Which if any dedicated GMRS mobile radios can you program the PL tone from the front panel?

[eubank282]

Are any or all the newer dedicated GMRS mobile radios computer programed only or do some or any of them have the capability to change PL tones from the front panel?

 

[Socalgmrs]

Most if not all.   Boof wangs, woxouns, tid, radioditty ect.  Even the midlands and ruggeds.   I dont know of any gmrs radios that aren’t front end programable 

[eubank282]

25 minutes ago, Socalgmrs said:

Most if not all.   Boof wangs, woxouns, tid, radioditty ect.  Even the midlands and ruggeds.   I dont know of any gmrs radios that aren’t front end programable 

Does that include mobile radios or just portables ?   

I'm trying to get someone set up with GMRS mobile radios that they can mount in their vehicles and change PL tones at will when they travel through different areas, utilizing the many open repeaters around the country as they travel.

I understand that there's are only 8 GMRS repeater pairs, all with a 5mhz plus offset (462**** RX / 467**** TX). I want them to be able to change the PL tone for any of those pairs as needed from the front panel.

So you are saying that all of the current GMRS mobile radios are front panel programmable for PL tones?  If that is so, then I can direct them to something that they prefer price wise.

Thanks for your replies.

[Socalgmrs]

I’d say yes pretty much all, if not most/nearly all mobile gmrs radios are face programable.    Gmrs radios are meant to be used by every day people in a stand alone configuration.    Programming on a computer just makes it easier. Especially for people that have many repeaters.   Retivis and anytone make fine lower cost radios.  

[TrikeRadio]

52 minutes ago, eubank282 said:

I'm trying to get someone set up with GMRS mobile radios that they can mount in their vehicles and change PL tones at will when they travel through different areas, utilizing the many open repeaters around the country as they travel.

While it is possible to program all aspects of a repeater setup in every mobile GMRS unit I can think of... It is not usually easy to do on the fly (or especially while driving) which is why most radios have many more channel slots (as in hundreds of them) that they can program in various repeater setups on the eight repeater channels... with unique PL tones and names of the repeaters. Usually this is much easier and faster using programming tools like CHIRP or software provided by the radio maker.

But yes, it is possible if you want to be reprogramming for repeaters every 20 to 50 miles down the road.


 

[LeoG]

1 hour ago, eubank282 said:

Does that include mobile radios or just portables ?   

I'm trying to get someone set up with GMRS mobile radios that they can mount in their vehicles and change PL tones at will when they travel through different areas, utilizing the many open repeaters around the country as they travel.

I understand that there's are only 8 GMRS repeater pairs, all with a 5mhz plus offset (462**** RX / 467**** TX). I want them to be able to change the PL tone for any of those pairs as needed from the front panel.

So you are saying that all of the current GMRS mobile radios are front panel programmable for PL tones?  If that is so, then I can direct them to something that they prefer price wise.

Thanks for your replies.

No need to change PL codes.  Store all the different repeater channels and all you need to do is switch to them when you get in that area.  Program them once and then just go to that channel when necessary.  I run a Wouxun XS KG-20G and it is easily programmable from the microphone.

[Hoppyjr]

^ I agree. If you buy a radio with enough channel capacity you can simply store what you’ll need. I’ve got repeaters programmed for the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

We have a Midland MTX575 in my son’s Jeep, which only allow only one repeater channel for a frequency (for example, one repeater on 17, one on 18, etc). It doesn’t use the PL tone, but a Midland specific code that comes from a supplied chart. It works for my son as he has two of the new Midland handhelds, which have the same programming codes.

[gortex2]

I just change as needed on my midlands. I find its a waste of time to preprogram stuff that may or may not even be there. KISS method for me. 

 

[LeoG]

Who's programming their radios for repeaters that don't exist?  And if they don't exist... how do you know their PLs?

[amaff]

12 hours ago, eubank282 said:

Are any or all the newer dedicated GMRS mobile radios computer programed only or do some or any of them have the capability to change PL tones from the front panel?

 

I'm not aware of any that *don't* have that ability.

[WRXB215]

3 hours ago, gortex2 said:

KISS method for me.

Yep, I'm moving in that direction myself. I've made trips across Texas with lots of repeaters programmed from RepeaterBook just to find that not only is there no traffic but I don't even receive back a tail squelch. There are repeaters available but I don't like have a bazillion programmed in that I have to wade through.

Edit:
As far as programming is concerned, I have an AnyTone AT-778UV and have yet to successfully program it through the front plate. CHIRP all the way for me.

Edited Tuesday at 04:09 PM by WRXB215
Added info.