UncleYoda

Probably the same as one of the several known features on other 5RMs. Just because the radio can do something, like scrambling and frequency hopping, doesn't make it legal to use. Stick to the basics - we don't need a lot of these new features being added to radios.

There aren't any exceptions specified in GMRS Subpart E for LMR/Part 90. The things you list do not authorize other services; they are just limitations on GMRS. The examples given are references for 2 selected services, not all services in Part 95, that's why it's e.g. There's nothing I can do to make anyone understand what the wording means - you either get it right or you don't.

You didn't quote the whole text of (a), which does make a difference. (a) Exceptions. Under certain exceptions, non-certified Personal Radio Service transmitters, or transmitters certified for use in the land mobile radio services may be operated. Any such exceptions applicable to stations in a Personal Radio Service are set forth in the subpart governing that specific service. See e.g., §§ 95.735 and 95.1735. 735 is for Remote Control Radio Service. 1735 is GMRS but it's blank (reserved). I'd say that means no exceptions, unless it's hiding somewhere else.

Yes, I see what it says. Chinese vendors (never heard of that one like many others) don't understand English very well or the FCC regs. Just get some more GM-30s from Radioddity. [I don't need the Chirp file because they obviously messed it up.]

A was the old GMRS section; it's Subpart E now. Yes on the antenna, but the requirement is radiated power (ERP), which includes gain from the antenna. So stick with sorry original stubby "rubber duck" antenna for that.

GM-30 is a GMRS certified version (TYT UV-88 was HAM version of same radio). Ch 8-14 467MHz channels are part of GMRS too, same power limit.

Do you have an Amazon page link for the model and vendor you have? (I don't use eBay anymore.) On the power issue, that's questionable; low power is likely more than 0.5W, but it also varies by frequency. I think 220 was the lowest. (There's a post on here somewhere that gives their test results.)

Yes, but I doubt that there is a 5RM model for FRS. Most 5RMs are 10W, with SMA antenna connection.

Adding tones doesn't break certification. If your 5RM did not come pre-programmed with GMRS frequencies, I'd say it's not a certified GMRS radio. Or maybe someone modified it. My 5RM variant, and most of the ones I'm familiar with, are HAM radios.

Yes, if you want to follow the rules, you need a GMRS certified radio. (If you suspect a vendor is lying/cheating on their certification claim, you can look up the ID on the FCC site.) The part about "locked" though is not as simple. Some certified radios do allow adding extra transmit channels on the same frequencies. It's the frequencies that need to be locked for transmit, not specific channels. But the CCR manufacturers or vendors take the quick and dirty way to lock by channels.

Why did you quote only 95.335? One of your questions is addressed in 95.337

You'll get a lot of different opinions here. My interpretation of the regs is that if a user changes the way the radio is configured/programmed in order to allow transmit on non-GMRS frequencies then the radio's certification is void, There's an epidemic of rule breaking in GMRS including some of the most prolific posters here. I tell people what the rules are but I don't report anyone, at least so far.

The post I saw on the forum today mentioned using Rattlegram to send over the air. But the encryption method was done on some type of computer/phone. Rattlegram just sends the audio to the radio in a modem like sound format. Most non-open encryption, including the one mentioned is prohibited for our use.

Nope. If you have a GMRS radio, typically only HTs, that will do 1/2 watt, then it's allowed. But I agree in a practical sense, it's better to not use those channels. § 95.563 FRS channels. The FRS is allotted 22 channels, each having a channel bandwidth of 12.5 kHz. All of the FRS channels are also allotted to the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) on a shared basis.

That still doesn't follow the rules unless it is a GMRS approved radio, which should have the repeater channels already there. His given model number doesn't match any that I know of.

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I don't use the 430 section of the 70cm band but this does relate to some past discussions here. https://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-files-comments-to-protect-70-centimeter-amateur-band

I did not say there were none; try reading it again. I never specifically searched for USB-C type because it's nothing special to me (any plug that works is just as good). Why can't 709 do his own searches anyway (rhetorical)? If those short/fat ones suit you, that's fine. I don't want batteries that have to be screwed/unscrewed (I swap batteries and disconnect to charge) and not clear if it still allows belt clip. I liked the longer ones; they fit/feel better in my hands and give me a place to hold onto that isn't covering a button. But I started going back to standard capacity because several of the extended ones split apart and more of the small ones suits me better than fewer big ones.

I don't know of any USB-C chargeable batteries of the UV-5R type. At least some extended (3800mAh) batteries for UV-5R are chargeable with a cable rather than using the charging stand. The cable has a small round plug that fits the side of the battery. But other than having another cable to keep up with, it is (IMO) just as good as USB-C.

That's wrong. Below is one picture of a UV-21R and it's definitely not a UV-5R type battery. But the question was about a BFH6 anyway. (Also, be careful with model numbers; some that sound the same are different and vice-versa.) The new UV-28 Plus looks like it may be the same hardware as the UV-21R.

If given both elevation and antenna height (along with distance and bearing) it is absolutely relevant. It's foolish to claim otherwise.

What's the typical range on these Walmart transmissions? The one close to me is 4-5 miles. I can get 2m simplex from someone who lives near it. If Walmart uses an antenna on the roof I might be able to receive it. I used to get Dollar Gen. distribution center 10 miles away on 460 business band (not where I live now). The highway flagmen here use FRS/GMRS frequencies without callsigns. Whether they're using FRS radios though is questionable based on range and signal strength.

I don't get the benefit of GPS on a HT if it just gives you lat/long type data. I need a map to see where I am or going to. (I used to have stand alone GPS device that worked well, mostly.)

There's no good reason to not publish height. If the repeater is using a directional antenna, the primary direction should be reported too. But even worse to me is not giving a general location for the repeater. Like height, being able to determine distance and bearing is fundamental to radio comms. Towers can't be hidden anyway so there's little if any additional threat from vandals by letting the users know where it is.

One other thought... Chirp has a Settings tab at the top. And several pages listed on the left. If certain important settings are wrong there, it can block transmit.