WHAT RADIO ARE YOU USING FOR YOUR GMRS BASE?

[lonestarbandit]

Mine wouldn't do the FRS channels either but was able to use the Retevis software to remedy that. Still waiting to set up but it's programmed.

 

[HomerBB]

Btech UV-25×2 mobile on a power supply. Simple, and effective. Not expensive.

 

[WECSOG]

Kenwood TK-880. I also have some TK-840s that I occasionally use. Those don't have as many channel slots as the 880, but they are front-panel programmable. I used to have a Motorola, but sold it because the Kenwoods are so much more user-friendly. Also I've heard from several sources that Motorola has an overzealous legal team that will actually go after individuals who have a copy (that they didn't pay Motorola several times the price of the radio for) of programming software that is no longer available, for a radio that is no longer made. So I avoid Motorola. You can easily find free downloads of the Kenwood software, and Kenwood doesn't seem to care.

For those who are considering the Midland GMRS radios, don't. For those who have already bought one or more, I'm sorry but you have been bamboozled by predatory advertising. Those are a poor excuse for a GMRS radio, and they are extremely overpriced for what they are. Especially the 50 watt version. Find an active GMRS repeater and listen for awhile, and you will find that even a 10 or 25 watt commercial radio (that might have cost a tenth of the price of the Midland) will blow away a 50 watt Midland.

 

[lonestarbandit]

 

[whiteastro]

Anybody have experience with this radio? What's the scoop on it?

RadioddityxBAOFENG UV-9G GMRS Radio Waterproof IP67, Long Range Rechargeable,Handheld Dual Band NOAA Scanner, GMRS Repeater Capable, Programming Cable Included, Elevate Your Set Up - Walmart.com

Buy RadioddityxBAOFENG UV-9G GMRS Radio Waterproof IP67, Long Range Rechargeable,Handheld Dual Band NOAA Scanner, GMRS Repeater Capable, Programming Cable Included, Elevate Your Set Up at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[whiteastro]

How about the Rugged Radio brand ( GMR45 ) are they any good or are they a headache waiting to be born ?

 

[lonestarbandit]

Anybody have experience with this radio? What's the scoop on it?

RadioddityxBAOFENG UV-9G GMRS Radio Waterproof IP67, Long Range Rechargeable,Handheld Dual Band NOAA Scanner, GMRS Repeater Capable, Programming Cable Included, Elevate Your Set Up - Walmart.com

Buy RadioddityxBAOFENG UV-9G GMRS Radio Waterproof IP67, Long Range Rechargeable,Handheld Dual Band NOAA Scanner, GMRS Repeater Capable, Programming Cable Included, Elevate Your Set Up at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

I had the UV-9R Pro version and it went back to Amazon after many confirmed reports of low muffled audio even when swapping to an external mic. It's possible I received a dud but went with a Retevis RA89 instead for a weatherproof HT haven't gotten any negative reports on it, though there is a price gap to be considered.

 

[WECSOG]

How about the Rugged Radio brand ( GMR45 ) are they any good or are they a headache waiting to be born ?

I wouldn't deal with Rugged Radio. They are even worse than Midland, plus they bought a license for some business band frequencies and sold programmed radios to Jeepers and racers with the fraudulent claim that anyone who purchased a radio would be covered under their license.
Some of those frequencies were covered... if you were participating in an event attended by RR, and checked in with them. But only while you were actually at the event, and for the duration of the event.
As for the radio itself, it is just a rebranded Chinese radio at double the price it would be without the RR branding.

If I weren't using Kenwood commercial radios, I would take a look at the Alinco radios. For example the DR-438T. https://theantennafarm.com/shop-by-...mrs-mobile-radios/13086-alinco-dr-438t-detail
It's cheaper than the RR and Midland radios, and a way better radio.

 

[whiteastro]

I had the UV-9R Pro version and it went back to Amazon after many confirmed reports of low muffled audio even when swapping to an external mic. It's possible I received a dud but went with a Retevis RA89 instead for a weatherproof HT haven't gotten any negative reports on it, though there is a price gap to be considered. View attachment 71416

Thanks I'm not really looking for a hand held anyway, but was checking to see what Walmart. com had to offer and didn't see the one you recommend. But I'll keep looking because I want something I can change antennas easy. But would like to pick something up before Tariffs go up !

 

[whiteastro]

I wouldn't deal with Rugged Radio. They are even worse than Midland, plus they bought a license for some business band frequencies and sold programmed radios to Jeepers and racers with the fraudulent claim that anyone who purchased a radio would be covered under their license.
Some of those frequencies were covered... if you were participating in an event attended by RR, and checked in with them. But only while you were actually at the event, and for the duration of the event.
As for the radio itself, it is just a rebranded Chinese radio at double the price it would be without the RR branding.

Thanks I kind of thought it might be BS ! LOL

 

[WECSOG]

Another one to consider is the Icom F6021. Another case of a real radio selling for the same or less than the junk RR and Midland are selling.

 

[lonestarbandit]

A few people here are running 2nd hand Motorolla XTR5000 or Kenwood TK880s.
Probably a little more difficult to program but great sounding quality gear. I probably would have gone that route with more research but just jumped into GMRS quickly and bought Chinese stuff.
If the RA25 ever dies I'll probably get on ebay for one of those but I don't anticipate any problems as it's working well.

 

[WECSOG]

TK-8180 is good too. Here's a new one with everything you need for a mobile setup, including the antenna: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1670501975...pid=5336136228&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
As with most commercial radios, you will either need to buy a programming cable and download the software, or take/ship it to a dealer for programming. There are techs advertising programming services on Ebay. Some of the people selling radios on Ebay will program them for you. If you do this, specify wideband because GMRS is a legacy wideband service. That is part of the reason the Chinese radios sound so weak; even the ones that are advertised as wideband only do 16khz bandwidth instead of 25khz like the real legacy commercial radios.

 

[whiteastro]

A few people here are running 2nd hand Motorolla XTR5000 or Kenwood TK880s.
Probably a little more difficult to program but great sounding quality gear. I probably would have gone that route with more research but just jumped into GMRS quickly and bought Chinese stuff.

That is what I'm trying to avoid because I did the same thing getting back into CB. That's why I have too many CBs because I didn't want to spend enough in the beginning and kept upgrading as I learned more and I'll never get close to what I have in them. I have to chock it up to ( I had a lot of fun along the way.) LOL

 

[lonestarbandit]

That is what I'm trying to avoid because I did the same thing getting back into CB. That's why I have too many CBs because I didn't want to spend enough in the beginning and kept upgrading as I learned more and I'll never get close to what I have in them. I have to chock it up to ( I had a lot of fun along the way.) LOL

Something I struggled to learn as well. "Buy once, cry once..." I have a closet full of higher end CB gear same reason as you before I caved and bought the Yeasu for that purpose.