GMRS handhelds vs antenna rules

[Willie]

I am having a hard time understanding why some new type accepted GMRS handhelds have removable antennas and others do not.
Why is that? I found this under § 95.1787 GMRS additional requirements.

Quote

 

(a) Digital data transmissions. GMRS hand-held portable units that have the capability to transmit digital data must be designed to meet the following requirements.

(4) The antenna must be a non-removable integral part of the GMRS unit.

 

I've been looking at the Wouxun KG-Q10G radios and see they have a 'fixed' antenna. Is the only reason for that merely because it is equipped with GPS location tracking and thus falls under "digital data transmissions"?
Looking at the Wouxun KG-935G Plus as well that has a 'removable' antenna but no GPS function. Is that the reason some are fixed and others aren't. Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks.

 

[OffRoaderX]

The reason the antenna is fixed on the Q10G is not because it has a GPS, but because it can SEND its GPS location in the form of a digital data transmission. So, per the rule you quoted, it must have a non-removable antenna - which means you cannot connect it to a giant antenna on your roof and blast the very annoying digital-signal-noise for miles in every direction.

The 935G, like 99% of all other GMRS radios, does not/cannot send digital data transmissions, so it can have a removable antenna.

There is also a rule buried in the FCCs rule book about certain transmission specifications must be met (ie the radio must have 'clean signals') in order to have a removable antenna, so a few (VERY few) low-end GMRS radios also have non-removable antennas because of this.

 

[Willie]

15 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:

The reason the antenna is fixed on the Q10G is not because it has a GPS, but because it can SEND its GPS location in the form of a digital data transmission.

Yes, that was the point I was trying to get at, but I'm not good at getting across what is rattling around in my head down to my fingers on the keyboard sometimes. The dreaded PEBKAC error. You stated it much more succinctly - thank you.

15 hours ago, OffRoaderX said:

There is also a rule buried in the FCCs rule book about certain transmission specifications must be met (ie the radio must have 'clean signals') in order to have a removable antenna, so a few (VERY few) low-end GMRS radios also have non-removable antennas because of this.

I have never seen anyone give a good answer to that before, but now it makes perfect sense to me. Thanks again.

Just for a bit of background I went out and got myself a HAM license (tech) a few years ago. Bought myself a handheld to get started. I've used the PTT a total of three times on a HAM frequency. The first two resulted in short pleasant conversations with a couple of locals. The third time caught the attention of THE local SAD HAM and I haven't touched the radio since. (Reasons.)

I've been watching the "queen's" video's for some time now, not only for the information shared but for the gut busting humor and sarcasm. Pure genius IMHO. Anyway... I'm looking to replace my old Motorola Distance DPS handhelds with something more inline with the new FCC's rules I've had my GMRS license for several years now and got a hankering to use it again after watching all those "U-Tubes" videos. And yes, I'll be blaming you when the credit card statement arrives with new radios on it and wife sees it.