KG-UV8D Not hitting repeater

[KA7MBQ]

I've been a ham for 30 years, but I'm new to GMRS and the group, so hi to all.

I have a problem with my KG-UV8D HT not hitting the 575 repeater. My mobile, and KG-UVD1P HT hit the 575 machine fine.

The KG-UV8D will not hit the 575 machine. It's set to wide FM, RX is 462.575 with a + 5 offset, meter shows it has 4 watts out on 467.575, tone is set to XXX.X, frequency counter shows 467,5750.

Any Ideas?

Thanks
Jay

[PastorGary]

Hello, Jay, and welcome to MyGMRS.

 

[ Your listed call sign in your profile screen has a typo - please correct that when you have time. Should be WQVC445 ]

 

Just a couple of questions:   (1) what is the distance between the portable and the repeater ? and (2) are there any large obstructions between where you tested and the repeater ? 

[KA7MBQ]

Fixed the typo.. Thanks

 

The distance is long I assume, as I'm in Dolan Springs, about half way to kingman. I do have a good path to the repeater, my other HT, and mobile on a 1/4 antenna hit it just fine. It's got me baffled....

 

Jay

[PastorGary]

Since I am personally not familiar with the portable model that you are having issues with, I'll defer to others here who will know more about the radio. I'm sure that others will chime in after this extended holiday weekend is over and our members get back to a normal forum schedule.

[zap]

Have you tried the radio through a different antenna? I've seen a few of the UV5R radios with just bad antennas...

[Cambion7]

I'm new to the forums and just got my GMRS license.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these radios illegal to use on GMRS?  They don't come up on the FCC database.  I have a UV-5RE Plus and just bought a BF-F8HF, and was disappointed when I discovered that neither are accepted for part 95.  If there's a loop hole I'd love to hear it, because I'm looking for a GMRS pair that is repeater capable.  The only two I've found so far are bubble pack Motorola.

 

Kind Regards,

Scott

[PastorGary]

Hello, Scott and Welcome to MyGMRS Forums...

 

We allow members to discuss technical data regarding Part 90, Part 95 and Part 97 equipment and the staff at MyGMRS Forums has gone on record as remaining strictly neutral in some of these discussions. However, we will not tollerate anyone suggesting that Part 97 Amateur equipment can be used on Part 95 GMRS frequencies.

 

This is a copy of our disclaimer:

 

 

 

MyGMRS Disclaimer:  The debate regarding the use of Part 90 equipment in GMRS Part 95 service has been on-going since the GMRS regulations were first published, because it  has not been made 100 percent clear in the rules. However, we know from anectdotal history that certain FCC field inspectors allow Part 90 equipment to be used on GMRS. It is the responsibility of each LICENSED GMRS operator to evaluate the current regulations and make your own decision on compliance, since the Part 95 rules are vague in certain areas. The MyGMRS staff takes no responsibility for those individual decisions by members of this forum.

[KA7MBQ]

Thanks guy, I got it. The stock antenna doesn't work to well. Put on a UHF HT antenna, and it hits machine on 575 fine.

[Cambion7]

Thank you, Pastor.  I've found the discussion to be quite educational.  And I've learned how to look up grants, and access the documents for one.  And I was able to find a thread in the forums that offers a comprehensive list of part 95A radios that are computer programmable.  I love this site and am looking forward to participating.

 

Have a great day!

 

Kind Regards,

Scott

[zap]

Thank you, Pastor.  I've found the discussion to be quite educational.  And I've learned how to look up grants, and access the documents for one.  And I was able to find a thread in the forums that offers a comprehensive list of part 95A radios that are computer programmable.  I love this site and am looking forward to participating.

 

Have a great day!

 

Kind Regards,

Scott

 

Ignore my post about the GE Mastr II and GE Custom MVP...those are rock bound rigs.

 

I may also point out, some of the PC programmable radios mentioned on this website (nearly any radio made prior to 1999) will require a DOS computer and a real serial port to program.

 

Also, be careful with some radios as there are a few that had computer software that initially programmed in DOS and the later revisions programmed in Windows (the RSS for the Motorola M1225 for example, Versions 1 and 2 are DOS based where 3/3.2 and 4 were Windows based).

 

Some of the Kenwoods (TK-x80 for example) have multiple Versions (firmwares). Version 1 requires a DOS based software and Version 2 a Windows based software.

[Steve]

I also noticed the stock antenna on the UV-5R is not very good.  I tested with my home basestation, and from the edge / fringe and using the stock all i could hear was noise and a burried voice under the noise.  I used a nagoya na-701 antenna from the same spot, same radio, and although there was still noise (hiss) i could make out the voice with no problem.

