[Alamo City GMRS Community]

Forgot to add: I have the base station up and running with a KG1000. If the weather breaks a bit, this week I'm removing the temp antenna mast (PVC) and installing a permanent metal mast/ grounding. So I'm ready for San Marcos 

[Alamo City GMRS Community]

15 hours ago, FranktheTank said:

Bob,

 Keep an eye out for a San Marcos repeater soon.  And of course, if you are interested an setting up a Bastrop station, we are here to help. Sounds like you have the antenna already! 

Thanks Frank, I will definitely keep an eye out when she's up and running. Let us know. San Marcos would certainly be possible.

[Wouxun KG-1000G tips and tricks thread]

19 hours ago, mbrun said:

By repurpose, I mean you can change the name of the channel and any codes (CTCSS and DCS) as needed. But you cannot change the frequency of a memory channel.

So what I was trying to say earlier, is that you can create a bunch of memory channels preconfigured for certain frequencies, but without codes. Then, when you have a new repeater you wish to configure you grab one of those spare ones you entered in advance and add the codes you need and rename the channel to suit. For example, on my radio, I have a number of configured memory channels for 700 repeaters. These have a useful name, and correct codes. I then have about 6 additional spares already created for more 700 repeaters. These have no cod

2 hours ago, mbrun said:

@HCCFCA I have some seriously good news for you. Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks? This old dog just learned one! What is it? There is indeed a way to create new repeater channels on the KG-1000G on the fly! Why did I miss it? Blinded by behavior expectations derived from past experiences.

You can build a repeater memory channel from scratch, you can copy an existing one into new memory channel, and you can completely overwrite and existing one with a new one. WooHoo!

First the reference. On Page 40 of the owners manual you will find some supporting information.

Lets start with an easy one. Duplicating an existing channel.

Lets say you have an existing repeater channel that works on a 550. Now lets say you encounter a need to add another 550 repeater, only with different codes and name.

1) Activate the existing memory channel on your radio that you wish to duplicate. (The next steps will copy its settings into a new memory location).
2) Press [4] on your keypad.
3) Enter the three digit memory channel location you want to want to receive the current channels settings. (Make sure you enter all 3 digits).
4) Press [Menu]. You just duplicated the configuration, all except the name and the new channel becomes the current channel.
5) Press [Menu]+[2]+[2]+[Menu] to enter channel naming mode.
6) Enter a name for the channel using your keypad. (Refer to page 50 of the manual for how to do this).
7) Press [Menu] when complete. Whatever name appeared on the display at this time is now the name of your new new channel.
While keeping your new channel the active channel, customize its CTCSS and DCS settings to suit. You’re now done.

The hardest and most time consuming part of the above is channel naming. Other than that, pretty simple.

This next sequence is for creating a repeater memory channel from scratch.

1) Put your radio into VFO mode.
2) Enter the Rx frequency.
3) Press [7] key multiple times until only a ‘+’ symbol appears above the displayed frequency.
4) Press [Menu]+[4]+[Menu]+[0]+[0]+[5]+[Menu]. (This establishes the 5 MHz offset frequency).
5) Complete entry of your preference of CTCSS and DCS codes. (Refer to owners manual).
6) Press [4] on your keypad.
7) Enter the three digit memory channel location you want to want to receive the current settings. (Make sure you enter all 3 digits).
Press [Menu] to commit the number. You just created a new memory configuration.
Switch radio to Channel Mode. Your radio should be on the channel you just created.
9) Enter the channel name as described in the steps described earlier.

An there you have it. Fully field programmable.

* An important note. You must move pretty quickly through the steps otherwise the radio times out and returns to normal operation. You will find yourself repeating steps if you do not move fast enough.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

WOW! This is exactly the step-by-step process I was hoping existed. This is awesome. I hope other folks reading this will be able to use it as well. Thanks Michael!

Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

Ok, got it. Thanks for taking the time to clarify. 

bob

[Wouxun KG-1000G tips and tricks thread]

15 minutes ago, mbrun said:

By repurpose, I mean you can change the name of the channel and any codes (CTCSS and DCS) as needed. But you cannot change the frequency of a memory channel.

