tcp2525

Yawn, looks like you got me, Einstein! I would never directly ground a radio with 500 MCM as it's best to feed your primary bonding plate with 500 MCM and then, yes then, reduce to a home run of 250 MCM to each fixed equipment rack. https://www.gordonelectricsupply.com/p/Harger-223T-Tin-Flange-Bonding-Plate/6096051 But, we ground each of our Baofeng handhelds with 4/0 THHN for maximum flexibility.

And you are doing exactly what is expected when considering buying a disposable radio. No shame in buying a Midland if it makes you feel good and it gets the job done.

No assumption, people buy cheap tools from Harbor Freight with the intention of using it once to get a certain job done and throw it in the storage bin when done with the intention of possibly using it in the future. They generally forget about it and it gets tossed in the trash accidentally or intentionally. The same concept applies to these disposable or throwaway radios we buy. Case in point, I bought a Baofeng UV82 10+ years back for under $50 with the intention that it is a sacrificial radio, or disposable as we like to call them. The damn thing far exceeded my expectations of performance and survivability of abuse and is still in use today and doesn't YET warrant going into the scrap bucket. As for Midland, these radios are generally mistakenly purchased solely by name recognition or not taking the time to fully researching prior to purchasing. People see the flashy ads on the seller's site and go for it. Sadly, the majority of Midland purchasers learn the hard way that they made a costly mistake and finally wise up and never buy another Midland product again. In Midland's defense, their marketing is strong enough to bring in enough one-time customers to survive. A moth going back to the flame a second time is delusional.

When is comes to buying disposable radios the only consideration should be price. Not to start a Midland vs. Baofeng debate, one has to consider the facts. Midland products are extremely overpriced and the company only survive by name recognition. Remember, today's Midland isn't your grandfather's Midland. The Baofeng radio is a high quality rugged design built for rough service and high performance. Baofeng radios are feature packed and incorporate every possible feature and option available for your enjoyment. If there's a feature you think you need, you might be borderline delusional and severely mistaken. So, the choice is yours. Buy an overpriced radio with a fancy nameplate or a six pack of of Baofeng throwaway radios for the same price.

Interesting.

I'm still not getting this notification and I am using the same password I set up my account. This is definitely a browser issue for people that are getting these notifications.

Other than one might look slightly better on paper, there's no real world advantage of one over the other in real world use. Too many other variables come to play such as mounting considerations, feed line, and the position of the stars on any given night. Best to install what works best for you intended use and not dwell too much over what the "experts" say.

You answered your own question by keeping PROPER grounding outside so there's no need to do any grounding inside the house.

All radio related grounding should be done with 500MCM cable. End of story.

Yeah, back in the day of the old 3-watt analog "mobile phone" the wife would get into her car and call me to say she's on her way home from work. After a while I asked her why don't you call me from the phone on your desk before you leave? I told her that I love her, but you're costing me $0.25-cents each time you call from that damn phone. I'm glad the novelty wore off after a few weeks or I would be in the poor house.

No. Sounds like you're using the wrong browser. Use Firefox with Ublock Origin and Ghostery Add-ons and you won't have to put up with that crap.

I realize that the GMRS frequencies aren't worldwide. All I'm saying is giving these tools to whatever they call their rescue and recovery personnel to use is a bonus. Of course they would have to comply with government regulations. You almost are making it sound like if either one of us went to Iran we wouldn't find any Baofeng radios.

I hope you're right. I think we are on a good trajectory now to solve a problem that should have been solved 40+ years ago. I do hope that the hate and killing in that part of the world stops. I never had Hytera, but quality is dependent on what part of China it is made. The best electronics come from the HungLo province.

It really doesn't matter who caused it, it happened and has happened in the past and will continue to happen in the future. We're all true Americans, just with different opinions. I prefer Anytone over Baofeng.

Sadly, the US doesn't have a habit a living up to their word and sticking with the people they claim to support. The botched withdrawal of Afghanistan is a good example as we abandoned the people that risked their lives to help the US. I'm not sure if the Iranian people would trust us now. We might support them at the moment, but the next administration might not and pull out.