What is the best commercial radio for GMRS use?

[WRCZ387]

8 hours ago, Lscott said:

I tend to use my HT's in a mobile setting so the use of an external antenna is a major consideration. I've tried to "standardize" on whatever the port connector type is on the radio to a female BNC. BNC connectors are a constant 50 ohm impedance type so even at UHF you really don't have issues with SWR using them. I can typically find just about any kind of adapter to BNC type. Also finding cheap short RG-58 cable with BNC's are easy. As long as the length is short the losses are minimal.  

One other connector type that gets overlooked are the "mini RG8X" type. They look like mini versions of the usual PL-259/SO-239 types. The major difference is they are also constant 50 ohm impedance and rated up to a couple of gigahertz in frequency. 

I have one of the IC-AD98FSC MXI to BNC-F adapters

I've read that it's supposed to be for occasional testing purposes, not for continuous use, so as to not damage the connection on the h-t

I need to test it out & see what results I get

[WSFF627]

Used commercial gear can be found fairly cheap and it still performs great.

I have a couple Kenwood TK-880H (40 watt) radios for sale on ebay, they are in good functional shape, but have some miles on them. The 880 is a good radio. I also have some TK-3180 handhelds radios there. I've had people ask for software and I don't mind sending it. Not trying to sell you my radios, but there are a few pics with the listings if you want to see pics.

Moto makes good radios too. But like others have said, getting the CPS is a challenge. Moto CPS can also be a challenge to use for some. The older kenwood cps is easier.

Programming cables can be found on amazon for around $20 for most any radio.

In the end, what you buy is all about what you like that performs for you.

Admin delete if not allowed.

[WRCZ387]

19 minutes ago, WSFF627 said:

Used commercial gear can be found fairly cheap and it still performs great.

I have a couple Kenwood TK-880H (40 watt) radios for sale on eBay, they are in good functional shape, but have some miles on them. The 880 is a good radio. I also have some TK-3180 handhelds radios there. I've had people ask for software and I don't mind sending it. Not trying to sell you my radios, but there are a few pics with the listings if you want to see pics.

Moto makes good radios too. But like others have said, getting the CPS is a challenge. Moto CPS can also be a challenge to use for some. The older Kenwood cps is easier.

Programming cables can be found on amazon for around $20 for most any radio.

In the end, what you buy is all about what you like that performs for you.

Admin delete if not allowed.

Exactly!

I've had good luck with Blue Max 49er's, both with a cable & with software

BlueMax49ers - Beyond Cables That Work!

I have no experience with Kenwood & Motorola. My personal experience is that Alinco & Icom software are easy to obtain & use, YMMV

I did luck into New Old Stock radios [IC-F50IS, IC-F60IS, IC-F80DS], an Open Box/probable Return [IC-F4021S], & two Used [IC-F2000T], & I've had no problems with any of them

[Lscott]

16 hours ago, WRCZ387 said:

I have one of the IC-AD98FSC MXI to BNC-F adapters

I've read that it's supposed to be for occasional testing purposes, not for continuous use, so as to not damage the connection on the h-t

I need to test it out & see what results I get

If you frequently swap antennas around I would install the adapter, leave it installed, and switch to antennas with a BNC connector. If and or when the socket wears out on the adapter just replace it. Far easier and cheaper than replacing a worn out antenna port on the HT. SMA antenna ports seems to be more prone to wear out compared to BNC's.

[Lscott]

On 11/13/2025 at 12:22 AM, WRCZ387 said:

FWIW, Alinco Part 90 h-t's are very good performers also

I don't have any experience with Alinco radios. What models have you used?

[WRCZ387]

On 11/14/2025 at 9:19 AM, Lscott said:

I don't have any experience with Alinco radios. What models have you used?

