Has anyone tried 30-50 watt amplifier?

[Tiercel]

This unit has good reviews.  It will apparently boost even a HT 3-5 watt transmission signal to 30-50 watts.  It comes with accessories.  Designed as a mobile unit but easy to use as a base.  At a $138 it seems like an interesting option.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B35QVP4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=not025-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07B35QVP4&linkId=871813e400f3bff0ba75a6e90408014e&th=1

[OffRoaderX]

I have one, and have a few friends that have/use one and they work well - but just putting a big antenna on your roof will probably get you more farz... But, combining this WITH a big antenna on your roof to make up for cable-loss is a very good combo.

Beware that "some people" will probably leave comments about this unit being 'dangerous' because of spurious RF emissions, but bear in mind that normal people dont care about that.

EDIT: I have/my friends have the U-25 version as @WRYZ926 correctly pointed out.

[WRYZ926]

Looking at the specs for that amp, it is for 1.25m (220-225MHz). GMRS is between 426.5625 to 467.7250. I don't know if that would cause any issues or not. The BTech AMP-U25 might be a better choice.

 I will say that you can get a BTech GSMR-20V2 for the same price as that amp

.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6DB3SCL/?coliid=INSG1QQ020V7H&colid=2A7BPH9LMGKQ&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

And from what I have seen from different videos, BTech and Radioddity have done a good job on their radios as far as spurious RF emissions.

You could go with an amp or with a mobile radio for the same cost so the choice is yours.

[WRQC527]

1 hour ago, OffRoaderX said:

'dangerous' because of spurious RF emissions

Why would people think spurious emissions from a UHF amplifier are dangerous? Is there some kind of data that would support such a conclusion? A study? Just curious. I don't want to key my Baofeng and bring down an Airbus or something.

[BoxCar]

A 45W mobile can be had for about the same price with fewer points of failure. What's not shown in their ad is you'll need a hand mike for the radio as trying to hold and key a HH while driving is very cumbersome.

[Tiercel]

2 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

Looking at the specs for that amp, it is for 1.25m (220-225MHz). GMRS is between 426.5625 to 467.7250. I don't know if that would cause any issues or not. The BTech

Good catch!  I am new, so I could very well be mistaken, but I THINK they make these for a few specific frequency ranges.  I just grabbed a link to the first one to pop up.  I think they are produced specifically for the GMRS frequencies.

 

 

57 minutes ago, BoxCar said:

What's not shown in their ad is you'll need a hand mike for the radio as trying to hold and key a HH while driving is very cumbersome.

Correct you are; that's why a hand mike is included in the package, along with all other accessories (cables., adapters, etc)

[WRXB215]

@BoxCar The mic is third picture on the left. BTW, I'm still trying to decide on a mobile unit. Can you give me some links to the 45W you mentioned? Thanks.

[WRWE456]

I would just buy a mobile for that price or just a bit more, then you will have another radio and that's not a bad thing. They even come with a mic.

If you want to use it at home you will still need a power supply

[WRQC527]

3 hours ago, WRYZ926 said:

I will say that you can get a BTech GSMR-20V2 for the same price as that amp

I've been intrigued for some time by the Anysecu/QYT amateur radio version of this style of radio to put in my wife's Kia Soul. And in fact if it's not permanently affixed to the car it would be easy to move from one to another. I may submit a request to my accounting department to see if she'll approve it.

[WRYS709]

3 hours ago, WRQC527 said:

I've been intrigued for some time by the Anysecu/QYT amateur radio version of this style of radio to put in my wife's Kia Soul. And in fact if it's not permanently affixed to the car it would be easy to move from one to another. I may submit a request to my accounting department to see if she'll approve it.

If 20 watts will do it for you, check out the Radioddity DB20-G a/k/a Anytone AT-779UV, a mini-mobile with cigarette lighter plug GMRS radio that can easily be opened to operate in the 2 meter and 70 cm Ham bands; clocking in at only $99-$109.

There is a thread here that shows how to DIY an inexpensive cup-holder mount that makes it easily removable and reinstallable in your vehicles or you can buy one from Amazon.

[WRYZ926]

2 hours ago, Tiercel said:

Good catch!  I am new, so I could very well be mistaken, but I THINK they make these for a few specific frequency ranges.  I just grabbed a link to the first one to pop up.  I think they are produced specifically for the GMRS frequencies.