[zap]

If you're just using a chinese radio for UHF...I'd highly recommend the a UHF antenna for the Motorola Jedi series of radios. It's a 3-4 dB improvement off the bat.

[jvfreetage]

Hey there Jay, 

 

Sorry that I haven't chimed in on this sooner, because it's been a little busy here with the holidays and such, then I had issues chasing DX with my HF rig.. etc etc etc....

 

ANYWAY....

 

The KG-UV8D is a model I am VERY familiar with, and use it extensively.  It is a MOST excellent ham radio, and I do believe it has Part 90 acceptance.  

 

When using the KG-UV8D I have found that the Stock antenna doesn't work too well on the higher end of the 70cm spectrum.  It seems to be cut for 443.000 mhz.  It's like the sweet spot is even below the Ham band and is centered in the European equivalent of FRS frequencies.  

 

NOW ... with that being said, when I look for an antenna, I try to get as broad band as possible.  Mainly because I also do MARS/CAP since my spouse it still in the military and we'll be traveling from base to base to base, so I need the higher end of the 70cm spectrum.  There's a go-to antenna that I use for most of my wacky band work, and will be more than happy to share if I'm allowed (Moderators please chime in).  The UV8D is a nice radio for the price, and just seems to work.  I especially LOVE the screen.  BUT keep in mind, that this radio is not part 95 accepted, only Part 90.  Have I sufficiently beat that dead horse?

 

OK... so ... antenna.... The older Wouxun HT (the 1p) has a pretty broad band antenna, but it's lower gain than the UV8D antenna.  This is why I'm thinking your problem is in the antenna.  

 

Just so you know, I use the UV8D a LOT.  Rag Chew on it for like 2 hours every morning, then for another hour in the evening, and hit repeaters quite well in the ham band.  

 

SOOOO.... I'm thinking it's the antenna.  The only other issue may be you accidentally have it set to low power.  If you're like me and need reading glasses, then look at the screen when you key up.  If you have a Red bar extending only halfway across the screen when you key up, then you have low power set.  MENU ---> "4" ----> MENU -----> "UP" button or turn the channel knob one click clockwise until the screen reads "HIGH" ----> MENU ... remember to hit the MENU button after setting the power to lock it it.  One nice feature about this radio is when you change something on that memory channel from the radio, it's SAVED!!! So each time you come back to that channel it will be whatever settings you had the last time.

 

Again, if I can recommend an antenna brand and model (there's actually two of them) just let me know.  I can even supply links of where to buy them.  One is like 9" long and the other is like 15" long.  The problem is possibly getting a cheap copy of this antenna.

 

OK... I think that's it!!!

 

73

James

W8JVF

WQUL457

[PastorGary]

James - Go right ahead and mention the antenna products. That is allowed, since it may enhance the operation of a radio that could be utilized in an emergency.

[WQPE714]

Fixed the typo.. Thanks

The distance is long I assume, as I'm in Dolan Springs, about half way to kingman. I do have a good path to the repeater, my other HT, and mobile on a 1/4 antenna hit it just fine. It's got me baffled....

Jay

I'm right around the same area as you right now, good repeater up there. There's a travel tone repeater here in kingman but it doesn't receive so well and also I'm pretty sure the owners license expired according to the listing so not sure what the rules on that are but I'm guessing I shouldn't use it.

[jvfreetage]

Sorry .... TOTALLY forgot about updating about the antennas.

 

The Uv-8D has an SMA male adapter, so finding someone that sells these antennas is hard, because with the exp!losion of the baofengs, the SMA mpfemale antennas are what sells the most.

 

Buytwowayradios.com seems to have the hookup though. The Nagoya 701 and 771 work VERY well and are broad banded. They are under the accessories section. Make sure you purchase SMA MALE or it won't fit. Also, the little rubber oring included with the antenna is junk. I went to my local hardware store an purchased rubber orings in the plumbing section to give the antenna a nice clean look, and relieve the stress on the antenna jack.

 

Diamond also makes a VERY nice high gain antenna for HTs that has an SMA MALE connector, but you still need the oring. Buytwowayradios also sells that diamond antenna.

 

The 701 has good performance, but is still a little limited. The 771 has better capture area and gives great performance. The diamond antenna really blows others out of the water.

 

Again, most of my stuff is on the ham bands, but I can still work GMRS with a better antenna.

 

Hope this helps.