WROA675

Looks nice, I might need to get a Alpaca to help me out with that setup for field trips though ? Gonna start saving up for something along those line and maybe Santa will be nice to me this year. Meanwhile, considering the TYT TH-7800, Anytone 5888UV, or Wouxun UV980P to replace the QYT...

Funny you mentioned this...it's been in my wishlist for sometime, on Amazon, and I saw this morning it was finally back in stock. It'll be here on Tuesday? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011HVUEME/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A37V0QGFC9C912&psc=1

Great input here so far from everyone. I've been looking at the models that were mentioned and comparing prices. More importantly, I've been considering what do I need versus what do I want. The conclusion I've come to at this time is a simple dual band radio (2m/70cm) with cross-band capability (i.e., Anytone 5888UV, TYT 7800, etc.) The reason(s) is I'd like to be able to have the base in my office and be able to use my HT via the base unit if I'm in the garage, balcony, kitchen, etc. I believe this type of radio is going to support my current needs and not break the bank, as I save up for a more advance system in the future.

Hello and Happy New Year to all, Just got my ticket almost three weeks ago (Dec. 13) and looking to upgrade from my QYT KT-8900R, to a more solid base unit for my shack. I'm liking the 2m/7cm platforms (have made some cool contacts) so that's important. I would like to explore some 2m sideband and lower 10 meter HF, as my technician privileges allow?, but am just as happy using echolink for DX. I like the look of the bigger base units with the waterfall display, and all the fancy knobs ?, however, I am on a budget and will have to get a power supply (another unit I have no idea of what to get). BTWR has a Starter Ham Radio Kit which really caught my eye, however has been out of stock for a couple months. SO......have also been considering a used Motorola UHF W3 Astro Spectra setup. One thing I learned from my start in GMRS is to do as much research as possible, be patient, and ask a lot of questions, before pulling the trigger, to avoid buyers remorse and get the best rig for my needs. That said, any and all suggestions are appreciated regarding a decent unit and power supply, new or used is fine too. 73, Kevin WROA675/KN6SDM

Working-Radio-On-Air-6-7-5 ?

Don't know much about these radios and I won't repeat the secondhand criticism I heard about them, however I will say that during my last trip to the Arroyo Grande area (CA), over Thanksgiving, the Rugged Radio Repeater is awesome...?covers many fars, crystal clear, and friendly contacts.

Yo BugKiller, in my opinion the only dumb question is the one not asked. I'm still a noobie, as well, so we are all learning as we go. That said, the length of my rat-tail (aka-counterpoise) was just random. I just tried to match it to the length of the antenna. It seems to work very well, I've even had it coiled around the belt clip to keep it from dangling and it still works great. Don't be afraid to explore and experiment with your gear, it'll teach you alot, along with many here that have lots of knowledge to share. 73

Thank you for your input @generalpain. Unfortunately I don't have enough cable to raise it above the chimney. However by moving it to the same A-frame (actually attached to my unit), as the Larsen, it will get me more slack. I'll be looking into a mast and ground plane setup for the 7900D today for it, making sure the two antennas are at least six feet apart and offset in height. How does that sound?

Thank you the input @kb2ztx. I will add a ground plane to the 7900D, as it is a mobile lid mount. As for the Larsen, I couldn't find anything about it being a mobile antenna, as it is advertised as a base antenna with 4.5 dB gain, and has four radials around its base already. Do you think it still needs a ground plane?

Hey everyone, shifting topic back to the antennas... After weeks of tx on the DB25G, it's become apparent that I need to move the bracket higher. As you can see in the enclosed picture I have the Larsen BSA 450 mounted to an old Dish bracket (antenna on the right rear) and will be moving it closer to the peak of the A-frame. At the same time I'm going to move the 7900D (left front-for the QYT) to the same frame, so both will clearly be well above the roofline (but still unseen by the HOA from the ground). Two questions here (first one is similar to the question I asked earlier about the units being in close proximity): 1) is there a minimum distance the two antennas should be apart from each other (will not be transmitting on both radios any the same time)? 2) do they both need to be grounded somehow and does that protect my radios from lighting strike surge (rainy season is coming)?

