SIGforum
Comm Radio(s) Needed...

This topic can be found at:
https://sigforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/320601935/m/3110066374

September 03, 2020, 09:08 PM
charlie12
Comm Radio(s) Needed...
quote:
Originally posted by creslin:
Went on to the FCC site last night and filled out the form for GMRS.
Woke up this morning with approval in my inbox.
So I guess I'm now WRJI295 on the GMRS bands.


I got my GMRS about a month or so ago. I hate those call signs I can't remember mine. I'm a ham and I have thrown out my ham call on GMRS because I'm so used to putting out my ham.

It hurt paying that $70 for the GMRS and I think my ham was $14 or $15 for 10 years. I wish it would be included on the ham license


_______________________________________________________
And no, junior not being able to hold still for 5 seconds is not a disability.



September 03, 2020, 09:16 PM
charlie12
quote:
Originally posted by smlsig:
I got my HAM license earlier this year and also have my GMRS license.

Over last weekend our Overlanding group went out for a couple of days of fun and relaxation. Our “group leader” mandated GMRS comms in all our vehicles. I have the Midlands mentioned previously and they worked OK but a few of our guys comes we’re significantly clearer and came over the air much better.

In talking to them I found out that they both had Kenwood TM-V71 mobile HAM radios with the GMRS channels programmed into them. The major advantage to this is the ability to transmit up to a true 50 watts as opposed to 5-7 in most handhelds.

My Kenwood order arrived today!!! If you find out that you want to dive a little deeper into the HAM pool this might be a great step up.


I have a Yaesu FT-2980R in my truck with GMRS in it with my ham 2 meter stuff


_______________________________________________________
And no, junior not being able to hold still for 5 seconds is not a disability.



September 06, 2020, 06:59 PM
ontmark
Taged to read thru this post
Thanks


Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it! - John Steinbeck
September 08, 2020, 02:28 PM
Krazeehorse
Just saw on Slickdeals that Uniden SX329's are on sale on Amazon for $40/pair. The listing says normal price is $130.


_____________________

Be careful what you tolerate. You are teaching people how to treat you.
September 09, 2020, 06:34 PM
911Boss
Received my extra RT87 batteries today...





What part of "...Shall not be infringed" don't you understand???

September 10, 2020, 03:11 PM
DBabsJr
I was pleasantly surprised when one of the two radios I ordered came with a programming cable...
September 10, 2020, 03:39 PM
creslin
quote:
Originally posted by DBabsJr:
I was pleasantly surprised when one of the two radios I ordered came with a programming cable...


No wonder they can't find any to ship me




This is where my signature goes.
September 10, 2020, 05:06 PM
bozman
911Boss...

Got mine (batteries) yesterday as well. I have also received a new charging adapter and replacement belt clip screws that were missing from one of my radios.

Retevis has been great with the customer service thus far.

Got an audible book for the Technician and General tests for free with a 30-day free subscription to audible. They have been great as my time to read the ARRL study manual has been limited.

Will sit for the Technician test next month and may try my hand at the General at the same time.


The "Boz"
September 10, 2020, 05:10 PM
bozman
creslin...

Got my programming cable about 2 weeks ago. I ordered on the same day as the radios (08/22).

Bummer you do not have yours yet...

Once you get your cable I can share my program file with you. 911Boss was good enough to share his with me and I have since modified it a bit.


The "Boz"
September 11, 2020, 12:16 AM
DBabsJr
quote:
Originally posted by creslin:
No wonder they can't find any to ship me

I did order one separately when I ordered the radios. If it gets here before you get yours I’ll send it your way.
September 11, 2020, 08:42 PM
creslin
My UPS app tells me that I have "something" on the way.
I think the cable is the only thing that I have pending right now - and it's the right weight shown in the app (about 1/3 pound) so this might honestly be it.
Will find out on wednesday I guess!




This is where my signature goes.
September 13, 2020, 02:22 PM
Riley
Great thread! I’ll probably pick up the RT-87.

Not to derail, but what would be a nicer step up for later? I foresee an better hand held for myself and the RTs as extras.



Do not send me to a heaven where there are no dogs.
Step Up or Stand Aside: Support the Troops !
Expectations are premeditated disappointments.
September 13, 2020, 11:25 PM
911Boss
quote:
Originally posted by Riley:
Great thread! I’ll probably pick up the RT-87.

Not to derail, but what would be a nicer step up for later? I foresee an better hand held for myself and the RTs as extras.


In my experience, the RT87 is about the “Top end” of the Chinese Ham radios.

Next step up would be Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood and the like. Alternative would be getting a DMR radio, it is really taking off and opens up the world via handheld.





What part of "...Shall not be infringed" don't you understand???

September 14, 2020, 10:52 AM
ruger357
Great thread. Will be purchasing soon. What is the max wattage of the RT87?

Thanks


-----------------------------------------

Roll Tide!

Glock Certified Armorer
NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
September 14, 2020, 11:08 AM
creslin
quote:
Originally posted by ruger357:
Great thread. Will be purchasing soon. What is the max wattage of the RT87?

Thanks


https://www.retevis.com/resour...87-English-Manua.pdf

Looks like 4




This is where my signature goes.
September 14, 2020, 01:04 PM
Jimbo Jones
Kids are getting me a couple RT87s for my b-day next month!!

Gotta keep plugging away at the ARRL manual!!


---------------------------------------
It's like my brain's a tree and you're those little cookie elves.
September 15, 2020, 11:58 PM
creslin
quote:
Originally posted by creslin:
My UPS app tells me that I have "something" on the way.
I think the cable is the only thing that I have pending right now - and it's the right weight shown in the app (about 1/3 pound) so this might honestly be it.
Will find out on wednesday I guess!


Well... my mystery item arrived a day before they said.
It was not a cable.
It was not even anything I ordered lol.

Ah well. Patience is a virtue or something.




This is where my signature goes.
September 16, 2020, 09:30 PM
OKCGene
Here is a SMOKIN' good deal on a real radio, Yaesu brand Dual Band VHF/UHF.

Gitcha some!

Heckuva Good Deal Link
September 16, 2020, 10:27 PM
bozman
I am sure they are great... However, they cannot transmit on GMRS or FRS bands (only can receive on those bands).


The "Boz"
September 17, 2020, 01:20 AM
PapaRick
quote:
Originally posted by bozman:
911Boss...

Got an audible book for the Technician and General tests for free with a 30-day free subscription to audible. They have been great as my time to read the ARRL study manual has been limited.

Will sit for the Technician test next month and may try my hand at the General at the same time.


For all the potential HAMs planning to take the Technician exam, you will receive your score/results immediately. When you pass the exam you can immediately take the General exam for free. I highly recommend you give it a try. You may surprise yourself. You have nothing to lose.
For studying I highly recommend HAMTESTONLINE as a resource.
https://www.hamradiolicenseexam.com/

73,
K4RDB