MichaelLAX

This thread continues this previous discussion in the Thread entitled: FCC.

I have to admit that this is one of the only two disadvantages I have found in this rig (the other being: no ability to scan for tones used; but I solved this problem with a $30 HT). I had been expecting that maybe CHIRP would provide an upgrade, since this rig is so inexpensive, and selling like hotcakes; but I am told that someone needs to send them a unit to work on. In the interim: be sure to include blank lines in your programming, so that when you want to update with a new channel; instead of it being at the end of the list, you can insert it within a category (Encode tones blocked for obvious reasons):

Here's the problem: The FCC, in its wisdom, never codified the 30 GMRS Channels into channel numbers; they just make reference to the total number. For example, when TV was mandated in the late 40s, early 50s, Channel numbers were codified by the FCC. When the FCC decided, again in its great wisdom, to allow two non-compatible satellite radio technologies to exist side by side, we still have a jumble of channel numbers depending if you are listening to Sirius or XM (even though they are now owned by one company!). The answer is that YOU have the power to implement a Channel Number methodology for your family. Most radios allow for a "Name" instead of a Frequency: so why don't you program your radios with a consistent Channel naming methodology and get your spouse into the action? I always liked this chart and I have made a modification to give it a consistent Channel number scheme:

Here's a thought: Setup a 501(c)(3) non-profit and apply for some Federal Infrastructure funds to build out a repeater network for Wyoming!

Not even that hard; it is contained right in Radioddity's (and Anytone's) CPS Software: Firstly, save a copy of your existing Codeplug before any changes are made (it is always best to do this with the radio as originally shipped, so as to have a "default" codeplug). Then in the Model menu to Model Information menu in V2.01 of the Radioddity software: Model: DB-20GUV Frequencys: Change this from US GMRS to UHF(400 - 470) VHF(136 - 174 MHz). Now program in new channels as needed. There is a way to achieve this using the buttons on the unit, using the same buttons to get the firmware version: Power down Hold V/M button down Power UP Change Mode from GMRS to (136-174); (400-470) using the Up and Down arrow keys Power down and Power Up again. These radios show more efficiency on 2 meters and 70 cms than does my Yaesu FT-857d connected to the same antenna! I now have an AT-779UV in the shack and one in my car.

What is your firmware version? V2.30 and below easily opened up.

Could you be more specific? Which HT? High power? 10 watts? Ham radio use on GMRS? Does "he" plan to use it outside the technical specifications of GMRS while on GMRS (for example wide band and 5 watts on GMRS Channel 8-14)? There are two different situations: Part 95 certified radios that can be made to transmit outside of GMRS; and "Ham radios" that can be made to transmit on GMRS. For example: I have the Anytone AT-779UV, which is Part 95 certified for GMRS. The software provided by Anytone (and by Radioddity for their DB20-G clone) allows me to easily open up transmission for 2 meters, 70 cms and even MURS and I enjoy scanning all the available frequencies for some action. Now I don't have much use for MURS, since I can transmit 18 watts on 2 meters. But for testing purposes, I have programmed into my AT-779UV MURS 1, 2 and 3 (in narrow band) and Blue Dot (MURS 4) and Green Dot (MURS 5) in Wideband and all at low power given the 2 watt restriction on MURS. I also have the Radioddity RD-5R HT (in the UV-5R configuration) that transmits analog and DMR on all the above listed bands. I restrict my DMR to 2 meters and 70 cms. But for convenience I do have it programmed for local GMRS repeaters and all the other simplex GMRS channels, so I can scan with it at my "easy chair" and communicate on my choice of band as necessary. But other than for "testing" and "emergency" communications, no one (with substantial assets) is going to give you a "green light" or even commit themselves to a "probable ok" YMMV! ? PS: I loved the movie: Law Abiding Citizen, with Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler!

I would drive up to Saddle Peak with all the equipment and setup shop at the parking area at the top of the hill, with a 360 degree panorama (you can barely see the collapsable eBay vertical on the tripod, with its "rat tail" that reaches to ground for a few feet)! After I got my EV, I installed Anderson Powerpoles in the vehicle and had all the power I needed!

They are now somewhat buried in the new website configuration:

@Papatree: This is the Icom model that I was referring to that was the competitor to the Yaesu FT-857d at the time (both mobile styled units). Although the 706 had a larger display screen, my recollection is that the Yaesu FT-857d won out in the marketplace. This seems to be confirmed in its higher pricing in the used market today, as well. I originally had the Yaesu FT-817, but it is a QRP low powered rig and my advice is that QRP is an acquired taste that takes much patience and should be postponed until you have a need for a battery powered unit (camping, SOTA, etc.). I sold my 817 on eBay and then immediately acquired my 857d (100 watts on HF and 6 Meters; 50 watts on 2 meters and 20 watts on 70 cm). I initially used to keep my 857d in a backpack with a LDG AT-100Pro II antenna tuner and a collapsable 80-10 meter vertical antenna that I purchased on eBay and take it out for day trips. It is now my dedicated HF rig in my shack: Here was the "portable" setup, including the Duracell PowerPack 600: a 12 volt 28Ah rechargeable power unit, that came with Anderson PowerPole connectors for easy connection/disconnection:

Danny: While technologically feasible (but perhaps commercial not feasible), current FCC Part 95 regulations are generally interpreted to not allow certification for a GMRS device that can also transmit outside the GMRS channels. This topic comes up quite frequently about why GMRS devices do not include the license free MURS channels.

