KAF6045
-
Posts
773 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
6
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Events
Gallery
Classifieds
Posts posted by KAF6045
-
-
19 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:
It is a fully functioning ham and GMRS radio, albeit horribly/incorrectly programmed for GMRS. It can transmit on 2M, 70CM, and GMRS.
And thereby becomes illegal to cross the border with. While Amateur have reciprocity with Canada as I recall, Canada's GMRS equivalent is our FRS (less the 467MHz channels).
Which is another justification for why multi-service radios are not something the FCC wants to see.
-
16 hours ago, WRVY769 said:
what does it mean by is has fairly flat pattern?
Ignore the frequency and free-space titles (though the first IS a halfwave in free space)
This is the pattern of a half-wave dipole in free space. It has 2.16 dB gain over an isotropic emitter.
These are over (as I recall -- old images) "perfect ground" at two different heights. Note the reduced gain.
A high gain vertical antenna will squeeze those patterns into much narrower "beams". Depending upon how high it is mounted, and surrounding terrain, your narrow high-gain beam may just be hitting lots of trees and hills, while a lower gain might go a bit above said terrain.
This is an antenna over "real ground" -- note the near 7dBi gain, but also note the elevation angle it occurs at.
-
1 hour ago, WRVY769 said:
Is there something I'm doing Wong I can hear people talking on my repeater, but they can't hear me. the repeater is located 13 miles away from where I am doing the testing.
Any ideas of what's Wong.
one: you have the wrong transmit tone/offset programmed into the radio
two: you are too far away from the repeater.
-
2 hours ago, WRXB215 said:
I was given a Kenwood TH-75A yesterday. No battery, charger, or antenna. Could use some help finding a good place to get these items.
https://batteriesamerica.com/products/ksc-14?_pos=1&_sid=c4469b717&_ss=r
What type of antenna connector does it have? For that age, likely a BNC. Pretty much ANY 2m/70cm BNC antenna should be compatible.
-
2 hours ago, WRYF792 said:
So unfortunately it seems like the issues with repeaters still do persist. Also keeping in mind that it is in fact still shortwave only, unfortunately. I may return the radio and save a few extra bucks to get something a little more expensive and feature full. Thank you for your help!
Pardon? Did you mean NARROWBAND? It sure isn't shortwave (aka HF)
-
On 8/4/2021 at 12:36 PM, daschnoz said:
If their license is valid, you will need to find another frequency to use.
I see nothing in the FCC regulations that force one to change frequency. Use of their repeater, OTOH, may not be allowed.
Quote§ 95.1703 Definitions, GMRS.
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). A mobile two-way voice communication service, with limited data applications, for facilitating activities of individual licensees and their family members, including, but not limited to, voluntary provision of assistance to the public during emergencies and natural disasters.
Grandfathered GMRS license. A GMRS license held by a non-individual person (i.e., a partnership, corporation, association or governmental unit) as a result of renewals of a GMRS license issued prior to July 31, 1987.
Note that the FCC considers those grandfathered licenses to still be GMRS -- not some business (LMR) exclusive band. Making use of their repeater, OTOH, may require asking permission (and likely not getting it).
Quote(g) Limitations on grandfathered GMRS licenses. GMRS licenses that were issued prior to July 31, 1987 authorized GMRS station operation at specified locations, on specified channels, and with specified antenna height and transmitter power. Grandfathered GMRS licenses authorize only continued operation of those specific stations by these licensees, at the specified locations, channels, antenna heights and transmitting power. The FCC does not accept applications to modify, assign, or transfer grandfathered GMRS licenses (other than administrative updates to change contact information).
