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Hoppyjr

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Posts posted by Hoppyjr

  1. I considered a Midland Ghost antenna for my hood mount. Seems less conspicuous but wasn't sure how it would function. Thoughts? Also a question as to where you installed your MXT575. I'm thinking an out of sight location ? Thanks for any comments/suggestions..
     

    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.

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  2. And out of place. This is the FRS Forum and the title is about mounting an FRS radio on the roof. 
    You’re correct that “there are many different models with removable antennas, so you could attach an exterior vehicle antenna. Most also offer higher power ” but none of them are FRS certified, a point which you failed to make. 

    If OP is looking for an exterior antenna that may well be the only option, but I will leave the conversation at this point.
  3. The Back Country Access (BCA) “BC Link 2.0” is a two watt FRS radio with a unique design: the radio body, battery, and antenna are in one piece, connected by cable to a speaker/mic unit which includes channel selection and volume controls. For vehicle use, would overall FRS performance be greatly improved if the antenna unit was mounted outside, for instance on the rain gutter, while the cable to the speaker/mic controls was passed through the door seal for the driver’s use?

    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.
  4. I, and thousands of other people would love to see this - since this is provided in Motorola's public support, why not post the public link here? 

    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.
  5. 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” () 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
     
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  6. Congrats!  I use that same antenna on my Jeep.
    But, are you sure there are "other operators" in your area? GMRS is generally a BYOB (Bring Your Own Buddy) service, and is not really intended primarily for reaching-out to other operators. For finding strangers to talk with ham radio or the Grindr app are probably better choices.


    I heard Grindr was the preferred choice for “some people”
  7. I agree ^ it could be a better ground may help the issue, but I wouldn’t expect anything to work too well if it sits lower than the roof.

    Consider the new heavy duty Midland antenas, mounted back near the spare. There are some that extend above the roof, which should help significantly.

    There are plenty of videos on YouTube, including review by Mark and different mounting options.

  8. I own and like the 575, but after having handhelds with many many more channel capability, I’m seriously considering the KG1000G because I could program in all the repeaters and their respective tones, at least for what I have available in my area. The 500 $ 575 really only allow you to program in one set of repeaters/tones at a time.

    I was initially sold on the “Midland-USA” thing, but I’m sure these are all made in China anyway.

    If I go KG1000, the 575 would move to my son’s Jeep, as he’s not as into the radios as I am.

  9. And that is the issue. You keep reading the forums here and you quickly realize there’s enough people who know the rules but simply ignore them by using uncertified equipment, modified radios etc. just because they can and it’s “convenient” to do so. As long as that attitude persists the FCC will never go along with the idea of a multi service radio. Why? Because once they have it it still won’t be enough so they will push envelope further. There’s no end to it.

    I’m all for following rules that are based in common sense, but in our modern world there are many rules & regulations that exist only because those in power have a need to justify their existence. It happens not just in the world of communications gear, but in every aspect of our lives.
  10. I believe the 878 is an analog/DMR Ham Radio and as such, it is probably blocked from transmitting outside the Ham bands, like GMRS. 

    SoCo Ham Radio on YouTube has a tutorial that I believe shows how to enable this.

    From looking at the mode 14 line, it appears to include the frequency range for GMRS, I’m still relatively new at this too.

    If you did enable GMR Xe, you would have to have an antenna that was compatible with the frequency range
  11. Exactly!
    Why should Duke Energy be inhibited in its free flow of commerce by having to properly take care of coal ash by too big governmental agencies?
    Electricity is cheaper when the government just allows Duke Energy to just wash away its coal ash for free into a river previously providing drinking water!
    Duke Energy Agrees to $3 Million Cleanup for Coal Ash Release in the Dan River

    That’s from 2014, but thanks for the nostalgia. My point is still valid, agencies should be reorganized and made to operate more efficiently and with purpose.
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