WHAT RADIO ARE YOU USING FOR YOUR GMRS BASE?

[Rick330man]

I go back and forth between a Midland 575MXT and a Retevis RA 86. As a base, I don't need a zillion repeater pairings. I have five (5) Florida Keys repeaters programmed, two (2) Miami ones and one (1) in Naples. The 50 watts on the Midland is a big plus, but the Retevis is more user friendly. The latter is important since I want my wife and boys and to be comfortable. A radio that is easy to use fits the bill. I need a few more repeater pairings in the mobile and have found the Radioddity DB-20G to be perfect for my needs.

What are the rest of you using for your GMRS base(s)?

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I use a Midland MXT115 as a base and unfortunately there are no repeaters in my area. I bought a copper J pole antenna a while back from ebunk, but have not put it up yet. I also have a few UV5r radios that we use between houses in the neighborhood.

 

[BC Coyote]

None! I don't think there are GMRS repeaters in Canada, at least not in BC. If I climb the highest hill around here I can hear a repeater down in Mount Vernon WA which is almost 200 miles south of me. That appears to be the closest GMRS repeater to my QTH !
I have GMRS frequencies in my Baofeng but all I ever hear on them is kids playing radio and a few small time business users. Everybody else is on the LADD channels.

 

[unit_399]

We.ve been using BAOFENG UV5R hand helds on our farm's base, both mobiles, and one for each of our workers. All bought in 2009. 9 total. The 5 used by our workers are pretty shabby looking, because life isn't harder on a radio then when it's hanging from a Colombian farm worker's belt all day. The other 3 (and the spare) look new. The base radio in our farmhouse (which is the highest point on the property) uses a Larsen BSA-450 antenna on a 40' pole. It easily covers all of our 22 hectares (54 acre) farm. Except for batteries, never replaced anything. All 9 rigs still functioning 100%. For 20 bucks each, best bang for the buck.

 

[Stumblefoot]

I use the Midland with a Nagoya NMO200C antenna on a 45 ft. pole It gets out pretty well, I have alot of hills to block it but 20-30 miles it works good

 

[whiteastro]

I also have a few UV5r radios that we use between houses in the neighborhood.

Are you using UV5R for the GMRS ? I unlocked mine for GMRS but haven't loaded in the channels because I'm nervous about making a mistake that I won't know how to reverse. But I have to get it done so I can explore GMRS and find if it is worth spending more money on that phase of the radio hobby. Much to learn yet !

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

Are you using UV5R for the GMRS ? I unlocked mine for GMRS but haven't loaded in the channels because I'm nervous about making a mistake that I won't know how to reverse. But I have to get it done so I can explore GMRS and find if it is worth spending more money on that phase of the radio hobby. Much to learn yet !

Yes, the uv5r works great for GMRS. I use the programming software called "Chirp" which works for most amateur radios. It is free to download, though I don't remember where I got it. You could also just punch in the frequency if you just wanted to try it out.

 

[BC Coyote]

Yes, the uv5r works great for GMRS

That's what I use on the rare occasions I use GMRS.
Up here in rural Western Canada the four LADD channels on VHF are much more populated and tend to have somewhat better range, especially in areas with heavy forest or rougher terrain.

 

[whiteastro]

You could also just punch in the frequency if you just wanted to try it out.

I didn't buy the cheapest UV5R, I spent about $75 bucks for the 8watt model with software, large & small battery, 2 antennas, and bought 2 different GMRS antennas. And I have the cable to hook it to the computer also. I guess I have to install the 50 watt channels because mine does 8 watts but I'm confused with the old & the new FRS/GMRS channels because of the FCC changing that Part 95 BS so was kind of waiting until I took a trip to North Carolina to visit my Ham buddy. And the privacy tones is another can of worms that I would probably try to run with out. I just learned how to shut off the privacy tones in my blister pack cobra that's probably why I heard that Conversation yesterday. I'm just a old CBer trying to get up to Speed ! LOL

PS. We always used the blister pack radios just in hunting season.

 

[whiteastro]

While I'm at it before I start the research, What is the most commonly use radio for a GMRS base station. I was thinking on one of the better Midland mobiles but only because I've seen them advertise mostly. But then again that is a uneducated guess!

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

While I'm at it before I start the research, What is the most commonly use radio for a GMRS base station. I was thinking on one of the better Midland mobiles but only because I've seen them advertise mostly. But then again that is a uneducated guess!

I found out that the Midland 115 will not operate on the low power FRS channels 8 through 14. It has no provision to reduce power, so they just took them out. I don't know if the other Midland mobile radios are like that or not. I have a Btech 50 watt radio in my truck that will end up being my base.

I have also been looking at this one:

Radioddity DB40-G GMRS Mobile Radio | 40W | Repeater Capable | 199 Channels | UHF Scanning Receiver

Upgrade your communication capabilities with Radioddity DB40-G 40W GMRS Radio. Harness the power of long-range transmission, enjoy user-friendly features, and tailor your channels for optimal performance. Whether you're on an outdoor adventure or need reliable communication for professional use...

www.radioddity.com

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

One more thing I don't like about the Midland 115 is that it is narrow FM only.

 

[Wire Weasel]

If I can ever get my friend with a PC laptop to come over and try the other software that Radioddity sent me, I would be using my TYT 9800. Antenna is the monster 17' Diamond X510 VHF/UHF that is very broadbanded on uhf. Low SWR thru the 470's

 

[Wire Weasel]

Forget my above post and the TYT radio. Just sold it. Will be using an Icom 2730A dual bander. Easy to mod by removing 2 diodes. Does 50 watts thru 470mhz after the mod.