PRadio

The data sheet I just looked at for your radio shows it is 25 watts on low power, and 45 watts on high. Increasing power isn't really going to do anything for you, realistically. GMRS is line of site, so you really should have no issues getting three miles from a mountain top, providing there are no obstacles in the way. I get that with my little Tera TR-505 with the right conditions, and it is a 4 watt handheld. Antenna, and antenna height is more important. As for legal, you can go up to 50 watts on some GMRS frequencies, but the jump to 50 from 45 is negligible.

I forgot they changed the rule on businesses. They can now use the FRS frequencies.

Welcome! As for what you are hearing, no, it has nothing to do with the radio, it's just what people are using the band for, though it isn't supposed to be used for businesses. I heard a lot of that on MURS, those bands had been used for business before, but not a lot on GMRS, though I have heard some.

Actually, the tones are not preprogrammed. Out of the box, all the channels are set to use carrier squelch. You have to make the decision to use a code, selecting it from a menu. I don't see the issue here. I would not want to buy a radio with fewer options. Out of the box, without reading any directions, basically anyone can turn on a pair of radios, hand one to someone, and use them to communicate.

His business, his choice. You don't have to read it, or do business with him. And he didn't engage you in a discussion. You were not compelled to read it, or reply to it. Much ado about nothing.

You don't have to read it.

It is sort of like asking, why someone doesn't make their car available for all to use. Private property is just that, private. If the repeater's owner wants to allow someone else to use it, that is great, and a privilege to those allowed to use it. Asking permission is a reasonable request.

Yes, you can pretty much do whatever you want with their programming software. Here is an example. I don't really have it programed this way, but look at channel 16.

The Tera TR-505 is repeater capable as well, and can be programed narrowband or wideband.

Thanks for the review. Since it's not for you, I'll give you 100 bucks for it.

I got permission to use a repeater locally. The owner was very nice, and even offered to let me use a Motorola mobile he had until I got a mobile of my own. I was using a handheld. I got on one night and another user quickly keyed up, asked who I was, though I had identified myself with my call sign, then told me I was on the wrong repeater. I wasn't, and I had permission. I decided to discontinue using the repeater. Though the owner was great, I don't need to wast my time on jerks. Sad, but for now I remain simplex.

Look on page 12 of your manual, under "Menu Mode Functions." The repeater function is there. If you don't have the manual, it is here: https://midlandusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MXT115-Owners-manual-Final-24Oct16.pdf

I have to say, the Tera is possible to be programmed to Emergency services too. I currently have one channel on my Tera 505 programmed to receive my local police radio. I programmed the transmit to a GMRS frequency to be safe though.

I was looking online to see what I needed to listen to my local police. I use an Android scanner app that has some area police, but not mine. So I wanted to see what equipment I would need. I found they are using 155.43. I realized that should be in the TR-505 range. I decided to see if I could program that frequency into the Tera, and it accepted it along with the PL code. It picked up traffic just fine. I then went back and programed the transmit on that channel to a GMRS frequency to be safe in case someone keyed the mic. It is working great. Not the intended use for it, but it is nice to having to buy new equipment.

He simply said, against their TOS, Ebay's. He didn't say illegal to sell. If they are violating the TOS, something could be done to stop them.

Okay, based on what I read now regarding your meter, It is probably simply the meter that is the issue. Wrong frequency.

Are you sure the radio is set to Hi power? MENU -> F5

I have the Tera TR-505s. They work well and are easy to program. https://powerwerx.com/tera-tr505-gmrs-recreational-handheld-radio

I will just add that for GMRS, the ID interval is 15 minutes, not 10. 10 minutes is a HAM requirement.

Actually they are 4 watts, but I don't mean that they are not good radios, just calrifying. I have them and love them. I have used them as both GMRS and for a while MURS. Great radios, good range and very clear sound.

I have them and they work very well. Yes, no reporter, but they have very good range. I also have the Tera Tr-505's to use for repeater access. I bought the Midlands before the Teras. I bought the Midlands after first trying the Motorola bubble pack radios with repeater capabilities. One was defective, too low of volume, and the Midlands had slightly better range and clarity. I am happy with them. In fact, I am getting ready to take a motorcycle trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons and we will most likely be taking the Midlands most likely since they are water resistant and the antenna is shorter than the ones I have currently on the Teras. We took the Midlands on a cruise earlier in the year. I was on deck 9 aft, lying in the Sun, and my wife was on deck 1 midship at reception. I was able to talk to her clearly. Locally in the Ozarks, I have gotten 3.2 miles line of site. Not bad for a bubble pack radio in the hills, trees and buildings. Yes, the Teras are better, but these are good radios for the money, and I really am not concerned about damaging them.

The Tera Tr-505 does MURS. They are also repeater capable on GMRS. https://powerwerx.com/tera-tr505-gmrs-recreational-handheld-radio

I love the difference between the posts here and the "other forum." This is much more pleasant. Yeah, I read the posts regarding being set up near the gas station and the non-existent risk of explosion. lol It looks like you provided a nice service and had a good time in the process. Nice to see.