Help programming a repeater in my GMRS-V1 Radio

[frao74]

Hello everyone! I am new to GMRS and just got two BTech GMRS V1 as starter units (one for me and another for my wife). I am attempting to connect to a nearby repeater with the following parameters: 462.650+   141.3 PL. As listed in myGMRS website, it uses the same PL for TX and Receive. I used CHIRP to program both radios (see attached figure). When I transmit with one unit, and keep the other one on receive at the same frequency, i can hear it is connected, but I cannot hear voice going through... can someone help me find what am I doing wrong? Please advice... thanks in advanced!

 

[WRAK968]

Im not too good with Chirp (I prefer to use factory software but thats just me)

First, you are in simplex mode, that is to say, you are transmitting direct to the other radio without going through the repeater. I believe (And I would like another user to confirm this) you need to go into duplex mode with a +5 offset. I believe that would put you into the repeater.

As for no voice, I'm at a loss, It seems everything had been programmed correctly for simplex operation. The only thing I can think of is simple errors such as the volume being set too low.

[frao74]

Leg me give it another try tomorrow to see if I can manke progress... thanks for your tip! I will keep you posted on the outcome!

[wayoverthere]

Im not too good with Chirp (I prefer to use factory software but thats just me)

 

First, you are in simplex mode, that is to say, you are transmitting direct to the other radio without going through the repeater. I believe (And I would like another user to confirm this) you need to go into duplex mode with a +5 offset. I believe that would put you into the repeater.

 

As for no voice, I'm at a loss, It seems everything had been programmed correctly for simplex operation. The only thing I can think of is simple errors such as the volume being set too low.

The simplex thing was one that stood out to me as well. I think something in the "duplex" column, but I'd need to have it in front of me to have a better idea.

 

On the no sound, going simplex, and programmed alike, they should talk, but if they're right together, there's the possibility that the receiving radio is just overpowered by such a close signal and desensing. You may try sending someone outside and up the block a little with one of the radios and try the transmit test again first, no other changes. If it then works, it was desensing....too much signal too close.

[mbrun]

According to the Chirp settings you posted, you are in simplex mode. You need to set your receive frequency in the far left, then set the value in the duplex column to + and then in the offset column 5MHz. This will cause you to transmit in the 467 range, 5MHz above your receive.

 

 

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[frao74]

I will do the adjustment to avoid the simplex mode... unfortunately, the GMRS V1 does not allow offset to be changed (it defaults to 5MHz) so the only thing I can do is to change duplex to +, and try again... for some reason, it is defaulting DTCS Code values that for some other tones I cannot adjust... there are lots of things that the GMRS V1 cannot have adjusted in order to comply with the FCC approval for GMRS usage.\

 

The plan is to set up the tone mode in TSQL for the 141.3 tone, cross mode tone-->tone, and duplex to +

 

Let me know if this is not proper...

 

I will then test with someone using the other radio out of simplex range to see if it works... wish me luck ...stay tuned for updates, and thanks again for your help... still lots to learn!

[berkinet]

I will do the adjustment to avoid the simplex mode... unfortunately, the GMRS V1 does not allow offset to be changed (it defaults to 5MHz) so the only thing I can do is to change duplex to +, and try again... for some reason, it is defaulting DTCS Code values that for some other tones I cannot adjust... there are lots of things that the GMRS V1 cannot have adjusted in order to comply with the FCC approval for GMRS usage. ...

 

There is an issue with the GMRS-V1. You can only program repeaters in specific channel spaces (memory locations). I do not have a V1 with me, so I cannot tell you for sure. However, if I recall correctly, they are locations 15-22.

[mbrun]

I have only recently learned of the limitation on the V1. That appears to be one the benefits of the Wouxun KG-805G by the way. You can have load up to 128 different combinations of valid repeater channels and private codes in the radio. One for every GMRS repeater you likely ever need to access. I have a number of them already programmed in mine.

 

There is an issue with the GMRS-V1. You can only program repeaters in specific channel spaces (memory locations). I do not have a V1 with me, so I cannot tell you for sure. However, if I recall correctly, they are locations 15-22.

 

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[mbrun]

Thanks. It is perfectly ok that you can’t change the offset since no other offset is legal for a GMRS radio. Looks like Chirp is helping guide you properly, which is a good thing. The tone settings sound correct.

 

I will do the adjustment to avoid the simplex mode... unfortunately, the GMRS V1 does not allow offset to be changed (it defaults to 5MHz) so the only thing I can do is to change duplex to +, and try again... for some reason, it is defaulting DTCS Code values that for some other tones I cannot adjust... there are lots of things that the GMRS V1 cannot have adjusted in order to comply with the FCC approval for GMRS usage.\

 

The plan is to set up the tone mode in TSQL for the 141.3 tone, cross mode tone-->tone, and duplex to +

 

Let me know if this is not proper...

 

I will then test with someone using the other radio out of simplex range to see if it works... wish me luck ...stay tuned for updates, and thanks again for your help... still lots to learn!

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[frao74]

I made the changes, and I will try again....you were spot one on the simplex mode! hopefully I can get this to work soon!!!

[frao74]

Note: the major reason I chose the BTech over the Wouxon was because it had VHF scanning capabilities. it proved useful to scan the HAM VHF channels (just getting my taste to push to get my HAM License ) and track updates on major storms in my area few days ago... I might get a mobile in a future, but it is a good start (IMO). Hope I can make it work!

[mbrun]

Good Luck. I purchase the Wouxun KG-UV9P as my first ham radio. It can listen to GMRS, scan 7 bands and transit on 2m and 70cm. The KG-805G can listen to some UHF but not all.

 

Let us know how things work out.

 

 

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