The primary facet is that the only modification to the license allowed is with regards to contact information. They are otherwise stuck with the frequency (pair if repeater), antenna height, location, power, etc. as when originally licensed. The City of Grand Rapids runs a repeater on .575, 50W transmitter with 200W ERP on a 290 foot tower (or maybe building roof). On a "good" day, that repeater can break squelch all the way out to Lowell (it's supposed to have a 35 mile radius). The 1997 PRSG Repeater Guide listed
141.3146.2 as available for EMERGENCY/TRAVEL use only (any other usage had to get prior permission from the city -- and likely a different CTCSS tone).What does the city use it for? Especially since the whole state has converted to a massive trunked digital system? Well, while undergoing chemo sessions, I get good signal of the staff running the city parking lots having troubles with gates not going up/down, payment machines not accepting cards, etc.
-
7 hours ago, WRXH357 said:
Okay. Sounds like I'll double check my "travel" setting. I'll keep it labeled as such so I can give a shout out while rolling down the road.
Thanks for all the replies. I'm liking the GMRS thing, sometimes I wish it was easier.
One factor is that many are pushing the use of "channel 19" (to match the common CB trucking channel), while the original FCC emergency frequency is on "channel 20"
-
2 hours ago, WRXH357 said:
I'm fairly new to the whole GMRS thing. Been on the radio (so to speak) for a few months now. I've been able to connect over repeaters and some simplex connections.
I have yet to really hear anyone using the "Travel" channels. To which I see/read PLENTY of people arguing about the "Travel" channels. Why all the hate/discontent about what channel/frequency/tone to use?? Am I missing something?
I have programmed a channel with the (what I believe is) the "old school" travel channel settings. Do I need to add more channels setup up for "travel"??
(sigh)
Decades ago, the FCC designated a frequency* (pair 462/467 repeater) as an Emergency/Traveller Assistance frequency, and it was commonly recommended that (as I recall) a CTCSS tone of 141.3 be used with it.
* In those days, one's license specified TWO of the eight main frequency (pairs) and those were the ONLY main frequencies one could use for general communication. Since many radios of the day only had an A/B (or 1/2) select switch, it was common for practically everyone to specify the emergency frequency as one of the two licensed frequencies (the emergency frequency could be used by anyone /for/ emergencies, but if your radio only and A/B and neither was set for the emergency frequency, one was out of luck.
There were no "channel numbers" in those days. My "A" channel could be totally different frequency from your "A" channel.
-
1 hour ago, intermod said:
If you like animals, carrier pigeons are great, too.
They were still being used by Lockheed (Sunnyvale) in the early 80s. https://www.nytimes.com/1982/08/19/us/carrier-pigeons-ferrying-lockheed-microfilm.html
-
15 minutes ago, BoxCar said:
There is no difference. The radios themselves are not licensed, the operator holds the license. If a GMRS radio is talking to another radio, no matter the type, on FRS frequencies then they are FRS units talking on frequencies licensed by rule and do not have to identify. If the channel is GMRS, then they must identify.
Since the 2017 reorganization, there are no "FRS" only frequencies. All simplex channels are shared between the two services. The whole goal of the 2017 changes is that one is either using a GMRS radio (license required) OR an FRS radio -- no flipping from one service to another based on usage.
The main differences are: FRS radios have fixed antennas, narrowband FM on ALL channels; max 2W on 1-7/15-22 (0.5 W on 8-14). GMRS radios may have interchangeable antennas, are wide FM on 1-7/15-22 (8-14 have the same restriction as FRS), and may use 5W on 1-7 (up to 50W on 15-22). Channels 1-7 existed BEFORE FRS was created as a service (blame RatShack).
-
On 7/21/2023 at 5:21 PM, WRUU653 said:
We’ll best is something that many may have different criteria for but as for favorite I’ll say my Wouxun KG-935G Plus
Yeah... "best" is the radio that does what the user wants it to do, without getting in the way of achieving that.
While the KG-935 seems to be one of the better models out there (at least by density -- it feels solid in the hand), in one respect I think my favorite is still my first GMRS radio -- even though it's been in storage for years but for an annual battery charge cycle.
The Maxon GMRS 210+3. Used the Icom IC-02AT form factor (and batteries; Maxon also made the RatShack HT-202 which was an essential clone of the IC-02AT).