So what I was trying to say earlier, is that you can create a bunch of memory channels preconfigured for certain frequencies, but without codes. Then, when you have a new repeater you wish to configure you grab one of those spare ones you entered in advance and add the codes you need and rename the channel to suit. For example, on my radio, I have a number of configured memory channels for 700 repeaters. These have a useful name, and correct codes. I then have about 6 additional spares already created for more 700 repeaters. These have no codes and are simply named with generic names 700-A, 700-B, etc…. If I happen to need to add another 700 repeater channel while in the field, I repurpose one of the existing spare ones (like the 700-A). I will then give it the correct codes and then name it something like ‘700-CNVL’. Done.

Hope that is more clear.

BTW, RT System software is fairly easy to use. It has a good help file, and they offer tech support.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

Ok, got it. Thanks for taking the time to clarify. 

bob

[Wouxun KG-1000G tips and tricks thread]

33 minutes ago, mbrun said:

I believe there to be a defect/oversight in the production firmware that prevents building a repeater memory channel completely from scratch using the keypad. You can reconfigure and rename an existing one, but you cannot create it from scratch. It’s weird because the function menu needed to make it possible exists, only it is not functional like it is on the 935G.

I have worked around this in all my GMRS radios by creating a bank of preconfigured memories without CTCSS or DCS codes for every repeater pair. That gives me the ability to use the keypad to finish configuring it in the field on the fly. It has proven priceless for me.

I am not aware of any Mac software for programming the radio. I personally use RT Systems software.


Michael
WRHS965
KE8PLM

Thanks for the response Michael. Very helpful.

There are currently no repeaters in my area on channels 575, 600, and 675. But there are 2 repeaters on 725. If I understand correctly, I can re-purpose one of those channels to pick up the second 725? I can re-name one of those 3 channels, but is it possible to change the frequency to 725 with the appropriate tone?

I see RT Systems has the KG1000 software & cable. What's a bit intimidating is the installation on my MAC. I'll investigate further.

 

Thanks!

[Wouxun KG-1000G tips and tricks thread]

Reviving this KG1000 thread... I did a search but couldn't find a thread on this.

I have several repeaters operating on the same channel but in different locations.  Is it possible to program multiple repeaters operating on the same channel using only the radio/mic keypad? Is there a step-by-step for this? 

If software is needed, I would need something that works on a MAC. Does that animal exist?

[Alamo City GMRS Community]

I would think you would be able to hit at least one of the SA area repeaters, the guys have quite a network there. 

I'm using a Comet 712EFC base antenna tuned for GMRS and it seems to be great.

The closest repeater to me is Austin 725 at about 20 miles. Can't hit that one but I can skip over that one to the repeater NW of Austin at 40+miles. 

[Alamo City GMRS Community]

Wish I was a little further south to hit your Alamo City net. In Bastrop.

But I can hit the Flintrock rptr in Lakeway, 42 miles west - through or overtop of the Austin city buildings. 

 

...bob

[Base station grounding]

I think the only way to manually make a hole would be to use an iron pipe as suggested earlier as the copper rod would bend way before i got it a foot in the ground, that's how much stone is present. I think either rent something to drill a hole or pay an electrician to install one.

I'll have to do more research but I suppose it's not appropriate to run copper wire direct to the house ground in lieu of a ground pole near the antenna.

Thanks for the responses and suggestions. Everything else about the base installation went smoothly except this...

 

Thanks for the mike holt link BTW.

[Base station grounding]

Thanks for the quick reply!  I think my first action will be to stop at the local rental shop and see what they have - I hadn't thought of that option. The thought of trying to hammer a pipe  - even with a BFH -in this ground was a non-starter. That got me thinking that local electricians must have the correct tools.

Fairly new to the forum but have read many topics and have learned a lot. Thanks to the owners/moderators!

 

[Base station grounding]

This is a timely topic as I just set up a base station and needed a lesson on grounding. All the above is VERY helpful.

I have a very basic question: How do you knock an 8 ft grounding rod into the earth? I live in an area with clay soil and many many rocks and that seems an impossible task.