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SteveShannon reacted to gortex2 in We need more GMRS Repeaters Deployed
Or just grab a RT97 for half the cost of the KG1000 setup....
KG1000 - $369.00 x 2
Duplexer - $150 (Fumie China Duplexer)
Various cable - N-PL259 (Radio to duplexer) - $25-50
Power Supply - $100....
Granted the RT97 is a high power repeater but 99% of the folks that will be putting up a repeater are doing it at home on a garage or house. The RT97 is a all in one box. Just program and turn on. Simplicity for many. And to be honest if you have a great location the repeater will do fine with portables. Just another option.
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SteveShannon reacted to KAF6045 in HELP NEEDED
Unfortunately, while CHIRP has entries for TID and TIDRADIO, neither offers up the GM-5R as an option.
The radio does support (if I read the adverts) available channels so you don't have to customize the core 30 (unless you really want to). Use the programming cable and the company programmer to make things easy. I suggest the first step would be to /download/ the radio configuration and save it as "factory.<whatever>", just so you can restore a fresh situation without having to invoke a front-panel RESET ALL. Save modified configurations under informative names (or by date modified: yyyymmdd so it sorts nicely).
Most programmers will present either frequency and none|+|- (though GMRS repeaters are always +) and a shift/offset (5MHz for GMRS) OR may have columns for Rx frequency AND Tx frequency, along with a choice of TONE (send only) or TSQL|CTCSS (radio sends the tone, and expects the repeater to also send the tone -- so radio stays quiet unless the tone is detected). Oh, DTC is also an option for tone.
CHIRP with Retevis RA85 setup.
{Note: I renamed some of the standard channels with some ancient "recommended usages" -- 462.675/467.675 used to be an FCC decreed emergency/traveller assistance channel. The "Line A" entries are the frequencies that can not be used near the Canadian border [unfortunately, Line A basically comes right down the middle of Michigan, so anything east of, and maybe including, Lansing can not use those channels].}
As you can see, CHIRP is one of those with Rx frequency, offset direction, offset shift. Actual Retevis programmer (I had problems with the RA-85 software, they provided a link to the RA-685 software, which is really a dual-band Amateur version, but the software does seem to work -- and also "unlocked" even more channels: the RA-85 is billed as 60 channels -- 30 basic, and 30 available [though Retevis populates all with random tone settings], the RA-685 software goes to 128 channels and in testing, they work on the radio [I put the 16 "channels" of the RT97 repeater, as I configured it, into channels 113-128].
As you can see, this is software that expects Rx and Tx frequencies, Rx/TX tones [QT is CTCSS, DQT is DCS]. (Oh, and that software is nasty -- one can not resize the windows, so unless one runs in full screen mode, buttons and stuff gets cut off.)
This gives you two different styles of specifying the same repeaters. Take what you know of your desired repeaters, and use your software to set up something similar.
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SteveShannon reacted to Fernleaf in We need more GMRS Repeaters Deployed
He does. And I would do the same if I decided to open one up for the community. But for personal use, it should be fine. Probably not the range I’d like, but a good gateway to a bigger project down the road.
I’l take a look at his feedback as well. Didn’t see anything on his channel other than the setup worked. Others didn’t like it.
Something to look at for sue. Thank you!
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SteveShannon got a reaction from OffRoaderX in GMRS License - Required to Have On-Person?
In a sense it happened when you had to provide your call sign to join this site and it was verified against the FCC database before you were given full access. That’s one reason why the database exists and it’s also why we don’t need to carry our licenses with us.
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SteveShannon got a reaction from back4more70 in deleted
Another inexpensive way to listen to air frequencies (or just about any other frequencies between 25MHz-1750MHz and any analog mode) is to use one of the USB SDR dongles. https://www.nooelec.com/store/sdr/sdr-receivers/nesdr-mini.html
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SteveShannon reacted to WRPH745 in I am planning on getting a Comet antenna for my first base antenna but I'm not sure which one.
Thanks for the advice. I have settled on the CX-333.
FYI, I passed my Technician Exam this past Saturday.