This radio is from back in the day when one selected just TWO of the 8 main frequencies (and corresponding repeater inputs) when applying for a license. Those became the only main frequencies one could use for general conversion (the, at the time, FCC designated emergency frequency could be used by anyone for emergencies, but since most radios only supported [A/B] "channel" select, unless you had the emergency frequency on your license you didn't have access to it).
The GMRS 210+3 had 10 channel slots: 1-7 permanently set simplex with the fairly recently created interstitials. 8 was the FCC emergency frequency. 9-10 were to be programmed by the dealer in accordance with the frequencies on one's license. Granted, they included the programming guide in the package so I broke regulations by taking the back cover off: programming consisted of pressing a small button to activate #9, dialing in the frequency, pressing the button to activate #10, dialing in the second frequency, and I think pressing the button to lock the settings [or some such sequence].
The +3 likely was meant to refer to the fact that 8-10 could be toggled from simplex to repeater and back via a front panel button.
-
18 hours ago, nokones said:
Channel Bandwith must be 12.5KHz ( FCC Requirement on the interstitial channels.)
Channel bandwidth on the ORIGINAL GMRS interstitials (which predate FRS) is 20kHz (on 25kHz channel spacing)
Quote§ 95.1773 GMRS authorized bandwidths.
Each GMRS transmitter type must be designed such that the occupied bandwidth does not exceed the authorized bandwidth for the channels used. Operation of GMRS stations must also be in compliance with these requirements.
(a) Main channels. The authorized bandwidth is 20 kHz for GMRS transmitters operating on any of the 462 MHz main channels (see § 95.1763(a)) or any of the 467 MHz main channels (see § 95.1763(c)).
(b) Interstitial channels. The authorized bandwidth is 20 kHz for GMRS transmitters operating on any of the 462 MHz interstitial channels (see § 95.1763(b)) and is 12.5 kHz for GMRS transmitters operating on any of the 467 MHz interstitial channels (see § 95.1763(d)).
12.5kHz only applies to what had been FRS-only (and still does for a true FRS radio): the 467MHz 0.5W now standardized as "8-14". Those are still on 25kHz channel spacing. All pre-FRS frequencies in GMRS are 20kHz on 25kHz.
-
On 7/21/2023 at 9:02 PM, ULTRA2 said:
When I heard that the FCC was going to let FRS share the frequency with GMRS I wasn't happy with the Idea of channel sharing, but I decided what's done is done until the FCC approved the power change from 1/2 watt to 2 watts. I didn't understand the reasoning for that, and I knew when they did that all heck would break loose and here it is.
The reason was to reclassify the former (pre-2017) FRS/GMRS bubble pack radios. Those radios already transmitted up to 2W on 15-22 (and maybe 1-7). The alternative was to outright ban all FRS radios and strike the category from the regulations.
In 2017: <2W on 1-7/15-22, fixed antenna, and <0.5W on 8-14 IS NOW FRS. Greater than 2W on 1-7/15-22 OR repeater capability is now GMRS.
-
On 7/20/2023 at 12:24 AM, Erratic said:
Forum Noob error
Apologies
While you can't delete a post, you CAN edit a post (if it's yours). There should be an edit option at the bottom of the drop-down list if you click on the *** at the top right of the post you want to edit.
-
2 hours ago, WRXX268 said:
Maybe it's my lack of using other radios as I am new, but I wonder why there is so much negative talk around this model. Anyone have insight?
Midland updated the firmware of the MXT400 a few years ago to give it GMRS wideband capability. Prior to that, all of their MXT mobiles were NFM-only ("we expect most of the users will be talking with people using NFM FRS radios" [essential concept given out, not an exact quote]). The MXT115 is NFM-only, still, as I recall -- though it has allowed separate Tx/Rx tones "on the repeater channels" for a time.