Sounds like there's only two channels programmed in from the factory, even though it states it's "preconfigured with 30 GMRS channels", did you but it new or used? Did you program anything into it using the software, yet? Full disclosure-I don't have this radio either, but I had a different radio once that only came with three channels from the factory and needed to be programmed.

There may always be exceptions to the "rules". We all know there are speed limits, however I'm not going to purchase a vehicle that installs a governor that prevents me from excessing the speed limit, if necessary. As a grown adult, with the freedom of choice, I can appreciate a product that does not limit that right the choose, regardless. Agreed that many off-roaders using gmrs, that are or aren't licensed users, may not ever use gmrs outside of certain events. However, I believe there is a huge population (and growing) of licensed users that promote GMRS beyond "simple" uses, e.g., community policing, networking, emergency preparedness, a fun hobby, etc., and may have higher expectations from their radios. That said, Midlands are fine, just not for me at this time, with what I've experienced. Like any other product, acknowledging their pros and cons helps the consumer be better educated in making their own decisions.

I am interested to see the reviews on this radio when it comes out, yet skeptical of the overall functionality as a GMRS radio. I love my Midland 75-822 CB, however, returned the MXT275 (still in the box) after during more research while it was being shipped, due to it's restrictive nature as a GMRS rig. Looking at it on the website, it looks like they may have stepped up their game, but they aren't clear about split tones or programing multiple repeaters with different tones, and the price seems over-the-top (higher price does not always equal better quality or superior serviceability). Not that I use the low power channels (8-14), I don't like that they omit those channels from the radio...give me the impression that they're unnecessarily "censoring" the radio's potential and makes me wonder what else they may be regulating on the unit (imho). Like I said though, they make a fantastic citizens band radio.

Looking at that picture, does that mean you can transmit low power narrowband on channels 8 through 14 on your mobile DB20G?

Hello everyone, hopefully y'all enjoyed the long holiday weekend and were able to spend quality time with friends and family. ? My daughter and I traveled north for a family gathering outside of Arroyo Grande (California) and the day before I eagerly programmed my DB20G with the repeaters I thoughts I'd hit along the way (5 north and 166 west), thanks to the mygmrs repeater list.? I was able to hit three of them (out of seven) and make a couple of contacts and on two of those I made a couple of contacts (hello, Greg and Steve) the whole trip.? Shout out to Rugged Radio for their repeater set up, it has great range.? Interestingly enough, I was quite surprised that I didn't come across more traffic on the radio and how some spots seemed very quiet, almost void(New Cuayma, Taft), where no gmrs or ham(PAPA system) was traffic to be heard. Not surprising was the reaction I got from some family members when sharing details about GMRS and my new radios (oh that's nice, pass the potatoes please ?). However, all the kids did have fun with the 4 radios I did bring, not including the mobile (2 frs & 2 gmrs HT's). Returning home via a different route (101 south and the 126 east), there was also a noticeable lack of CB traffic. Was able to make three contact on my Andy II. Saw a lot of truckers with antennas on their rigs, and just as many with no antennas, so I'm not sure what's going on there. ? All in all, it was a great roadtrip and time together with the kinfolk. As for radio traffic or the lack thereof, I attribute it to the holidays as most people may not have been on the radio as much because of the holidays. I believe GMRS is growing, based on the many forums I've seen, here and social media, and new stations popping up daily. The chicken band seems to be struggling though, yet it might still be more popular in certain regions of the country. ? Well, that's it for now. Let's keep radio alive and if you hear someone looking for a signal check as they're traveling through your area of operation, key up and say hello...cause it might just be me. 73