Regrettably the "number" in an USA callsign no longer has specific geographical relevance. And there is no relevance to a GMRS callsign; they appear to just be issued in consecutive order.

Refresh my memory: Did you suggest that a radio containing both the CB and GMRS bands is not commercially available; Or, did you suggest that: If you were more careful with your statements, you would not have to needlessly hurl insults when someone wants to set the record straight...

Oh dear: someone forgot to tell that to Yaesu! ?

I suspect that is because the UV82HP is not the UV82, the model listed as working with the BL-1

That should be exactly the information that the OP needs. As a Anytone AT-779UV owner, tell us more about what you hope to do with your interface?

Using the Wouxun software: @WyoJoeI do see the Up and Down and Insert and Delete arrow functions, so perhaps leaving blank cells is not necessary. I note in the OP's version of the RTSoftware, he has listed both CTCSS and DCS selections for the following Repeaters: Phily2, Norris1 and Norris3 And a seemingly default DCS value of "23" for all the other repeaters. Perhaps this is causing a conflict?

@mbrunThe screenshot I posted came from the OP's earlier post. He did not identify the source of his version of the software. @WyoJoe: Where can I find a link to download the Wouxun KG-1000G software, so as to experiment with it? At the Buytwowayradios Software Download page, I only have these options, which appear to require a purchase and even then, it is out of stock: UPDATE: I was originally inadvertently on the Wouxun/blog page and when I went to the actual KG-1000G product page and clicked the Downloads Tab, I was able to download version 1.05 of the software! Of course, you get what you pay for: so I would expect to find that the RTSoftware has more features than the "included for free" Wouxun software. @WyoJoeWhich version of the software are you using?

This is what is known as "empty row programming:" Radios that cannot be programmed with CHIRP for the most part come with "free" programming software. And invariably this software does not include the ability to import or export its list of channels to any other software, like, for example, Excel. So, as a rule, it is a good idea to program in blank rows between specific categories of channels. Using your example: You may want to leave one or more blank lines between repeaters, cities, and even states, if necessary. The reason for this is simple: Let's say that Reading adds a new repeater and you want it to be named Reading5 and have it come up on your dial right after Reading 4. If you do not leave blanks, you must completely reprogram your radio from scratch; entering repeaters again one by one. But if you left blank lines, you could just go into your existing codeplug and insert Reading 5 right after Reading 4; and you are done! Since your radio skips blank lines when it scans, there is no downside to leaving blank lines for later expansion.

I'd argue that the whole topic is somewhat circularly impossible to begin with: an FRS radio (i.e., one that does not require a GMRS license) that scans and has dual watch!?! But at the risk of being punished by the topic police, those of us tried to describe how certain GMRS radios that meet his needs existed (since no one to date has found any example of a scanning FRS radio that has dual watch)! Continuing the impossible logic of using a GMRS radio as an FRS radio with dual watch that scans, ultimately leads to programming software to deal with the ancillary issues of dual watch FRS radios that scan: changing to narrow band, limiting channels 1-7 and 15-22 to 2 watts, etc. because the OP added: Someone should do a YouTube video on narrow vs. wide band, but I digress... ? And whenever programming software comes up there are invariably those radios that can be programmed ONLY with Windows in a world that includes Macs, linux and other non-Windows platforms. So invariably a discussion of running Windows on non-PC platforms comes up. Now I will admit that perhaps, and I am admitting only a slight possibility that this discussion gets a bit off topic when describing the historical difference between Windows and Mac OS and their parent companies moves into portable devices that use Android vs iOS. But somebody even did a YouTube video that discusses the possibility of using an Android or iOS device to program their HT without the need for a computer: Perhaps a UV-5R is about as much a dual watch FRS scanning radio as it is a GMRS radio; and here is a non-computer required device to program it!! Just another option to consider... ?

I am not sure: I purchased a cheapie MP3 player at Fry's electronics to play with and hated it! Then the iPod was released in late 2001, I purchased one in early 2002 and never looked back! I purchased the Griffin FM transmitter accessory to be able to play my iPod through my car's FM radio and I would "digitize" content from the internet on my Mac (Sirius satellite radio, Air America, etc.), add it to my iPod and then have "day-old" content to play in my car as well. My first iPod with a video screen is being observed by Nipper, if you look closely at (and/or click on) my Avatar!

Is (are?) either the TYT or Retevis 9000D radios Part 95e certified for Wideband?

Apple software?!? ? Like it or not, Microsoft missed the boat with their Microsoft Zune* and never sufficiently recovered from the 21st Century transition to portable devices. It is now an iOS or Android world: and in my case, since I am iOS with my iPhones (since the 3G), it makes sense to stay compatible with a Macintosh. *A sneak peak of the never released Microsoft zunePhone

Just to satisfy my curiosity, what type plug does that cable use to mate with the Midland MXT400? Also: I thought that Midland was a USA alternative to CCRs from prior posts that I have read here, but with all these criticisms of their radios, I wonder now if they are also a CCR?

Review this earlier myGMRS forum post for software and cable information. I have no experience with Midland, so I cannot verify the information contained in this linked earlier post.