However on the roof of a lifted truck ducking under mesquite trees, I wanted much more low profile. As far as repeater coverage nearby. My area is pretty fantastic. So if I need to yell for help, Lemmon 650 is seriously good coverage in my area. But using to talk with others on the trail with me this should be just fine with the one from antenna farm.

Ordered the one from Extreme's link. I'll use the phantom for a trunklid install on the Kia forte. That little go kart only goes from home to work. Now it's just the wait for all the pieces to assemble.

radio and goodies are ordered. There is pretty fantastic repeater coverage here south of Tucson. So I went with a phantom. If I don't care for it, I'll order a 1/4 wave and swap em. I can't seem to find that 1/4 wave from Extreme's photo. All the ones I seem to find are way longer than 7". And I'm a little nervous on account of the pickup having a 6" lift from the previous owner. I'm pretty confident the phantom with the KG-1000G's power should be adequate. But the local electronic surplus has a pile of XPR2500's new in box for $250, so I might test that one out also for the price.

Oh man. I have so much hatred for the mesquite trees, I forget folks in other places actually enjoy them. Once one pops up on your property, there is nearly no getting rid of it. Send me a direct message, and I’ll mail you a big bunch of seed pods. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I am trying to plan out which parts to order to install a mobile radio in my truck. It’s a 1999 Silverado. I’m going to punch the hole in the roof for the antenna. I’ve ordered this antenna mount, https://www.buytwowayradios.com/tram-1258-uhf.html And I’ll be ordering the Wouxun KG-1000G when it’s available again. That said, what NMO mount antenna are you folks using, or recommend? I do poke around off-roading, and I’m a little worried about mesquite tree limbs breaking the antenna. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I started by listening with a UV5R, and then went to purchase a motorola XPR7550e.