Wow, let's ask for help and then slander someone that is trying help... How quickly one shows their true colors when faced with a challenge. WTFAY!?! What a piece of work, shame on you... maybe it's because either you clearly have no clue of what you're doing and have such thin skin that someone asking you to be transparent has triggered a plethora of insecurities, and/or you have some type of personality disorder. Either way, calling someone a troll, that you don't even know, is highly disrespectful! Since I've been a member, I've seen Michael help many people here and out in the community, especially noobies like me. His post speak for themselves (I suggest you read them and everyone else, for that matter, before passing judgement and slandering someone else's name). Michael is eager to share his many years of experience, both as a amateur radio and gmrs operator. What have you contributed? Michael's knowledge in things Mac, Windows, and others computer/radio related matters has been evident in his proficiency through assisting others within the radio community (again, not just me saying this, but read the many posts for yourself). Personally, Michael has gone out of way to help me work around many radio and programming issues and I'm sure others can attest to the same thing. So feel feel to "ignore" me as well, "mr.engineer", because I'm sure "on air" or off, you don't deserve anymore of my time or another stroke from the keys on my Dell.

You got me, Michael...I was searching everywhere for it, could only find the X50 and X50A. ?

I appreciate the tip, good looking out.? I'm still on the sidelines about spending another hundred bucks, at the moment, but I think your right about antennas and amazon and will order from a reputable dealer (i.e., Antenna Farm, DX, HRO) if I decide to pull the trigger on this one.

My current antenna is the Larsen BSA450 with a 4.5 db gain. It's small and discreet. ?I tried a 2ft j-pole, but found it only had a 2.5 db gain (gifted it to a buddy who had no antenna at his house). Looking at possibility getting this one:?️ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094DNP9PC/?coliid=I176NXRPR3GV03&colid=603H8JI6495Q&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it Hitting a couple repeaters fine right now with my current set-up, but on the fence about trying another antenna. I feel it would give me better performance and clarity, but on the other hand, the Larsen is adequate for my needs (not wants).? Interested in any input regarding this matter...?

If you like your KG-935G, I believe any twelve-year-old, slightly interested in radio, would love and not be easily bored with the KG-UV9G Pro or the KG-UV9P (Ham version). That said, I am available for adoption, will be taking my tech test in 3 weeks, and would love Santa to gift me the KG-UV9P.

Not sure, don't have one, however I assume most radio's has similar functions...here's from the KG935G manual: Function: Scan mode settings Options: TO/CO/SE Default: SE TO: When a signal is detected, scanning stops. Scan will pause to wait for further activity and will then resume if no operation is carried out within 5 seconds. Pressing PTT will transmit on the currently selected channel. CO: When a signal is detected, scanning stops and resumes immediately after the signal is lost. Pressing PTT will transmit on the currently selected channel. SE: When a signal is detected, scanning stops. Pressing PTT will transmit on the channel where the signal was detected.

Same...mine is more random, usually if I change another setting (i.e., roger beep, syn, etc.) then the beep turns itself back on but shows it's off in the menu setting. Try MichaelLAX's suggestion and let us know the outcome...I may need to do that as well, however, the beeps don't really bother me.

Hey now...so I was looking up VOX function and your post popped up, so I'm just gonna throw out my Noobie question...?️ ? Does anyone ever use the VOX function and if so, under what conditions? I haven't used it...yet...but I am interested (as with all the other menu functions that I have no clue as to what they do?). TIA 73

Update to the update: Radioddity has sent me a RMA, so I will be returning the unit for exchange. One one hand, I am relieved to swap it out considering the defect and on the other hand, on the fence about it because the external speaker is working fine. The decisive factor is in the notion that if the internal speaker has malfunctioned, what's next?, and I might not be able to exchange it if something else goes wrong and didn't exchange it now. That said, my base unit will be off-the-air for a few days until I get the replacement. I will save my settings in a codeplug and reset the unit to factory mode before shipping. Thank you all for your input regarding this issue and I hope it helps someone else in the future that may experience the same situation. 73

WyoJoe, you are correct...and I do have the TRRS connecter, which is why the external speaker is working brilliantly. ?