DJ-MD40 https://www.alinco.com/Products/dmr/DJ-MD40/DJ-MD40.pdf [this was my 1st good/better h-t when I upgraded from Baofeng]

DJ-AXD4 https://www.alinco.com/Products/dmr/DJ-AXD1_4/DJ-AXD1_4.pdf

DJ-MD5 1st generation w/out GPS model https://www.alinco.com/Products/dmr/DJ-MD5/DJ-MD5.pdf

I have not used DMR mode, I have used only analog

DJ-A40 for GMRS, DJ-A10 for MURS https://www.alinco.com/Products/bis/DJ-A10/DJ-A10_40.pdf

DJ-500TB https://www.remtronix.com/land-mobile-radio/dj-500tb/

I have also used two amateur models that I switched to commercial mode via software

The DJ-500T which is the amateur model of the DJ-500TB  https://www.alinco.com/Products/ham/ht/DJ-500/DJ-500brochure.pdf

DJ-VX50 https://www.alinco.com/Products/ham/ht/DJ-VX50/DJ-VX50H.pdf

These two I've relegated to backup, I prefer to use the Part 90 rigs

[WRCZ387]

12 hours ago, Lscott said:

If you frequently swap antennas around I would install the adapter, leave it installed, and switch to antennas with a BNC connector. If and or when the socket wears out on the adapter just replace it. Far easier and cheaper than replacing a worn out antenna port on the HT. SMA antenna ports seems to be more prone to wear out compared to BNC's.

This is for the MX/MXI connection on Icom h-t's

Icom states that it's for Connector conversion for alignment purpose

Supposedly, long-term use will damage the MX socket on the h-t

I do have BNC adapters on h-t's with SMA-F & SMA-M

[nokones]

On 11/13/2025 at 2:54 PM, WSFF627 said:

Used commercial gear can be found fairly cheap and it still performs great.

I have a couple Kenwood TK-880H (40 watt) radios for sale on ebay, they are in good functional shape, but have some miles on them. The 880 is a good radio. I also have some TK-3180 handhelds radios there. I've had people ask for software and I don't mind sending it. Not trying to sell you my radios, but there are a few pics with the listings if you want to see pics.

Moto makes good radios too. But like others have said, getting the CPS is a challenge. Moto CPS can also be a challenge to use for some. The older kenwood cps is easier.

Programming cables can be found on amazon for around $20 for most any radio.

In the end, what you buy is all about what you like that performs for you.

Admin delete if not allowed.

If you value your Motorola radio, and do not want to turn your radio into a paper weight, stay from those cheap programming cables. For after-market cables, Bluemax49ers does have quality built programming cables and great service.

[Lscott]

On 11/14/2025 at 9:44 PM, WRCZ387 said:

Icom states that it's for Connector conversion for alignment purpose

Supposedly, long-term use will damage the MX socket on the h-t

I’m calling BS on their statement. If one installs it and leaves it on I don’t see it doing any physical damage to the socket.

[WRCZ387]

22 minutes ago, Lscott said:

I’m calling BS on their statement. If one installs it and leaves it on I don’t see it doing any physical damage to the socket.

I looked at a couple of sales sheets for older Icom h-t's, they do state For Maintenance Use Only, so I was going by what Icom says

One of the used IC-F2000T h-t's that I have is in a little worse shape than the other, so I'm going to use that one as a test subject in the mobile with the BNC adapter, if something bad does happen to it, I'll still have the other one, if it passes, I'll use that one in the car

[Lscott]

On 11/16/2025 at 12:05 AM, WRCZ387 said:

I looked at a couple of sales sheets for older Icom h-t's, they do state For Maintenance Use Only, so I was going by what Icom says

One of the used IC-F2000T h-t's that I have is in a little worse shape than the other, so I'm going to use that one as a test subject in the mobile with the BNC adapter, if something bad does happen to it, I'll still have the other one, if it passes, I'll use that one in the car

I still think they are full of BS about the damage. The use of the adapter is basically the same as what people use on other HT's with the SMA type. With those the concern is using a heavy thick cable like RG-8 or LMR-400. Those can place a lot of torque on the port through the adapter. With the usual RG-58 type cable that's unlikely to be much of an issue. Also in years past the standard connector on many HT's was a BNC type.

So, if you happen to find an explanation about the nature of the damage Icom is worried about I would like to see it. They might have a valid concern, but at the moment I just don't see it.  

