wrci350

What cable were you looking at that was $50? The Wouxon one is $15.99: https://www.buytwowayradios.com/wouxun-pco-001.html My experience is that this cable is MUCH better than the typical Baofeng one, and I use it for all my radios that require that type of cable now. No driver games, and I have one radio that would transmit when you plugged in a cheap cable; no such issues with the Wouxun one. Interestingly enough, on the KG-935G page it says that cable is $14.99. But I think I know where the $50 came from. You were looking at the RT Systems cable and software, which IS $49. RT Systems software requires that you use the corresponding RT Systems cable. The item on the BTWR site is a bundle with both cable and software. But the cable can be used with multiple different radios that use the Kenwood interface, so you buy the cable once and then just buy the software if you want to program other radios that use the same cable. Their software packages are great. Often easier to use than the manufacturer's software (if there IS any) and Just Works. When you get right down to it, analog radio programming software looks like a spreadsheet with another page where you can set options on the radio. So there is nothing fancy about their software; it just works and isn't full of bugs. But if the Wouxun software meets your needs, then no reason to buy the RT Systems bundle. I would still recommend paying the couple extra bucks to get their programming cable.

+1 on RadioReference. If you register for an account, you can post in your (or your youngster's) state forum and folks who are local can assist. Or feel free to give us a state and county and we can give you a more informed recommendation. RR is definitely The Place for scanner folks though.

It should be just that easy. Plug the cable into the second radio and send the data to it.

That process is all automated. I purchased, downloaded, installed, activated, and used one of their packages at 10:30 on a Sunday night this past summer. In this case I already had the cable needed for that package, or I would have had to wait for it to be delivered to me. RT-Systems software is great, because it Just Works.

Not a member, and this is not an endorsement, but you might want to check this out: https://www.attica575.com/ Not sure what you mean by a "GMRS group", but I thought you might find it interesting.

The DJ-MD5 is a DMR radio, but it works just fine as an analog radio too. However, I see "IP54" on several websites where you can buy one, yet the owner's manual states: "We don't guarantee any IP grade of this product." So perhaps that's a disqualifier. My apologies. Another option would be the Alinco DJ-500TB, which has the same form factor as the MD5 (same batteries, etc.) but is analog-only. It also really IS IP54; even says so in the manual. I didn't recommend it originally since it's harder to find. I got mine from HRO and it was a special-order item. They still have it on their website so my guess is that it is still available. https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-016057 This is a Part 90 radio, which is what you would need. There is also another version of the DJ-500T that is amateur bands only, which would not meet your requirements.

I know you said you didn't need digital, but I believe the Alinco DJ-MD5XT checks all your boxes and is half the price of the Yaesu. I have the older version and it's a nice radio.

I do not have personal experience with any of those antennas, but I can offer a few general comments. 1) Tram is regarded by many as being bottom of the barrel for antennas. Comet and Diamond, while being "amateur-grade" are definitely a step up. 2) Note that #3 is not only single band but also narrow bandwidth and will need to be adjusted (trimmed) for GMRS. 3) I'm not sure if a yagi is the right solution for you. Yagis are directional antennas. If there is *one* repeater you want to hit, then that would work. Otherwise you'll need a rotator so you can point it in the direction of whatever you are trying to talk to. Additionally, the one you have listed is narrow bandwidth, tuned for only part of the 2m and 70cm ham bands. If it won't work well on 440-450 it's going to be even worse on GMRS.

Certainly not the only option, but a good one: https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=342_343_347_993_1410 Thesa are made wtih LMR-400UF (Ultra Flexible) so easy to work with and come with N connectors.

Don't believe SWR readings on HT antennas. The radio and the person holding it form the ground plane of the antenna system. Disconnecting the antenna and hooking it to an SWR meter will not give you an accurate reading.