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SteveShannon reacted to OffRoaderX in DC POWER SUPPLY FOR WOUXUN KG-1000G
I use the Samlex SEC-1235M for my multiple KG-1000G radios, my other 50W radios and even my 110W radio.
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SteveShannon got a reaction from tep182 in Dedicated Scanner for the Vehicle?
There are places in the USA that stock NanoVNAs. Based on reviews on the Ham Radio 2.0 YouTube channel, here’s where I bought my NanoVNA. I got it in less than a week.
http://www.randl.com/shop/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=142&osCsid=fu3f0ql3nieitil9ir623bmcb6
I’m a Volunteer Examiner for my local ham radio club. We’re part of the Laurel VE organization.
We (three VEs grade each test) do in person testing and then our VEC (Volunteer Examiner Coordinator) submits the scores electronically using an online portal set up for that. Usually a person has access to their license file within 24 hours.
I have a friend in Seattle who is also a VE. His group does virtual examinations. Except for using video conferencing software to watch the person taking the test, it’s the same process. Three VEs watch each person and grade their test and then their VEC submits electronically.
I didn’t even know that the test results could still be done snail mail.
It’s funny what you said about biometrics. When I was working, my boss (who was a very nice lady much younger than me) thought it would be “really cool” if we had fingerprint scanners to enter our secure facility and suggested that I look into it. The group I supervised managed the access control system. A cybersecurity auditor explained to me that they prefer not to see biometric forms of ID verification adopted because once someone has the ability to spoof your biometrics, your biometrics are worthless as an ID. You cannot easily change your fingerprints, facial structure, retinal pattern, etc, like you can a password, pass phrases, PIN, RFID chip based token, etc. So, we avoided biometrics. Do you use them for identification somewhere? If not, the data captured from a Zoom call probably isn’t a threat. Hopefully your license will appear in ULS at any moment.
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SteveShannon reacted to OffRoaderX in We need more GMRS Repeaters Deployed
You (and everyone) is welcome to join our National Net via Zello, every Thursday night at 7PM (Pacific).. No Facebook, no dues, no fees, no mandatory meetings. See how here: https://www.notarubicon.com/zello-gmrs-repeater/
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SteveShannon got a reaction from tep182 in Dedicated Scanner for the Vehicle?
Check your FCC online record. VEs work with VECs, who typically submit electronically. Also, the FCC doesn’t send anything to you via snail mail. Your license file is accessed electronically. You are responsible for printing it.
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SteveShannon reacted to WRMU740 in A Case of Mistaken Identity
Rich fixed me up and my new call sign is now active. Thanks all.
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SteveShannon got a reaction from WRUB458 in Im new, need help w set up!
Congratulations! I think you’ll enjoy it.
This thread by another forum user makes the Tram 1486 antenna sound good:
It really depends on how you want to use your radios. If you only want to talk between work and your house, a directional antenna like a Yagi, on a mast at your house and pointed at your place of work might be just what you want.
If you want to be able to travel in any direction around your house, you’ll want an omnidirectional antenna like the Tram.
People even use magnetic mount vehicle antennas on steel pizza pans.
Half the fun is figuring it all out.
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SteveShannon reacted to KAF6045 in Im new, need help w set up!
Worth mentioning is that you'd want that Yagi oriented for vertical polarization to match mobile or HT orientation, not horizontal (like old TV antennas tended to use).
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SteveShannon reacted to BoxCar in Im new, need help w set up!
Whichever antenna or mount you decide to use, the key is to mount it as high as possible as height increases the range you will cover when transmitting.
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SteveShannon got a reaction from wayoverthere in Im new, need help w set up!
Congratulations! I think you’ll enjoy it.
This thread by another forum user makes the Tram 1486 antenna sound good:
It really depends on how you want to use your radios. If you only want to talk between work and your house, a directional antenna like a Yagi, on a mast at your house and pointed at your place of work might be just what you want.
If you want to be able to travel in any direction around your house, you’ll want an omnidirectional antenna like the Tram.
People even use magnetic mount vehicle antennas on steel pizza pans.
Half the fun is figuring it all out.
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SteveShannon reacted to WRUB458 in Im new, need help w set up!