[SteveShannon]

2 hours ago, Lscott said:

I still think they are full of BS about the damage. The use of the adapter is basically the same as what people use on other HT's with the SMA type. With those the concern is using a heavy thick cable like RG-8 or LMR-400. Those can place a lot of torque on the port through the adapter. With the usual RG-58 type cable that's unlikely to be much of an issue. Also in years past the standard connector on many HT's was a BNC type.

So, if you happen to find an explanation about the nature of the damage Icom is worried about I would like to see it. They might have a valid concern, but at the moment I just don't see it.  

I think you’re right; Icom is trying to cover their butts against the statistically unlikely event where person screws something up and blames the manufacturer “Why didn’t you tell me this could damage my radio?”

Their one simple warning might save them some money and time. 

[WRCZ387]

On 11/17/2025 at 8:28 AM, Lscott said:

I still think they are full of BS about the damage. The use of the adapter is basically the same as what people use on other HT's with the SMA type. With those the concern is using a heavy thick cable like RG-8 or LMR-400. Those can place a lot of torque on the port through the adapter. With the usual RG-58 type cable that's unlikely to be much of an issue. Also in years past the standard connector on many HT's was a BNC type.

So, if you happen to find an explanation about the nature of the damage Icom is worried about I would like to see it. They might have a valid concern, but at the moment I just don't see it.  

Well, so far, so good

The mag mount that I'm using has RG58, I'm using the adapter on an Icom IC-F2000T, I have a 6" quarter-wave E/M Wave antenna, & I've made local contacts & a couple of distant contacts during band openings the last few days

It seems to be working OK so far as a low power mobile setup

[Lscott]

9 hours ago, WRCZ387 said:

Well, so far, so good

The mag mount that I'm using has RG58, I'm using the adapter on an Icom IC-F2000T, I have a 6" quarter-wave E/M Wave antenna, & I've made local contacts & a couple of distant contacts during band openings the last few days

It seems to be working OK so far as a low power mobile setup

That looks like a nice radio. See attached brochure if people are interested. I think the best band split is the 400 to 470 MHz. That range is perfect for Ham and GMRS coverage.

If anyone is looking to buy the radio the programming software it's here:

https://www.radioscanner.ru/files/icom/file22366/

If you want to boost the power and external wide band amp will work. Look at this one. I have the version with digital comparability. The power gain drops off outside of the Ham band but on GMRS you should get about 20 to 25 watts of output, about what you get with some of the mid power range GMRS mobile radios.

https://baofengtech.com/product/amp-u25/

You will need to buy the Icom specific antenna port adapter for the radio from some on-line vendor. I got a few from this place:

https://www.ruggedradios.com/products/bnc-antenna-adapters-for-handheld-radios?_pos=1&_sid=88fcf9635&_ss=r&variant=41521597251680

IC-F1000_F2000.pdf

[Lscott]

Oh, there is a hidden menu in the programming software that allows you to change a bunch of specific items in the radio. The procedure for the CS3160 is the same for the CSF2000.

Some other Icom radios might have this hidden menu as well.

[WSKH686]

Anyone have a code plug for a CDM1250 they can send me?

[HHD1]

1 hour ago, WSKH686 said:

Anyone have a code plug for a CDM1250 they can send me?

no, sorry.  

[nokones]

8 hours ago, WSKH686 said:

Anyone have a code plug for a CDM1250 they can send me?

All of my CDM codeplug files have confidential freq info, but I can dummy one up with non-confidential info. I will need to know the model number of your radio in order to provide you with the correct .cpg file, if I have one with the same model number as your radio.

[nokones]

On 11/14/2025 at 7:44 PM, WRCZ387 said:

This is for the MX/MXI connection on Icom h-t's

Icom states that it's for Connector conversion for alignment purpose

Supposedly, long-term use will damage the MX socket on the h-t

I do have BNC adapters on h-t's with SMA-F & SMA-M

There are several types of SMAs, with a center pin, without a center pin, and SMA-RP.

[Lscott]

4 hours ago, nokones said:

There are several types of SMAs, with a center pin, without a center pin, and SMA-RP.

I have a collection of each type. Never know what one might need.