WRWM519 Posted April 8, 2023 Report Posted April 8, 2023 I just received my 25 watt Radioddity DB-25-G, and am working with the software. I see that they do not fill the table with the FRS frequencies, and when I insert those, I can broadcast according to my reading of parameters, at either 5 or 25 watts, but when I look at https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/FRS/GMRS_combined_channel_chart I see that GMRS broadcasting on FMRS frequencies or channels should be limited to 0.5 watts. My family has been using several FRS radios, and I would like to talk FRS with them, but I am questioning whether I am violating rules to be using 5 watt strength (no power setting lower than that is available with this radio). So far, I think I like the radio, but find the software a bit confusing compared to CHIRP. Thanks for your thoughts. WRWM519 - Will Quote
SteveShannon Posted April 8, 2023 Report Posted April 8, 2023 18 minutes ago, WRWM519 said: but I am questioning whether I am violating rules to be using 5 watt strength (no power setting lower than that is available with this radio). You are. But not all of the FRS frequencies are limited to 0.5 w ERP. Why not use the frequencies that allow 5 watts? Here are the frequencies: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-95/subpart-E/section-95.1763 Here are the power limits: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/section-95.1767 Quote
WRWM519 Posted April 8, 2023 Author Report Posted April 8, 2023 I just did some testing, and although the DB-25-G can hear a FRS transmission, it cannot initiate one. I do notice that CHIRP does list the DB-25-G under the Radioddity list, and I have used so far the Baofeng programming cable with my Baofeng UV-5G radios, but the cable is different for the DB-25-G...only one male connector rather than the two connectors for the HT. I will explore the issue of data cable interchangeability further on the internet, and also see if someone has a YouTube or such on the various software options. I further note that in CHIRP, the FRS channels are listed as FM for the GMRS channels and NFM (narrow FM?) for the FRS channels. Quote
WRWM519 Posted April 8, 2023 Author Report Posted April 8, 2023 Thank you Sshannon...just tried the lower channels, and that takes care of my issue...thank you! SteveShannon 1 Quote
wrci350 Posted April 8, 2023 Report Posted April 8, 2023 1 hour ago, WRWM519 said: I see that GMRS broadcasting on FMRS frequencies or channels should be limited to 0.5 watts. 467 MHz interstitial channels. Only hand-held portable units may transmit on these 7 channels. The channel center frequencies are: 467.5625, 467.5875, 467.6125, 467.6375, 467.6625, 467.6875, and 467.7125 MHz. These are the .5 watt FRS/GMRS channels (8-14). Note that GMRS mobiles are not allowed to use them at any power level. You can listen, of course, but not transmit. But as @Sshannon said, you can use 5 watts on channels 1-7 (and FRS can use 2 watts). WRUU653 and SteveShannon 2 Quote
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