tcp2525

Nice!!! If I HAVE to put an antenna on that car I would fabricate a bracket that would bolt to the cowl underneath the front lid on the passenger side and use an NMO mount using existing bolts that are going into metal for grounding. That might be a problem as that care is most likely composite, but you can run a ground to the bracket if needed.. The mount can be sheet metal with the proper bends that would attach to the nearest bolts. Once fabricated I would have it dipped in black vinyl and add rubber bumpers for added safety to prevent any contact with painted surfaces or areas that can be seen. Run cable the traditional way through the firewall. The best thing about doing it this way is you can unscrew the antenna when not in use and put on an black NMO cap, which would blend in and nobody would even notice. That would be my approach, but I would need to see underneath the hood to make a template. Doing it this way is you can pull everything out in less than 20-minutes and restore the car back to original. No holes, no scratches. Using the NMO mount will give you a better choice of antennas, especially black ones. A black Larsen 1/4 wave antenna won't even be seen from a distance. Just be aware of the windshield wiper operation and factor that into you measurements. Here's a black 1/4 wave NMO. https://www.amazon.com/Laird-Technologies-450-470-Quarterwave-Antenna/dp/B0079555WM/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B0079555WM&psc=1

Thanks.

It just couldn't make it to it's favorite tree!

Not sure why Kenwood discontinued them, but I do know they could no longer get a certain chip that affected either cross-band repeat or APRS, which I never cared about. Other than that I really have not heard anything all that negative about the radio other than people thinking it's outdated.

Yes, definitely discontinued. Check HRO's discontinued section and you will be shocked at what they are asking and the amazing part is they are selling like hotcakes. https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008951

Here's what the antenna bracket looks like that I made for the red bike. It bolts underneath the top case and the RG400 feeds to the radio(s), and yes, the SWR is pretty damn good on both bikes and I have no issues transmitting 50w on either band.?

Here's what the old V71a looks like on the bike. Control head is on a custom made slide mount that electrically connects when inserted. PTT under left grip. Coiled microphone/speakers cable plug into the bike via waterproof RJ45 jack. Antenna is a Larsen NMO-2/70B Black antenna mounted on homemade and sealed half wave grounding mast with "N" connector on bottom. Antenna/mast assembly is easily removed via three set screws and the LMR240 cable is safely stored on the female "N" connector after unscrewing protective cap. All connections are waterproof. The above description is for the 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie. The red bike is a 2018 Goldwing Tour DCT. I do actively use my radios on both bikes every day when commuting or touring. The red bike has a different antenna mount so I can use it for a secondary radio or just AM/FM. That's all done with RG400 cable.

Speaking of the V71a, best dual band mobile rig on the market. I'm glad I have four of them as Kenwood discontinued that radio. One on each motorcycle, one in the car, and one spare. These radios are high performance and virtually indestructible. Wish Kenwood would make a comparable GMRS radio.

Gotta agree, the DB20 is a fantastic radio for the price. The software is horrible, but I'll live with as once programmed one will use it very infrequently afterwards. Definitely, Harry S. Chung did a great job designing this radio for such a bargain. I also use one for the base.

Damn, I'm slumming it as I use RG400 for all my interconnects. Sounds like you're using that fancy PE-P141 stuff?

Good enough for me. Send it back for a refund. Thanks for testing.

One question, do we know his SWR? I would agree with you if we can confirm his antenna is properly tuned and resonating so that the high SWR circuitry isn't clamping down. I'll bet if he put any type/quality 50 ohm dummy load behind his meter the power will jump up.

Just a thought. I suspect your radio is putting out close to 50w, it's just that you're measuring over the air instead of using a dummy load. Your meter isn't very accurate either as with all these consumer grade meters. I'm not knocking your equipment, but if you're not using a Bird 43 or equivalent into an accurate 50 ohm dummy load you can read anything but what the radio is really putting out. I suspect your radio is fairly close to spec.

What a bargain! At that price I'll have to buy a baker's dozen. NOT! I'm happy with my DB20.

Let's keep digital out of GMRS!! There's no need to make things more complicated so that people can ask for radio checks or kerchunk all day. Just look at the sh!t show we have on the amateur bands with DMR. I'm sticking to analog.

Sounds like you don't have the right com port selected. I run all my Windows based programming software in a VM as I am a Linux user. They all work fine. Some want you to manually select the correct com port.

I believe the rules state 50w maximum. For a base with a good antenna and feedline 5w is more than enough. I have a StationMaster fed with 1/2" Heliax at 50' and I get out just fine. As for an amp, just use what you have as there's going to be no noticeable difference between the two power levels. Invest your time and money into a good antenna system.