After playing with it for awhile, I would say the Tidradio TD-H8 GMRS is a good value. As mentioned above, there are a few different packages depending on what you need (e.g. a mic and extra battery). The display and layout is nicer than BF. After cutting my teeth on the GM-5RH and chirp with the UV-5R, the programming options on the TD-H8 are hands down easier. Not that it really needs the bluetooth, manual programming isn't that difficult but some functions have to be done on the app. And a few require you to provide an email address. Still exploring but I don't regret getting the GMRS over the ham version. I prefer the pre-programmed channels. 4-5 Watts can do pretty well connecting to repeaters.
Originally posted by ltz400: Yes, the KG-UV9PX is ham radio that comes set like this: Transceiver Range
Tx (MHz): 136-174 VHF • 400-512 UHF (Tx locked to HAM for Part 97 compliance) Rx (MHz, AM/FM): 76-108 FM Broadcast Radio • 108-136 AM AIR Band • 136-180 VHF • 219-250 VHF • 350-400 UHF • 400-512 UHF • 700-960 UHF (excluding cellular)
It has 859 pre programmed channels (see the pdf file on the better safe radio site). you then can use chirp software to change the upper and/or lower transmit limits to what you choose to use.
In other words you can make it look like and act like any radio you want any time you want. fully programmable from the keypad or through your computer.
the specific function I am looking for is being able to tx/rx on military guard frequencies 121.5mhz and 243.0mhz. as these are monitored by all .mil and uscg aircraft and all airports at all times.
if you have a radio to call for help they will be the only game in town that can hear you and respond. this radio can also access the higher freqs that police and fire rescue use (800-900mhz).
Chirp won’t recognize my UV9GX programming file. Have you used Chirp to download the channels and frequencies from the 9PX? If you did was it a .kg file type?
Posts: 3977 | Location: UNK | Registered: October 04, 2009
Try Chirp Next. If still no luck contact Mark at Better safe Radio, he is the developer. As I understand it he is a one man shop located in Los Angeles area so give him time to respond.
Posts: 237 | Location: Florida | Registered: July 07, 2016
I was just gifted a pair by my best friend. We've been using CBs for trail communication in our Jeeps. Seems lots of people have switched to GMRS and on a recent ride we were loaned a pair. He gave us the Wouxun KG-805G, in the lower price range. We tested them but not with much distance, 2 miles, worked fine.
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"Nature scares me" a quote by my friend Bob after a rough day at sea.
I have 15 GMRS repeaters (462.) in my Vegas area programmed on my radios but not one GMRS repeater shows up on their list for the entire state of Nevada. 462.#### frequency.
Important to note you should consider also buying an antenna that’s tuned for gmrs if you’re gonna use this radio for gmrs. Bettersaferadio has a coupon code hamsolo7
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Posts: 2263 | Location: AZ | Registered: January 30, 2003
I have 15 GMRS repeaters (462.) in my Vegas area programmed on my radios but not one GMRS repeater shows up on their list for the entire state of Nevada. 462.#### frequency.
Is there a better resource to find GMRS repeaters? Without repeater access communicating some 12-15 miles with a 5w HT will be impossible here.
Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club! USN (RET), COTEP #192
Posts: 16625 | Location: Black Hills of South Dakota | Registered: June 20, 2010
In my opinion, anybody that is dipping into the world of GMRS, they need to use this site.
"I’m not going to read Time Magazine, I’m not going to read Newsweek, I’m not going to read any of these magazines; I mean, because they have too much to lose by printing the truth"- Bob Dylan, 1965
Posts: 17611 | Location: Texas | Registered: May 13, 2003
And they show absolutely zero repeaters for South Dakota. [/QUOTE]
Try repeaterbook.com, they show 4 active GMRS repeaters in S.D. Tone Up / Down TT ORI Location County Owner Use Operational status 462.550 141.3 / 141.3 Edgemont Fall River WRKH774 OPEN ON-AIR 462.550 136.5 / 136.5 Pickstown, North Point Charles Mix WRPL218 OPEN 462.600 141.3 / 141.3 Custer Custer WQQD852 OPEN ON-AIR 462.675 141.3 / 141.3 Sioux Falls, North Cliff Ave Minnehaha WRAS704 OPEN
Posts: 237 | Location: Florida | Registered: July 07, 2016
Originally posted by ltz400: Try repeaterbook.com, they show 4 active GMRS repeaters in S.D.
Previously checked them. They're missing Box Elder and the data appears dated. Best results for SD were from the Site I listed above. GMRS repeaters can be found by their operating frequency.
UPDATE: Searched the call sign for the repeater in Box Elder. Turns out I know the owner. Plan to contact him for counsel, advice, and wisdom. Unfortunately Although his repeater is a hair over 12 miles from me as the crow flies, I doubt very much I could access it.
Here's his home's "antenna farm." This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1,
Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club! USN (RET), COTEP #192
Posts: 16625 | Location: Black Hills of South Dakota | Registered: June 20, 2010
My Btech gets better reception than either Baofeng. The Wouxun 905 and 935 have great reviews and I will probably pick one up. The Midland 275 (what I have in my truck) and 575 are both very good radios. I like being able to do everything I need to do from the mic.
Posts: 4119 | Location: St.Louis County MO | Registered: October 13, 2006
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1, 
