Hoppyjr

If you’re hitting Tiger Mountain from Yelm that’s impressive. Oly3 and the OlyComm group are a good bunch of folks. Welcome to the party.

Most folks know when you’re done speaking when they stop hearing words.

I agree with SShannon that terrain is the main factor. This said, I have the 771G Nagoya antennas on a couple handhelds and it’s shorter siblings on a couple others. I also have the Smiley Slim Duck on two and generally find it performs better than the stock antenna or shorter Nagoya, but about the same as the 771G. I prefer the Smiley.

Maybe I’m slow, but if you chose a less used tone and don’t publish it, potential unauthorized users would have to try each possible tone combination to get access.

I don’t recall CB having any “official” channels except 9 for emergencies. People just started using 17 & 19 for “road comms” and it stuck. Of course, we didn’t have cell phones back in the 70’s either. No amount of discussion on any Internet forum is going to establish anything resembling an official or unofficial travel channel. Heck, with cell phones everywhere the use of GMRS is pretty much down to us radio dorks, outdoor enthusiasts, and off road folks. I think scanning and calling where one hears activity is about the best you can hope for.

Did not modify at all. Used this one from Amazon, then trimmed to fit an existing dash blank to the right of my steering wheel (4Runner) so my Midland 575 plugs into the dash. CERRXIAN RJ45 Male to Female LAN Ethernet Network Cat 5e Panel Mount Cable (Black)(2m) https://a.co/d/1WLc6Wh

Depending on where you’re located you might find a local member to meet up with and assist too.

I did the same, under drivers seat. FYI - one need not use a Midland mic extension, any Cat5 extension will work fine.

This seems like something one could include in their Grindr profile!

Before I purchased the 5000 on eBay, I did some research here and on YouTube. This guy has a channel with lots of good info. Watch some of his stuff for programming help. https://youtube.com/@Standing-Wave?si=O_jIxuAvEUr6j434

The “ghost” type antennas are working great for me. Low profile.

An NMO on a magnet, coax routed through the hatch is a viable option. Wax up the roof well, then periodically life, clean, wax, repeat. Another option, if there are “ditch light” brackets for the Escape (or maybe Explorer Sport?) you could mount an antenna on a ditch light bracket. Keeps it off the hood lip.

Thanks for sharing this. I need another handheld like I need another toe, but….its a solid deal. I did the “full kit” with four batteries and four antennas, sale price $149.99 - and there was a $20 off coupon to click on. Seems like a decent deal to have the spare batteries so cheap.

This is now SOLD Thanks for the resource here.

My MTX575 is mounted under the drivers seat of my 4Runner. The Midland “Ghost” is mounted in the roof, at rear. Works excellent. We used an extension to give the Midland mic a plug-in on the dash. Under the passenger seat is the Wilson WeBoost, with its matching antenna across from the Midland, in the roof. I picked up a Motorola 5000 series mobile (40w) with the plan to install it, but I’m not sure where I’d mount the head, or if I have time to mess with it right now.

Be careful with that dirty talk, or you may be told you’re “inappropriate” [emoji6]

If OP is looking for an exterior antenna that may well be the only option, but I will leave the conversation at this point.

….but my point remains the same.

It appears this is a handheld radio, intended for hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities. If you want a handheld to use in a vehicle, there are many different models with removable antennas, so you could attach an exterior vehicle antenna. Most also offer higher power. While the BCA handheld doesn’t appeal to me, I don’t see the point of changing it when so many other options exist.

I’ve got no idea what you’re saying.

I’ll clarify - it wasn’t a link, it was a copy of the actual CPS software. When considering upgrading to a Motorola, I searched for all the necessary components, including software. I found posts around the internet, including on Reddit, indicating that Motorola was providing the software “for $0.00” because the radios are out of production. The other posts indicated one must create a Motorola account online, then go to their online store, where they can add to cart and it shows $0.00 at checkout. I followed that procedure, but could not locate the software, so I called customer support and spoke with several people. A few days later I received an email from one of the “technical consultants” saying they found a copy and they emailed a copy of the CPS software in a zip file. Since it’s not a direct link to the website, but a copy of the software, there is no link to post. Hopefully that clarifies.

I must not be seeing the classified section on my phone. Will investigate, thanks. Still available.

Hello folks, here’s my long but complete sales post: I recently scored an “open box” Motorola XTL5000 UHF system on eBay. It was advertised as open box, as new never installed. My original plan “may” ([emoji57]) have been to program and install, but other projects have intervened and it will just sit in the box, so I think this unit is better put to use by someone. This one has the new “5” remote head unit in black, which is apparently more desirable. It appears to include all the wiring cables, brackets, mic, external speaker, etc. It’s all wrapped up and appears new to my eye. I also picked up a programming cable. In researching the Motorola programming software, I came across some semi-recent posts that indicated - since these radios are no longer in production - Motorola would provide the software at no cost. It took some time to navigate Motorola customer support, but the did in fact provide a link to download the genuine software from them at no cost. When I sell the radio I’ll forward that link to the buyer. [edit: it is not a link, but a copy of the actual software, sent to me by Motorola]. Now since I haven’t installed or connected the unit, I can’t confirm it’s status, but it appears as new and based on the sellers comms, how it’s packaged, and how it looks I have no reason to doubt that all is well. The unit is MOTOROLA UHF XTL5000. 380-470mhz - model M20QSS9PW1AN I’ve attached the sellers photos as it’s wrapped up and ready to roll. I have all outstanding feedback on eBay and several forums; watches, firearms, and vehicles. I’ll gladly speak by phone, FaceTime, etc. to ensure you are comfortable. I’m too old and my reputation too good to mess around. Edit: SOLD! Thanks for checking out my ad. Ed

Might be wise to either leave the lid off or drill some holes to ventilate. My 575 gets warm.

Simple answer…… When the chicks see your handheld radio with external speaker mic, clipped to your belt (of course), they will find it very sexy. When they hear the beep at the end of your radio transmission, it’s just more arousal the human female can bear, so they will demand a good rogering. This is why it’s called a Roger beep.