Well I did it. I purchased the Wouxun KG 1000 from buy two way radio. Done. That and my 905’s …antenna is all that left for the 1000….thoughts?
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SteveShannon got a reaction from TXFitz in Im new, need help w set up!
When you use a transceiver at a fixed location to communicate to a mobile radio through a repeater, it is functioning as a control station. Please note that it “May also” be used to control the repeater. It’s not a requirement that a control station be able to fully control every function of the repeater and communicating through a repeater could be considered a level of control because you are causing the repeater to relay your transmissions.
If you use that same transceiver to communicate directly to a mobile radio, it is functioning as a base station.
The difference is in usage. Referring to a radio as a base station doesn’t prohibit it from being used to communicate through a repeater.
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SteveShannon got a reaction from Radioguy7268 in Im new, need help w set up!
An overly technical wandering data dump like this does nothing to help the guy.
Also, some jobs prohibit cell phones in order to minimize internet surfing, prevent photography, or control wifi devices. Although I’m curious what the situation is, the OP has no obligation to explain the reasons to me or you.
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SteveShannon reacted to WRUB458 in Im new, need help w set up!
“If you use that same transceiver to communicate directly to a mobile radio, it is functioning as a base station.
The difference is in usage. Referring to a radio as a base station doesn’t prohibit it from being used to communicate through a repeater.”
You make things clearer for me and I appreciate that! Thank you
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SteveShannon got a reaction from WRUB458 in Im new, need help w set up!
When you use a transceiver at a fixed location to communicate to a mobile radio through a repeater, it is functioning as a control station. Please note that it “May also” be used to control the repeater. It’s not a requirement that a control station be able to fully control every function of the repeater and communicating through a repeater could be considered a level of control because you are causing the repeater to relay your transmissions.
If you use that same transceiver to communicate directly to a mobile radio, it is functioning as a base station.
The difference is in usage. Referring to a radio as a base station doesn’t prohibit it from being used to communicate through a repeater.
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SteveShannon got a reaction from wrci350 in Im new, need help w set up!
When you use a transceiver at a fixed location to communicate to a mobile radio through a repeater, it is functioning as a control station. Please note that it “May also” be used to control the repeater. It’s not a requirement that a control station be able to fully control every function of the repeater and communicating through a repeater could be considered a level of control because you are causing the repeater to relay your transmissions.
If you use that same transceiver to communicate directly to a mobile radio, it is functioning as a base station.
The difference is in usage. Referring to a radio as a base station doesn’t prohibit it from being used to communicate through a repeater.
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SteveShannon reacted to marcspaz in We need more GMRS Repeaters Deployed
Okay... I'll rephrase. The two groups that founded and drove ORI are now both defunct. I will definitely agree that there are owners who still honor the spirit of ORI, for sure, but I said it failed because the 2 groups are gone and no one is formally driving the initiative. Hopefully that makes a bit more sense.
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SteveShannon reacted to duckduck in We need more GMRS Repeaters Deployed
Seattle area has a pretty good amount of repeaters already. I don't know that we need MORE repeaters. Expanding coverage area into the boonies? Sure.
I don't really have a practical usage scenario for GMRS other than talking to Jr when he rides his bicycle over to his friends' houses. GMRS would be nice to use if the power goes out and the generator at the local cell tower runs out of go-juice.
I would love to see city/county/states put up some high quality GMRS repeaters covering major metro areas. I would also like a pony and a fairy godmother.
Repeater hardware isn't cheap. Seems like a possible way forward is to create a GMRS club and get everyone to put in some money to build a club repeater. Let's see, if you have 20 club members, and they each pitch in $200 ...hmmm. Maybe rob a bank?
* Note to the humor impaired: I do not support bank robbery as a way to fund GMRS repeater construction.
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SteveShannon got a reaction from marcspaz in Im new, need help w set up!
An overly technical wandering data dump like this does nothing to help the guy.
Also, some jobs prohibit cell phones in order to minimize internet surfing, prevent photography, or control wifi devices. Although I’m curious what the situation is, the OP has no obligation to explain the reasons to me or you.