The BTech AMP-U25 is for 400 to 480 MHz so it will work fine with GMRS frequencies.

And don't feel bad about being new. I am new to GMRS and amateur radio myself. Find guys around you that have been in amateur radio for a long time and ask questions. The old timers are normally more than happy to help new people out. A lot of stuff as far as antennas, radios and amps will be very similar between amateur radio and GMRS. The obvious differences are frequencies and allowed power output restrictions.

I'll suggest again to consider just getting a mobile GMRS radio since you can get one for the same price as the amp.

[Lscott]

1 hour ago, WRYZ926 said:

The BTech AMP-U25 is for 400 to 480 MHz so it will work fine with GMRS frequencies.

I have the version that does all the digital modes, TDMA and FDMA. The amps were reviewed here:

https://www.miklor.com/COM/Review_DMR-Amps.php
 

The amp output falls off significantly on GMRS. I haven’t tested it with a wattmeter yet, however on the Ham 70cm band it draws about 5 amps on my bench DC power supply. On GMRS it only draws 3 amps. That suggests the output is only 60% of the “expected” 40 watts, basically 24 watts of output.

If you have no other options than using an amp with an HT I guess you’re sort of stuck. However if you can, for the $100 the amp costs, I would just invest it in a quality higher power mobile radio. 

[WRYZ926]

@Lscott I agree that it is just as easy to go with a mobile radio versus messing with an amp.

[axorlov]

12 hours ago, WRQC527 said:

Why would people think spurious emissions from a UHF amplifier are dangerous? Is there some kind of data that would support such a conclusion? A study? Just curious. I don't want to key my Baofeng and bring down an Airbus or something.

Spurious emissions are like farting on the airplane: benign to you but a discomfort for the neighbors. Studies aren't needed. Keying your Baofeng will not bring Airbus or Boeing or Embraer down, it will simply stink up the joint.

[Tiercel]

I appreciate the input on the amplifier.  I probably won't get one.  I am just considering options.  I am prepping for my Ham test (Tech. and General).  My test is in late Nov.

At this point, I have two GMRS UV-9G HT that I am very happy with them in general, but for the price, they seem to be an exceptional value.  I also have two ham UV-5Rs HT's that I am sending back to put the money toward something I like better.  I need to decide how to allocate my start-up money between Ham and GMRS.  Being that I can just toss a radio to family members, GMRS will probably be my most practical go-to radios.  I also need to see if I can pass both ham tests before deciding on Ham equip.

Current equipment:
(2) Baofeng UV-9R HTs
(1) Baofeng Mic
(2) Baofeng ear piece w/mic
(1) Midland – MXTA26 MicroMobile® 6DB Gain Whip Antenna w/ Midland MXTA12 Magnetic mount

 Equip being considered:
(1) Good GMRS Mobil (up to $375)
(1) Good Ham Mobil (up to $425)
(1) Ham mobile antenna
(1) power DC converter power supply so I can use the mobiles as base stations
(1) Ham base antenna (I might rig this myself)
(1) GMRS base antenna (I might rig this myself)
(1) SWR meter and power meter? (I need recommendations)

It would be nice to find a mobile transceiver or even an HT that was efficient at Ham and GMRS in one unit.
 

[back4more70]

1 hour ago, Tiercel said:

At this point, I have two GMRS UV-9G HT that I am very happy with them in general, but for the price, they seem to be an exceptional value.  I also have two ham UV-5Rs HT's that I am sending back to put the money toward something I like better. 

Bummer you didn't just start with two Baofeng GT-3WP HT, opened up for GMRS 

[Lscott]

1 hour ago, Tiercel said:

I appreciate the input on the amplifier.  I probably won't get one.  I am just considering options.  I am prepping for my Ham test (Tech. and General).  My test is in late Nov.

At this point, I have two GMRS UV-9G HT that I am very happy with them in general, but for the price, they seem to be an exceptional value.  I also have two ham UV-5Rs HT's that I am sending back to put the money toward something I like better.  I need to decide how to allocate my start-up money between Ham and GMRS.  Being that I can just toss a radio to family members, GMRS will probably be my most practical go-to radios.  I also need to see if I can pass both ham tests before deciding on Ham equip.