Tone scan is something rather new -- remember that originally a GMRS license listed only two frequency (pairs for repeaters) and those were the ONLY frequencies with repeater capability one could use; and a radio shop was required to go into the radio and install crystals or set DIP switches to lock the frequencies in place (technically, one could use the -- at the time FCC specified -- emergency frequency FOR EMERGENCIES; but since many radios only came with A/B select switches it used to be recommended that one of the two frequencies on the license be the emergency frequency, and that then became a general use frequency on the license).
Given the two frequency limit, the odds were good that one knew the tones for the repeaters of interest -- most all GMRS repeaters were operated by businesses or government entities (this was when such could get a license for such, not the current "individual" mandate) and one pretty much had to ask the repeater owner for access. These repeaters often had multiple sets of tones configured, so different groups of users would not be heard by other groups -- of course, one still had monitor before talking to ensure they weren't going to step on a different group.
-
6 hours ago, pcradio said:
That is correct, but ChatGPT goes on to say:
However, it's worth noting that the FCC allows dual-use radios, like the Baofeng UV-5R, to be used for both HAM and GMRS services under certain conditions. If an operator holds valid licenses for both HAM and GMRS, they can use a dual-use radio like the UV-5R on the appropriate frequencies for each service. In such cases, the operator must ensure compliance with the specific operating rules and power limitations for each service.Which is in error... The FCC regulations for GMRS explicitly state that a radio will not receive a GMRS certification if said radio is also capable of being used in a service that does not require similar certification -- ie; Part 97 Amateur
Quote§ 95.1761 GMRS transmitter certification.
(a) Each GMRS transmitter (a transmitter that operates or is intended to operate in the GMRS) must be certified in accordance with this subpart and part 2 of this chapter.
(b) A grant of equipment certification for the GMRS will not be issued for any GMRS transmitter type that fails to comply with the applicable rules in this subpart.
(c) No GMRS transmitter will be certified for use in the GMRS if it is equipped with a frequency capability not listed in § 95.1763, unless such transmitter is also certified for use in another radio service for which the frequency is authorized and for which certification is also required. No GMRS transmitter will be certified for use in the GMRS if it is equipped with the capabilities to operate in services that do not require equipment certification, such as the Amateur Radio Service. All frequency determining circuitry (including crystals) and programming controls in each GMRS transmitter must be internal to the transmitter and must not be accessible from the exterior of the transmitter operating panel or from the exterior of the transmitter enclosure.
A radio could be given dual certification -- say Part 80 Marine and Part 95 GMRS, as long as both the Part 95 AND Part 80 configurations are INCAPABLE of operating in Amateur (Part 97) frequencies. (I specified Part 80 as it is also a service with a limited number of fixed channels [~70], rather than Part 90 Private Land Mobile which tends to cover a wide swath of frequencies, bands, and operating modes)
-
2 hours ago, WRXE944 said:
@wayoverthere Are you saying for sure the included cable uses the Prolific chip, as I have not been successful with a YouTube tip about how to use that driver in Windows 11, and I was going to turn my attention to the other chips' drivers.
While I don't have Win11, and don't have a justification at the moment to try connecting my unit (I suspect the cable alone won't trigger COM port) what I recall is that:
1) IF you've allowed Windows to install a Prolific driver for the cable, you'll likely have manually remove the driver and COM port from the device manager.
2) disconnect the cable
3) download an older Prolific driver and manually install it before connecting the cable.
My understanding is that these cables do NOT use a Prolific chip -- they use a cheap knock-off that masquerades as a Prolific chip. Problem is that Prolific's modern drivers have code to detect the knock-off chips and won't run with them.
-
20 hours ago, Doug625 said:
I just received my GMRS Pro yesterday, I'm having issues initializing the GPS and getting the compass to calibrate, it sat for an hour trying to retrieve GPS information. Any help would be appreciated.
Were you outside with clear skies? Many GPS signals tend to be too weak indoors. (By design, GPS is a spread spectrum signal just above the noise floor at the frequency used).
-
14 hours ago, jsneezy said:
Then again, I'm the type that firmly believes that FORD stands for F&$@er Only Runs Downhill. Seems like everyone I know that owns anything produced by Ford is constantly repairing it. One even had a turbo seize up on an EcoBoost F-150 with less than 20k on it.
Giving it too much credit "runs"...
Found on Road Dead
Fix or Repair DailyDuring their "quality is job 1" phase -- my rejoinder was "ergonomics and comfort? what are those?"
-
On 7/8/2023 at 7:30 AM, Sshannon said:
Users of Type 95 devices are not required to perform the evaluation for RF that are required for type 90 and 97 devices. Type 95 devices aren’t even mentioned in the bulletin:
https://transition.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/Documents/bulletins/oet65/oet65.pdf
Though I'd take into account the dates... 1997 probably goes back far enough that most "real" GMRS gear WAS Part 90 equipment, 20 years before the Part 95 rewrite by the FCC. I believe the FCC has also removed the "categorical exemption" clauses.
HTs fall into the SAR computation (antenna less than 8" from body) -- and that is complex enough (how much radiation does a <10cm /cube/ of flesh absorb) that it is basically up to the manufacturer to have the evaluation performed before offering the device for sale. Mobiles fall into MPE computation (antenna >8" away) and can be numerically modeled (see the ARRL RF exposure program). Mobiles -- used mobile -- are unlikely to have anyone from the general/uncontrolled population nearby for the averaging period used in the computations; that leaves the controlled population ("you" as the operator) with its averaging criteria.
-
4 hours ago, WRWE456 said:
I Live in the San Juan islands in the Puget Sound Washington. I heard mountain climbers a couple of times climbing Mount Baker. That was surprising to hear. I'm on a hill top and do have line of sight to the mountain. I'm sure they must have been using GMRS as it's about 60 miles from my location. Not sure if FRS .5 watt would be heard that far. Channel 5 if I remember.
Channel 5 is a 2W channel for FRS since the 2017 FCC reorganization -- which basically declared most of the pre-2017 "GMRS/FRS" bubble-pack radios to be "FRS" (simplified: if the radio had a power setting >2W and/or had repeater capability it became GMRS-only, otherwise it became FRS-only).
5W amateur HTs can reach the ISS, and that's around 250 miles up!
-
5 hours ago, WRUU653 said:
I suppose it could but my thought is that having a radio that could have a mic in a helmet would be more something that you would find with a GMRS but not an absolute for sure.
Pretty much every FRS bubble pack unit is equipped for Kenwood (K-1?) compatible speaker/mic connections, and has a VOX capability.
-
15 hours ago, WRXE944 said:
I'd love to see more 6 meter activity and if this HT helps drive it, all the more so!
There is a link above your post about a $63 HT antenna that covers 6 meters and hopefully the reviews are positive.
If I could find a 6m/10m FM/SSB HT, I'd buy it in a NY minute!
Not an HT, and discontinued, but came with a shoulder strap/case: Yaesu FT-817ND 160m-6m, 2m, 70cm, and 5.1675MHz Alaska Emergency frequency AM/FM/SSB/Packet(no TNC in radio!). BNC rubber duck for 6m/2m/70cm on front/top, SO-239 connector for HF (and maybe the VHF can be directed to it) on back/bottom.
-
6 hours ago, WRXB215 said:
@WRXH357 don't confuse "simplex" with "split tones." Simplex just means that Tx and Rx are on the same frequency. Repeaters use a 5 MHz offset. Split tones means you use a different tone for Tx and Rx.
Which is practically useless for simplex -- since the person one is communicating with needs to reverse the tones on their radio... Fine with repeaters since everyone sends to the repeater, and it sends to everyone.
Welcome!
in General Discussion
Posted
Amateur Radio. Available in three classes: entry level Technician (mostly VHF and UHF access), General (adds more >VHF bands, and most of HF), Amateur Extra (full privileges)