Current equipment:
(2) Baofeng UV-9R HTs
(1) Baofeng Mic
(2) Baofeng ear piece w/mic
(1) Midland – MXTA26 MicroMobile® 6DB Gain Whip Antenna w/ Midland MXTA12 Magnetic mount

 Equip being considered:
(1) Good GMRS Mobil
(1) Good Ham Mobil
(1) Ham mobile antenna
(1) power DC converter power supply so I can use the mobiles as base stations
(1) Ham base antenna (I might rig this myself)
(1) GMRS base antenna (I might rig this myself)
(1) SWR meter and power meter? (I need recommendations)

It would be nice to find a mobile transceiver or even an HT that was efficient at Ham and GMRS in one unit.

 

You could save a bit of money on radios if you can find a used commercial UHF one certified for Part 95A. The certification is still good under the new rules, Part 95E. These radios you can program in Ham 70cm frequencies and GMRS too. Then you only have one radio to carry around. 
 

A few of the old commercial radios, with Part 95A, can even do digital modes. However you of course can’t use the digital part on GMRS. Being able to do a favorite digital mode might be attractive on Ham while using the FM only mode on GMRS is a hard combination to beat.

[WRQC527]

7 hours ago, axorlov said:

Spurious emissions are like farting on the airplane: benign to you but a discomfort for the neighbors. Studies aren't needed. Keying your Baofeng will not bring Airbus or Boeing or Embraer down, it will simply stink up the joint.

Ugh. I thought I put you on my Ignore User list. I'll take care of that right now.

[Tiercel]

15 minutes ago, Lscott said:

You could save a bit of money on radios if you can find a used commercial UHF one certified for Part 95A.... These radios you can program in Ham 70cm frequencies and GMRS too. Then you only have one radio to carry around. 
 

A few of the old commercial radios, with Part 95A, can even do digital modes. However you of course can’t use the digital part on GMRS. Being able to do a favorite digital mode might be attractive on Ham while using the FM only mode on GMRS is a hard combination to beat.

I would love that.  My biggest obstacle is knowing what I am looking at on eBay etc.  Are there certain common models I should look for, or do they usually specify "commercial UHF one certified for Part 95A."  how would I know if they are also digital?  Would the description say, or would I have to independently research every model listed?

The guy who runs the GMRS repeater near me said he buys mostly commercial stuff off of eBay and has never gotten faulty equipment.

[Lscott]

3 hours ago, Tiercel said:

I would love that.  My biggest obstacle is knowing what I am looking at on eBay etc.  Are there certain common models I should look for, or do they usually specify "commercial UHF one certified for Part 95A."  how would I know if they are also digital?  Would the description say, or would I have to independently research every model listed?

The guy who runs the GMRS repeater near me said he buys mostly commercial stuff off of eBay and has never gotten faulty equipment.

If you look for the big names, Motorola-Kenwood-Icom, for example you can find a lot of used equipment. Myself I prefer Kenwood due to ease of finding the programming software, cables and documentation.

When looking at used radios on any auction site, eBay, NEVER rely on the seller to post accurate info. I always look for the manufacturer’s brochures to see exactly what features the radio has. After that I look for the model number, and most importantly, the FCC ID number on the back of the radio. The brochures will list the radio models, on UHF, there are different frequency ranges, by their FCC ID. Now you know exactly what you’re looking at. If do buy a radio be sure the seller has a return policy. It’s possible to get a bad radio no matter how careful you check. I’ve got a few myself in a junk box.

Also with the FCC ID you can look up the radio’s certification grants on the FCC database to see what services it’s licensed to be used under.  Note newer radios likely will not have a Part 95(A)(E) certification, just Part 90. So far the FCC hasn’t bothered people using Part 90 certified radios on GMRS, but that’s no guarantee, so just consider it. 
 
While not Part 95 certified it is a current production radio. At the moment there are a number for sale on eBay. It will cost you a bit of money but you won’t be disappointed. I have several of them.

https://forums.mygmrs.com/gallery/image/290-nx-1300duk5/?context=new

 

[jwilkers]

I've found my knock off of the btech uhf amplifier puts out 46 watts on gmrs. I got the model compatible with dmr for amateur use.

Sent from my SM-A136U using Tapatalk

[Lscott]

2 hours ago, jwilkers said:

I've found my knock off of the btech uhf amplifier puts out 46 watts on gmrs. I got the model compatible with dmr for amateur use.

Sent from my SM-A136U using Tapatalk
 

I have to get my wattmeter out and check mine.